938: It's WHEN, not IF (especially with the spirit of a hustler!) w/ Rudy Mage

How has Canva revolutionized the way entrepreneurs handle their visual content? Discover the answer with our host Brian Lofrumento in this action-packed episode of the Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur Podcast. This week, we spotlight Canva, the game-changing tool that has become a cornerstone in the tech stacks of countless successful entrepreneurs. From creating eye-catching podcast graphics and YouTube thumbnails to crafting polished marketing materials and sales follow-ups, Canva is the unsung hero behind many thriving businesses. Listen in as Brian shares how both he and our podcast guests leverage Canva’s extensive template library to streamline design processes and maintain impeccable brand consistency.Unleash the full potential of Canva and transform your business’s visual identity. Brian walks you through setting up a brand kit on Canva, ensuring that even the least design-savvy among us can produce professional-quality visuals. By uploading your logo, selecting your color palette, and choosing your fonts, you can create cohesive branding across all your marketing materials effortlessly. This episode is your reminder to explore all that Canva has to offer and take actionable steps to enhance your business. Visit thewantrepreneurshow.com to read more about our incredible guests and their entrepreneurial journeys!

Ever wondered how one man's journey from addiction could lead to a multi-faceted empire spanning real estate, finance, and reputation management? In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Spira, an inspiring entrepreneur and coach who transformed his life after a wake-up call at 17. You'll hear how Andrew overcame personal trauma and addiction to launch his first business by 18, finding immense success during the COVID-19 pandemic. His story is not just about business acumen but about resilience, faith, and the relentless quest for personal growth.Andrew's journey wasn't smooth sailing; he faced significant challenges and even relapsed at 23. However, this only fueled his determination to succeed, emphasizing that true entrepreneurial success lies in simple business fundamentals and personal integrity. He discusses crucial insights into overcoming labels, the importance of faith in his journey, and how basic principles often pave the way to wealth. We also explore his adventurous lifestyle, spontaneous travel escapades, and the strict routines he maintains to manage his global ventures effectively.Beyond business, Andrew is committed to giving back. He shares the heartfelt mission behind his nonprofit, AndrewSpira.me, which supports individuals battling addiction and those lacking basic life skills. From securing jobs and housing for recovering addicts to offering personal guidance, Andrew's philanthropic efforts are as commendable as his business achievements. Tune in to discover how persistence and a positive mindset can lead to life-changing opportunities, and get inspired by Andrew's unwavering commitment to making a difference.ABOUT ANDREWAndrew Spira is a successful entrepreneur and motivational speaker with a powerful story of transformation and resilience. His journey from overcoming personal challenges to building a multi-million dollar real estate portfolio and successful businesses makes him an ideal guest for podcasts focused on personal growth, entrepreneurship, and overcoming adversity.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Andrew’s WebsiteVisit Skyecap’s WebsiteConnect with Andrew on LinkedIn

Unlock the secrets of marketing brilliance with Brian Carroll, a marketing leader who transitioned from the finance world to become an expert in understanding customer behavior and psychology. Inspired by Carl Jung's concepts of personas and archetypes, Brian reveals how he pairs outstanding marketing with exceptional products, using fintech giants as prime examples. Discover why understanding your market and ideal customer is not just important, but essential for both startups and established companies.Brian shares invaluable insights into voice of customer research, emphasizing how to overcome internal biases and effectively structure data. Learn how to align key performance indicators (KPIs) with business goals, whether you're looking to acquire new customers or upsell to existing ones. Brian's data-driven approach to marketing, combined with the transformative power of artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT and Otter, will revolutionize how you analyze customer feedback and build accurate buyer personas.Finally, hear Brian's compelling story of how his passion for meaningful work led him to start his own consulting business, specializing in niche markets like hedge funds and family offices. He stresses the importance of empathy in marketing and focusing on one's strengths to truly understand and address client needs. Brian's advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is to harness their passions and strengths to elevate their business from good to great. Don't miss out on these expert insights that promise to enhance your entrepreneurial journey.ABOUT BRIANBrian Carroll is a seasoned marketing leader with two decades of experience spanning investment management, wealthtech, and B2B SaaS. From launching new products at growth-stage companies to building and leading a global marketing team at Nasdaq, Brian's diverse expertise has driven success at every level. These experiences inspired him to establish Gray Carroll Consulting, where he helps businesses overcome complex challenges and unlock their full potential. Brian lives in Atlanta with his wife, Carla, and daughter, London. He is a devoted family man, a golf enthusiast, and values the endless pursuit of learning.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Gray Carroll Consulting’s WebsiteConnect with Brian on LinkedInFollow Gray Carroll Consulting on LinkedIn

