Game Changers Archives - Page 2 of 2

One On One Interview With Frankie Russo: The CEO Of Potenza

Posted on February 27, 2020July 21, 2020 by Krissy

This entrepreneur confessed that when he started his business he had no idea what he was doing, fast forward to today and his business is now an Inc. 5000 fastest-growing company for four straight years.

Frankie Russo was raised in a family of entrepreneurs. His father owned a fashion clothing store for many years before deciding to change direction and going into inner-city work with the homeless. He started his entrepreneurial journey by selling t-shirts to his high school friends, afterward, he became a server at a restaurant after high school. After a chance meeting with a mortgage broker at a table, he was serving in the restaurant he used to work for, he became a part-time mortgage originator. This gave him an early jump start on his real estate career which lasted eight years and included starting her own brokerage firm with 15 salespeople.

When the mortgage crisis came in 2008, his business went down, but luckily one year before the crisis he already started a small company with his brother who just graduated graphic design – that company was Potenza. Initially, they had no idea what they were doing so they had to rely on the needs of their clients to guide them to the direction they need to take their company to. It took them five years to even figure out what Potenza really was and now it’s a leading full-service 360 marketing firm, and an Inc. 5000 fastest-growing company for four straight years.

StarCentral Magazine recently sat down with Frankie to find out more about his journey to entrepreneurship and here’s what went down.

Could you please tell our readers a brief background about yourself and how you started your business?

I was raised in a family of self-starters. My dad had his own fashion clothing store for many years before changing directions and going into inner-city work with the homeless. Our family started homeless shelters and ran those for two decades. When I got out of high school and went to college, I quickly learned that a part-time mortgage originator would be the best gig I could do with the limited hours I had available after the commitments for college. This gave me an early jump start on my real estate career which lasted eight years and included starting my own brokerage firm with 15 salespeople. That all came to a screeching halt in 2008 with the mortgage crisis. Luckily, one year before the crisis I decided to start a small company with my little brother who just graduated graphic design. That company was called Potenza.

Can you describe your journey to success? When did you start? Did you ever imagine you would become this successful?

I started out selling t-shirts at my high school then I became a server at a restaurant after high school. After meeting a mortgage broker at a table I was serving in the restaurant, I became a part-time mortgage originator which was the best gig I could do with the limited hours I had available after the commitments for college. This gave me an early jump start on my real estate career which lasted eight years and included starting my own brokerage firm with 15 salespeople. That all came to a screeching halt in 2008 with the mortgage crisis. Luckily one year before the crisis I decided to start a small company with my little brother who just graduated graphic design. That company was called Potenza. The truth is, we had no idea what we were doing…. which was the best thing that ever happened to us. We had to rely on the needs of our clients to tell us what direction we will take our company. And since we were in the middle of a recession and for the first time local businesses were starting to use online media; it was the perfect dust storm for us to emerge from. We would get a client and give that client everything we had. Then get another client, and we continued to provide that client the same treatment. It took us five years to even figure out what Potenza was. And I spent the next five years reinventing that definition.

What are you currently doing to maintain/grow your business?

Reinventing the ad agency model by continuing to enhance our marketing automation and attribution software “ReturnFlight.” We have also created a wholesale division that allows for other ad agencies and media companies to reinvent themselves by white labeling our software to give them a competitive edge as well in their markets. At this stage in the game, if you’re not using data and technology to fuel your marketing decisions and create your highly personalized marketing messaging, you aren’t going to be able to compete.

Writing a book and doing talks to business communities has also been a very effective way to stand out in an overcrowded industry.

Lastly, having content generated and published constantly about the problems you are solving in your industry is a great way to attract the right type of customers to your business. I believe attraction is better than promotion when it comes to business. I always try and make sure I have something that “they” want to stay attractive. This creates a magnet for your business that attracts new customers.

How did your brand stand out from the rest of the other brands out there that is similar to your niche?

We always thought differently. We positioned ourselves as an outlier that was not a traditional version of our company (ad agency). We built things in-house that other companies outsourced. Early on we were one of the only ad agencies in the area that had her own internal video production department. A few years later we were the only add agency that had an internal digital advertising department. And eventually, we created our own software product that gave us a huge proprietary niche. This enabled us to build a business that helps other ad agencies and media companies to conquer the niche in their market.

What is the toughest decision you had to make in the last few months?

The toughest decision I’ve had to make in the past few months is allowing my company to evolve by getting out of the way. Last year I hired some important executive staff including a chief operating officer. I learned several years ago at one of the first Inc 5000 conferences I attended that founders make crappy CEO’s. Well, this is very hard to hear, this is one of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received. As a founder, I can only take the company so far before I start ramming into a glass ceiling. Today I realize that it is my thought leadership and vision that is most valuable to the company since we are now too big for me to run it as we did at the beginning. This hard decision to let go and not micromanage has opened up the next chapter of our business for even more immense growth then we have already seen.

What money mistakes have you made along the way that others can learn from (or something you’d do differently)?

I’m very grateful that I never had to take investment capital or get large lines of credit from banks. However, if I did it over again, I would strategically have partners that could bring investment money to the table earlier in the process as well as offer strategic business opportunities to grow our business faster. I also learned that I could never have too many business mentors who had gone before me and made money mistakes that I can avoid by letting them mentor me as I grow.

What have you learned in the process of becoming wealthy that others can learn from?

Never stop reinvesting into yourself. I made a decision early on to not divert any profits from my business into other investments like real estate and the stock market until I had fully invested in my own companies and products. As the primary shareholder of my companies, I am most important Investor.

What new business would you love to start?

I would say a music record label, but I just started one of those. I I think my next frontier will be a new business for capital ventures. I would love to be a mentor and Investor in many companies as a minority shareholder to be a part of a lot of different innovation and industries without having to be the main driver of the business.

If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were just getting started, what would you do differently? What advice would you give yourself?

Don’t flinch. Never stop going all out and fail fast because your failures will bring out your highest value to your stakeholders, employees, and customers.

One On One With Successful Entrepreneur Cynthia Johnson

Posted on February 27, 2020July 21, 2020 by Krissy

Cynthia Johnson is an entrepreneur, marketing professional, author and international speaker. She previously worked as a receptionist at an acting agency; she was also a server at Tender Greens and The Cheesecake Factory and she was even an event planner in Las Vegas. When she turned 25, she decided to sell all her things to find a new meaning in life through travelling the world. It was through her adventures across Asia and Australia, where she eventually found her niche skill in storytelling and helping others with marketing strategies and creating their brand image.

