🇮🇹 Have you ever thought about opening a franchise? 🤌 Do you think owning a franchise is the same as being an entrepreneur? These are critical questions to consider if you're thinking about stepping into the world of business ownership. In this episode of The StartDown Podcast , host Mike Ficara dives into the nuances of franchising with Gregory K. Mohr, also known as the "Franchise Maven." Guest: Gregory K. Mohr - Franchise Expert, known as the "Franchise Maven" Contact Gregory K. Mohr: Phon...
Nov 05, 2024•24 min•Ep. 222
🇮🇹 Guess who's back, baby? 🤌 In Episode 221 of The StartDown Podcast, host Mike Ficara is back after an almost year-long break, and he’s more energized than ever. After stepping away from the podcast to focus on new and exciting ventures, Mike returns to share what he’s been up to, including the launch of his cigar brand, Guido Cigars. Mike reflects on the challenges and triumphs of producing his own cigar line, including the process of selecting materials and designing the brand. He shares t...
Oct 22, 2024•20 min•Ep. 221
🇮🇹 This week we are joined on The StartDown Podcast by the Godfather of Instagram, Tony Pec! 🤌🏼 We talked about one of my favorite topics – stressing about likes, views, and followers. It’s not about having a million followers; it's about the impact and connection you have with the followers you do have. Think about it: 72 likes might seem small on a screen, but imagine those 72 people in a room engaged with what you have to say. That's a powerful audience. These are individuals you can conn...
Jan 16, 2024•45 min•Ep. 220
🇮🇹 Tune in to our latest episode where Mike Ficara and special guest Nicholas Curattalo dive deep into the world of entrepreneurship, leadership, and balancing life's priorities. Highlights: 1️⃣ Growth & Networking: Relive the memorable moments from Grant Cardone's 10x conference in 2019 with Mike and Jose Flores. 🤝 2️⃣ Entrepreneurial Journey: Nicholas shares his inspiring transition from mortgage banking to logistics, emphasizing perseverance and self-reliance. 💼 3️⃣ Parenthood & C...
Dec 19, 2023•48 min•Ep. 219
Homeownership, mortgages, and local expertise in South Florida. 0:43 Nathan Connor grew up in Broward County, Florida, and now helps families find homes as a loan officer. Misconceptions about affording a home. 4:44 Discuss misconceptions about affording a home, including the impact of social media on perceptions. Importance of mortgage professionals vs. DIY. 8:09 Nathan shares an example of how a mortgage professional can help a client avoid potential issues with AI-generated documents, such as...
Nov 28, 2023•48 min•Ep. 218
Overcoming fear in business and podcasting. 0:00 Mike Ficara discusses overcoming fear in business, sharing his own experiences and insights. Ficara enjoys a CEO Italia cigar during the episode, offering it to listeners who send him a DM. Managing fear as an entrepreneur. 1:58 Mike Ficara believes fear is a natural part of being an entrepreneur, but it can be managed by turning it into fuel or fun. Ficara faces fears such as imposter syndrome and the possibility of business failure, but views th...
Nov 21, 2023•11 min•Ep. 217
Poker, bluffing, and lying. 0:00 Mike Ficara shares stories about playing poker as a child with his family, learning the game and its mathematics, and the importance of bluffing. Bluffing in personal and professional life. 1:50 Mike discusses bluffing as a common phenomenon in various aspects of life, including business and personal goals. He struggled academically throughout his education, blaming himself for 60% of his struggles and the educational system for the remaining 40%. Bluffing and fa...
Nov 14, 2023•16 min•Ep. 216
🇮🇹 Scott Ritzheimer: Navigating Nonprofit Wisdom🤝 Entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal growth. 0:59 Scott Ritzheimer reflects on their career journey, noting they've helped over 20,000 organizations and experienced similar patterns in their own entrepreneurial journey. Nonprofit vs for-profit businesses and success strategies. 3:33 Mike Ficara highlights the misconception that nonprofits are not progressing, and Scott explains that nonprofits are organizations of people working towards ...
Nov 07, 2023•34 min•Ep. 215
Entrepreneurship, faith, & personal growth. 0:03 Mike & James discuss their shared faith & how it intersects with their business ventures. Prioritizing faith & material wealth. 5:34 Discusses the misinterpretation of biblical verses, emphasizing that the love of money is the root of all evil, not money itself. Entrepreneurship, stewardship, & balancing callings. 11:33 Everyone has an entrepreneurial spirit, & it's not necessary to own a business to be an entrepreneur. Wor...
Oct 31, 2023•38 min•Ep. 214
Episode 213: Savoring Success and Cigars In this episode of The StartDown Podcast, your host Mike Ficara embarks on an intriguing journey as he dives headfirst into the world of cigars and business with Andrew Thorp King. With over 200 episodes under his belt, he reflects on the captivating notion that, throughout the show's history, he has never had a guest join him for a cigar. This revelation sets the stage for an exciting and uncharted territory, where cigars and conversation intertwine to c...
