Self Made Strategies

WELCOME BACK TO ANOTHER AWESOME SELF MADE STRATEGIES HUSTLE STORY

In this short podcast clip, you will get a short glimpse at just how awesome and knowledgeable Lindsay Miller is.  Lindsay also happens to be the awesome web dev expert that redesigned our kickass website).  Lindsay is a military vet and cyber security pro, with a passion for developing amazing and functional sites.  You can hear more with her on this week’s upcoming Self Made Strategies podcast episode.  Make sure you tune in this Thursday, wherever you listen to your podcasts, to hear Lindsay's episode.

About Half Hitch 3

Is your 24/7 salesperson working part time?

Your website is not only your number one marketing asset, it is also your number one salesperson. Quite often, it's the first place customers go to research your business and it is at that time that they are formulating their first impression of you.

At Half Hitch 3, they take an intelligent approach to web design and development that serves to eliminate the headaches of traditional web design and drives optimal results using data.

With Half Hitch 3, your website will incrementally become stronger as we continue to measure, iterate and act - allowing your business to stay ahead of the curve.

Visit https://halfhitch3.com/ for more information.

PRODUCTION CREDITS:

The Self Made Strategies Hustle Story is a SoftStix Productions jawn.  Tony Lopes produced, edited, and hosted this episode.  This episode was recorded on location at Indy Hall (www.indyhall.org).  Self Made Strategies is sponsored by Lopes Law LLC (www.LopesLawLLC.com).

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SELF MADE STRATEGIES EPISODE 056 WITH TONY LUKE, JR.

(NOTE: Listener Discretion is Advised - This Episode Contains Adult Content and Subject Matter That May Be Difficult to Listen to. We chose to maintain the integrity of Tony's message by minimally editing this episode, so use your discretion when listening. We hope you enjoy it!)

Anthony Lucidonio, Jr., better known as Tony Luke, Jr., is an American entrepreneur, restaurateur, actor, TV personality (way back on Prism), musician, media host and (NOW) an anti-addiction-stigma activist. Tony co-founded the cheesesteak and sandwich franchise Tony Luke's.

In the early 1990s Luke, his brother, Nicky, and their father bought a property near the expressway in South Philadelphia, where no one (at the time) wanted to build anything in that area, to open a small sandwich shop. To compete with other local businesses, the original Tony Luke's stand offered a more diversified menu, initially offering roast pork sandwiches, hoagies and other fare. Originally, there were no cheesesteaks, but as always Tony Luke gave the people what they wanted (eventually adding cheesesteaks to the menu). Soon thereafter, PhillyMag ranked Tony Luke’s as BOTH the best Roast Pork sandwich AND the best Cheesesteak in Philly. That doubled their business almost overnight and led to Tony Luke taking over the store's marketing.

Eventually, the business grew to include several locations in the Philadelphia area and a line of frozen sandwiches. Through a partnership with Rastelli Foods Group, the business now has several franchised locations worldwide, including in Bahrain.

Tony Luke’s would turn into a household name, and Tony Luke Jr would become the face of the franchise: starring in TV and radio commercials, facing off with Bobby Flay in a “Throwdown,” and even getting his own show on Spike TV (“Frankenfood”).

But, before his father even had the thought to build a sandwich shop, Tony Luke Jr had already lived multiple lives: from being a rough-and-tumble South Philly kid, to a budding Hollywood movie star in LA, to scoring a record deal as the crooner of an R&B band.

Tony Luke was born in South Philly and attended the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts in its first year (Tony was an “original”). Tony Luke credits CAPA as having saved his life. During his time at CAPA, Tony hustled his way into a cast party for Rocky II (in Philly).

Using methamphetamine and other drugs as a teenager, Tony Luke now uses that experience, as well as the fighting and hustling of his youth, to explain to kids that difficulties can be overcome.