Fast forward to today, and now she’s a business advisor, keynote speaker, and CEO of a successful agency (Bell + Ivy) as well as an author. She is an Advisory Board member for The Millennium Alliance and GetGlobal which are leading technology, business, and educational advisory event companies serving fortune 1000 executives. She has been involved in campaigns for Outerknown, HereMedia, West Management, Chevy’s, PETA, and several other leading brands. She is also a contributing columnist to Entrepreneur, Success, Forbes, and several other industry-specific publications. Her first book will be published in early 2019 by Penguin Random House.

StarCentral Magazine recently sat down with Cynthia to find out more about her journey to entrepreneurship and here’s what went down.

Could you please tell our readers a brief background about yourself and how you started your business?

I never really did anything the same way others did so my entrepreneurial journey is a bit of a rollercoaster. However, though my journey separates myself from others who took a more conventional route, I can proudly say that I’m a prime example of not really knowing what I wanted to do, to finding my “calling” when I was most vulnerable. Before co-finding Bell + Ivy, a digital marketing and personal branding agency in Santa Monica, CA with my co-founder Zach Binder, I worked as a receptionist at an acting agency, was a server at Tender Greens and The Cheesecake Factory, an event planner in Vegas, and digital marketing director for a rehab center. At 25 I decided to sell all my things and turned to find a new meaning in life through traveling the world. It was through my adventures across Asia and Australia, where I eventually found my niche skill in storytelling and helping others with marketing strategies and creating their brand image. Sometimes as a form of currency, I would share my knowledge in the communications field for room and board and made countless friends along the way. I then started speaking at more events, joining more panels and began moderating discussions. Bell + Ivy was created through the magical discovery of passion and persistence of just living and letting life take its course. Today, I am a business advisor, keynote speaker, CEO of a great agency and an author. I am honored to have been listed by Inc. Magazine as a top digital marketing person to follow, top 50 marketers on SnapChat by Mashable and top female entrepreneurs that inspire by Darling Magazine.

What are you currently doing to maintain/grow your business?

We constantly strive to uphold Bell + Ivy’s brand to the same, utmost quality, as we deliver to our clients. With the tools of digital marketing, personal branding, and storytelling, our office is comprised of the boldest and the brightest who not only deliver these aspects professionally but also in their personal lives, reflecting the power and stamina of our agency. We are humbled to say that we are in a place where a lot of business comes to us and we then get to choose who and what is the best fit at the time. Shoot us a message – our doors, and inboxes, are always open!

What form of marketing has worked well for your business throughout the years?

Storytelling using digital marketing, of course. Business owners and marketers should focus their social media efforts on creating a cohesive community with their followers and to improve the interoperability of information between all their channels. Social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram have such a massive following and the potential to be an impressive channel to sell and promote a product, message and/or brand. Relatable, relevant and timely content throughout these platforms will create a genuine community of followers that enhances their brand identity which then creates more brand loyalty.

How did your brand stand out from the rest of the other brands out there that is similar to your niche?

Again, storytelling. Never underestimate the power of telling an impactful story to the right audience and at the right time. When you know exactly who you’re working with and how to proliferate influence, you’re golden.

What is the toughest decision you had to make in the last few months?

Setting a wedding date and then coordinating everything that goes into the wedding. Nobody warns you about this kind of stuff!

What money mistakes have you made along the way that others can learn from (or something you’d do differently)?

I wouldn’t say this is a mistake but more something to be aware of money. Money is a tricky subject, and yes, money helps when first creating a business. However, you decided to start a business, and that is an investment. Therefore, you must wholeheartedly invest in your company and your team and provide the necessary tools and resources to best equip your team to produce the best work they can. It’ll be worth the investment and the opportunity cost is exponential!

What new business would you love to start?

If I told you, I’d have to kill you! Totally joking of course. However, I do have some ideas up my sleeves that I can’t share quite yet. It’s a secret for now but stay tuned for more.

If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were just getting started, what would you do differently?

Absolutely nothing. Getting lost and being vulnerable in my early 20’s is how I got to be where I am today. Sounds cliche but it’s true. But if I had to choose, maybe stay in China longer? China is an incredible country with so much to offer. However, as an international speaker, I am fortunate to have the opportunity to be able to travel, to countries like China, and experience work and play.

If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were first making a name for yourself, what advice would you give yourself?

Drink less coffee and start drinking more tea.

Do you have any favorite business-related or personal development related books that you can recommend to other entrepreneurs?

Plenty! “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck,” by Mark Manson, is a classic, “Leaders Eat Last,” by Simon Sinek, and “Talking to Crazy,” by Mark Goulston. These three selections are actually from my book club, where we dissect each book to fully understand the meaning and how it can impact our daily professional lives in a positive way. Join the conversation, today!

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

Just try it – what’s the worst that can happen? If you fail, that’s okay. If you fail again, that’s also okay. But next time, fail better.

What advice would you give to a newbie Entrepreneur setting up their first business?

No matter how much you think you can handle everything on your own, you can’t and you won’t; and that’s 100% okay. Be realistic, stay optimistic and ask for help when you need it. Do research online, engage with your community and see who could bring value to your team. You’re going to want to do it all by yourself, but at the end of the day, the best way a company can grow is through steller leadership and a transparent team.

One On One With Skyler Ditchfield: The Once-Homeless Man Who Became A Multi-Millionaire Entrepreneur

Posted on February 27, 2020July 21, 2020 by Alex

One of the most powerful rags-to-riches stories is that of Skyler Ditchfield, a multi-millionaire entrepreneur, who had a troubled childhood in rural Ojai, California. He grew up in a broken home and was bullied and beaten up at school but managed to rise above his difficult circumstances to become mega-successful.

Even though Ditchfield ended up giving up on school, he still landed his first job in Silicon Valley. He took his first real corporate job as a Network Engineer II at the Private Network Management Center (PNMC) of MCI Worldcom in Silicon Valley where he serviced high-level clients such as JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Quotron, Reuters, and more. Although he was the youngest technician in the office, he was quickly promoted to Network Engineer III because of his outstanding performance. However, when the company relocated to the East Coast, he was one of two employees that were offered a transfer. He declined the offer, and instead, he decided to return back to his hometown in Ojai, California.

Over the next few years, he experienced multiple business failures that left him facing massive debt and ruined credit. He even tried to open up a local nightclub which didn’t pan out, and he also became homeless for a time. On top of that, his life-long battle with Chrome’s disease took a severe turn for the worse, placing him in multiple month-long stays in the hospital. His disease got so bad, that the doctors said he only had a few more years to live. Determined to outlive their predictions, he found an experimental course of treatment on the Internet which miraculously worked. Then came what Ditchfield calls his restart button – he found out he was going to be a father. With renewed health and an unexpected daughter on the way, he found a new sense of motivation for life. He regained his health and aggressively got back in the I.T. space allowing him to climb out of debt.