Ever wondered how you can turn your life experiences into valuable leadership skills? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Lisa Weinberger, the powerhouse behind Peak Learning Group. Discover how Lisa's diverse journey from being a ski instructor to holding leadership roles in HR and talent development has shaped her unique approach to executive coaching. Her story is not just inspiring but packed with practical insights on resilience, passion, and continuous personal growth.Unlock the secrets to becoming an effective entrepreneur with Lisa as we highlight the crucial leadership skills you need. From identifying and leveraging your existing strengths to acquiring new ones, Lisa emphasizes the role of experiential learning and the importance of practicing in safe environments. Drawing from her time as a ski coach, she shares how guiding others through their journeys can translate into transformative leadership. Whether it’s handling sales conversations or client projects, this episode is brimming with actionable advice for aspiring leaders.What role does trust play in building high-performing teams? Lisa dives deep into the critical elements of fostering trust, accountability, and commitment within teams. Explore how understanding personality styles through tools like the DISC assessment can enhance coaching effectiveness and create more meaningful interactions. As we wrap up, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for how setting the right culture and understanding team dynamics can lead to outstanding results. Don’t miss this chance to glean invaluable lessons from Lisa Weinberger, whose extensive experience and adventurous spirit make her a standout voice in leadership and team development.ABOUT LISAWith over 30 years in Leadership, HR, and Talent Development across various industries, Lisa Weinberger launched an executive coaching business in 2022. She helps clients become exceptional leaders, accelerate their careers, and build high-performing teams. Lisa focuses on mutual respect and trust, enabling clients to harness their strengths and achieve their desired impact. She also facilitates leadership development workshops and enhances HR programs.Lisa holds a Bachelor of Chemistry, Bachelor of Biochemistry, and a Master of Education in Human Resource Development, along with a Ph.D. in Human Resource Development from the University of Minnesota. She resides in St. Paul, MN, and enjoys skiing, mountain biking, and hiking.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Peak Learning Group’s WebsiteConnect with Lisa on LinkedIn

What if the key to entrepreneurial success lies in balancing artistic talent with strategic business acumen? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Rudy Mage, the mastermind behind Inked Pro, as he reveals his remarkable journey from studying computer animation to establishing a thriving printing company. Discover how Rudy's creative background has been a cornerstone of his entrepreneurial endeavors, and how focusing on one major project at a time has enabled him to juggle multiple ventures, including his clothing line, Chimu, with impressive growth.Rudy sheds light on the art of building a brand with intent and the delicate balance between structured strategies and spontaneous creativity. Hear firsthand how he leverages simple tools like an iPhone for marketing and the invaluable role of focus groups in tailoring market-ready products. Rudy’s grassroots initiatives, including selling from his car trunk, underscore the significance of small, persistent efforts in achieving long-term success. Learn about the importance of gradual growth, trade shows, and establishing a robust infrastructure for scalability.Lastly, delve into the world of networking as Rudy stresses the power of face-to-face interactions over mere social media connections. He shares how genuine relationships and personal interactions have led to substantial business opportunities, particularly during challenging times like the pandemic. Rudy talks about the importance of intuition in fostering meaningful professional relationships and how collaboration and gratitude towards others have been pivotal in his entrepreneurial journey. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape with both creativity and strategic savvy.

