Episode 74.  In this episode of the Lifetime at Work podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Ivan Barratt, founder and CEO of BAM Companies, which has acquired approximately $1.3 billion in real estate transactions. 

Ivan shares his journey from property management to owning large multi-residential apartments, offering advice on making money in real estate, discussing his biggest investment successes and challenges, and emphasizing the importance of building a strong company culture. 

They also explore the pros and cons of being a hands-on real estate investor versus investing through professionals, highlighting important lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
• 00:56 Ivan Barrett's Business Overview
• 02:13 Journey into Real Estate
• 04:48 Early Challenges and Learning Experiences
• 09:32 Raising Capital and Scaling Up
• 18:16 Personal Insights and Company Vision
• 19:35 Childhood and Entrepreneurial Roots
• 21:12 Family Business Background
• 21:27 Real Estate Investment Strategies
• 22:11 Owner Operator vs. Passive Investor
• 24:00 Challenges of Real Estate Management
• 26:47 Vacation Properties and Market Risks
• 28:44 Private Equity and Apartment Investments
• 30:53 Navigating Market Volatility
• 35:51 Career Advice for Aspiring Investors
• 39:58 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Episode 73.  In this episode of the Lifetime at Work Podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Erika Wasser, co-founder of Prospr, a software tool designed to manage frontline employees across multiple locations. 

Erica shares her journey from starting a salon chain to co-founding a software company, discussing the challenges faced by non-technical founders, the social importance of salons and barbershops, and the common issues in managing deskless workforces. The conversation delves into the significance of well-informed teams for customer experience, the power of culture-building tools, and strategies for overcoming communication barriers in large-scale businesses. 

Erika also provides insights on the role of AI in frontline operations, the importance of inclusivity and flexibility for employees, and her personal experiences with failure and resilience in entrepreneurship.

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
• 00:16 Meet Erica Wasser: From Standup Comedian to Entrepreneur
• 01:09 The Birth of Prosper: Solving Frontline Communication Challenges
• 02:19 Real-World Examples of Communication Breakdowns
• 05:23 Building Prosper: A Non-Technical Founder’s Journey
• 07:49 Erica’s Career Journey: From Entertainment to Salons
• 12:12 The Role of AI and Technology in Frontline Work
• 17:51 Engaging Frontline Employees: Strategies and Insights
• 22:58 The Chipotle Effect
• 23:38 Challenges in Building a Business
• 25:15 The Software Industry Transition
• 26:53 The Unique Salon Experience
• 29:47 Navigating Growth and Marketing
• 32:29 The Future of Venture Capital
• 36:30 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
• 38:34 Conclusion and Contact Information

Episode 72.  In this episode of the 'Lifetime at Work' podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Molly Magarik, a seasoned professional in government and political consultancy. The conversation explores Molly's career journey from a political science major with healthcare interests to a deputy cabinet secretary during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Molly shares insights on the interplay between campaigns and government service, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on public health policies, and the intricacies of working in a politically charged environment. They also discuss the personal and societal dynamics of political careers, the importance of internships, and advice for those looking to enter the political arena. 

Molly's reflections on the recent presidential election, change management, and the future of political dialogue in the U.S. offer valuable food for thought.

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
• 00:17 Meet Molly McGarrick
• 00:21 Molly's Early Career and Political Beginnings
• 01:12 Career Path and Personal Insights
• 06:23 The Impact of Internships
• 07:37 Fast-Paced World of Political Campaigns
• 13:01 Navigating Government and Public Health
• 15:23 Challenges During the COVID-19 Pandemic
• 21:44 Political Philosophy and Career Motivation
• 26:46 Making Tough Decisions in Leadership
• 27:52 Reflections on the Recent Election
• 28:20 Understanding Disaffection in America
• 29:37 Challenges of Change Management
• 30:17 Fear and Change in Society
• 31:22 The Role of Conversations in Society
• 32:58 The Impact of the Pandemic on Social Dynamics
• 34:06 The Entrenched Political System
• 39:11 Advice for Aspiring Politicians
• 39:59 The Value of Internships and Networking
• 45:05 Personal Reflections on Career and Mentorship
• 48:29 Future Goals and Career Aspirations
• 52:05 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

Episode 71.  In this episode of the Lifetime at Work podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Adam DeMartino, co-founder of the once very hot venture capital backed mushroom startup called Smallhold.

DeMartino shares his entrepreneurial journey to get him to starting Smallhold, from discovering his love for early stage business, to the highs of raising significant venture capital and facing the challenges that led to the company's bankruptcy and restructuring. 