Fast forward to a few successful startups later, he ended up discovering GeoLinks with his cousin Ryan Hauf. Skyler bootstrapped what began as a 2-person business out of his weight room in 2011 to what is now a 9-figure (and growing) business. GeoLinks became the fastest growing fixed wireless ISP in the country and Inc. Magazine’s 2017 Inc. 5000 NO. 5 Fastest Growing Telecommunications Company in America. Under his leadership, Ditchfield has led the company to record more than 100% growth for six years straight and is on track for a seventh. Some of his recent accolades include World’s Top 5 Best Businessmen of 2017, Entrepreneur of the Year 2018, and Top 100 Innovator in Diversity and Inclusion.

StarCentral Magazine recently sat down with Skyler Ditchfield to find out more about her journey to entrepreneurship and here’s what went down.

Can you describe your journey to success? When did you start? Did you ever imagine you would become this successful?

I don’t consider myself successful yet, however, I feel I have traction and am on the right path. While I appreciate the recognition, success, in my eyes, would be to permanently change the lives of all my staff and others for the better. My journey was described earlier; it’s been long, grueling, and hard. I’ve calculated that I’ve put in about 20 years of normal work hours in the last seven years alone at GeoLinks. I’ve always imagined the path to success would come sooner, and I find it frustrating not being able to achieve growth even faster than we already are.

What is your main source of income?

My main source of income is the salary I earn from GeoLinks.

What are you currently doing to maintain/grow your business?

I look at new opportunities every single day. Currently, I am evaluating expanding our network into additional states, further diversifying our product line, and exploring more government project opportunities.

What is the toughest decision you had to make in the last few months?

I face tough decisions every day. The most difficult decisions for me end up being when I have to walk away from exciting and big opportunities simply because I know (from experience) it would stretch our team too thin, or we lack the resources.

What money mistakes have you made along the way that others can learn from (or something you’d do differently)?

I’ll say this—learn your accounting and always double check your books. Even if you trust someone else to do it, still learn and keep an eye on what’s going on, because if you don’t keep track of your cash, you’ll be out of business.

What have you learned in the process of becoming wealthy that others can learn from?

I am not wealthy in my own eyes… However, as perceived success grows, more and more people will mislead you, misrepresent themselves to you, and pretend to be your friend.

What new business would you love to start?

A health and nutritional products business—outside of GeoLinks and my family, health, and fitness have been lifelong passions of mine.

If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were just getting started, what would you do differently?

Be ready. Be ready for more challenges and perceived failures than you can possibly imagine. Realize and prepare yourself for the fact that the problems that lie ahead will ultimately become opportunities, and never fool yourself into believing that the road ahead will be easy. Master that mindset now, and you’ll be primed for pushing through all of life’s roadblocks.

If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were first making a name for yourself, what advice would you give yourself?

Just start. Don’t procrastinate or worry about putting yourself out there.

Once you’ve had the courage to start, have the confidence to know that results will come.

Do you have any favorite business-related or personal development related books that you can recommend to other entrepreneurs?

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill and No Man’s Land: Where Growing Companies Fail by Doug Tatum.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

Cash is king, know your accounting!

What advice would you give to a newbie Entrepreneur setting up their first business?

If you can’t sell your own product, don’t start the business. Furthermore, there is definitely such thing as growing too fast. It’s easy to get wrapped up in accelerated success, and thus make misguided business decisions on projections rather than facts. It’s okay to dream big, but remember, in order to have a business or achieve a mission, you must remain in business. Another element that can be lost in quick growth is culture. In today’s modern workplace, culture is paramount in attracting and retaining top talent. Thus, it’s imperative to never forget that you’re only as great as the team you’re surrounded by. Finally, one word of advice I give to all Entrepreneurs who are starting out is to follow your gut and fire fast. Every single time I have ignored my gut or procrastinated on a “debatable” employee, it has yielded negative results. The world is full of opinions, master the art of creating your own and trusting your intuition.

One On One Interview With Millionaire Entrepreneur Jasmin Terrany

Posted on February 27, 2020July 21, 2020 by Gary

This inspiring entrepreneur went from working three odd jobs earning an average income to a six-figure income – but it wasn’t an easy journey.

When Jasmin Terrany graduated from her Master’s program at Columbia University, she ended up working three jobs to make ends meet. She worked part-time as a therapist at a Medicaid clinic, part-time as a school counselor in a high school in Harlem, and she also started her private practice on the side.

She started her practice in 2007 and realized early on that although she had done psychotherapy training, it didn’t mean people would be knocking on her door to obtain her service. She knew she had to think like an entrepreneur to get people to be more interested in her business. That’s why she started taking marketing classes and learning more about sales. Eventually, she ended up inventing Life Therapy – it combines traditional Psychotherapy and Life Coaching, as well as spiritual practices like Mindfulness and Meditation. When she started her business, she was only charging $50 per session; she never imagined that eventually, she’d be charging ten times that per session. She now maintains a six-figure, ten-hour a week virtual business, while raising two small children at the same time.

We recently sat down with Jasmin to find out more about her journey to entrepreneurship and here’s what went down.

Could you please tell our readers a brief background about yourself and how you started your business?

I work mostly with high-profile individuals who want to make their personal life as successful as their business life. I help them improve relationships, self- confidence, and body image while alleviating stress and anxiety. I call my work “Life Therapy” because it combines traditional Psychotherapy, Life Coaching, and spiritual practices like Mindfulness and Meditation.

When I graduated from my master’s program at Columbia University, I got three jobs. I worked part-time as a therapist at a Medicaid clinic, part-time as a school counselor in a high school in Harlem, and I started my private practice on the side. I rented office space by the hour. Eventually, as my practice grew, I rented one day of office space then two days, then got my own. When my practice was lucrative enough to support my lifestyle, I quit my other jobs and continued only with that.

Can you describe your journey to success? When did you start? Did you ever imagine you would become this successful?

I started my practice in 2007. I realized early on that although I had done all of this psychotherapy training, just because I believed myself to be a wonderful therapist it didn’t mean people would show up. I had to become a business person. That;’s why I started taking marketing classes and learning about sales. One of the key phrases that helped me grow was, “I only want clients who are ready, willing and able.” Before I started using this mantra, I felt the need to accommodate any potential client even if they weren’t right for me.

When I started with my first client at $50 per session, I never imagined that eventually, I’d be charging 10x that per session. I now maintain a six-figure, 10 hour a week virtual business, while focusing on raising my two small children.

What is your primary source of income?

My private practice and my books. I meet with clients via Skype, phone or any other video conference.

