Lifetime at Work: Interviews with Founders, Investors and Advisors

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 Guest00:56 Ivan Barrett's Business Overview02:13 Journey into Real Estate04:48 Early Challenges and Learning Experiences09:32 Raising Capital and Scaling Up18:16 Personal Insights and Company Vision19:35 Childhood and Entrepreneurial Roots21:12 Family Business Background21:27 Real Estate Investment Strategies22:11 Owner Operator vs. Passive Investor24:00 Challenges of Real Estate Management26:47 Vacation Properties and Market Risks28:44 Private Equity and Apartment Investments30:53 Navigating Market Volatility35:51 Career Advice for Aspiring Investors39:58 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 Podcast00:16 Meet Erica Wasser: From Standup Comedian to Entrepreneur01:09 The Birth of Prosper: Solving Frontline Communication Challenges02:19 Real-World Examples of Communication Breakdowns05:23 Building Prosper: A Non-Technical Founder’s Journey07:49 Erica’s Career Journey: From Entertainment to Salons12:12 The Role of AI and Technology in Frontline Work17:51 Engaging Frontline Employees: Strategies and Insights22:58 The Chipotle Effect23:38 Challenges in Building a Business25:15 The Software Industry Transition26:53 The Unique Salon Experience29:47 Navigating Growth and Marketing32:29 The Future of Venture Capital36:30 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs38:34 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 Podcast00:17 Meet Molly McGarrick00:21 Molly's Early Career and Political Beginnings01:12 Career Path and Personal Insights06:23 The Impact of Internships07:37 Fast-Paced World of Political Campaigns13:01 Navigating Government and Public Health15:23 Challenges During the COVID-19 Pandemic21:44 Political Philosophy and Career Motivation26:46 Making Tough Decisions in Leadership27:52 Reflections on the Recent Election28:20 Understanding Disaffection in America29:37 Challenges of Change Management30:17 Fear and Change in Society31:22 The Role of Conversations in Society32:58 The Impact of the Pandemic on Social Dynamics34:06 The Entrenched Political System39:11 Advice for Aspiring Politicians39:59 The Value of Internships and Networking45:05 Personal Reflections on Career and Mentorship48:29 Future Goals and Career Aspirations52:05 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 Podcast00:17 Meet Adam DiMartino00:19 The Rise and Fall of Smallhold01:34 Adam's Journey Before Smallhold06:07 The Birth of Smallhold06:16 Adam's Motorcycle Adventure10:44 Entrepreneurial Spirit and Family Influence12:56 Building the Mushroom Business15:13 Scaling Up and Seeking Investment26:25 Expanding to the Texas Market26:49 Pandemic Accelerates Growth27:08 Mushroom Kits: A Pandemic Success29:06 Building Farms in Texas and New York29:31 Facing Bankruptcy and Reorganization32:42 Lessons from the Journey38:09 The Importance of Fungi43:24 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs47:42 The Power of Mushrooms49:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts