What happens when you do everything right—and still lose it all?

In this raw and revealing episode, we revisit the financial collapse of 2008 through the eyes of Retirepreneur founder Curt Roese, who lost his business, his home, and the future he had worked so carefully to build. This isn’t just a cautionary tale—it’s a blueprint for resilience. Curt’s experience shaped everything that Retirepreneur stands for today: second-act entrepreneurship that’s lean, digital, and financially sane.

You’ll hear the pivotal lessons that came from losing everything at 46—and the chilling realization that if it had happened at 60, there might not have been enough time to recover. That insight fueled the creation of a radically different business model built for people like you: experienced, motivated, and determined not to start over the hard way.

If you’re thinking about launching a business in retirement or midlife, this episode offers more than inspiration. It’s a practical guide to avoiding the mistakes that nearly destroyed everything—and a path toward building something better, smarter, and more secure.

Note: This episode is produced using Notebook LM to capture insights and structure powerful storytelling with clarity and depth.

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🌟 About Us - Retirepreneur® is where retirement meets reinvention. Founded by Curt Roese, this platform helps adults aged 55 and above launch second-act businesses, explore flexible work options, and build purpose-filled lives with clarity, confidence, and community. We offer stories, tools, and a vibrant network of like-minded individuals who turn life experiences into meaningful impact.