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 Mo Wadhwani
After relocating his family ten times in 14 years, they finally settled in the great state of New Jersey. It was during a move to Austin, Texas, that he discovered Iron Man and immediately felt drawn to it. Despite being untrained, his determination led him to sign up. What began as a mere curiosity soon transformed him from a nickname freak to an athlete sensation and the founder of an apparel brand. Taking a leap of faith, Mo executed on a dream that most people only talk about. He is married to his life and business partner, and together they have two incredible kids who are part of the movement, which has become more than just a brand—it’s a lifestyle.
Reference Links:
Mo Wadhwani Social Media
Athletifreak Social Media
Episode Highlights:
In today’s episode of “Business Unchained,” we have the pleasure of hosting Mo Wadhwani, a business owner and the creative force behind the athletic apparel brand, AthletiFreak.
Mo and his wife, Noor, who is the creative fashion designer behind the brand, took the plunge and executed their dream. They started AthletiFreak out of their house in 2021 and have since expanded to multiple locations. Their journey wasn’t without its challenges, but their commitment to quality and creating a tangible experience for their customers through pop-ups and eventually brick-and-mortar stores has been a game-changer.
[11:34] “The woman is a creative genius. She has a background in fashion design. Now that is her expertise. Because we were relocating, because of my corporate career so frequently, she never had the opportunity to practice her profession.” -Mo Wadhwani
During our conversation, we touch on the challenges and pivots faced in growing a business, such as moving from e-commerce to pop-up shops and eventually to brick-and-mortar stores. Mo shares his personal story of moving frequently for corporate jobs, embracing local cultures, and the importance of family and core values.
[20:28] “What we learned is wherever you go, every city has its own personality and we enjoy traveling. Now, a lot of people move in there like, oh, it’s not home., For us It was let’s learn, let’s embrace this culture.” -Mo Wadhwani
The conversation also delves into the spiritual and physical aspects of business ownership, highlighting the need for stillness and clarity for decision-making. Mo emphasizes the importance of passion, hard work, and doing business with loved ones. The episode encapsulates the essence of starting and scaling a business, the integration of personal growth, and the creation of a lifestyle brand.
[22:14] “The day you say it’s working, you’re in trouble. I never want to be complacent. I never want to pause and say, we made it.”- Mo Wadhwani
[33:00] “It’s very easy to say you failed. But to have an environment where it’s okay to fail, as long as you learn from your mistakes and then move forward, that’s how you build.” -Mo Wadhwani