Have you ever wondered how setting aside just a small percentage of your income could revolutionize your business? Brace yourself for an Action Saturday episode that could change the way you think about business growth forever. Our host Brian Lofrumento shares the life-changing advice he wishes he had received a decade ago: create a growth fund. Learn how committing even 1% of your income to a separate account dedicated to future investments can transform your entrepreneurial journey.Brian passionately discusses his own experience with this simple yet powerful strategy, which has enabled him to invest in branding, strategic hires, and essential tools without touching personal or operational funds. Inspired by the principles of "Profit First" by Mike Michalowicz, this episode is a call to action for entrepreneurs at any stage to start building their future today. Tune in to understand the significance of a growth fund and how it can propel your business to new heights, ensuring you are always prepared to seize growth opportunities as they arise.

Ready to uncover the secrets of a successful entrepreneur? Meet Bridget Henson, the powerhouse behind Bridey Design and Build. From her early days studying art and design at Northeastern University to becoming a trailblazer in the residential construction industry, Bridget's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Learn how she seamlessly merges the worlds of design and construction to bring client visions to life, all while navigating the challenges of starting her own business and balancing motherhood.Ever wonder how top entrepreneurs manage their time and keep communication lines open? Bridget Henson shares her game-changing strategies for staying organized and maintaining transparent communication with clients. Discover her detailed approach to planning and scheduling that ensures every project runs smoothly. Bridget also discusses the importance of setting clear boundaries, delegating tasks, and how these practices have improved her work-life balance and business efficiency.Curious about the latest technological advances in interior design? Bridget delves into the transformative impact of tools like virtual reality headsets, which offers clients real-time visualizations of their renovations. Hear her candid reflections on the financial aspects of entrepreneurship, from overcoming the hurdle of undercharging to confidently pricing her services. Bridget’s inspiring story of growth, innovation, and self-discovery will leave you motivated and ready to tackle your own entrepreneurial dreams. Tune in for an episode filled with valuable insights and practical advice from one of Massachusetts' leading design and build experts!ABOUT BRIDGETBridget Henson, Owner of Bridey Design + Build, started her career off working in interior design before moving over to residential construction. After a decade of experience in both, she honed her craft and founded her own company in 2023.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Bridey Design’s WebsiteFollow Bridey Design on InstagramConnect with Bridget on LinkedIn

Ever missed out on a major event just because you didn't know it was happening? Christina Ness and Justin Chu turned that frustration into innovation. Christina's incredible journey from Target's headquarters to the entertainment industry in Los Angeles, working with big names like Simon Fuller and Adam Sandler's company, set the stage for an unexpected pivot upon meeting her co-founder Justin, whose personal error led him to an idea for a blossoming tech company. Hear how their paths crossed at Activision Blizzard, leading to the creation of Evenigo, a game-changing platform for event enthusiasts. Christina and Justin's story is a testament to seizing opportunities and making waves in the tech world.Imagine missing out on Beyonce tickets and deciding to build an app to ensure it never happens again. That's Justin's story, and it became the cornerstone for Evenigo. When a major restructuring left both Christina and Justin jobless, they turned a setback into a launchpad for their startup. Their complementary skills and shared vision birthed a platform designed to revolutionize how we keep track of events and connect with our favorite brands and artists. Listen in as they recount their journey from corporate stability to the thrilling, unpredictable world of entrepreneurship.Building an app without a coding background? Christina and Justin did it using no-code platforms like Figma, Wix, Adalo, and Bubble. They share how they navigated the technical challenges and leveraged resources like YouTube and Udemy to bring Evenigo to life. Their dynamic partnership, based on mutual respect and effective communication, has been pivotal in overcoming obstacles and embracing the entrepreneurial grind. From expense reports to legal matters, they keep it real about the less glamorous side of running a startup. Tune in for their invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and learn how staying authentic and hungry for knowledge can lead to success. Don't forget to join their journey by downloading Evenigo from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.ABOUT CHRISTINA & JUSTINChristina Ness and Justin Chu are the co-founders of Evenigo, a platform that allows fans of brands, artists or influencers to subscribe to their external calendars so that they don't miss out on their favorite promos, drops or ticket on-sale events. The pair met while working together at Activision Blizzard, and after missing out on an important ticket presale due to manual error, decided to start their own company.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Evenigo’s WebsiteFollow Evenigo on InstagramFind Evenigo on TikTokConnect with Christina on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedIn

What if conflict could be the key to your entrepreneurial success? Join us as we welcome John Ford, a conflict resolution expert with a remarkable background ranging from law practice in Namibia to involvement in UN-led peace processes. John’s insights will transform the way you perceive and handle conflicts, turning them from obstacles into opportunities for growth and communication. Learn how his journey to the United States led him to specialize in workplace mediation, where he developed unique tools like the empathy set and talking sticks that are revolutionizing how businesses resolve disputes.Gain practical strategies for addressing conflicts early and preventing them from escalating, a crucial skill for any entrepreneur. John emphasizes the power of constructive communication and the importance of understanding subtle emotions in negotiation scenarios. Discover how building human connections and establishing fairness can lead to win-win solutions, and why empathy and an objective perspective are essential for achieving just outcomes. Whether you’re negotiating a deal or resolving a workplace issue, John’s approach will equip you with the skills to handle conflicts effectively.Explore the creation of a culture of resolution in your business by building trust and honoring all perspectives involved in disputes. John shares his wisdom on using emotional intelligence to make conflicts productive and how the immigrant experience shapes an entrepreneurial mindset. Through practical examples and tools like feelings and needs cards, you’ll see how structured communication can lead to mutually beneficial solutions. Don’t miss this episode filled with invaluable insights and techniques that will elevate your conflict resolution skills and foster better communication within your entrepreneurial journey.ABOUT JOHNJohn Ford, originally from South Africa, has a law background from the University of Cape Town and began practicing in Namibia. His work in human rights and with the San people during the UN-led Resolution 435 peace process shaped his conflict resolution approach. For 30 years in the USA, John specialized in workplace mediation and soft-skills training. He created The Empathy Set and The Talking Sticks to enhance communication. Teaching at UC Law SF, John authored "Peace at Work." His tools, inspired by addressing feelings and needs, simplify communication. A past president of the Association for Dispute Resolution of Northern California, he excels in fostering harmony.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit John’s WebsiteVisit The Empathy Set’s WebsiteFind John’s Book ‘Peace at Work: The HR Manager's Guide to Workplace Mediation’ on AmazonGet the Empathy Set on AmazonVisit John’s Store on EtsyConnect with John on LinkedIn

Ever wondered how a podcast can grow from a modest start to a top 1.5% show worldwide? As we celebrate the Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur podcast's eighth anniversary, we'll take you on a journey through our remarkable growth, featuring insights from over 933 episodes. This episode is a heartfelt homage to our global audience and the inspiring guests who have shared their entrepreneurial journeys with us. With listeners in more than 150 countries, we've created a vibrant community of like-minded individuals, and we're just getting started.Reflecting on the ninth anniversary of the book, "Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur," our host Brian Lofrumento shares the raw, unfiltered truth about the challenges and rewards of writing and self-publishing. The essence of creativity lies in the act of publishing, imperfections and all. Through Brian's personal experiences, we aim to inspire aspiring authors and creators to take the leap and bring their ideas to fruition. It's not about achieving perfection but about making an impact by simply putting your work out there.As we look forward to reaching episode 1000, this milestone episode celebrates the unexpected turns and growth we've experienced over the past eight years. From starting without knowing the full path to becoming a standalone platform, the podcast has evolved into a space where entrepreneurs can connect and learn from one another. With immense gratitude for our guests and listeners, we invite you to join us every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for new episodes. Visit our website to leave voicemails and engage in live chats—let's continue to grow, innovate, and build this incredible community together!