SHOW AGENDA

On today’s episode we will:

* Get to know Tony and hear his amazing story

* We will discuss Tony Luke's strategies for maintaining your edge

* Discuss the benefits of collaborating to make magic happen

What you will hear on this episode:

* Why Tony believes that his gut leads him where he needs to be

* How every day in life, Tony tries to strengthen his weaknesses and tries every day in his life to share his strengths with other people to help their weaknesses become stronger (and why you should do the same)

* Why ego can never be a part of growth

* How Tony Luke, Jr., along with his father and brother, literally built Tony Luke's

* Why strategic marketing initiatives were at the core of making "Tony Luke" into a household name

* How a Heroin overdose brought Tony Luke to collaborate with several musicians to raise mental health and addiction stigma awareness

* Information about the Sound Mind Network and their initiatives to raise awareness

* How Tony Luke deals with competitors

* And so much more!

PRODUCTION CREDITS:

This Self Made Strategies Podcast is a SoftStix P...

WELCOME BACK TO ANOTHER AWESOME SELF MADE STRATEGIES HUSTLE STORY

In this short podcast clip, you will hear about how Tony Luke, Jr., hired a friend to dress up as an ostrich, to run around giving out Ostrich Meat Cheesesteaks - a viral marketing campaign that received national attention.  You can hear more with him on this week’s Self Made Strategies podcast.

ABOUT THE SMS HUSTLE STORY

This is the Self Made Strategies Hustle Story about Anthony Lucidonio, Jr. (a/k/a Tony Luke, Jr.). He is an American entrepreneur, restaurateur, actor, TV personality (way back on Prism, among other appearances on Spike TV, Amazon Prime, etc.), musician, media host and (NOW) an anti-addiction-stigma activist.  Make sure you tune in this Thursday, wherever you listen to your podcasts, to hear Tony’s episode on the Self Made Strategies Podcast.

ABOUT TONY LUKE, JR.

Tony co-founded the cheesesteak and sandwich franchise Tony Luke's. Almost everyone who knows the name, knows that.  BUT, did you know that cheesesteaks are just a tiny part of Tony Luke's story?

In the early 1990s Luke, his brother, Nicky, and their father bought a property near the expressway in South Philadelphia, where no one (at the time) wanted to build anything in that area, to open a small sandwich shop.  To compete with other local businesses, the original Tony Luke's stand offered a more diversified menu, initially offering roast pork sandwiches, hoagies and other fare, but no cheesesteaks.  Soon thereafter, PhillyMag ranked Tony Luke’s as BOTH the best Roast Pork sandwich AND the best Cheesesteak in Philly.  That doubled their business almost overnight and led to Tony Luke taking over the store's marketing.

Eventually, the business grew to include several locations in the Philadelphia area and a line of frozen sandwiches.  Through a partnership with Rastelli Foods Group, the business now has several franchised locations worldwide, including in Bahrain.

Tony Luke’s would turn into a household name, and Tony Luke Jr would become the face of the franchise: starring in TV and radio commercials, facing off with Bobby Flay in a “Throwdown,” and even getting his own show on Spike TV (“Frankenfood”).

Long before his father even had the thought to build a sandwich shop, Tony Luke Jr had already lived multiple lives: from being a rough-and-tumble South Philly kid (sneaking into a luncheon for the cast of Rocky II), to a budding film star, to almost scoring a record deal as the lead singer of an R&B band.

Fasten your seatbelt, as you listen to an amazing tale with some high highs, but some equally harsh lows.

PRODUCTION CREDITS:

The Self Made Strategies Hustle Story is a SoftStix Productions LLC jawn.  Tony Lopes produced, edited, and hosted this episode.  This episode was recorded on location in Tony Luke's Philadelphia Area Studio.  Self Made Strategies is also sponsored by Lopes Law LLC (www.LopesLawLLC.com).

SELF MADE STRATEGIES EPISODE 055 WITH PATRICK FINDARO

VISA FRANCHISE – THE LEADING ADVISOR FOR IDENTIFYING AND ANALYZING U.S. BUSINESSES FOR THE E2 INVESTOR VISA

(For U.S. Businesses) Visa Franchise simplifies the process for entrepreneurs to reside legally in the U.S.  They help their clients find the business that might be the best fit for their clients considering E-2 Visas.  Franchises time after time prove to be the best option for most clients, who prioritize business longevity and consistency over short-term profits.

