Worms, Worms, and More Worms: An Entrepreneur's Journey with Cathy Nesbitt
Release Date: 03/15/2025
Entrepreneurial Resilience: The Richard Walsh Story
Amir's Anecdotes
In this episode of Amir's Anecdotes, Richard Walsh shares his remarkable journey from a successful entrepreneur in the custom water feature industry to facing a devastating financial collapse during the 2008 recession. He reflects on the lessons learned from his experiences, the importance of identity beyond business, and how he rebuilt his life through coaching and mentorship. If you take anything away from this episode, we hope it is the significance of seeking help and guidance, as Richard encourages others to learn from his mistakes to avoid similar pitfalls. Jump in to the...
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Worms, Worms, and More Worms: An Entrepreneur's Journey with Cathy Nesbitt
Amir's Anecdotes
In this episode of Amir’s Anecdotes, Amir sits down with Cathy Nesbitt, known as the "laughing bean queen," to talk about how she started her worm composting business in 2002 after Canada's landfill closure led to garbage export to Michigan. Initially, she faced financial struggles, relying on a $50,000 line of credit and earning minimal income. Despite challenges, she persisted, leveraging media exposure and networking. Cathy's business grew, but she admits she could have sought grants and loans. In 2012, she added laughter yoga to her offerings, emphasizing its mental health benefits....
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Amir's Anecdotes
In this episode of Amir’s Anecdotes, Amir sits down with Alan Lazaros, CEO and co-founder of Next Level University, to discuss the intersection of personal growth, fulfillment, and identity. Alan shares his inspiring journey from an engineering career to entrepreneurship, detailing how financial struggles, mentorship, and self-belief shaped his path. He dives into the power of compounding in personal growth, the importance of aligning success with fulfillment, and the role adversity plays in building resilience. This conversation is a deep dive into self-identity, overcoming trauma, and...
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Amir's Anecdotes
In this episode of Amir's Anecdotes, Scott Maderer shares his transformative journey from a medical researcher to a school teacher, then to the corporate world, and finally to becoming a stewardship coach. He discusses the challenges he faced during financial struggles, the shame associated with them, and the pivotal moment that led him to seek help. Scott emphasizes the importance of community support and intentionality in overcoming debt, ultimately achieving financial freedom. His story serves as an inspiration for others facing similar challenges, highlighting the significance of sharing...
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Community, Commitment, and Homebuying: A Firefighter’s Story Featuring Ben Kitzen
Amir's Anecdotes
In this episode of Amir's Anecdotes, Amir interviews Ben Kitzenn, an insurance broker and volunteer firefighter from Long Island. Ben shares his journey into the insurance industry, his experiences as a firefighter, and the challenges he faced while navigating the competitive housing market. The conversation digs into the emotional and financial stress associated with buying a home, the importance of community support, and Ben's future financial strategies as he plans to purchase a home with his fiancée. In This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to Ben Kitzen 02:48 Ben's Journey into Insurance...
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Leaving the World in a Better Place with John McSherry
Amir's Anecdotes
In this episode Amir speaks with John McSherry, a seasoned real estate investor and broker. John shares his journey from a creative background in design to becoming a successful entrepreneur in real estate. He discusses the challenges he faced, including the loss of his father at a young age, and how that shaped his approach to life and business. John emphasizes the importance of problem-solving in real estate and the value of community and service in overcoming personal struggles. He also shares his vision for a foundation aimed at feeding a million children a year, highlighting his...
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The Grind to Growth: Steve DeAngelis’ Journey from Struggle to Success
Amir's Anecdotes
In this episode of Amir’s Anecdotes, Steve DeAngelis, owner of MMP Creations, shares his journey of starting his own content agency and the financial challenges he faced. Steve shares insight on starting his business with limited funds and taking on two full-time employees without much financial runway. However, through perseverance and grinding the axe, he was able to double his business in a short period of time and improve his financial situation. Steve emphasizes the importance of resilience, finding a support system, and learning from others who have faced similar challenges. He...
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From Wall Street to Indie Screens: AJ Scordio's Bold Leap into Entrepreneurship
Amir's Anecdotes
In this episode, AJ Scordio shares his journey from investment banking to entrepreneurship and digital marketing. After realizing that investment banking wasn't fulfilling him, AJ made a drastic change and went to film school. He started creating his own indie TV shows and working on professional sets. Eventually, he transitioned into entrepreneurship and started his own digital marketing agency. AJ emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive people and mentors who believe in you. He also highlights the significance of having an emergency fund and the impact it can have...
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From Financial Setbacks to Real Estate Comebacks: Ryan Twomey's Path to Success
Amir's Anecdotes
Ryan Twomey joins us today to share his journey from growing up in a middle-class family in Massachusetts to pursuing a career in finance and eventually starting his own real estate company. He talks about the challenges he faced in his early career and how he had to move back in with his parents due to financial difficulties. Ryan emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and saving money, which allowed him to buy his first property at the age of 24. He also discusses the benefits of house hacking and how it helped him build a stronger financial foundation. Ryan shares the story of how...
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Structuring Success: Financial Strategies for Young Creatives with Meghan Griffin
Amir's Anecdotes
In episode 3, Amir interviews Meghan Griffin, a business owner and entertainment professional. They discuss Meg's identity and how she identifies as a woman, mom, business owner, and more. They also talk about Meg's career in the entertainment industry and her company, Paired Up Media. Meg shares her experiences of financial stress, including the challenges she faced during pregnancy and as a new graduate. They also touch on the importance of creating financial security as an entrepreneur and the impact of personal beliefs and values on financial decisions. In this conversation,...
info_outlineIn this episode of Amir’s Anecdotes, Amir sits down with Cathy Nesbitt, known as the "laughing bean queen," to talk about how she started her worm composting business in 2002 after Canada's landfill closure led to garbage export to Michigan. Initially, she faced financial struggles, relying on a $50,000 line of credit and earning minimal income. Despite challenges, she persisted, leveraging media exposure and networking. Cathy's business grew, but she admits she could have sought grants and loans. In 2012, she added laughter yoga to her offerings, emphasizing its mental health benefits. Cathy's advice to entrepreneurs: embrace networking, ask for help, and believe in your vision.
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