In this episode of the First Buck podcast, host Nic Cary chats with Brian Scudamore, the innovative entrepreneur behind 1-800-GOT-JUNK, Wow 1 Day Painting, and Shack Shine. Brian's unique approach turned junk removal into an industry of exceptional customer service. Delving into his journey from high school dropout to building a $700 million franchise empire, Brian emphasizes risk-taking, learning from failure, and relentless pursuit of opportunity. This episode is packed with invaluable insights for budding entrepreneurs looking to scale their business, the art of franchising, and mastering the balance of building a dream team.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

• How Brian turned a simple idea into a multi-million-dollar business, outlining the importance of seizing opportunities.

• The philosophy behind WTF: Willing to Fail, and how failure can be a stepping stone to success.

• Insights into the franchising model and why it was the right fit for scalability.

• Tips on team building and why finding the right people is crucial for business growth.

• Strategies for tapping into mentorship to unlock entrepreneurial potential.

In this episode...

Nic Cary and Brian Scudamore dive deep into the pivotal moments of Brian's career, discussing:

• Building a business from the ground up through perseverance and pragmatic decisions.

• The critical role of team dynamics and culture in achieving long-term success.

• How mentorship and learning from others can enhance your business journey.

Sponsor for this episode...

This episode is brought to you by Sky's The Limit, a premier nonprofit supporting underrepresented young entrepreneurs in the US. Their dynamic platform links entrepreneurs with mentors, training resources, and funding opportunities to help realize their business aspirations.

To learn more, visit https://www.skysthelimit.org.

In this episode of the First Buck podcast, host Nick Cary sits down with Elona Mortimer-Zhika, a dynamic leader and esteemed former CEO of Iris Software Group. Elona shares her inspiring journey from her early days in communist Albania to leading one of the largest global software businesses. Through candid reflections, she emphasizes the importance of curiosity, investing in education, and surrounding oneself with talented teams for personal and professional success. She provides invaluable insights into leadership, cultural transformation, and the power of resilience.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

• Discover how education and curiosity can be the keys to unlocking personal and professional success.
• Learn about the impact of diverse, high-performing teams in fostering a thriving work environment.
• Gain insights on the significance of resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges.
• Understand the strategies behind transforming corporate culture into one that champions diversity and wellness.
• Find out how to leverage opportunities and build strong leadership skills to drive business growth.

In this episode...

Nick Cary interviews Elona Mortimer-Zhika and they delve into the valuable lessons from her career, which include:

• The crucial role of education and curiosity in personal and professional development.

• The importance of building a diverse, high-performance team to achieve business success.

• The art of navigating growth and transformation in a global business landscape.

Sponsor for this episode...

This episode is brought to you by Sky’s The Limit, one of the largest nonprofit programs for underrepresented young adult entrepreneurs in the US. Sky’s The Limit is a rapidly growing digital platform that connects entrepreneurs with their peers, volunteer business mentors, training resources, and funding.

Our goal is to develop the social capital that founders need to chase their business dreams.

To learn more, visit https://www.skysthelimit.org.

In this episode of the First Buck podcast, host Nic Cary interviews Zuby Udezue, an independent rapper, author, podcast host, and creative entrepreneur who has built a massive following of over 2 million people on social media. Zuby shares his journey of independent success, emphasizing the importance of resilience, authenticity, and long-term thinking when building a personal brand and business. He offers insights on turning followers into customers, stepping outside your comfort zone, and mastering the art of self-promotion. The episode provides valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs on leveraging social media, creating multiple income streams, and staying committed to your vision in the face of challenges.
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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
• Discover how to build an authentic personal brand that resonates and attracts loyal customers.
• Learn the power of long-term thinking and persistence in achieving independent success.
• Gain insights on leveraging social media to grow your audience and turn followers into paying customers.
• Understand the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone to unlock new opportunities.
• Find out how to create multiple income streams to sustain and grow your business.
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In this episode...
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Nic Cary interviews Zuby and they discuss the lessons learned during his career journey including:
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• The importance of staying authentic and true to your values to build a loyal audience.
• The value of persistence and long-term thinking in achieving independent success.
• The necessity of stepping out of your comfort zone to unlock new opportunities and growth.
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Sponsor for this episode...
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This episode is brought to you by Sky’s The Limit, one of the largest nonprofit programs for underrepresented young adult entrepreneurs in the US. Sky’s The Limit is a quick-growing digital platform that connects entrepreneurs with their peers, volunteer business mentors, training resources, and funding.
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Our goal is to develop the social capital that founders need to chase their business dreams.
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To learn more, visit https://www.skysthelimit.org.

