Calling all small business warriors who feel chained to their business! Do you run your business or does your business run you? You’ve poured your blood, sweat and tears into it and it is time to set yourself free. I’m Bobby Mascia – owner of a wealth management firm, family office, manufacturing business, 18 store Dunkin Franchise, and de facto business coach. My goal? To liberate your business— whether it be operationally, prep for a sale, a legacy handover, or self-management. The roadmap to this freedom is something we will uncover together in Business Unchained.” Join me as I learn about fellow entrepreneurs, dissecting their past, present, and future.
Iliya Zogovic
Iliya Zogovic is the Founder and Managing Partner of DBD Partners, bringing extensive experience in investment banking and corporate growth. Previously, he served as CEO of ONEtoONE Corporate Finance USA, where he successfully launched and led the U.S. division to become the bank’s most profitable branch in under four years. Before that, Zogovic was President and CEO of EMG & GSP, a major sales and marketing organization in Mexico and Central America, growing it into a global operation with over 10,000 employees.
Reference Links:
Iliya Zogovic Social Media
Episode Highlights:
Imagine running a business forever, knowing that the key to true success isn't just selling, but buying — buying a thriving business at 27, taking the helm, and steering it to even greater heights. What does that kind of bold vision look like? For many entrepreneurs, it’s a dream come true, and one that sets them apart. But how do you get there?
In this episode of Business Unchained, host Bobby Mascia is joined by Iliya Zogovic, a seasoned entrepreneur and investment banker, to explore the intricacies of entrepreneurship, business management, and the vital role financial acumen plays in building a successful company.
(00:01) ”I started working when I was still in college. I eventually ended up buying that business when I was 27. The most successful people are the ones who look at businesses holistically; you need to understand your strengths and weaknesses.”- Iliya Zogovic
(08:13) “At one point, we had around 10,000 employees across Mexico and Central America. That creates, I would like to say, one issue a day, but it's really like 100 different bombs that explode every single day.”- Iliya Zogovic
(44:35) “Run your business like you were going to run it forever because great companies are bought, they're not sold”- Iliya Zogovic
The decision to sell a business is often fraught with emotional challenges, especially for entrepreneurs who have dedicated decades to building their companies. Iliya stresses the need to address these emotional concerns early in the process to ensure a clear and balanced decision.
(54:13) “Stop comparing yourself against others. Think about how this changes your life and how that moves you.”- Iliya Zogovic
By following Iliya’s insights, entrepreneurs can better navigate the complexities of their business journeys, ensuring long-term success and personal fulfillment.
In this episode:
About Michael Carella
Michael T. Carella, a seasoned professional in the Title Insurance industry since 2002, established Evident Title Agency, Inc. in October 2005, driven by his passion for real estate and financial markets. With a bachelor’s degree from The University of Maryland, he is a licensed Title Producer and Notary Public. Under his leadership, Evident Title Agency, Inc. has expanded to 7 offices across New Jersey and New York, offering comprehensive title insurance and settlement services nationwide. Committed to customer satisfaction and transparency, Michael ensures clients understand every step of the process. His dedication has earned the company an “A” rating from the Better Business Bureau and recognition from Secure Settlements, Inc.
Reference Links:
Michael Carella’s Social Media
Evident Title Agency Social Media
West Essex Business
vipHomeLink platform
Episode Highlights:
In today’s episode of “Business Unchained,” we welcome Michael Carella, President and CEO of Evident Title Agency Inc. Michael joins us to delve into the dynamics of work ethic, fostering business growth, and the critical role of building the right team. Evident Title Agency specializes in providing title insurance, settlement services, bankruptcy searches, and property reports.
[04:50] “What I’ve learned kind of later in life is it’s not only the work ethic of what you’re doing at work, it’s also the work ethic of what you do to work on yourself.”- Bobby Mascia
[54:46] “You have to surround yourself with the best teams possible, whether it’s a fantastic wife and children, parents and siblings, or a great personal team, financial team, tax team, law team—all of that.” -Michael Carella
During the discussion, Bobby and Michael share their journeys in business ownership, emphasizing the importance of work ethic, team building, and adaptability. Bobby discusses balancing work and personal life, while Michael highlights his expansion from a one-man operation to multiple offices. They stress investing in oneself, taking calculated risks, and surrounding oneself with a strong team. The conversation also touches on learning from failures, the significance of trust in business relationships, and leveraging diverse business ventures for growth. Overall, this episode is a goldmine for anyone looking to master entrepreneurship and business management.
[20:28] “Take chances when you’re young. You’re gambling on yourself, and as life gets older, it gets much more complicated. Taking those risks when you’re younger can really pay off later..”-Michael Carella
[36:08] “I don’t like cutting corners. Sometimes that takes money to reinvest, and whether that’s hiring an employee I can’t afford right now, I know the seeds I’ve planted will grow, and the money will come in.” -Michael Carella