What is your primary tactic when it comes to making more people aware your brand and engaging your customers? How did your business stand out?

To be authentic and share my story, it starts with my mom…

My mom Betsy is the mom everyone desired. As beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside, she’s overflowing with unconditional love, true understanding, and joy. She was a best friend, the ultimate role model, and a true parenting guru. In over a decade of private practice, a lifetime of relationships, and over 50 countries of world travel, never have I even heard of another mother who parented with such intention, dedication, clarity, wisdom, and fun.

With no warning, no preparation, one sunny afternoon, she simply disappeared from this world. She was driving to meet me for lunch, and never arrived. Age 64, mile marker 64. Gone.

As I sat all alone, trying to digest this unfathomable news. I stared out the window as the sunlight kissed the sparkling ocean waves. I couldn’t believe the peace I felt, amidst the heart-wrenching pain in my soul. She was there with me. Her loving wisdom was so deeply embedded in my essence that I couldn’t tell if it was her voice or my own.

“Now is your time.” Every part of me knew. “Don’t be scared. This pain is your gift. This is your learning… You are the Mommy now.”

After the most devastating year of my life, it all began to make sense. On the first anniversary of my mother’s passing, I naturally gave birth to my own daughter. The hair-raising synchronicity of this moment, not only brought new physical life into the world but channeled the content of my most treasured work of art:

“Extraordinary Mommy: A Loving Guide to the Most Important Job There is.”

This book is my new chapter of life. I have visions for other books, workbooks, educational programs, children’s books, workshops, motivational events and so on.

I believe that extraordinary mothers make extraordinary people, and I am destined to help mothers access their truest strengths so they can be warriors of love for the most important job there is.

What money mistakes have you made along the way that others can learn from (or something you’d do differently)?

At one point I got a money manager to invest in puts and calls. I was young and thought I had a high-risk tolerance, but after he lost almost 50% of my portfolio, I realized I was wrong. Now I am focused on stability and longevity and make sure to plan for my future.

What have you learned in the process of becoming wealthy that others can learn from?

Having money is helpful for sure, but when you die you won’t look back and wish you worked more, you’ll likely wish you lived more. Studies show that after a baseline of financial stability, more money doesn’t make people happier. More living makes people happier.

What new business would you love to start?

I have committed to a new venture, of which I am extremely excited about: A Mommy Mission.

Extraordinary Mommies Make Extraordinary People.

In this country, there are certifications for professions as simple as florists. Yet the most important and challenging job that exists requires no license, certification or training.

Approximately 4 million mothers give birth per year, and there is no recognized “Mommy Manual.”

Many books teach what to expect and what to do, but few focus on how to be, the psychological, emotional and spiritual foundation of the mother, which is truly the basis for all experiences. Although mothers feel the truest, purest love for their children, the stress and challenges of motherhood often distract them from it.

My upcoming book, “Becoming Mommy: A Loving Guide to the Most Important Job there is,” is written from my perspective as new, vulnerable mother and trained psychotherapist, I summarize the ten core principles of my own extraordinary mother. Through engaging stories and examples, outlined lessons and chapter overviews, new mothers can quickly and deeply receive the golden nuggets of parenthood.

I am focused on PR and marketing for this book.

If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were just getting started, what would you do differently?

Tell myself to enjoy and trust the process. You are never done, there will always be more, focus on embracing what you have when you have it.

If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were first making a name for yourself, what advice would you give yourself?

You don’t have to know everything, be as vulnerable and authentic as possible and realize that we are all fellow journeyers learning together.

Do you have any favorite business-related or personal development related books that you can recommend to other entrepreneurs?

These books changed my life: “Power of Now”, “A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose” by Eckart Tolle, and “There’s Nothing Wrong with You” by Cheri Huber.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

Don’t assume all the “successful” people out there are smarter or better than you. Everyone is learning as they go, you just have to start.

What advice would you give to a newbie Entrepreneur setting up their first business?

Make a goal, like driving cross country to California from NYC. Start driving in that direction. You will have no idea what roadblocks and detours will arise, but you’ll keep figuring it out along the way. Your final destination may even change, perhaps you’ll decide to stop in Colorado. Regardless of the outcome, enjoy the ride.

One One Interview With Romy Taormina: The CEO Of Psi Bands

Posted on February 27, 2020July 21, 2020 by Alex

Psi Bands

Romy Taormina always knew that she wanted to run her own business one day, but she had no idea that months of puking would lead her there.

She eventually discovered the positive effects of using acupressure wristbands to alleviate her nausea after experiencing numerous months of terrible morning sickness during her two pregnancies. Dissatisfied with the existing products on the market that she felt were drab and uncomfortable, she hatched the idea for Psi Bands – an FDA-cleared product that is both fashionable and functional for others who suffer from nausea. Psi Bands are drug-free wrist bands for the relief of nausea due to morning sickness (pregnancy), motion sickness/travel, chemotherapy, and anesthesia. With Psi Bands, those who suffer from the very common, yet debilitating condition of nausea can feel better – both in style and comfort.

Psi Bands currently sell at Target, Motherhood Maternity, A Pea in the Pod, Babies “R” Us, REI, Meijer, Amazon, as well as hospitals, and even internationally. Australians can purchase them here: Lifestyle Parenting

So far, approximately one million sets of Psi Bands have been sold globally. Entrepreneur Magazine calls Psi Bands a “stroke of genius” and it has also been featured as an “O Pick” in the Oprah Magazine.

StarCentral Magazine recently sat down with Romy to find out more about her journey to entrepreneurship and here’s what went down.

Could you please tell our readers a brief background about yourself and how you started your business?

Puking is what inspired me to take the leap of faith into the entrepreneurial stratosphere. I suffered from debilitating morning sickness during both of my pregnancies and was sick for more than a year. I found nausea relief through acupressure wristbands but was dissatisfied with existing products on the market, so I set out to create a superior product, both in form and function, to help those who suffer from nausea and vomiting. And that’s when Psi Bands® was born. Clinically proven Psi Bands are acupressure wristbands, a medical device, that relieves nausea due to morning sickness, as well as motion sickness, anesthesia, and chemotherapy.

Can you describe your journey to success? When did you start? Did you ever imagine you would become this successful?

Psi Health Solutions, Inc. launched in 2008. Psi Bands now sell at retailers such as Target, Motherhood Maternity, A Pea in the Pod, Meijer, H-E-B, Whole Foods, REI, Amazon, etc.; in hospitals; and internationally. Close to 1M sets have been sold. We are honored to help so many people who are suffering from nausea and vomiting.

What is your main source of income?

Psi Bands sell nationally and internationally.

What are you currently doing to maintain/grow your business?

