Inside The Bold BusinessMind Podcast with Nick Rodriguez

Meet Jeff VanNote, a former football player, a real estate investor, a mortgage broker, and a best-selling author. He has navigated every cycle of the mortgage industry, including the 2008 financial crash.

In this episode of The Bold Business Mind, Jeff shares his story on how he went from being a footballer in college to navigating the mortgage industry. He shares how his father played a huge part in influencing his values and career choice.

Listen in to learn how a resilient young man was able to enter the mortgage business even without any formal education in the field. You will also learn why your success should not be defined by the level of your education. 

“Nothing is ever good enough- you have to work for it until it becomes good enough”- Jeff VanNote

“All the things that you need to succeed in real life should be implemented in school.” – Jeff VanNote

What you will learn:

• [1:04] Jeff shares where he’s from, the story of his diverse childhood and how it gave him a perspective on how life should be in terms of community.
• [04:04] How he looked up to his dad when it came to business.
• [05:56] Jeff explains why he always believed in himself- a mindset he picked up from his dad. 
• [06:40] He explains his football career and how it taught him to take responsibility early in life.
• [11:37] Why it is necessary to plant the right seeds in kids to eliminate the limiting beliefs in them.
• [13:58] Why Jeff believes in instilling personal development behaviors in kids. 
• [18:37] Why kids need to be taught real-life experiences so they can have a better understanding.
• [20:34] Jeff explains his reasons for going to college.
• [24:57] Would he go to college if he was taken back in time?
• [26:42] Does anyone need to go to college to be successful? 
• [30:10] How college helps in transitioning into an adult. 
• [31:58] How did he start with the mortgage business?
• [38:58] Jeff tells the story of his first business disappointment that led to his first deal. 
• [51:15] The defining moment that made him want to help people with their mortgages.
• [52:26] Why he’s sharing his experiences by writing a book. 
• [55:33] Some recommendations on what safe properties you should buy in the current market.
• [56:45] What is the boldest business move he’s ever made? 
• [57:22] Where does Jeff see himself 5 years from now?
• [58:17] What makes Jeff VanNote a bold business mind?

Relevant Links:

Book: The mortgage playbook for millennials 

Website: https://www.themortgagequarterback.com/

Instagram: @themortgagequarterback

Meet America’s ‘money smart guy’ Matt Sapaula, a veteran of the US Marine Corps and the co-owner of the PHP agency. He is also the president of the Money Smart Company.

Matt uses his professional career to spread financial literacy through a positive message. He empowers members of the middle-class community to take charge of their personal finances and realize financial independence.

In this episode of Inside the Bold Business Mind, Matt Sapaula shares how his need to make more money led him into discovering his love for business. He describes his journey from being a marine to a business-minded millionaire. 

Matt not only shares his story but also gives a lot of valuable lessons that are crucial to anyone wanting to make a bold career move.

Timestamps 

(0:52) When and where did Matt Sapaula first get interested in business?

(8:55) Why go to college?

(13:23) How Matt transitioned from being a marine to a businessman.

(17:30) The importance of studying sales language at a young age.

(19:35) Understand why you probably have a poor relationship with money.

(22:30) The importance of the insurance industry.

(24:39) Matt explains how the PHP agency is growing from the bottom up. And how he and his wife work together as both life and business partners.

(27:43) How to teach kids about money at home and in class.

(29:38) The difference between the making money mindset and running a business mindset. 

(32:07) Getting uncomfortable provokes growth.

(34:22) Where does Matt see himself in the next five years?

(37:00) Advice to young people who want to succeed.

(38:13) The importance of focusing on one career goal that drives you.

(40:04) Find out what makes Matt Sapaula a bold business mind.

Relevant Links:

http://www.mattsapaula.com/

https://phpagency.com/

Matt’s Contact Information:

Instagram: @moneysmartguy 

YouTube: 7 Figure Squad

Meet Sharon Lechter, an entrepreneur and financial writer as she shares how she left her accounting career at age 26 to pursue entrepreneurship. She later dedicated her life to financial education using her experience and knowledge after her son got into a credit card debt. 

She says she wanted to be in control of what she was doing and wanted to help others take control of their financial lives. 

In this episode of Inside the Bold Business Mind, Sharon shares her valuable knowledge on what she believes young people should be doing to be financially independent.

Listen in to learn major business and financial tips that Sharon has learned over several years. She explains what she is doing to make sure financial education is incorporated into the school curriculum to encourage early financial knowledge. 

You will also learn some of Sharon’s resources that she believes would help you in your career and financial journey. 