Visa Franchise understands each entrepreneur’s investment goals, desired location, and industries of interest, among a variety of important factors, in order to find the best U.S. business opportunities for the E2 Visa Investor and their family. Additionally, Visa Franchise coordinates with their client’s immigration and corporate attorneys to ensure their U.S. immigration and investment objectives are met. Remember that even though most of Visa Franchise’s clients apply for the E2 visa, a licensed U.S. immigration lawyer should be consulted to understand the best investor or employment visa for each individual.

Visa Franchise has advised 300+ entrepreneurs from over 50 countries around the world achieve their dream of owning a business and moving to the U.S. Testimonials can be found on their website (www.visafranchise.com).

ABOUT PATRICK FINDARO

​As Business Development Director, Patrick Findaro oversees sales, marketing, and strategic relationships for Visa Franchise. Patrick’s experience with franchises and investor visas adds significant value to foreign nationals seeking investments in the United States. Patrick and his team manage an otherwise onerous process of immigrating through investment by partnering with trusted advisors and established franchisors. Moreover, his experience in advising high-net worth individuals on an array of investments enables Patrick to provide informative market & financial analysis for prospective franchisees.

SHOW AGENDA

* On today’s episode we will:

* Get to know Patrick and hear about how Visa Franchise helps foreign entrepreneurs invest in US businesses

* We will discuss Patrick’s strategies for entering new markets

* Discuss the benefits of collaborating with foreign investors

What you will hear on this episode:

* What an E2 Visa is and the benefits for both foreign investors and US based organizations

* The considerations that you (in general) should think about before investing in a franchise

* The benefits, for franchisors, of bringing on E2 investors/entrepreneurs? Are there any financial incentives?

* Patrick's 3 best practices, that he has used, to engage with his target audience and to grow Visa Franchise

* Hear how Patrick has consistently continued to grow his businesses into markets where he was an outsider

* Hear about how you could use strategic partnerships to help grow your organization

* Get insight on planning for continued growth and expansion

* And so much more!

PRODUCTION CREDITS:

This Self Made Strategies Podcast is a SoftStix Productions LLC jawn.  This episode was produced, edited, and hosted by Tony Lopes, on location in Miami Beach at the Visa Franchise headquarters.  The Self Made Strategies Podcast is sponsored by Lopes Law LLC (www.LopesLawLLC.com).

After you’ve listened to the episode, make sure you visit Visa Franchise (www.visafranchise.com) to read more about their work with franchisees.

Make sure you subscribe to the Self Made Strategies Podcast on your favorite podcasting platform.  You can find us on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts,

WELCOME BACK TO ANOTHER FANTASTIC SELF MADE STRATEGIES HUSTLE STORY

In this short podcast clip, you will hear about how Patrick Findaro started Visa Franchise in his Miami Beach, and worked around the clock, to get Visa Franchise started.  You can hear more with him on this week’s Self Made Strategies podcast.

ABOUT THE SMS HUSTLE STORY

This is the Self Made Strategies Hustle Story about Patrick Findaro, Business Development Director of Visa Franchise (www.visafranchise.com).  Make sure you tune in this Thursday, wherever you listen to your podcasts, to hear Patrick’s episode on the Self Made Strategies Podcast.

ABOUT VISA FRANCHISE AND PATRICK

Visa Franchise – the leading advisor for identifying and analyzing U.S. businesses for the E2 investor visa

(For U.S. Businesses)

Visa Franchise simplifies the process for entrepreneurs to reside legally in the U.S.  They help their clients find the business that might be the best fit for their clients considering E-2 Visas.  Franchises time after time prove to be the best option for most clients, who prioritize business longevity and consistency over short-term profits.

Visa Franchise understands each entrepreneur’s investment goals, desired location, and industries of interest, among a variety of important factors, in order to find the best U.S. business opportunities for the E2 Visa Investor and their family. Additionally, Visa Franchise coordinates with their client’s immigration and corporate attorneys to ensure their U.S. immigration and investment objectives are met. Remember that even though most of Visa Franchise’s clients apply for the E2 visa, a licensed U.S. immigration lawyer should be consulted to understand the best investor or employment visa for each individual.

Visa Franchise has advised 300+ entrepreneurs from over 50 countries around the world achieve their dream of owning a business and moving to the U.S. Testimonials can be found on their website (www.visafranchise.com).

