Anthony A. Luna is the CEO of Coastline Equity, a firm specializing in commercial real estate advisory and property management. Growing up in a challenging environment in San Pedro, California, Anthony faced the hardships of gang violence and a single-parent upbringing. Despite these obstacles, he became the first in his family to graduate high school and pursue higher education.

Anthony honed his leadership and mentorship skills at the Boys and Girls Club, transitioning from grant management to real estate under the guidance of Holocaust survivor George Mayer. Committed to community service, he continues his involvement with the Boys and Girls Club, writes on real estate for Forbes, and serves as a trusted industry thought leader.

In this episode…

Have you ever wondered how a challenging childhood environment shapes a person's future? How does one transition from such adversity to becoming a leading figure in the corporate world?

Anthony A. Luna, growing up amidst economic hardships in San Pedro, California, transformed these obstacles into stepping stones for success. Through his journey from the Boys and Girls Club to the helm of Coastline Equity, Anthony's story is one of resilience, mentorship, and unexpected opportunities. His encounter with a Holocaust survivor, who became his mentor, fundamentally altered his career path and instilled in him a profound sense of purpose and direction. This pivotal experience catalyzed Anthony's rise in the real estate industry and significantly amplified his community contributions.

Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Anthony A. Luna, CEO at Coastline Equity, about navigating life's challenges and leveraging mentorship for success. They delve into Anthony's childhood and how his resilience and relentless work ethic led him to balance multiple jobs from a young age. They also discussed why George Mayer chose Anthony to take over his business, and how to overcome fear and embrace massive opportunities.

Jeff Hill is a seasoned entrepreneur with an inspiring narrative of resilience and determination. He successfully established and grew a 1-800-GOT-JUNK? franchise into one of the most prosperous ones in the system, boasting over two decades of business experience with the brand. Jeff's early life was marked by challenges, including the loss of his father and personal struggles, yet his positive attitude remains intact, making him a tough and resilient figure. Currently semi-retired, he still plays a primary role in his company, always seeking new and sustainable ways to drive the business forward.

Jeff is also the President of RePurpose Center, where he leads a network of diversion partners committed to redistributing reusable, recyclables, and donatable items to and with community partners.

In this episode…

In a world where setbacks often define our path, have you ever wondered what it takes to turn adversity into a launching pad for success? How can someone emerge from hardships not just unscathed but thriving, building a business empire from the ground up?

Jeff Hill, a semi-retired entrepreneur, turned his challenges into opportunities, resulting in a successful 1-800-GOT-JUNK? franchise. Imagine a young boy cutting firewood to help his family make ends meet, navigating through personal and business failures, and battling cancer, all while maintaining a positive outlook on life. Jeff's resilience and entrepreneurial spirit remained steadfast as he navigated challenges and found joy and purpose in creating a business that reflected his values and commitment to community service. Now Jeff delves into the mindset and strategies that propelled him from adversity to success, offering insights into the power of perseverance, positive thinking, and strategic business acumen.

Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Jeff Hill, Franchise Owner at 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, about turning life's challenges into business success. They discussed how he evolved his company to an eight-figure success by adeptly managing young employees, implementing controls against embezzlement, and navigating economic hurdles.

Jay Jung is the Founder and Managing Partner of Embarc Advisors, a disruptive corporate finance advisory firm focused on supporting startups, SMBs, and middle-market firms. Over the past six to seven years, Jay and Embarc Advisors have become renowned for bringing Fortune 500 financial expertise to small and medium-sized businesses. An alumnus of the prestigious Wharton School, his career includes prestigious roles at Goldman Sachs, McKinsey & Company, and other leading companies across the globe. 

Jay's entrepreneurial spirit was kindled by engaging in childhood business ventures. Before pivoting to corporate finance, he co-founded Evixar, a technology startup that raised capital from Softbank and other VCs. His journey from business owner to finance expert has given him a vantage point in financial advisory for cutting-edge startups.