In January, I visited Dubai, where I got to ride a camel! I applied for and was awarded a STEP Grant, a government grant that helps small businesses succeed in the international marketplace, and I was offered a turn-key exhibit space in the US Pavilion at Arab Health 2018, the largest gathering of healthcare and trade professionals in the MENA region. After exhibiting at this 4-day trade show, I am now working with some distributors to finalize agreements so that we can grow our export business.

How did your brand stand out from the rest of the other brands out there that is similar to your niche?

Psi Bands are uniquely stylish (available in several fun colors); waterproof (no more soggy wrist bands); adjustable for a personalized and comfortable fit and so they stay static on the Nei-Kuan acupressure point, the point is clinically proven to relieve nausea; affordable; and drug-free.

What is the toughest decision you had to make in the last few months?

It’s actually a personal one. My oldest son is a senior in high school and will be going off to college, likely in a different state, in just a few months. The process of “letting go” has been difficult for me. I have to work through my fears of letting go and to acknowledge that we (my husband and I) have done everything that we can to prepare him for the next chapter in his life. Over the years, I have often been reminded that there are overlapping lessons as a mom/parent and business owner. We all have fears and doubts. Fears can be limiting. However, if you honor the fear and give it consideration, you can use the fear as a beneficial tool to pave the way for more strategic decisions.

What have you learned in the process of becoming wealthy that others can learn from?

I believe we all define success and wealth differently. If you are wealthy, to me that means you are leading a meaningful life filled with people who you love and that love you. You have developed a personal foundation of love and support that helps you to celebrate, overcome, and share life’s experiences, together.

If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were just getting started, what would you do differently?

Celebrate the highs AND appreciate the lows. The lows are going to be the lessons from which you will gain perspective and learn and grow the most, both personally and professionally.

If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were first making a name for yourself, what advice would you give yourself?

Don’t be so hard on yourself. You are doing the best that you can at the time. You will make mistakes. And they are learning opportunities.

Do you have any favorite business-related or personal development related books that you can recommend to other entrepreneurs?

I recommend Malcolm Gladwell’s books (“Outliers,” “Tipping Point,” “Blink”), and “Quiet” by Susan Cain.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” Wayne Gretzky

What advice would you give to a newbie Entrepreneur setting up their first business?

Be effective. Not Right. No one likes the blame game. Casting blame and throwing jabs are not going to solve the problem. And everyone likes solutions. Cut to the chase and offer solutions.

Keep one foot moving in front of the other. There will be times when you are tripping and falling. Get back up and keep those feet moving in a forward direction – pointed at your goal(s). It sometimes may be only one small step, but take the step and don’t just talk about taking the step. Do.

Love what you do. Ask yourself these questions: Does your company’s mission resonate with your core values? At the end of the day, does what you do fill your heart? And does it help others? It will be far easier to overcome challenges and lead to a far more enriching and growing experience/journey if you are able to answer yes to these questions. Your heart will be the driver you need to keep on going.

One On One Interview With Millionaire Entrepreneur Kaila Methven: The CEO Of One Of The Most Successful Luxury Lingerie Brands

Posted on February 27, 2020July 21, 2020 by Gary

Photos courtesy of Madame Methven

Kaila Methven is the brains behind possibly the world’s most expensive lingerie label, and she’s not only successful she’s also drop-dead gorgeous.

Kaila’s family once upon a time owned The Rainbow Unlimited Chicken Company (RLC), which used to supply 90 percent of KFC’s poultry. After inheriting her family’s sale of RLC shares back in 1991, Kaila decided to step away from the fried chicken business and focus instead on a much sexier line of work: a luxury lingerie company.

At just 16 years old, Kaila interned at her first Paris Fashion Show and went on to earn a Master’s Degree from the International Fashion Academy – Paris. She completed advanced training at Polymodo in Florence.

Kaila has so far been featured in Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, and Maxim and she has dressed some of today’s sexiest stars including the likes of Demi Lovato, Katherine McPhee, The Kardashians, and more. Kaila has just released her new vivacious, ultra sexy lingerie and intimate apparel line called “Lady Methven” and it was created for the everyday woman. Combining childlike innocence, erotic playfulness, and female power, Kaila dares everyone to fall in love again.

MoneyCentral Magazine recently sat down with Kaila to find out more about the luxury lingerie brand the whole world is currently gushing about and here’s what went down.

1. How were you actually ‘discovered’?

The first person who discovered me was Jean Charles de Castelbajac. I was a student at IFA, and he was visiting the school at the time. I was designing a jacket that day, he saw it and fell in love with it. After that, he gave me an internship in his company.

2. What do you like most about being a designer?

My most prestigious reward is to see women fall in love again wearing my lingerie. It is an honor for me when I see them feeling empowered, beautiful, sexy and confident.

3 What’s it like dressing some of the most famous people in the world?

It is extremely rewarding that famous people recognize my talent and want to wear my designs. However, I try to stay humble, and a client is a client. I don’t treat my clients differently because their name is well known. Each of my clients gets the best service I can provide, no matter who they are.

4. What first interested you in style/fashion?

I was born in LA, grew up in Paris, and graduated with my bachelor at Esmod, masters at IFA, MBA at Polymoda. I interned as a makeup artist at Paris fashion week for Dior, and when I saw all those models walking down the runway, I knew my destiny was to become a designer.

5. What made you decide to make it into a career?

Originally, I wanted to be an entertainment lawyer. But when my mother passed away, I moved to France, and I was immediately inspired by the fashion and the arts, so I entered in design school.

6. When did your career start?

I began filling my business documents to become legitimate a year and a half ago. I then started my design process and brought it to fruition during the summer of 2017. It took my team and me about six months to make the entire collection.

7. What do you enjoy most about style/fashion?

The most rewarding thing to me is the creativity it brings to my clients and the smiles on their faces.

8. We note that you have more than 500,000 followers on Instagram- what is your secret to gaining a lot of followers?

I always have new content. I don’t want my followers to get bored. Instagram is one of the biggest social media platforms; it is important to provide new content, make stories, like other amazing influencer’s posts, etc.

9. What sort of marketing do you do to make your image and brand more appealing to the audience?

We do a bunch of stuff from social media, Amazon, Ads, Parties, and other PR work.

10. How active are you on social media?

I am extremely active on social media. I post almost every day.

11. What is your favorite social media platform?

Definitely Instagram.

12. How do you think lingerie is dictating fashion trends for 2018?

Bodysuits are very in this season. It is very easy to wear it with jeans and a blazer, and it makes a very sexy and elegant outfit.

13. What are the color trends in lingerie? Can you tell us when and where to wear each of them?

Beige, mustard yellow, and forest green.

