The Start Down

🇮🇹 Have you ever thought about opening a franchise? 🤌 Do you think owning a franchise is the same as being an entrepreneur? These are critical questions to consider if you're thinking about stepping into the world of business ownership. In this episode of The StartDown Podcast , host Mike Ficara dives into the nuances of franchising with Gregory K. Mohr, also known as the "Franchise Mav...

🇮🇹 Guess who's back, baby? 🤌 In Episode 221 of The StartDown Podcast, host Mike Ficara is back after an almost year-long break, and he’s more energized than ever. After stepping away from the podcast to focus on new and exciting ventures, Mike returns to share what he’s been up to, including the launch of his cigar brand, Guido Cigars.    Mike reflects on the challenges and triumphs of produ...

🇮🇹 This week we are joined on The StartDown Podcast by the Godfather of Instagram, Tony Pec! 🤌🏼 We talked about one of my favorite topics – stressing about likes, views, and followers. It’s not about having a million followers; it's about the impact and connection you have with the followers you do have.   Think about it: 72 likes might seem small on a screen, but imagine those 72 people in...

🇮🇹 Tune in to our latest episode where Mike Ficara and special guest Nicholas Curattalo dive deep into the world of entrepreneurship, leadership, and balancing life's priorities.    Highlights: 1️⃣ Growth & Networking: Relive the memorable moments from Grant Cardone's 10x conference in 2019 with Mike and Jose Flores. 🤝 2️⃣ Entrepreneurial Journey: Nicholas shares his inspiring trans...

Homeownership, mortgages, and local expertise in South Florida. 0:43 Nathan Connor grew up in Broward County, Florida, and now helps families find homes as a loan officer. Misconceptions about affording a home. 4:44 Discuss misconceptions about affording a home, including the impact of social media on perceptions. Importance of mortgage professionals vs. DIY. 8:09 Nathan shares an example of how a...

Overcoming fear in business and podcasting. 0:00 Mike Ficara discusses overcoming fear in business, sharing his own experiences and insights. Ficara enjoys a CEO Italia cigar during the episode, offering it to listeners who send him a DM. Managing fear as an entrepreneur. 1:58 Mike Ficara believes fear is a natural part of being an entrepreneur, but it can be managed by turning it into fuel or fun...

Poker, bluffing, and lying. 0:00 Mike Ficara shares stories about playing poker as a child with his family, learning the game and its mathematics, and the importance of bluffing. Bluffing in personal and professional life. 1:50 Mike discusses bluffing as a common phenomenon in various aspects of life, including business and personal goals. He struggled academically throughout his education, blamin...

🇮🇹 Scott Ritzheimer: Navigating Nonprofit Wisdom🤝 Entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal growth. 0:59 Scott Ritzheimer reflects on their career journey, noting they've helped over 20,000 organizations and experienced similar patterns in their own entrepreneurial journey. Nonprofit vs for-profit businesses and success strategies. 3:33 Mike Ficara highlights the misconception that nonprofi...

Entrepreneurship, faith, & personal growth. 0:03 Mike & James discuss their shared faith & how it intersects with their business ventures. Prioritizing faith & material wealth. 5:34 Discusses the misinterpretation of biblical verses, emphasizing that the love of money is the root of all evil, not money itself. Entrepreneurship, stewardship, & balancing callings. 11:33 Everyone...

Episode 213: Savoring Success and Cigars   In this episode of The StartDown Podcast, your host Mike Ficara embarks on an intriguing journey as he dives headfirst into the world of cigars and business with Andrew Thorp King.    With over 200 episodes under his belt, he reflects on the captivating notion that, throughout the show's history, he has never had a guest join him for a cigar. This re...

In this episode celebrating Italian American Heritage Month, host Mike Ficara passionately explores the influence of his Italian roots on business practices, treating clients and employees like family members. As a third-generation Italian American, he navigates the balance between preserving cultural heritage and embracing a distinct American identity. Mike discusses the intersection of Italian h...

Show Notes: The StartDown Podcast Episode 211 with Nick Scarabosio   Introduction (00:00 - 0:57) - Mike Ficara introduces Nick Scarabosio, an executive coach and co-founder of Culture to Clash. - Nick's background as a third-generation San Francisco native, husband, and father. - Overview of Nick's diverse experiences in real estate, property management, fitness, and coaching.   Nick&apo...

🇮🇹 This week on The StartDown Podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Adam Knihtila, the brilliant mind behind Adam Kae & Associates, serving as a Fractional CFO for digital marketing agencies. 📈 We examined the world of outsourced C-level opportunities and even touched upon the crucial decision of when to bring in an outsourced CMO, like the pros at @yourbrandethos. 💼 Adam Kae & As...

