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 Bennett Maxwell
Bennett Maxwell is the Chairman of Dirty Dough, a cookie brand that skyrocketed from a single shop to over 70 locations in just 12 months. Bennett’s journey into the cookie business began unexpectedly. After a successful stint in sales at a solar company, he invested in Dirty Dough’s first storefront in March 2020, right as the pandemic took hold. What started as a friend’s small venture from an apartment in Arizona quickly evolved.
Inspired by the success of competitors like Crumble, Bennett pushed for franchising, only to find his friend, exhausted from baking around the clock, was ready to sell. Bennett took over the business three years ago, reimagining every aspect from recipes to processes. With a complete overhaul and a focus on centralizing production, Dirty Dough launched its franchising model in December 2021. In just a year, the brand expanded from seven stores to more than 60 locations and 13 mobile franchises. Now living in the stunning outdoors of Salt Lake City with his three children, Bennett blends his business expertise with a deep appreciation for nature.
Reference Links:
Bennett Maxwell’s Social Media
Dirty Dough Social Media
Deeper Than Dough Podcast, Hosted By Bennett Maxwell
Episode Highlights:
Have you ever set a goal so ambitious that it felt almost impossible? Imagine aiming to open 30 locations in five years, but instead, you find yourself skyrocketing to 90 locations in just under two years. How does a company transform from a bold dream to an astonishing reality in such a short time? This is exactly what happened with Dirty Dough.
In today’s episode of Business Unchained, we dive into the extraordinary journey of Bennett Maxwell—a dynamic entrepreneur who transitioned from pre-med studies to door-to-door sales, founded a solar company, and now runs the rapidly growing cookie franchise, Dirty Dough.
“I set a goal that I was going to work my ass off until I was a millionaire before I was 30. I hit that, and within a few days, I was working nights and weekends again I realized this was going to go on forever”- Bennett Maxwell
One of the most compelling parts of Bennett’s story is how he turned a potentially devastating lawsuit from Crumbl Cookies into a marketing triumph. Crumbl accused Bennett and his brother of stealing recipes, but instead of retreating, Bennett used humor and transparency to control the narrative.
“The moment of finding out about the lawsuit was pretty gut-wrenching. We’re just about to open up our first franchise, and we don’t have money to fight a lawsuit.”
Join as Bennett recounts his transition from pre-med to door-to-door sales, his solar company, and the launch of Dirty Dough. He reveals the hurdles he’s faced, the importance of solid business processes, and the drama surrounding the Crumbl Cookies lawsuit. Bennett’s humorous and transparent approach to the lawsuit not only turned heads but also propelled Dirty Dough’s rapid growth. This episode is a compelling exploration of resilience, the mindset for success, and the delicate balance between personal and professional life as an entrepreneur.
“I live my life after 5:00 as if I had $1 billion. I go on a two-hour bike ride with my five-year-old, and she tells me, “This is the best day ever.” We do dates every single day. Start living the life you want today, even if it’s just after 5:00.”- Bennett Maxwell