In this episode of the First Buck podcast, host Nic Cary interviews Samuel Harrison, co-founder and managing partner of Faction, a blockchain venture capital fund, and a seasoned advisor in the crypto and digital currency space. Drawing from his extensive experience investing in early-stage ventures and advising top technology companies, Sam shares insights on the critical role of execution in turning ideas into impactful businesses. He emphasizes the importance of building strong teams, leveraging networks, and navigating the challenges of a rapidly evolving tech landscape. The episode offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs on identifying opportunities, managing risks, and driving innovation in competitive industries.
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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
• Discover why execution is more important than the idea itself when building a successful startup.
• Learn how to recruit and empower a strong, high-performing team to drive your vision forward.
• Gain insights on identifying market gaps and leveraging them to create impactful ventures.
• Understand the value of resilience and adaptability in navigating challenges within fast-changing industries.
• Find out how to validate your ideas and secure funding effectively to maximize growth potential.
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In this episode...
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Nic Cary interviews Howard and they discuss the lessons learned during his career journey including:
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• The importance of aligning investments with values to create both financial returns and meaningful social impact.
• The value of resilience and adaptability in overcoming challenges and thriving in dynamic markets.
• The necessity of fostering collaboration and building strong networks to drive innovative solutions and long-term success.
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Sponsor for this episode...
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This episode is brought to you by Sky’s The Limit, one of the largest nonprofit programs for underrepresented young adult entrepreneurs in the US. Sky’s The Limit is a quick-growing digital platform that connects entrepreneurs with their peers, volunteer business mentors, training resources, and funding.
​
Our goal is to develop the social capital that founders need to chase their business dreams.
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To learn more, visit https://www.skysthelimit.org.

In this episode of the First Buck podcast, host Nic Cary interviews Howard Fischer, Co-Founder and Chief Evangelist of Gratitude Railroad, an organization focused on aligning capital with purpose to drive social and environmental change. Drawing from his extensive experience as a hedge fund manager and impact investor, Howard shares insights on navigating risks, making thoughtful investments, and balancing profit with purpose. He discusses the importance of resilience, fostering meaningful relationships, and leveraging capital to address big challenges. The episode offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs on taking bold steps, seeking impact-driven opportunities, and building businesses that create lasting change.
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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
• Discover how to align profit with purpose to create businesses that drive meaningful social and environmental impact.
• Learn the importance of taking calculated risks and making thoughtful investments in your entrepreneurial journey.
• Understand how to build strong networks and leverage mentorship to accelerate growth and success.
• Gain insights on identifying market gaps and turning overlooked opportunities into impactful ventures.
• Find out how resilience and adaptability can help you navigate challenges and thrive in uncertain environments.
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In this episode...
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Nic Cary interviews Howard and they discuss the lessons learned during his career journey including:
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• The importance of taking bold, calculated steps to pursue meaningful opportunities despite uncertainty.
• The value of aligning personal values with business goals to create impactful and fulfilling ventures.
• The necessity of resilience and adaptability to overcome challenges and thrive in dynamic environments.
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Sponsor for this episode...
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This episode is brought to you by Sky’s The Limit, one of the largest nonprofit programs for underrepresented young adult entrepreneurs in the US. Sky’s The Limit is a quick-growing digital platform that connects entrepreneurs with their peers, volunteer business mentors, training resources, and funding.
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Our goal is to develop the social capital that founders need to chase their business dreams.
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To learn more, visit https://www.skysthelimit.org.

In this episode of the First Buck podcast, host Nic Cary interviews Katharine Weymouth, Chief Operating Officer at Togetherly Parents, a community supporting parents with struggling teens and young adults. Drawing from her extensive leadership experience, including her tenure as CEO and Publisher of The Washington Post, Katharine shares lessons on navigating large-scale disruptions, building resilient teams, and embracing career pivots. She emphasizes the importance of adaptability, fostering trust, and leveraging diverse experiences to drive impactful change. The episode offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs and leaders on transforming challenges into opportunities and thriving in evolving landscapes.
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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
• Discover how to navigate large-scale disruptions while maintaining focus and resilience.
• Learn strategies for building and leading high-performing teams that adapt to change.
• Understand the value of embracing career pivots and leveraging diverse experiences for growth.
• Gain insights on fostering trust and accountability within your organization.
• Find out how to turn challenges into opportunities and create impactful, sustainable change.
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In this episode...
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Nic Cary interviews Katharine and they discuss the lessons learned during her career journey including:
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• The importance of surrounding yourself with talented, diverse teams and empowering them to succeed.
• The value of embracing risk and stepping out of your comfort zone to discover unexpected opportunities.
• The necessity of owning mistakes, learning from them, and fostering a culture of resilience and accountability.
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Sponsor for this episode...
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This episode is brought to you by Sky’s The Limit, one of the largest nonprofit programs for underrepresented young adult entrepreneurs in the US. Sky’s The Limit is a quick-growing digital platform that connects entrepreneurs with their peers, volunteer business mentors, training resources, and funding.
​
Our goal is to develop the social capital that founders need to chase their business dreams.
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To learn more, visit https://www.skysthelimit.org.

In this episode of the First Buck podcast, host Nic Cary interviews Samir Goel, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Esusu, a platform dedicated to unlocking financial stability for renters by enabling credit-building through rent payments. Inspired by his family's experiences as immigrants facing financial barriers, Samir shares how Esusu addresses economic inequality and empowers underserved communities. He emphasizes the importance of mission-driven entrepreneurship, resilience, and the power of personal experience in shaping impactful solutions. The episode offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs on building businesses that drive social change, navigating challenges, and creating opportunities that foster financial inclusion.
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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
• Discover how mission-driven entrepreneurship can create lasting impact and inspire positive change in underserved communities.
• Learn why resilience and a strong sense of purpose are essential for overcoming obstacles in the startup journey.
• Understand the value of building inclusive solutions that address real-world problems and serve diverse communities.
• Gain insights on leveraging personal experiences to shape meaningful, customer-focused products.
• Find out how to develop partnerships that amplify your mission and accelerate growth in the social impact space.
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In this episode...
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Nic Cary interviews Samir and they discuss the lessons learned during his career journey including:
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• The importance of creating solutions that address real needs and promote financial inclusion for underserved communities.
• The value of resilience and staying true to your mission, especially when facing obstacles in the entrepreneurial journey.
• The power of personal experience in driving meaningful innovation that positively impacts others' lives.
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Sponsor for this episode...
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This episode is brought to you by Sky’s The Limit, one of the largest nonprofit programs for underrepresented young adult entrepreneurs in the US. Sky’s The Limit is a quick-growing digital platform that connects entrepreneurs with their peers, volunteer business mentors, training resources, and funding.
​
Our goal is to develop the social capital that founders need to chase their business dreams.
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To learn more, visit https://www.skysthelimit.org.

In this episode of the First Buck podcast, host Nic Cary interviews Vince McSweeney, Chief Creative Officer at McCann Central, a global marketing leader with an impressive track record across national and international brands. Vince shares insights on building authentic brands that resonate with audiences, drawing from his unique journey from chef to creative director. He emphasizes the importance of understanding brand identity, balancing warmth with competency, and leveraging distinctive qualities to stand out in competitive markets. The episode offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on navigating pressure, maintaining authenticity, and making their brand memorable.
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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
• Discover how to create a brand that balances warmth with competency to build genuine connections with customers.
• Learn why authenticity is key to making your brand stand out and gain lasting trust.
• Gain insights on leveraging your unique qualities to differentiate yourself in a competitive market.
• Find out how to manage pressure effectively and stay focused during challenging times.
• Understand the power of building a strong brand personality to leave a memorable impression on your audience.
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In this episode...
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Nic Cary interviews Vince and they discuss the lessons learned during his career journey including:
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• The importance of building strong, aligned teams that share a common vision for sustainable success.
• The value of identifying and addressing unmet needs to create impactful solutions in new markets.
• The necessity of balancing profit with purpose to drive meaningful, long-term growth.
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Sponsor for this episode...
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This episode is brought to you by Sky’s The Limit, one of the largest nonprofit programs for underrepresented young adult entrepreneurs in the US. Sky’s The Limit is a quick-growing digital platform that connects entrepreneurs with their peers, volunteer business mentors, training resources, and funding.
​
Our goal is to develop the social capital that founders need to chase their business dreams.
​
To learn more, visit https://www.skysthelimit.org.