“We wait too long to decide but many doors of opportunities open when we do.”- Sharon Lechter 

What you will learn:

• [1:53] Sharon shares her journey from an accountant to a successful writer and entrepreneur.
• [5:35] Why teens today should learn to rely on themselves financially by educating themselves.
• [7:01] Why there’s nothing wrong with being an employee- it’s not about what you do for a living but what you do with the paycheck. 
• [8:47] Why mistakes are not necessarily a bad thing since you learn from them.
• [11:31] What was Sharon’s one big mistake? 
• [13:23] Sharon explains how she defines success.
• [14:18] How passion turns work into a gift. A goal brings motivation which recharges your passion. 
• [16:53] Why you should be your own individual to be successful. 
• [18:59] She explains what she’s doing working towards teaching financial education to high school and college students across the country. 
• [22:01] Sharon advises teens on how to use their time in this day and age.
• [22:32] Where can you find Sharon.
• [25:21] She recommends some of the books she’s written and believes will change your life.
• [30:28] Things that you can talk about to young people today for both parents and teachers. 
• [34:20] The last note from Sharon. 

Resources:

• Rich Dad Poor Dad 
• Three Feet from gold
• Outwitting the Devil 
• Think and Grow Rich for Women
• Save wisely spend happily

Relevant Links:

Twitter:https://twitter.com/sharonlechter?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSharonLechter/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharonlechter/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonlechter

Website: https://sharonlechter.com/

Meet Madeline Nelson a seasoned music executive with years of experience. She was a manager for the RnB supergroup Backstreet, worked with Michael Jackson, did marketing for J Cole, and currently marketing for Wyclef Jean. 

Madeline owns an independent boutique-style music company based in New York City that focuses on services like management, brand strategy, record label, and publishing. 

In this episode of The Bold Business Mind, Madeline shares her journey in the music business and how it has impacted her thinking. She also shares her belief in the power of maintaining the authenticity of an artist. 

Listen in to learn how a little girl’s determination turned into a huge music managing career and later a business owner. You will also learn what you as a young aspiring artist need to know before you make a major career move. 

What you will learn:

• [1:40] Get to know Madeline Nelson.
• [3:24] Madeline explains how she discovered her passion for music as a little girl.
• [5:03] Did the education system fuel her passion for music?
• [6:40] She talks about her time in the navy and how it impacted the rest of her life.
• [11:22] How society changes around young people while the struggles don’t. 
• [14:10] Why Madeline believes that as a young girl today, you should research before making a major career decision.
• [15:56] Madeline explains in detail how an offered opportunity shifted her perspective and gave her the courage to go into the music industry even as a woman. 
• [20:22] Why the nurturing of relationships with interns is very important to Madeline. 
• 22:32 Madeline talks about her time managing the Backstreet- her achievements and trusting her instincts to achieve great things.
• [28:00] Learning the music business and understanding what is best for the artist. 
• [31:14] Her experience working with Steve Stoute and the power of authenticity she learned from him.
• [35:15] Madeline’s opinion on the importance of college education. 
• [40:18] She talks about the ‘360’ contracts offered by labels and what they mean for the artist.
• [43:00] Advice to a young person who wants to be a rapper. 
• [43:06] Madeline talks a little bit about her son Riley- an upcoming rapper and musician.
• [47:30] She talks about Heads Music Company- her indie music label 
• [50:06] She talks about the accomplishment and success of her indie label.
• [52:16] The power of being brave enough to maintain the authenticity of an artist and owning something for yourself.
• [55:02] Where does Madeline see Heads Music in 5 years?
• [56:58] What makes Maddy Nelson a bold business mind?

Relevant Links:

Heads Music Social Media:

Website: https://headsmusic.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/headsmusic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/headsentertainment

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headsmusic/

Maddison’s Social Media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Maddi_says 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maddisays/?hl=en

Meet Brad Lea, an author and the founder and CEO of LightSpeed VT, an online training solutions company. He left a blossoming career in the motor industry to pursue a passion in supporting trainers.

In this episode of The Bold Business Mind, Brad shares his story of how he rose to be a general manager of a motor company even without a college education. He shares why helping others learn how to make money was something he found satisfaction in and hence starting LightSpeed VT.

Listen in to learn why you only need these two reasons as a young person to be successful and a degree is not part of it.

“When you collaborate, contribute, and create, you’re going to do better than if you compete.”- Brad Lea

What you will learn:

• [1:04] Brad talks about the ups and downs of his childhood and how it shaped him. 
• [03:2 He shares how nobody talked about entrepreneurship in his childhood and the little he knew wasn’t very nice.
• [04:45] What difference would he do as a teacher in today’s curriculum?
• [05:29] Brad shares why he didn’t attend college and why he believes you don’t need a college degree to be successful.
• [06:36] How would studying sales benefit kids today?
• [07:42] Why he transitioned from the motor industry to help other people learn how to make money.
• [08:42] Falling by accident into the business of helping companies and brands train better which in turn made him successful.
• [09:15] What does LightSpeed help people learn?
• [10:38] The two reasons you need to be successful as a young person today.
• [11:26] Brad talks about his book ‘The Hard Way’.
• [12:14] What is the boldest business move he’s ever made?
• [13:31] Why believing in himself makes him a bold business mind. 
• [14:29] Where will Brad Lea be in five years?

Relevant Links:

Brad Lea’s Book: The Hard Way

Website: https://www.lightspeedvt.com/