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 Paige Arnof-Fenn
Paige is a seasoned marketing strategist with a wealth of experience gained from her tenure in both corporate and startup environments, and she is the founder of Mavens and Moguls. She believes that marketing is crucial for the success of a business, making the difference between success and failure by emphasizing authenticity, owning a space in the consumer’s mind, and being the go-to solution for their problems. Paige highlights the importance of an online presence and social proof, asserting that credibility and a positive reputation are paramount in the professional services industry. She works with a diverse range of clients, from venture-backed startups to Fortune 500 companies, using a strategic and opportunistic approach tailored to each client’s specific goals and needs while maintaining an emphasis on both current and future growth opportunities.
Reference Links:
Paige Arnof-Fenn’s Social Media
Mavens & Moguls Social Media
Episode Highlights:
What if I told you that marketing is the magic ingredient that can make or break your business? Ever wonder why some startups effortlessly capture attention while others struggle to get noticed? In today’s episode of Business Unchained, we are excited to feature Paige Arnof-Fenn, a former Wall Street professional and Harvard MBA graduate.
“I had a professor in business school who used to say, marketing is everything and everything is marketing.”- Paige Arnof-Fenn
“Marketing can be the difference between success and failure, but it really comes down to being an authentic brand, saying what you mean, meaning what you say, and standing for something”- Paige Arnof-Fenn
During the conversation, we discuss the importance of marketing and branding. Paige, who has led three major startups, shares her journey from corporate roles at Coca-Cola to becoming an “accidental entrepreneur.”We delve into the critical role of authentic branding, maintaining a strong online presence, and the significance of human connection in today’s digital age. The episode emphasizes that everyone is a brand and highlights the need for consistency and continuous learning for business success.
“Everybody’s a brand today. You might not think of yourself as a brand. You do not need to be Taylor Swift or Beyoncé or LeBron James to be a brand. Everyone with social media platforms, you’re a brand. I’m a brand.”- Paige Arnof-Fenn
“Don’t be threatened by the robots because more than ever, I think the human connection, showing your humanity, connecting with people on a human level, cannot be copied by a robot.”- Paige Arnof-Fenn
This episode is packed with actionable insights on marketing, branding, and the entrepreneurial mindset. Whether you’re just starting or looking to scale your business, there’s something here for everyone.