14. Can you give some tips to men who are looking to purchase lingerie?

Always buy XS size, so her boobs look bigger, and XS size for her waist, so it looks slimmer. You never wrap lingerie in a box with tissue paper, always hold it in your hands with a bottle of wine or just have it lying on the bed waiting for her when she comes home.

15. What’s the best lingerie to pair with your favorite winter blazer?

A black dentelle bodysuit. You can find them easily on my website or my Lady Methven bodysuits on Amazon.

16. How can lingerie enhance one’s mood?

Arousing visuals stirs chemicals in your partner’s brain, we all want something sexy to ourselves.

17. Do you have a specific inspiration that keeps you going in your career?

There is one woman who always pushed me to accomplish my dreams, whose name I’ll keep confidential. As of today, we are still in contact, she is very proud of me, and I always turn to her for advice. Ultimately, I am impressed by many successful businesswomen who started from the ground up.

18. What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned. This can be about the industry or about yourself. Or both!

Always believe in yourself, never give up on your dreams, and continue to work hard because hard work always pays off.

19. What are your plans? Inside your career or out of it.

Hopefully, I will have a store open, be an even better person, a better CEO with a very accomplished company, and have international stores.

The ‘LIGHTNING FAST’ Round:

1. What is the one beauty product you can’t live without?

The La Mer moisturizing soft cream. I apply it every night before I go to bed and it leaves my skin flawless.

2. What is in your makeup bag when you travel?

Every time I travel, I always have my glam squad with me to glam me up everywhere I go.

3. What is the one “flaw” you wouldn’t change about yourself?

I always wear Louboutin, and fur every time its chilly outside.

5. Your best guilty pleasure…

Having eight orgasms in my black Lady Methven bodysuit.

One On One With Millionaire Entrepreneur Timothy Trudeau: The CEO Of Syntax Creative

Posted on February 27, 2020July 21, 2020 by Alex

Timothy Trudeau’s earliest and fondest memory of getting a taste of the business world was hanging out with his father who was a successful business owner along with other successful business owners. While other kids were playing video games, Timothy was hanging around entrepreneurs and gaining powerful business tips. His first taste of success was when he sold his first beat to a Senior in his school who rapped back when he was in 9th grade. His foray into the business world started out at this early age when this Senior heard the beats he was making and decided to share an idea he had for a song. He immediately went home and used the equipment that he had collected through saving and bartering, and that’s when he first experience a real collaboration with an artist, and he officially became a producer. Eventually, his business grew, and he accumulated his wealth via his company Syntax Creative as well as rental income from the property that he owns.

We recently caught up with Timothy Trudeau and here’s what went down:

Could you please tell our readers a brief background about yourself and how you started making money?

I remember clearly listening music while riding through the South Bay neighborhood of San Diego. Sitting in the backseat of my father’s car, I was nodding my head to songs that were well beyond my years. I may not have known it then, but I was planting the seeds that would lead to my love for music and the subsequent foray into business. No one could have predicted that an unassuming kid from California like myself was quietly developing the ability to create original music and the chops to build a business around it.

How did you get started in business? When did you start? Did you ever imagine you would become this successful?

Some of my earliest and fondest memories include attempts at launching small businesses. I loved “negotiating” with the adults around me and selling products to other children based off knowing what they wanted.

My Dad was a successful business owner and socialized with other successful business owners. While other kids were trying to play outside or manipulate pixels on a screen in make-believe worlds, I would jump at any chance to go with my Dad to hang out with him and his friends.

While I doubt I fully grasped the idea of success, I knew that I would one day be an adult and that it would remain that way for the rest of my life so I wanted to acquire as much insider information into this journey as possible.

The first memorable transaction I remember, that is most closely associated with what I do now, was when I was in the 9th grade and sold my first beat to a Senior who rapped. It started out because he had heard the beats that I was making and decided to share an idea he had for a song, I went home and used the equipment that I had collected through saving and bartering. I was officially a producer and had just experienced my first real collaboration with an artist.

Though not music-related, the earliest legitimate business operation that I launched was when I was in the 10th grade. It was a business where I sold and serviced pagers along with the monthly airtime charge, as well as accessories to customize an otherwise boring world. Because I was only 15, I engaged my brother, who was 4 years older than me, as a partner who could legally register the business.

Most of my clientele were other students who I would see every day. Like any small community, the word can travel fast so it was important to keep customers happy and for them to share their happiness with others.

What is your main source of income?

My main source of income is the salary that I earn at Syntax Creative as well as rental income from the property that I own.

What are you currently doing to maintain/grow your net worth?

While some may be sitting on their equity, others are using it to purchase jet skis or other fun items that will decrease in value the moment the ink is dry on your purchase contract. I have used the equity to purchase assets that increase in value or that I can make money from. The main one being, more real estate.

While I’ve dabbled in the real estate market of other states for over a decade, I ended up cashing out and focusing on the San Diego market. This is where I am blessed to live and a market I understand very well. Like Bitcoin or the Foreign Exchange Market, if you are strategically buying and selling, you can do very well for yourself.

What is the toughest decision you had to make?

The toughest decision I’ve had to make is to kill a business or a partnership. It’s easy to get emotionally invested in something, especially if you’ve been doing it for a while. There comes a time when you have to step outside of what you are doing and take a look at it logically and see if the numbers are adding up or not.

Even businesses with a great cause may need to be shut down. You are able to do much more for a good cause with a solvent business than an insolvent one.

And if you love your friend or family member but they are contributing nothing or dragging the business into the ground, they must not love you very much back. If the relationship dies because you want to kill the partnership, there was never a relationship, to begin with.

What new business would you love to start?

Syntax Creative has a broad reach and has me working with people all over the world. This is a lot of fun and I love it. However, for my next venture, I want to do something really localized. I want to have some kind of small business that serves food and drink. One that gets into a community and becomes a part of it. I want to take those same principles I’ve learned about having peers as customers and friends recommending friends for marketing to a local establishment. I also love growing individuals, so the thought of hiring young people to help them learn not just how to do their job well, but how to think well and do all future jobs well. How to open their own business someday.

If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were just getting started, what would you do differently?

I would immediately go back to before time machines were invented and start a time machine business.

Do you have any favorite business-related or personal development related books that you can recommend to other entrepreneurs?

The most important thing someone can learn to help his or her own business would be economics. One of my favorite recent books for this is The Poverty of Nations: A Sustainable Solution. Another fantastic book is On Writing Well: The Class Guide to Writing Nonfiction. This book has, of course, helped my writing, but it has also helped my communication. Communication is one of the main tools that I use when transacting with people. So the better that I can do that, the better the transactions will be and we are right back to word-of-mouth marketing.