About Patrick Findaro

​As Business Development Director, Patrick Findaro oversees sales, marketing, and strategic relationships for Visa Franchise. Patrick’s experience with franchises and investor visas adds significant value to foreign nationals seeking investments in the United States. Patrick and his team manage an otherwise onerous process of immigrating through investment by partnering with trusted advisors and established franchisors. Moreover, his experience in advising high-net worth individuals on an array of investments enables Patrick to provide informative market & financial analysis for prospective franchisees.

PRODUCTION CREDITS:

The Self Made Strategies Hustle Story is a SoftStix Productions LLC jawn.  This episode was produced, edited, and hosted by Tony Lopes, on location in Miami Beach at the Visa Franchise headquarters.  The Self Made Strategies Podcast is sponsored by Lopes Law LLC (www.LopesLawLLC.com).

Follow us on:

• https://www.facebook.com/selfmadestrategies/

• https://twitter.com/SelfMadeStratGs

• https://www.instagram.com/selfmadestrategies/

• https://www.linkedin.com/company/self-made-strategies/

THE SELF MADE STRATEGIES EPISODE WITH JENNIFER GLEASON

SVP PHL specifically helps those out to do good, do better, bringing together donors, nonprofits, and social enterprises so we can all make a greater collective impact. SVP Philadelphia cultivates effective philanthropists, strengthens nonprofits, and invests in collaborative solutions, building powerful relationships to tackle our community's social challenges.

Jennifer Gleason is the managing director of Social Venture Partners, Philadelphia, a role in which she is charged with leading the launch of this transformational new initiative. Earlier in her United Way career, she oversaw capacity building initiatives designed to sustain and strengthen nonprofit partners through leadership development, strategic partnerships, and outcomes measurement.

SVP Philadelphia is a regional network of community leaders and philanthropists who are committed to leveraging their social, financial, and intellectual capital. To provide grants and volunteer assistance to the leaders of high potential nonprofit organizations whose missions can help bring an end to intergenerational poverty.

SVP Philadelphia is part of a global network of more than 3,500 partners in 43 cities who have collectively contributed more than $60 million to over 900 organizations. On today's episode, we'll get to know Jennifer and hear more about about SVP PHL, how to create collaborations with industry stakeholders, and we'll explore best practices for leadership development and strengthening your relationships with strategic partners.

SHOW AGENDA

* On today’s episode we will:

* Get to know Jennifer and hear about SVP PHL

* We will discuss Jennifer's strategies for building capacity

* Discuss the amazing things that SVP PHL is doing for the nonprofit community

What you will learn on this episode:

* Hear about how SVP PHL is helping to combat poverty in Philadelphia

* How to increase opportunities and learn to build a community around your brand by collaborating with like-minded folks

* How to strengthen organizations through investments of financial capital as well as intellectual, social, and cultural capital

* How to use strategic partnerships to help grow your organization

* And so much more!

After you’ve listened to the episode, make sure you visit SVP PHL (https://www.unitedforimpact.org/job/social-venture-partners-associate/) to check out their latest philanthropic efforts.

Make sure you subscribe to the Self Made Strategies Podcast on your favorite podcasting platform.  You can find us on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and Spreaker.

Do you want even more awesome Self Made Strategies content?  Make sure you follow Self Made Strategies on social media:  Facebook – Instagram – LinkedIn – Twitter

Here is the transcript for Episode 054 of the Self Made Strategies Podcast:

Tony Lopes, Esq. - Self Made Strategies & Lopes Law LLC: [00:00:18] Welcome to a brand new episode of the Self Made Strategies podcast. I'm your host Tony Lopes. Joining me today is special guest cohost Katie Wright. Hey Katie, welcome back. Thanks for coming in.

Katie Wright - Right Cause: [00:00:29] Thanks for having me. I appreciate it.

Tony Lopes, Esq.

WELCOME BACK TO ANOTHER FANTASTIC SELF MADE STRATEGIES HUSTLE STORY

In this short podcast clip, you will hear about how Jennifer Gleason had to work hard to earn enough to get started on her entrepreneurial journey.  You can hear more with her on this week’s Self Made Strategies podcast.