In this episode…

Can childhood ventures reveal the blueprint of a future business mogul? From an early age, the knack for recognizing demand and seizing opportunity can set the stage for monumental success. How does a journey from selling pizza slices to advising firms on multi-million-dollar deals unfold?

Jay Jung, starting with his early entrepreneurial ventures, transitioned from a clever youngster leveraging unit economics to a financial wizard at the helm of Embarc Advisors. His narrative includes stops at prestigious firms like Goldman Sachs and McKinsey, where he developed his corporate finance and M&A advisory skills. Jay's journey is not just about his ascent to financial expertise but also a reflection of his unique ability to apply his childhood lessons on value and investment to the complex world of business finance.

Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Jay Jung, Founder and Managing Partner at Embarc Advisors, about transforming early entrepreneurial instincts into a successful career in financial advisory. They delve into Jay's unique background, the importance of unit economics, and how he pivoted from co-founding a tech startup to finance. It covers the effects of travel on consultancy work, the joy of aiding startups and niche sectors, and the efficacy of hourly billing in M&A.

Dan Engel serves as the Managing Partner and Founder of Santa Barbara Venture Partners, an early-growth VC firm focusing on technology startups. Renowned for his expertise in B2B and B2C domains, he has emerged as a luminary in devising customer acquisition strategies. Early in his career, he played a primary role in significantly growing Picasa, which Google later acquired before its public debut. Moreover, Dan co-founded FastSpring, a SaaS fintech platform that achieved remarkable revenue exceeding $100 million despite minimal funding. With a track record of successful exits, Dan's entrepreneurial journey traces back to his upbringing in New York, where he embarked on diverse side ventures ranging from neighborhood services to operating an ice cream truck.

In this episode…

In a world driven by the ambition to scale, attracting millions of customers becomes the ultimate quest for businesses aiming to leave a mark on the competitive landscape. What secrets fuel successful customer acquisition strategies? How does a company transform from a concept to a household name amidst market saturation and consumer indifference?

Software entrepreneur Dan Engel unravels the complexities of customer acquisition with the precision of a seasoned strategist, offering a roadmap for capturing and retaining a vast customer base. Dan's approach, characterized by innovative thinking and relentless adaptation in the entrepreneurial battlefield, underscores the significance of deeply understanding market signals and customer behavior. Through his stories, listeners gain a front-row seat to the tactical maneuvers and strategic pivots that have propelled companies from the fringes of obscurity to the center stage of their industries.

Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Dan Engel, the Managing Partner and Founder of Santa Barbara Venture Partners, about attracting millions of customers in a saturated market. Dan shares his journey from childhood ventures to becoming a seasoned tech entrepreneur and venture capitalist, the power of community in entrepreneurship, strategies for scaling startups, challenges in B2B fintech, and how to navigate the evolving venture capital landscape.

Noah Rosenfarb is a CPA and the Founder of Freedom Family Office, which helps entrepreneurs and affluent individuals achieve financial independence, build lasting legacies, and lead their ideal lives. Noah's entrepreneurial journey started in childhood, evolving from multiple jobs to a successful finance career, specializing in forensic accounting and running a family office catering to affluent divorced women. He is the author of numerous books and has extensive experience in real estate investment. Noah's unique approach focuses on creating wealth that transcends monetary value, optimizing lifestyles, and ensuring happiness for his clients.

Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Noah Rosenfarb, CPA and Founder of Freedom Family Office, about his early career, starting a family office before the great recession, which surprisingly was good timing. Noah’s move to Florida marked a pivotal point, prompting a broader reflection on life choices and financial goals. His new venture, Freedom Family Office, is dedicated to guiding entrepreneurs through their transitions to a life "rich beyond money." However, even someone committed to helping others find fulfillment isn't immune to societal pressures, as he addresses current events personally.

