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:
Listeners: To activate your free VIPHomeLink.com account, use the code 100FromBobby. For the first 100 listeners!
Our Guest – Alfred Bentley, PhD
Alfred Bentley’s mission is to make homeowners safer, smarter, and more organized – one home at a time. An award-winning inventor and technologist, Bentley created the technology behind vipHomeLink to simplify his own life. Today he is fully immersed in the process of bringing his vision to improve homeownership through technology to homes all over the world. When he’s not working, Bentley enjoys doing work around his home, skiing, sailing, and taking adventures with his family.
Episode Highlights
Some of the greatest innovations the world has ever seen started with two simple words: What if?” An entrepreneur woke up and asked themselves, “what if?” I acted upon that thought to improve a product, solution, or tool and in turn spark a movement that changes lives. Looking back in time, the world we live in is defined by those brave souls who moved past the idea phase and put their vision into action.
“A lot of the best ideas weren’t always coming from research, they were not always coming from the labs, but came from interactions with customers.” – Alfred, (2:44).
Today, we meet a man who is the embodiment of that question. At the tender age of 24, Alfred Bentley approached the executive board at IBM with his own “what if” to change the way ideas were created, cultivated, and brought to fruition. Within one year, his “what if” moment had an astounding economic impact to the tune of $1 billion dollars. Alfred kept asking that same question and it led him to founding vipHomeLink: a personalized app that adds value to the homeownership journey.
“I just try to make sure I do something physical, every single day.” – Alfred, (11:18).
Alfred stops by to share his amazing journey, lessons he’s learned along the way, the things he wishes for his fellow entrepreneur, and how he creates the optimal work life balance. This is an incredible conversation with an even more incredible man and one you can’t afford to miss. Alfred Bentley, today on Business Unchained!
“Learning moments are incredibly, incredibly energizing.” – Alfred, (18:19).
“I spend a lot of time with my family, and I cherish every moment of it, but I also end up working 80 to 100 hours a week. If I wasn’t doing something that I loved, I think that would be sucking the life out of me.” – Alfred, (24:38).
Relevant Links
Bobby Mascia
Alfred Bentley
Bart Adaptive Sports Center – Website