ABOUT THE SMS HUSTLE STORY

This is the Self Made Strategies Hustle Story about Jennifer Gleason, Managing Director of Social Venture Partners (SVP PHL).  Make sure you tune in this Thursday, wherever you listen to your podcasts, to hear Jennifer’s episode on the Self Made Strategies Podcast.

About SVP PHL and Jennifer

Social Venture Partners, powered by United Way, is a philanthropic network, but they do more than give away money. SVP helps those out to do good, do better – bringing together donors, nonprofits and social enterprises so we can all make a greater collective impact.

SVP cultivates effective philanthropists, strengthens nonprofits, and invests in collaborative solutions – building powerful relationships to tackle our communities’ social challenges.

Jennifer Gleason is the Managing Director of Social Venture Partners Philadelphia (SVP), a role in which she is charged with leading the launch of this transformational new initiative. Earlier in her United Way career, she oversaw capacity building initiatives designed to sustain and strengthen nonprofit partners through leadership development, strategic partnerships and outcomes measurement.

SVP Philadelphia is a regional network of community leaders and philanthropists, who are committed to leveraging their social, financial and intellectual capital to provide grants and volunteer assistance to the leaders of high potential nonprofit organizations, whose missions can help bring an end to inter-generational poverty. SVP Philadelphia is part of a global network of more than 3,500 Partners in 43 cities, who have collectively contributed more than $60 million to 900+ organizations.

Production Credits:

The Self Made Strategies Hustle Story is a SoftStix Productions LLC jawn.  This episode was produced, edited, and hosted by Tony Lopes, co-hosted by Katie Wright (of Right Cause Consulting - https://www.rightcauseconsulting.com/), with associate production by Ryan Martin.  The Self Made Strategies Podcast is sponsored by Lopes Law LLC (www.LopesLawLLC.com).

The Self Made Strategies Episode with Logan Sneed

Logan went from high school athlete and college freshmen to a stage four Glioblastoma patient overnight.  Essentially that's brain cancer for those of us who are not doctors. Doctors told Logan he wouldn't survive his diagnosis, and even if he did, Logan would never have the quality of life he wanted.  Logan refused to believe that. Each time someone told Logan he couldn't do something, he used it as fuel to prove them wrong. Today, Logan is a 23 year old fitness entrepreneur making a six-figure income in remission and inspiring the world with this story of beating the odds in his new book: Thank you, Cancer: 30 Days to Realize Nothing Is Impossible, out NOW.  Logan challenges us to thank the obstacles that get in our way. In the book, he asks, could you write a letter to your weight, to your debt, to your business? Could you thank it for making you grow? Can you find room to become happier, to enjoy the present and to face the fear and doubt that has held you back by thanking our obstacles?

Logan says: we can become CEO of our lives and the best version of ourselves.

Show Agenda

On today’s episode we will:

Get to know Logan and hear about FusionLean.com, and his new book “Thank You, Cancer”

We will discuss Logan’s strategies for generating revenue online

Logan will share his strategies for overcoming your obstacles

What you will learn on this episode:

How we can become the CEOs of our own lives

How Logan went from college kid (visiting the gym to stay in shape), to having a seizure while driving, to being diagnosed with a Stage 4 Glioblastoma (that’s brain cancer)

How the ketogenetic diet program that helps people see results physically, mentally, and emotionally

* How to scale up to a six figure business

* How to add value to your clients, and price your products and services accordingly

* How to gain control of your own life

* How to slow down, but speed up: meaning slow down to understand where you are, and at the same time speed up in the sense of how much more you can go (all while enjoying the process)

* The meditations Logan uses to gain a competitive advantage

* And so much more!

After you’ve listened to the episode, make sure you visit FusionLean.com (https://www.fusionlean.com/), and head over to Amazon to pick up your copy of Logan’s book: Thank You, Cancer: 30 Days to Realize Nothing Is Impossible (https://www.amazon.com/Thank-You-Cancer-Realize-Impossible/dp/1544505019).  

 

Make sure you subscribe to the Self Made Strategies Podcast on your favorite podcasting platform.  You can find us on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and Spreaker. 