What advice would you give to a newbie Entrepreneur setting up their first business?

Preparation is awesome. But over-preparation can be crippling. I coach a lot of young or new entrepreneurs and many of them have fantastic ideas. The first thing I think is, why aren’t they already doing this?

That initial plunge off of the cliff seems to be the part keeping them from doing anything other than making charts, graphs and spend time talking about starting something. There isn’t a failed business in my past that I launched that I didn’t learn something valuable from. Most successful entrepreneurs were first unsuccessful entrepeneurs.

You just have to go! Get started. You can’t possibly know everything up front and you can’t plan for all that will happen along the way. But you also can’t have a business if you don’t take that first step.

One On One With Millionaire Entrepreneur Craig Wolfe: The CEO Of CelebriDucks

Posted on February 27, 2020July 21, 2020 by Alex

Like most self-made millionaires, Craig Wolfe came from rather humble beginnings. His idea was to create rubber ducks that looked like celebrities. Since he was starting small, he did all his PR and sent press releases to everyone he knew. Fortunately, a newspaper on the other side of the country ran his story, and the vice-president of one of NBA’s top franchises loved the idea and had him create a duck based on their superstar. That was the big break he was looking for because, after that, people and businesses started contacting him from all over the country. Fast forward to today, his current net worth is sitting at a cool $5 million.

We recently caught up with Craig Wolfe and here’s what went down:

Could you please tell our readers a brief background about yourself and how you started making money?

I became the largest publisher of artwork from television commercials creating the first-ever animation art lines for Coca-Cola, Anheuser-Busch, M&M/Mars, etc. I figured no one else was doing this so why not me! Eventually, I sold it all off to create CelebriDucks which was a whole new art form of celebrity rubber ducks of the most celebrated icons of film, music history, and athletics. They were voted one of the top 100 gifts by Entertainment Weekly and featured on hundreds of TV shows, magazines, and newspapers including The Tonight Show. We have sold millions of them, and we are known as the top custom duck manufacturer in the world. We do them for everyone from SeaWorld to The New York Yankees.

Then I had the idea to address the importance of bringing jobs and industries back to America by bringing the whole rubber duck industry back to America where the rubber duck was invented before the whole industry went overseas. We are now the only ones making them here and are doing them for companies and organizations such as Harley-Davidson and The Future Farmers of America. Our second US factory in Michigan is now making PVC Free rubber ducks out of food and medical grade materials which are considered the safest rubber ducks in the world for babies to teethe on.

I also just launched our new chocolate division, www.CocoaCanard.com, with our Spooning Chocolate, the only Dairy, and Gluten-free hot chocolate that can instantly mix up in a cup of hot water and you will never miss the milk. It is now the go-to product in that category and considered the purest and finest hot chocolate on the market and uses Fair Trade chocolate. I basically do things that inspire me, and fortunately, it has worked out for me.

How did you get started in business? When did you start?

You know, with the ducks, I never expected it would get that big, but I did think it was a cute idea – rubber ducks that looked like celebrities. I did all my PR and sent press releases to everyone. Fortunately, a newspaper on the other side of the country ran my story and the vice-president of one the NBA’s top franchises loved the idea and had us create a duck of their superstar. When we got done with that duck, it looked more like him than he did! The promotion went great, and then people started contacting us from all over to have us create ducks for them. I eventually sold off the animation and became all ducks!

What is your primary source of income?

Funny enough, it is just making rubber ducks which proves that if you own your niche and have a decent idea, anyone can become a millionaire.

Would you be willing to tell us your current net worth? How did you accumulate your net worth?

5 million. It started with the animation company and then with the ducks, funny, whimsical characters made my money – who knew!

What are you currently doing to maintain/grow your net worth?

I keep the business fresh and innovative; I never stay complacent. I’m always bringing out new ducks and fresh products. I don’t invest in the stock market, real estate, and CDs. Bottom line, I invest in myself, in my business, and thus, I am debt-free with no outstanding loans – plus, I own the whole company 100%.

What is the toughest decision you had to make in the last few months?

I decided to terminate all our Amazon re-sellers. It was tough as we had so many, but we finally chose one major company to represent and protect our brand on Amazon, and it has worked out great. Now, we can control the look of the brand on there and also the MAP pricing.

What money mistakes have you made along the way that others can learn from (or something you’d do differently)?

Control your destiny. One of the biggest mistakes people do is give creative or financial control to raise funding to get their new venture off the ground. At one point, to expand quickly and take some of the burdens off me, I had a lot of my business pass through my manufacturer who took on more of the financial burden. But I did not like my loss of control, and after a bit of a struggle, I took it back. So you should never give up any equity or control unless you absolutely have to as no-one will ever run your baby and have the passion for it as you, the company creator.

What have you learned in the process of becoming wealthy that others can learn from?

Never get complacent. And honestly, money is only as good as what you can do with it to make a difference in the lives of others. For me, the end game is about leaving it all to non-profit entities that can further be doing good in the world and helping those who have less.

What new business would you love to start?

I am actually already in the midst of that. Our chocolate company is just in phase one. We are writing a children’s book to go with it, and a whole lifestyle branding to bring the entire Cocoa Canard themed merchandising program to the market. Ducks, chocolate, children, fun licensed products, and a heart-warming message in a children’s book which is entirely different from what’s out there – what’s not to like.

If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were just getting started, what would you do differently?

Well, I think I would have been more creative in the kinds of properties I brought to market. But it’s funny, it’s like trying to be who you are now thirty years earlier. Who you are now is based on those thirty years of doing things both right AND wrong. So yes, our Costume Quacker line of celebrity parody is our best work ever. But it took us years and years of design and testing to evolve to this point. But I do wish I had thought of this a long time ago.

Do you have any favorite business-related or personal development related books that you can recommend to other entrepreneurs?

I love ALL the Trout and Reis book – Positioning, Bottom-up Marketing. They are not just brilliant, but so much fun to read and filled with so many interesting case studies.

What advice would you give to a newbie Entrepreneur setting up their first business?

It’s not how much money you make; it’s how much you keep. Excessive overhead can bring down any business no matter how much you make. Lean and mean is the key to survival especially in the beginning before business gains traction.

Do not try and be all things to all people or you become nothing to anyone. Focus like a laser on your niche and be really clear on what you stand for.

Reflect your core brand ethics and quality in every marketing communication to the public.

Compete on the cheap end, and someone can always make it for less. Quality like the tortoise will ultimately win out or as I like to say, “live by the penny, die by the penny,” don’t compete on price alone. Quality is the hardest thing to knock off.

