The Start Down

In this episode celebrating Italian American Heritage Month, host Mike Ficara passionately explores the influence of his Italian roots on business practices, treating clients and employees like family members. As a third-generation Italian American, he navigates the balance between preserving cultural heritage and embracing a distinct American identity. Mike discusses the intersection of Italian heritage in daily life, family traditions, and their intriguing parallels with successful business structures, drawing connections between the mafia's organizational principles and effective leadership. Encouraging a "mob mentality" in entrepreneurship, he advocates for a familial business culture that prioritizes client care and appreciation.

• 🇮🇹 Italian American heritage and its impact on business. 0:02 Italian American heritage and how it shapes his business practices, such as treating clients and employees like family.
• Cultural identity and heritage for a Gen X American of Italian descent. 2:23 As a third-generation Italian American, discussing the balance between holding onto cultural heritage and embracing American identity.
• Cultural identity and heritage months. 4:39 The origins of Columbus Day and its significance to Italian Americans, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and respect in cultural celebrations.
• Italian heritage and culture. 9:39 Personal connection to Italian culture and music, and how it's a part of his everyday life.
• Italian culture, family traditions, and entrepreneurship. 12:57 Passion for Italian culture and traditions with his kids, including food, music, and family history.
• Leadership styles and business management. 17:44
  • Similarities between the structure of the mafia and successful businesses, highlighting loyalty, organization, and processes.
  • The similarities between being a mafia boss and being a CEO, emphasizing the importance of leadership, delegation, and financial management.
  • Encourages entrepreneurs to adopt a "mob mentality" in their businesses, prioritizing loyalty, structure, and a strong vision.
• Italian culture and business heritage. 20:08 Encourages businesses to create a culture and heritage similar to nationalities,citing the rich history of cigar companies as an example.

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Host: Mike Ficara- https://mikeficara.com/

Content Manager: Charlene Gillego

Controversial episode...I don’t put the cart back after food shopping!
For some reason, this is the new hot topic people use on the Internet to highlight how they are great people. Don’t get me wrong, it is a nice thing to do.
I don’t put the cart back for two reasons:
1. When I was a kid, many of my friends worked at Publix. Going outside to get the carts was a great break for them. I worked at Publix for a short time in college and also saw this firsthand. At the Publix I shop at regularly, I see my favorite bagger collecting carts, and he loves it. Why take that away from him?
2. I have young kids, and I will not leave them alone in the car or make them walk back to the store. Anyone with kids knows how challenging it can be to get kids back in the car!
Now, I do other good things that I don’t see these cart-returning heroes do. I hold doors for people and wave when a car stops and lets me cross the street in a parking lot. Does this make anyone of us a better or worse person?
More important than putting a cart back is how you act overall and who you help. I see many people doing great things in our community; some post it on social media and others don’t.
It’s not the thing we do or don’t do once that defines our character but how we act overall that matters. Don’t let the cart heroes fool you! lol
Do you take the back after you put your groceries in the car? This is a safe space! Lol
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Host: Mike Ficara - https://mikeficara.com/

Producer: Ryan Griffiths

Content manager: Charlene Gillego

Support the show

More episodes: https://mikeficara.com/start-down-podcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeficara/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikeficara

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Get my book for only $0.99 with the promo code PODCAST- https://mike-ficara.myshopify.com/

Host: Mike Ficara- https://mikeficara.com/

Content Manager: Charlene Gillego

Did you file your taxes yesterday?
If you did, forgot, or if yesterday caused you stress, Tyler McBroom can offer great advice!
Many people hear the word accountant and think, this guy is going to be boring and yell at me about everything I am doing wrong with my taxes. Not Tyler! He shares some great tips in this episode that will help you save money and grow your business.
Tyler is so dynamic as an account and leader in the tax industry and on social media that he has drawn the attention and collaborated with Daymond John, Tony Robbins, and Lisa Collum, just to name a few! Tyler teaches that you can use social media to do three things:
1. Create an audience that is engaged and will hire you without always “selling” online
2. Get the attention you deserve if you consistently bring value to your audience
3. Network and gain exposure to drive your success
Don’t miss this episode that is now live! Leave a comment below with any of your tax questions, and Tyler will see if he can help!
Ep 166 Tyler McBroom is the tax master to small business owners and sharks
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PODCAST- https://mike-ficara.myshopify.com/

Host: Mike Ficara- https://mikeficara.com/

Guest: Tyler McBroom

Producer: Ryan Griffiths

Content manager: Charlene Gillego

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More episodes: https://mikeficara.com/start-down-podcast/

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Get my book for only $0.99 with the promo code PODCAST- https://mike-ficara.myshopify.com/

Host: Mike Ficara- https://mikeficara.com/

Content Manager: Charlene Gillego

YOU pick the labels that you associate yourself with! POINT BLANK. PERIOD.
All that matters is that YOU believe you have a vision, YOU believe you are worth it, YOU believe it's yours for the taking.
In this episode of "The Start Down," Mike talks with Raj Subrameyer about building your personal brand. Raj is passionate about helping leaders step into their zones and maximize their potential! If you had someone like Raj in your ear every single day, would you show up in the way you needed to?
Host: Mike Ficara
Guests: Mike Ficara and Raj Subrameyer

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More episodes: https://mikeficara.com/start-down-podcast/

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Get my book for only $0.99 with the promo code PODCAST- https://mike-ficara.myshopify.com/

Host: Mike Ficara- https://mikeficara.com/

Content Manager: Charlene Gillego

We are back!
Not only are we back, but this week’s guest Dominica Lumazar was someone that brought value to the podcast from word one! You don’t want to miss this episode!
We covered three key items in this episode:
1. Marketing needs to be a 360 degree experience
2. Failure and your entrepreneurial gut
3. The power of a female owned business
To learn more about Dominica visit her website at https://sweetdmarketing.com/ and catch her amazing podcast at https://bpbpodcast.com.
Host: Mike Ficara
Guests: Mike Ficara and Dominica Lumazar

Support the show

More episodes: https://mikeficara.com/start-down-podcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeficara/

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeficara

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOQfxH5L_hNOC-O5hXMxRkg

Get my book for only $0.99 with the promo code PODCAST- https://mike-ficara.myshopify.com/

Host: Mike Ficara- https://mikeficara.com/

Content Manager: Charlene Gillego