Do you want even more awesome Self Made Strategies content?  Make sure you follow Self Made Strategies on social media:  Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Twitter 

 

Here is the transcript of this Episode:

INTRO MUSIC: [00:00:00] [00:00:00] You're listening to an all new episode of self may strategies visit self-made strategies.com for new episodes, information about our guests and a whole lot more.

Welcome back to another fantastic Self Made Strategies Hustle Story.

In this short podcast clip, you will hear about how Logan Sneed overcame brain cancer to become an entrepreneur, who started a seven-figure online business.  You can hear more with him on this week's Self Made Strategies podcast.

About the SMS Hustle Story

This is the Self Made Strategies Hustle Story about Logan Sneed founder of FusionLean (https://www.fusionlean.com/) and author of the book "Thank You, Cancer: 30 Days to Realize Nothing Is Impossible" (https://www.amazon.com/Thank-You-Cancer-Realize-Impossible/dp/1544505019).  Make sure you tune in this Thursday, wherever you listen to your podcasts, to hear Logan’s episode on the Self Made Strategies Podcast. 

About Logan

Logan went from high school athlete and college freshmen to a stage four Glioblastoma patient overnight.  Essentially that's brain cancer for those of us who are not doctors. Doctors told Logan he wouldn't survive his diagnosis, and even if he did, Logan would never have the quality of life he wanted.  Logan refused to believe that. Each time someone told Logan he couldn't do something, he used it as fuel to prove them wrong. Today, Logan is a 23 year old fitness entrepreneur making a six-figure income in remission and inspiring the world with this story of beating the odds in his new book: Thank you, Cancer: 30 Days to Realize Nothing Is Impossible, out NOW.  Logan challenges us to thank the obstacles that get in our way. In the book, he asks, could you write a letter to your weight, to your debt, to your business? Could you thank it for making you grow? Can you find room to become happier, to enjoy the present and to face the fear and doubt that has held you back by thanking our obstacles?

 

Logan says: we can become CEO of our lives and the best version of ourselves.

The Self Made Strategies Podcast Episode with Mac Mart

Marti Lieberman’s Mac Mart debuted on the streets of Drexel University’s campus in the winter of 2013.  Without much experience running her own business, let alone a food truck, Marti knew there were some kinks to work out but she was determined to succeed. While her cheese sauce was always a hit, she felt like there was something still missing.

Shortly after opening

Marti brought on two people to complete her team: Her sister, Pamela and her (now husband), Garrett Jablonski. By combining Marti’s background in public relations, Pamela’s love of all things culinary, and utilizing Garrett’s brawn for day-to-day operations, the bright pink truck became an instant hit at private affairs, night markets, and food festivals. 

Catering for the likes of Forbes, Starr Events, Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia 76ers, Wawa CEO and Executive team to name a few, Mac Mart built up quite a following.

 

Opening a store

With a large social media presence all over the globe and constantly selling out of the famous Mac and Cheese, Mac Mart figured it was high time to open its first flagship store in its hometown of Philadelphia. After months of planning, Mac Mart opened its doors in Rittenhouse in the spring of 2016 with expansion plans already in the works!

 

Show Agenda

On today’s episode we will:

Get to know Marti and Pamela and hear more about the strategies you can you use to pivot your business

How to deal with rapid growth, if your brand goes success

Explore the best ways to improve your efficiency as an executive or entrepreneur

What you will learn on this episode:

The main challenges Marti and Pamela faced when pivoting from a food truck to a brick and mortar location

How Marti and Pamela use social media to engage with their customers and audience

The social media strategies you can use to build a large following

How Mac Mart is killing it on QVC

Best practices that Mac Mart uses for ensuring that they are maintaining the quality (both from a freshness, but also from a taste perspective) of their Mac and Cheese, and how you can apply the same concepts to your business

The metrics that Mac Mart uses to measure their success

3 tips for maintaining your standards while you are growing rapidly

And so much more!

After you’ve listened to the episode, make sure you visit Mac Mart (https://macmartcart.com/) to get your hands on some delicious Mac and Cheese.  

Make sure you subscribe to the Self Made Strategies Podcast on your favorite podcasting platform.  You can find us on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and Spreaker. 

Do you want even more awesome Self Made Strategies content?  Make sure you follow Self Made Strategies on social media:  Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Twitter