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:
Michael W. Gray
Michael W. Gray is an accomplished film producer, writer, and director under his Relentless Filmz banner. He burst onto the scene with the acclaimed mixed martial arts documentary FIGHTVILLE, which premiered at the 2011 SXSW Film Festival and gained worldwide distribution, including a celebrated SHOWTIME deal. Following this, Michael produced A Birder’s Guide to Everything (2013), starring Sir Ben Kingsley, and numerous other critically acclaimed films like Jamie Marks Is Dead (Liv Tyler / Sundance 2014) and What Breaks the Ice (Madelyn Cline / Global Release 2021).
Known for his passion for telling meaningful but marketable stories, Michael has an eye for talent, and a track record of major festival favorites turned global successes. Beyond filmmaking, he enjoys movies & music, wrestling & Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and time with his family. Michael’s journey reflects a relentless pursuit of creativity and connection.
Reference Links:
Michael Gray Social Media
Episode Highlights:
Imagine walking away from the stability of a corporate job, the comfort of a predictable paycheck, and the well-worn path society expects you to follow. You take the leap into the unknown to chase a vision that’s uniquely yours. Now picture this: even if it doesn’t work out, you’re unshaken, knowing your skills and confidence will land you back on your feet. That’s not just risk-taking; it’s the essence of what defines real entrepreneurs.
In the latest episode of Business Unchained, host Bobby Mascia chats with Michael Gray about his unique journey from reality TV contestant to entrepreneurship. Michael opens up about his early days on MTV’s Remote Control and how that experience led to opportunities in entertainment. He also shares his transition to the business world, including how a creative poem helped him land important meetings. The conversation delves into Michael’s movie career, from the early success of Fightville to his latest project, American Summer.
(12:06) “I do not want to be this middle manager guy ten years from now. Forget it. I’m going to open my own company. If it fails, I know tons of people. I’m very capable. Someone will hire me back to do something. And if it works, it works.”-Michael Gray
Michael’s path began in college when he appeared on MTV’s Remote Control, which sparked a series of career opportunities, including an audition for CNBC. He reflects on the camaraderie of college life, the challenges of stand-up comedy, and his early career in public relations, where he learned the power of networking and relationship-building.
(23:26) “I am never fearful of who I need to talk to. I will go and make that happen. I mean, I’ve talked to film studio heads. They’re like, ‘How did you get this meeting?.”- Michael Gray
At a key turning point, Michael realized he didn’t want to stay in a corporate job. With emotional support from his then-girlfriend, he started his own marketing and sales promotion agency, driven by the freedom of entrepreneurship and the confidence that he could always find work if it didn’t succeed.
One of Michael’s standout traits is his creative problem-solving. For example, in 1993 he mailed a poem to Barbara Breivik at McCarter & English, which led to a pitch meeting and subsequent successful business relationship. He attributes his relentless drive to his mother, a career educator who had the innate gift of persuasion.
(16:47) “I wrote a poem, and I mailed it in a letter to Barbara Breivik. And Barbara called, she goes, ‘All right, I got your poem in the mail. You deserve to have a meeting here.”- Michael Gray
As years went by, Michael was inspired by Michael Ovitz, the founder of CAA, one of Hollywood’s powerhouse talent agencies. Michael explored investments in startups and media, including ventures in water scarcity and anti-terrorism efforts post-9/11. Ultimately his filmmaking career took off with Fightville, a documentary about young fighters from Louisiana who were trying to become UFC fighters, which premiered at South by Southwest. After that, he shifted to scripted films, producing A Birders Guide to Everything, which premiered at Tribeca and earned international acclaim and a slew of other hits.
(01:01:20)”We retained full ownership of the intellectual property because I wanted to retain it all for control, creative control, and financial control.”- Michael Gray
Michael’s current focus is American Summer, a family film with a nostalgic, humorous twist. Despite challenges like the pandemic and industry strikes, the film has secured major actors and corporate sponsorship from Dunkin’ Donuts. The project is moving forward with a solid financial structure and strategic casting.
This episode offers valuable insights for filmmakers and entrepreneurs. It emphasizes the importance of authenticity, balance, and creative drive in business and life. Michael’s story reminds us that success comes from persistence, passion, and staying true to one’s vision.