🇮🇹 The StartDown Podcast welcomes Global Credibility Expert Mitchell Levy. He is a 2x TEDx speaker, an international bestselling author of over 60 books, and an executive coach at Marshall Goldsmith’s 100 Coaches. After interviewing 500 thought leaders on credibility, he published a 7-country international bestselling book, delivered a powerful TEDx on humanity, created courses, and created the Cr...

Introduction (0:00)    - Mike Ficara introduces Travis Chappell, a social media expert and wealth of knowledge.    Travis's Podcasting Journey (0:41)    - Travis started podcasting out of a love for personal development, despite not being a fan of reading.    Podcasting for Self-Improvement (2:51)    - Podcasting serves as a medium for inputting valuable information into your mind, resulting...

JM Ryerson’s Background JM Ryerson founded and sold 3 businesses and is now helping leadership teams do the same. He is an Author, Leadership & Performance Coach, International Speaker, and host of the Let’s Go Win podcast who has been building companies and leading sales teams for over 20 years. JM is the co-founder and CEO of Let's Go Win whose mission is to increase leadership, enhance...

In this episode of The StartDown Podcast, we meet Lydia Stutesman, a high school teacher whose connection with our host, Mike, blossomed at a coffee event where they instantly bonded. Despite recently turning 50, Lydia exudes youthful energy and a perpetual sense of being in her twenties.   The conversation explores the delicate balance between pursuing one's true passion and succumbing to so...

Segment 1: The Realities of Podcasting (00:04) - Larry Roberts and Mike kick off the episode by sharing their insights and experiences within the podcasting industry. - They emphasize the misconception that podcasting is easy and guarantees instant success, highlighting the importance of hard work and dedication. Segment 2: Overcoming Challenges (05:12) - The conversation shifts to the challenges...

🇮🇹   Feugetaboutit and join Mike and Mike as they take us through this Italian American journey of dedication to preserving traditions and community 👋 Introducing Michael Carioscia Michael Carioscia, the owner of Hardcore Italians, an online entertainment and apparel store. This lifestyle brand, born from Italian roots, showcases an array of options, reflecting the essence of Italian culture and...

🎙️ Welcome to another episode of The Start Down Podcast! Today, we are honored to have Casey Dellapenna as our guest, and Mike is excited to delve into a discussion that promises to be both insightful and enlightening.  💼 Meet Casey Dellapenna - A Genuine Force for Good  In this episode, Mike introduces Casey, a genuine and authentic individual who brings his unique perspective and passion for co...

🎙️ Welcome to another exciting episode of The Start Down Podcast with Mike Ficara! Today, we have the privilege of introducing Guillermo Elizondo, a computer science engineer with an unyielding passion for utilizing technology to make a positive impact on society. At just 17 years old, Guillermo created his first online education app, setting the stage for his future endeavors.   💼 Introducing Gu...

🇮🇹 Unleashing the Power of Niche Marketing with Jake Hurwitz 🎯🚀   Welcome to Episode 201 of The StartDown Podcast, where we dive into the dynamic world of niche marketing and the art of connecting with the right audience! 🎯🚀   In today's ever-evolving media landscape, the rule of thumb is clear - niches are the game-changers! The era of sheer views or listens as the ultimate measure of su...

🇮🇹 The StartDown Podcast: Episode 200 - Embracing Entrepreneurial Success with Lisa Collum 🎙️ We've done it! The StartDown Podcast has achieved an incredible milestone – Episode 200!  This is a celebration you can't afford to miss! I am thrilled to announce that our extraordinary 200th guest is none other than my longtime client and dear friend, Lisa Collum! Lisa is not only a phenomenal...

🎙️💼 Unlocking the Essence of Success - Episode 199 of The StartDown Podcast! 🇮🇹🔎   Welcome to Episode 199 of The StartDown Podcast, where your host, Mike Ficara, leads us on a remarkable journey of self-discovery and redefining success. As we approach the monumental 200th episode, it's the perfect time to pause and reflect on the true meaning of success unlocked over the years.   Throughout...

In honor of Independence Day, The StartDown Podcast brings you an exciting episode filled with marketing insights from the remarkable Dean Mercado. As we celebrate the spirit of freedom, host Mike Ficara is thrilled to feature Dean and his expertise in nurturing and cultivating marketing efforts. Effective marketing plays a pivotal role in the success of entrepreneurs, and Dean Mercado's insi...