Oct 24, 2023•38 min•Ep. 213
In this episode celebrating Italian American Heritage Month, host Mike Ficara passionately explores the influence of his Italian roots on business practices, treating clients and employees like family members. As a third-generation Italian American, he navigates the balance between preserving cultural heritage and embracing a distinct American identity. Mike discusses the intersection of Italian heritage in daily life, family traditions, and their intriguing parallels with successful business st...
Oct 17, 2023•25 min•Ep. 212
Show Notes: The StartDown Podcast Episode 211 with Nick Scarabosio Introduction (00:00 - 0:57) - Mike Ficara introduces Nick Scarabosio, an executive coach and co-founder of Culture to Clash. - Nick's background as a third-generation San Francisco native, husband, and father. - Overview of Nick's diverse experiences in real estate, property management, fitness, and coaching. Nick's Journey and Experiences (0:57 - 6:38) - Nick's experiences on both the highest peak and lowest low in life, marriag...
Oct 10, 2023•26 min•Ep. 211
🇮🇹 This week on The StartDown Podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Adam Knihtila, the brilliant mind behind Adam Kae & Associates, serving as a Fractional CFO for digital marketing agencies. 📈 We examined the world of outsourced C-level opportunities and even touched upon the crucial decision of when to bring in an outsourced CMO, like the pros at @yourbrandethos. 💼 Adam Kae & Associates is all about creating financial strategies and systems tailored for digital marketing age...
Oct 03, 2023•44 min•Ep. 210
🇮🇹 The StartDown Podcast welcomes Global Credibility Expert Mitchell Levy. He is a 2x TEDx speaker, an international bestselling author of over 60 books, and an executive coach at Marshall Goldsmith’s 100 Coaches. After interviewing 500 thought leaders on credibility, he published a 7-country international bestselling book, delivered a powerful TEDx on humanity, created courses, and created the Credibility. Nation membership community to help those live, learn and surround themselves with othe...
Sep 26, 2023•53 min•Ep. 209
Introduction (0:00) - Mike Ficara introduces Travis Chappell, a social media expert and wealth of knowledge. Travis's Podcasting Journey (0:41) - Travis started podcasting out of a love for personal development, despite not being a fan of reading. Podcasting for Self-Improvement (2:51) - Podcasting serves as a medium for inputting valuable information into your mind, resulting in positive output to the world. Podcasting for Connection and Business Growth (5:09) - Podcasting's unique RSS feed all...
Sep 19, 2023•40 min•Ep. 208
JM Ryerson’s Background JM Ryerson founded and sold 3 businesses and is now helping leadership teams do the same. He is an Author, Leadership & Performance Coach, International Speaker, and host of the Let’s Go Win podcast who has been building companies and leading sales teams for over 20 years. JM is the co-founder and CEO of Let's Go Win whose mission is to increase leadership, enhance culture, and help teams achieve peak performance. JM’s great passions are inspiring people to live their...
Sep 12, 2023•33 min•Ep. 207
In this episode of The StartDown Podcast, we meet Lydia Stutesman, a high school teacher whose connection with our host, Mike, blossomed at a coffee event where they instantly bonded. Despite recently turning 50, Lydia exudes youthful energy and a perpetual sense of being in her twenties. The conversation explores the delicate balance between pursuing one's true passion and succumbing to societal expectations. Lydia astutely observes that many individuals often find themselves ensnared in the cy...
Sep 05, 2023•33 min•Ep. 206
Segment 1: The Realities of Podcasting (00:04) - Larry Roberts and Mike kick off the episode by sharing their insights and experiences within the podcasting industry. - They emphasize the misconception that podcasting is easy and guarantees instant success, highlighting the importance of hard work and dedication. Segment 2: Overcoming Challenges (05:12) - The conversation shifts to the challenges new podcasters face, such as finding their authentic voice and overcoming shyness. - The significanc...
Aug 29, 2023•47 min•Ep. 205
🇮🇹 Feugetaboutit and join Mike and Mike as they take us through this Italian American journey of dedication to preserving traditions and community 👋 Introducing Michael Carioscia Michael Carioscia, the owner of Hardcore Italians, an online entertainment and apparel store. This lifestyle brand, born from Italian roots, showcases an array of options, reflecting the essence of Italian culture and community. 👕 From Apparel to Lifestyle Brand Mike Carioscia delves into the concept behind Hardcore...
Aug 22, 2023•41 min•Ep. 204
🎙️ Welcome to another episode of The Start Down Podcast! Today, we are honored to have Casey Dellapenna as our guest, and Mike is excited to delve into a discussion that promises to be both insightful and enlightening. 💼 Meet Casey Dellapenna - A Genuine Force for Good In this episode, Mike introduces Casey, a genuine and authentic individual who brings his unique perspective and passion for community engagement to the forefront. Casey's journey has taken him from his roots in Pennsylvania to ...