They discuss the intricacies of mushroom farming, the impact of venture capital, and the values that drive DeMartino's work. This candid conversation offers insights and lessons for current and aspiring entrepreneurs as they question what it means to be successful and to fail.

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
• 00:17 Meet Adam DiMartino
• 00:19 The Rise and Fall of Smallhold
• 01:34 Adam's Journey Before Smallhold
• 06:07 The Birth of Smallhold
• 06:16 Adam's Motorcycle Adventure
• 10:44 Entrepreneurial Spirit and Family Influence
• 12:56 Building the Mushroom Business
• 15:13 Scaling Up and Seeking Investment
• 26:25 Expanding to the Texas Market
• 26:49 Pandemic Accelerates Growth
• 27:08 Mushroom Kits: A Pandemic Success
• 29:06 Building Farms in Texas and New York
• 29:31 Facing Bankruptcy and Reorganization
• 32:42 Lessons from the Journey
• 38:09 The Importance of Fungi
• 43:24 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs
• 47:42 The Power of Mushrooms
• 49:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Episode 70.  In this episode of the Lifetime at Work podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Eugene Polevoy, co-founder of Blue C Capital, a private equity firm focused on investing in service-based businesses. 

Eugene shares his career journey from being an automotive mechanic to starting his own private equity fund. They discuss Eugene’s early days in investment banking at BMO, his extensive experience in private equity at ONCAP and Imperial Capital, and his strategic approach to investing in service-based businesses. 

Eugene highlights the importance of having a unique angle, leveraging digital marketing skills, and making data-driven decisions. He also talks about the challenges he faced and the factors that led him to establish his own firm.

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
• 01:11 Eugene's Current Role and Focus
• 03:25 Early Career and Background
• 07:05 Transition to Private Equity
• 11:16 Learning and Growing in Private Equity
• 14:49 Insights on Investment Banking
• 19:10 Developing Investment Strategies
• 22:52 Balancing Fund Mandates and Flexibility
• 25:38 Leveraging Digital Marketing in Business Growth
• 27:22 Transition from ONCAP and New Opportunities
• 27:53 Exploring the Auto Aftermarket and Housing Industries
• 30:46 Challenges and Decisions in Private Equity
• 33:15 Building Frontier and Entrepreneurial Ventures
• 38:55 Raising Capital and Investment Strategies
• 46:35 Finding Your Niche in Service-Based Industries
• 50:27 Conclusion and Contact Information

Episode 69. In this episode of the Lifetime at Work podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Matt McLean, founder of Uncle Matt's Organics. Celebrating its 25th year, Uncle Matt's is America's leading organic juice brand. 

Matt shares his family's deep roots in Florida's citrus farming, transitioning from conventional to organic agriculture, and the journey of building a national brand. The conversation explores topics such as selling the business to Dean Foods, buying it back after their bankruptcy, competing against industry giants like Coke and Pepsi, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. 

Matt emphasizes the importance of leadership, sales skills, and financial literacy in building a successful business.

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
• 01:53 Matt McLean's Business Roots and Early Career
• 04:00 The Birth of Uncle Matt's Organics
• 06:38 Challenges and Successes in Organic Farming
• 12:44 Building and Scaling the Business
• 16:16 Selling and Reacquiring the Business
• 22:15 Navigating the Orange Juice Industry
• 22:57 Commitment to Organic Farming
• 24:09 Innovations in Juice Products
• 25:21 Challenges Competing with Giants
• 28:23 Expanding Product Lines
• 30:53 Lessons from Failures
• 33:53 Family Dynamics in Business
• 38:51 The Perfect Glass of Orange Juice
• 42:06 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
• 43:33 Where to Find Uncle Matt's Products

Episode 68. In this episode of The Lifetime at Work Podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Annie Bergevin, a fractional CFO and advisor for tech startups based in Montreal. 

As the founder of On Point Business Plans and a guest lecturer at Columbia Business School, Annie shares her career journey from investment banking at Credit Suisse and CIBC World Markets to entrepreneurship. The conversation dives into her role in helping startups raise capital from VCs, tips for creating the perfect pitch, and the importance of a solid financial foundation. 

Annie also discusses the evolving landscape of startup funding and educational changes for MBA students aspiring to enter the entrepreneurial world.

