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.
About Maria Falzo
Maria Falzo is a PR and events expert, entrepreneur, and founder of The Hip Event, a boutique agency specializing in luxury brand experiences, high-profile events, and strategic marketing. With a career rooted in retail marketing and public relations, Maria has worked with top-tier brands such as Neiman Marcus, Hugo Boss, and luxury real estate firms, connecting high-net-worth individuals with meaningful brand experiences.
Her expertise lies in crafting high-impact events, from black-tie galas to intimate brand activations, always ensuring that clients receive an ROI-driven approach. Maria's entrepreneurial journey has allowed her to balance her professional success with her role as a devoted mother, shaping a business that fits her lifestyle.
Reference Links:
The Hip Event Social Media
Maria Falzo Social Media
Episode Highlights:
What makes an event truly unforgettable? Is it the grand venue, the meticulous details, or the emotions it evokes? In a world where luxury events are becoming more extravagant, what does it take to create magic behind the scenes?
In this episode of Business Unchained, host Bobby Mascia sits down with Maria Falzo, a top event planner specializing in high-net-worth clientele, to discuss her journey from the corporate world to launching her own agency.
(29:04) ”People will spend more money on personal events than they will on corporate events. It's that emotional connection”— Maria Falzo
The conversation also explores the challenges that come with planning high-profile events, including last-minute changes, difficult clients, and the pressure to deliver perfection. Maria explains how she stays grounded and maintains balance between her demanding career and personal life.
(04:15) ”I think a lot of people have a hard time dealing with high-net-worth individuals, and I think for myself, it took me a few years of just seeing a lot of zeros and a lot of digits before numbers just really didn’t matter to me anymore.” — Maria Falzo
At its core, Maria’s story is about passion, resilience, and the ability to turn a vision into reality. Whether you're planning your own wedding, hosting a corporate event, or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration. Let’s dive in!
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