Aug 15, 2023•39 min•Ep. 203
🎙️ Welcome to another exciting episode of The Start Down Podcast with Mike Ficara! Today, we have the privilege of introducing Guillermo Elizondo, a computer science engineer with an unyielding passion for utilizing technology to make a positive impact on society. At just 17 years old, Guillermo created his first online education app, setting the stage for his future endeavors. 💼 Introducing Guillermo Elizondo Meet Guillermo, the co-founder of Territorium, a pioneering company that connects ed...
Aug 08, 2023•27 min•Ep. 202
🇮🇹 Unleashing the Power of Niche Marketing with Jake Hurwitz 🎯🚀 Welcome to Episode 201 of The StartDown Podcast, where we dive into the dynamic world of niche marketing and the art of connecting with the right audience! 🎯🚀 In today's ever-evolving media landscape, the rule of thumb is clear - niches are the game-changers! The era of sheer views or listens as the ultimate measure of success is fading. The real magic lies in connecting with the right audience, understanding their unique need...
Aug 01, 2023•43 min•Ep. 201
🇮🇹 The StartDown Podcast: Episode 200 - Embracing Entrepreneurial Success with Lisa Collum 🎙️ We've done it! The StartDown Podcast has achieved an incredible milestone – Episode 200! This is a celebration you can't afford to miss! I am thrilled to announce that our extraordinary 200th guest is none other than my longtime client and dear friend, Lisa Collum! Lisa is not only a phenomenal entrepreneur, but also a devoted mother of four! In this special episode, she shares her invaluable insight...
Jul 25, 2023•49 min•Ep. 200
🎙️💼 Unlocking the Essence of Success - Episode 199 of The StartDown Podcast! 🇮🇹🔎 Welcome to Episode 199 of The StartDown Podcast, where your host, Mike Ficara, leads us on a remarkable journey of self-discovery and redefining success. As we approach the monumental 200th episode, it's the perfect time to pause and reflect on the true meaning of success unlocked over the years. Throughout the series, Mike has engaged in insightful conversations with CEOs, celebrities, and small business owner...
Jul 18, 2023•30 min•Ep. 199
In honor of Independence Day, The StartDown Podcast brings you an exciting episode filled with marketing insights from the remarkable Dean Mercado. As we celebrate the spirit of freedom, host Mike Ficara is thrilled to feature Dean and his expertise in nurturing and cultivating marketing efforts. Effective marketing plays a pivotal role in the success of entrepreneurs, and Dean Mercado's insights will help listeners water the seeds of their marketing strategies and witness remarkable growth. Whe...
Jul 04, 2023•56 min•Ep. 198
Episode 197: "Timing: The Art of Knowing When to Act" In Episode 197 of The StartDown Podcast, host Mike Ficara dives into the crucial role that timing plays in business decisions. The episode explores how timing can make or break a decision, emphasizing the importance of context and deep understanding in determining the right course of action. While timing is often seen as a critical factor, the episode challenges this notion by highlighting that timing alone may not be the most important eleme...
Jun 27, 2023•27 min•Ep. 197
"South Florida: The Biggest Small Town You'll Ever Experience with Greg Goldstein" In Episode 196 of The StartDown Podcast, host Mike Ficara and guest Greg Goldstein explore the unique community dynamics of networking and philanthropy. The conversation delves into the importance of volunteering in South Florida, the intricacies of marketing and networking, and the joys and challenges of fatherhood. Listeners are treated to an enriching and enlightening discussion that sheds light on the essence ...
Jun 20, 2023•24 min•Ep. 196
"Unlocking Your True Potential with Linzy Elizabeth" In Episode 195 of The StartDown Podcast, host Mike Ficara welcomes the incredible Linzy Elizabeth as their special guest. This engaging episode focuses on the theme of unlocking the barriers that hold us back from reaching our full potential. Linzy shares her unique insights and experiences, providing listeners with a thought-provoking conversation that is sure to inspire personal growth and transformation. Throughout the episode, the conversa...
Jun 13, 2023•33 min•Ep. 195
As The StartDown Podcast approaches its 200th episode we are honored and humbled to have Marc and Steve Nudelberg as guests on episode 194. This episode serves as an opportunity to tap into the invaluable knowledge and experience these two game changers possess, empowering them to make positive changes in their own entrepreneurial journeys and the South Florida community. Marc and Steve Nudelberg are a dynamic father-and son-team that bring a wealth of experience and wisdom to the conversation. ...
Jun 06, 2023•56 min•Ep. 194
In this episode of The StartDown Podcast, host Mike Ficara delves into the fascinating topic of what it means to be a young entrepreneur versus a seasoned one. Drawing from his personal experience as a mid-range 40-ish entrepreneur, Mike explores the evolving perceptions of age in the entrepreneurial world. Reflecting on his own journey and the changing landscape, he raises thought-provoking questions: What defines a seasoned entrepreneur? Is it measured by age, financial success, or sustainabil...
May 30, 2023•24 min•Ep. 193