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
• 00:16 Meet Annie Bergevin: Fractional CFO and Advisor
• 01:11 Annie's Role in Helping Startups
• 04:15 Annie's Career Journey
• 06:26 Starting On Point Business Plans
• 07:44 Navigating the VC Landscape
• 09:24 Raising Capital: Tips and Challenges
• 12:39 The Importance of Financial Organization
• 19:11 The Role of Personality in Entrepreneurship
• 21:17 The Current State of Venture Capital
• 33:22 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
• 37:26 Annie's Future Goals and Final Thoughts
• 39:04 Conclusion and Farewell

Episode 67. In this episode of the Lifetime at Work podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Pat Brough, author of 'The Real Confident You'. Pat shares his intense story of battling anxiety and depression, culminating in a suicide attempt at 16. They discuss Pat's journey to recovery, the impact of social media, and his newly found confidence. 

Pat explains why he wrote his book, the importance of authenticity, and the challenges high school students face today. The conversation also touches on career fulfillment, gratitude, and how to find positivity in life. Finally, Pat offers advice to parents navigating their children's relationship with social media.

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
• 00:17 Meet Pat Brough: Author and Survivor
• 00:27 Pat's Journey: From Rock Bottom to Recovery
• 08:14 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
• 13:42 Struggles with Identity and Authenticity
• 17:50 The High School Experience and Its Challenges
• 19:01 The Unseen Pressures of Modern Youth
• 19:58 Pat's Suicide Attempt: A Turning Point
• 21:23 Understanding the Struggles of Mental Health
• 22:11 Parental Reactions and Empathy
• 22:56 The Journey to Recovery
• 23:19 Overcoming Overstimulation
• 25:25 Building Self-Confidence
• 29:07 Finding Passion and Career Fulfillment
• 34:53 The Importance of Patience and Perspective
• 38:05 The Role of Gratitude and Positivity
• 42:34 Advice for Parents on Social Media
• 43:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Episode 66.  In this episode of the Lifetime at Work podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Jenny Wu, founder and CEO of Mind Brain Emotion, a company that produces emotional intelligence card games for both adults and children. Jenny, an expert in emotional intelligence with degrees from Harvard and UC Berkeley, and teaching experience at UC Irvine, shares insights from her varied career and personal life. The conversation spans topics such as the significance of emotional intelligence, balancing parenting and career, the role of university education today, and Jenny's journey from industry to academia. Additionally, they discuss the impact of parental expectations, the challenges women face in balancing motherhood and their careers, and tools for developing better emotional intelligence at any age.

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
• 00:59 Jenny Wu's Background and Career Journey
• 02:08 Mind Brain Emotion: The Human Skills Game
• 04:19 Inspiration Behind the Game
• 06:07 Early Career and Transition to Human Capital
• 16:01 Balancing Career and Parenthood
• 21:02 Understanding Emotional Intelligence
• 24:06 Learning Emotional Intelligence as an Adult
• 25:35 Recognizing and Addressing Blind Spots
• 26:10 Practical Examples of Emotional Intelligence
• 28:47 The Importance of Feeling Heard and Valued
• 31:32 Navigating Academic and Professional Growth
• 34:47 Launching a Business Through University Support
• 36:10 Improving Higher Education
• 39:47 Balancing Support and Independence in Parenting
• 41:54 The Role of Discomfort in Personal Growth
• 45:12 Final Thoughts and Resources

Episode 65.  In this Lifetime at Work podcast episode, Greg Martin interviews Bennett Maxwell, the founder and chairman of Dirty Dough, a booming gourmet cookie franchise. 

Bennett recounts his transformative journey from being a Mormon missionary in Mexico to excelling in door-to-door solar energy sales, eventually leading to the creation and rapid expansion of Dirty Dough. 

Listeners will gain insights into Bennett’s philosophies on living well, financial success, brand creation, and the profound impact of effective sales techniques. The discussion delves into the challenges and triumphs of building a scalable business in the food industry, raising substantial capital, and working with seasoned industry leaders. 

It highlights Bennett's strategic approaches to franchising, the importance of organizational structure, and the emotional and financial ramifications of success. The episode also provides practical advice on connecting with advisors and emphasizes the pursuit of joy and fulfillment in business and life, over merely chasing financial goals. 

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 
• 00:54 Bennett Maxwell's Early Life and Career Beginnings 
• 01:27 The Journey into Door-to-Door Sales 
• 03:26 Transition to the Solar Business 
• 07:38 Investing in Dirty Dough 
• 10:59 Challenges and Innovations in the Cookie Business 
• 12:36 Franchising and Business Growth 
• 16:50 Marketing Strategies and Owner Involvement 
• 18:25 Doubts and Financial Challenges 
• 21:44 Raising Capital and Leadership Changes 
• 23:08 Equity Deal and Acquisition 
• 25:12 Reflections on Money and Success 
• 26:57 The Illusion of Financial Goals 
• 32:58 Building a National Brand 
• 42:14 The Importance of Advisors 
• 46:32 Final Thoughts and Contact Information