One On One With Millionaire Entrepreneur: Ilene Davis

Posted on February 27, 2020July 21, 2020 by Krissy

Ilene Davis put herself through college and eventually received a degree in Math in 1971. For several years after graduation, she worked as a mathematician then she got married and worked in her husband’s business. She became a stockbroker in 1982 and ended up opening her own office in 1986 when the broker she worked for had significant ethical issues. Fast forward to today, her current net worth is sitting at a cool $4 million.

We recently caught up with Ilene Davis and here’s what went down:

Could you please tell our readers a brief background about yourself and how you started making money?

I received a degree in Math in 1971. I actually put myself through college and started saving even then. By graduation, I had enough to buy myself a car. Once graduated, I worked to save enough in a couple of years to take a two month trip to Europe before I seriously got down to working for the future. For several years after graduation, I worked as a mathematician. Then got married and worked in my husband’s business. During that time I also earned a degree in Accounting, went to another company for several years until an opportunity came along (1982) to become a stockbroker. Having been investing for years, that was my true passion (and still is).

How did you get started in business? When did you start? Did you ever imagine you would become this successful?

I became a stockbroker (which is really a personal business even if you work for a Wirehouse because you are strictly on commission) in 1982 and opened my own office in 1986 when the broker I worked for had major ethical issues. As for imagining if I would become this successful financially: my first goal was to get to $1 million. Then to $2 million. Once I reached $2 million in investments, I continued to invest. Much of the wealth comes from those initial millions “doing their thing.”

What is your primary source of income?

I don’t really count my investment income because it remains invested, so my primary source of income is commissioning from being a financial professional.

Would you be willing to tell us your current net worth? How did you accumulate your net worth?

It hit $4 million before the recent market drop, but I expect it will be up and down for a while. I accumulated it by doing what I tell clients. Invest a portion of your income and leave it working.

What are you currently doing to maintain/grow your net worth?

I maximize my solo-K each year and otherwise do some trading but mostly leave the management to the mutual fund companies that I invest in and leave my own stocks to ride, sometimes buying on dips and then writing options to generate extra income.

What is the toughest decision you had to make in the last few months?

The only thing of any challenge was last year when the Obama administration “Fiduciary Rule” was implemented and I asked clients if they were willing to stick with me if I stuck to a commission because the math I did said THAT was in their best interests, not fee-based. Fortunately, Trump won, and I’ve had a wonderful year.

What money mistakes have you made along the way that others can learn from (or something you’d do differently)?

PLAYING the market instead of investing long-term. I sold my Microsoft stocks too soon (I call that my $2 million loss), same with AOL. I still see stocks I owned years ago that have gone up significantly, but I really can’t complain. My other mistake was trusting a friend with a loan. Now I’m working to at least write it off as a loss.

What have you learned in the process of becoming wealthy that others can learn from?

The key, as Warren Buffet said, is time IN the market, not time OF the market. And to have a plan, don’t worry about what others THINK you should do. I tell clients the most expensive thing they can buy is “friendship”. Be happy with who you are, find contentment, even happiness, in living within your budget and building wealth. Believe you are worthy of being wealthy so you don’t sabotage yourself.

What new business would you love to start?

Already working with a new partner (with similar ethical perspective) on wealthliteracyinstitute.com and choosingwealth.com. My goal is to teach financial literacy and provide a tool that virtually anyone can use to create a path to wealth.

If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were just getting started, what would you do differently?

I would have gotten my CPA and done more networking.

Do you have any favorite business-related or personal development related books that you can recommend to other entrepreneurs?

I have DOZENS: Atlas Shrugged (Ayn Rand) / Jonathan Livingston Seagull (Richard Bach) / The richest man in babylon (George Clason) / The Millionaire Next Door (Dr. Thomas Stanley) / The Millionaire Mind / Stop acting rich and start living like a real millionaire / The E Myth Revisited / Simple Wealth, Inevitable Wealth / my own book “Wealthy by Choice: Choosing your way to a wealthier future” / 10 Distinctions between Millionaires and the middle class / Think like a Billionaire (Donald Trump) / The Purple Cow / any of Tom Peters Books / Any of the Spencer Johnson or Ken Blanchard (particularly “the One minute Manager”) and DOZENS more.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

You can do anything you set your mind to if you are willing to work for it (my dad, and mom)

One On One With Paul Bromen: The CEO Of Upon A Mattress

Posted on February 27, 2020July 21, 2020 by Jenny

Paul Bromen grew up working in his family’s small property management business. When he was in college his grandparents gave him their car and he used the money he made from selling that car to start investing in stocks. Eventually, he got into Real Estate and he accumulated his wealth via Real Estate through buying, holding, and flipping apartment buildings.

We recently caught up with Paul Bromen and here’s what went down:

Could you please tell our readers a brief background about yourself and how you started making money?

My name is Paul Bromen and I grew up working in my family’s small property management business. When I was in college my grandparents gave me their car and I used the money I made from selling that car to start investing in stocks. All summer I day-traded Exxon and Apple.

How did you get started in business?

In college, I received a grant to start a business called Thrift Ninja. I and my two business partners bought vintage and designer clothing and then sold it on eBay. I actually thought I would be more successful LOL But I wasn’t smart enough to know how hard it was back then.

What is your main source of income?

My main source of income is Real Estate as well as an e-commerce based income.

Would you be willing to tell us your current net worth? How did you accumulate your net worth?

It’s always fluctuating based on the market and I don’t feel comfortable pinning down a number. I accumulated my wealth via Real Estate through buying, holding and flipping apartment buildings. Lately, I’ve also had outsized success in the stock market.

What are you currently doing to maintain/grow your net worth?

I recently started buying income producing websites such as Uponamattress.com. I think there is a lot of potential in the future for this to be a serious asset class. Although, there is also a lot of potentials to get ripped off so I am proceeding slowly and considering my first couple deals to be educational rather than profit focused.

What is the toughest decision you had to make in the last few months?

There was a moment when it looked I should walk away from the deal for Uponamattress.com based on low sales during a trial period. They eventually picked up and I am glad that I stayed with it.

What have you learned in the process of becoming wealthy that others can learn from?

Once an investment or business has accelerated it’s probably time to sell. Don’t wait until it slows down. A lot of times, the perception of potential increased earnings acceleration will drive the appreciation more than a solid, but stable track record.

If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were first making a name for yourself, what advice would you give yourself?

Don’t waste time on businesses that can’t scale and stay away from skateboards.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

“In all my life, I only regret the things I didn’t do, not the things I did.”

What advice would you give to a newbie Entrepreneur setting up their first business?

Don’t worry too much. Don’t be afraid to start a side hustle and “play business” for a while. It will set you up for future success.