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:
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. An active advisor, Zogovic is involved in several businesses and non-profits and serves in leadership roles within the Young Presidents Organization and the USA-Mexico Chamber of Commerce. A passionate ultra-endurance athlete, he has completed multiple Ironman races, marathons, and ultramarathons.
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.
Iliya shares his journey from working in a marketing business during college to acquiring it at the age of 27. Their conversation dives into the importance of understanding financial fundamentals, managing cash flow, and accurately assessing business valuations. Iliya also reflects on his experience running large-scale operations in Mexico and Central America, underscoring the need for a long-term vision and emotional resilience when considering the sale of a business.
(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
He explains that even businesses in the same industry can differ vastly in value, depending on factors such as client concentration, exposure to commodities, and operational efficiencies. Business owners, he warns, should be cautious of overestimating their company’s worth without considering these nuances.
(07:23) “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
Iliya advises entrepreneurs to run their companies as if they will own them forever. “Great companies are bought, not sold,” he says, emphasizing the importance of focusing on long-term value creation over short-term exits.
(41:29) “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.
For many, their business is more than just a venture—it’s a part of their identity. While older generations may have built businesses to create a lasting legacy, younger entrepreneurs may prioritize financial gain.
Iliya also underscores the importance of cash flow, famously stating, “Cash is king.” Business owners should prioritize generating cash and gain a clear understanding of their financial health by reviewing their balance sheets.
(50:37) “Stop comparing yourself against others. Think about how this changes your life and how that moves you.”- Iliya Zogovic
He cautions against comparing one’s business to others, warning that external benchmarks can distort personal success. Success, he asserts, often comes from the willingness to take risks. If a business owner isn’t prepared to invest in growth themselves, they should consider partnering with someone who is.
By following Iliya’s insights, entrepreneurs can better navigate the complexities of their business journeys, ensuring long-term success and personal fulfillment.
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