Vivek Khuller is the President and CEO of Clearfly Communications, a leading voice services and broadband provider fully licensed with the FCC and catering to customers across the United States. An immigrant to the US, Vivek faced cultural adaptations and financial hurdles, including paying himself the minimum wage for three years while rebuilding his business. Under his leadership, Clearfly became a multimillion-dollar enterprise without relying on venture capital, solidifying his place as an ingenious business strategist.

Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Vivek Khuller, President and CEO of Clearfly Communications, about his remarkable journey in building a multimillion-dollar business in the landline industry. John delves into Vivek's early life in India, where he started his first business by lending comic books at Air Force bases. They discussed his immigration journey to the United States and his academic achievements, notably attending Harvard. Vivek also shed some light on critical turning points in his career. After the iPhone and Android emerged, his original business idea faced extinction. However, through a serendipitous partnership with a Montana-based company and a drastic pay cut, he reinvented his business model and guided Clearfly Communications to success.

Mo Fathelbab is the Founder and President of the International Facilitators Organization, a community of peer group facilitators dedicated to learning, growth, and development. As a best-selling author, he is well-versed in fostering meaningful relationships among CEOs. Mo, a TEDx speaker and moderator of SHRM Exec Network, played a pivotal role in the early growth of the Entrepreneurs Organization (EO), where he oversaw its expansion from 100 to several thousand members. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, Mo is recognized for his innovative work in creating and disseminating forum methodologies to a global audience, positively impacting leaders and organizations globally.

Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Mo Fathelbab, Founder and President of the International Facilitators Organization, to discuss the transformative power of business forums. Mo shares his backstory, including moving from Egypt to the United States and transitioning from door-to-door product sales to leading an organization that champions entrepreneurship through forums. They explore the significance of forums for entrepreneurs and business leaders, highlighting how these groups enable vulnerability, meaningful connections, and personal growth. Mo also provides insight into how forums have adapted to virtual environments and details the underpinnings of successful forums across cultural boundaries.

Jason Friedman is the Founder and CEO of CXFormula, LLC, specializing in helping fast-growing, entrepreneurial companies gain a competitive edge through enhancing customer experiences. With a dynamic background that stretches from setting up his ventures to working with Fortune 100 brands, Jason's expertise in business development is proven and extensive. Recognized as Ernst and Young's New Jersey Entrepreneur of the Year in Business Services, his portfolio includes work with prestigious names like Footlocker, Adidas, Nike, W Hotels, Universal Studios, and Disney. Before diving into the world of customer experience, Jason turned a profit by creating solutions at a young age, from shoveling snow to building elevated beds for fellow college students, growing the venture into a million-dollar business.

Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Jason Friedman, the Founder and CEO of CXFormula, LLC, to discuss his multifaceted entrepreneurial experience. They talk about Jason’s early forays into business as a youngster who capitalizes on snow shoveling, transforming it from a solo gig to a team operation and learning the staples of managing and motivating a young workforce. He also describes his ingenious idea to maximize dormitory space by building elevated beds, an endeavor that grows into a million-dollar enterprise. Jason doesn't just reflect on the highs of entrepreneurship but also imparts valuable insights into building successful ventures through creating compelling customer experiences, the power of customization, and the efficiencies of a thoughtful business model. With a strong sense of mission and adaptability, Jason illustrates how to steer a business toward success while remaining true to one's roots and skills.

Mike Krass is the Co-founder of MKG Marketing, where he has leveraged his extensive experience in digital marketing to service cybersecurity and SaaS businesses effectively. As an avid pilot, Mike brings a unique perspective to his business, emphasizing procedure and risk management. His entrepreneurial journey includes learning valuable lessons from youthful ventures, such as his car washing business. Mike is also the facilitator of the What's the Problem? podcast, which explores pressing issues in the tech and marketing space. 

In this episode, John Corcoran hosts Mike Krass, the Co-Founder of MKG Marketing, to discuss how Mike took the bold step of firing himself as CEO to better serve his company's growing needs. The conversation unravels his entrepreneurial roots, from a neighborhood car washing business to establishing MKG Marketing as a leading agency in the cybersecurity and SaaS realms.