What if the summer job you take in college becomes the foundation of a multi-business career before you're even 24?

In this eye-opening conversation, host Steve Acorn sits down with Emilio Loya, former Pennsylvania Manager of the Year and now founder of Affordable Business Valuations and Staff Edge Assessments. Emilio's story begins with cold calls and paint quotes, but quickly turns into an entrepreneurial blueprint that merges leadership, valuation strategy, and DISC-based team building.

From breaking $420K in student-run revenue to impressing C-suite decision-makers as the youngest in the room, Emilio shares how YEAA transformed not just his resume but his mindset. If you think you need to "wait your turn" to be successful in business, this episode will change your mind.

Press play now to discover how to skip the corporate ladder, close high-trust deals, and build the kind of business that actually sells. This episode delivers rare, proven strategies—don't miss out.

Timestamped Highlights

[00:03] – Why Emilio launched a valuation company before age 24

[00:06] – The shock most owners face when they hear their business's real worth

[00:10] – The two questions that determine if a business can actually be sold

[00:14] – "I walked in 10 years younger than everyone. Here's what happened next."

[00:16] – Referral marketing vs cold calling—what works better in B2B

[00:19] – DISC assessments decoded: How they prevent hiring disasters

[00:22] – The single YEAA skill Emilio says made the biggest difference

[00:35] – How his exec-year leadership prepared him to manage teams today

[00:43] – The mindset shift that helped him avoid stress and scale fast

About the Guest

Emilio Loya is the founder of Affordable Business Valuations and Staff Edge Assessments, where he helps small business owners understand their company's true worth and build stronger teams through behavioral assessment tools. A two-time YEAA intern, Emilio went from winning Manager of the Year in Pennsylvania to mentoring rookies and managing $420K+ in business by his second year. Now he brings that same process-driven mindset to helping entrepreneurs make smarter, more profitable decisions.

🔗 LinkedIn | Website

Resources & Links Mentioned

• DISC Personality Assessments

• Staff Edge Assessments

• TTI Success Insights (DISC partner)

• YEAA Internship

Important Links

• Gain real-world business experience, build leadership skills, and create a foundation for future success: YEAA Website

• Watch our case study: Leaders Across America

• Find more success stories here: Our Alumni

• Connect with Steve:

• LinkedIn: Steve Acorn

• Instagram: @steveacornyeaa

Leaders Across America is an original podcast brought to you by Steve Acorn and Podcast Your Brand. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.