From Underdog to Entrepreneur: Building Dreams with Pat Miller

Business & Finance

About

Have you ever felt like the outsider? That you are never the first pick? That you are always being underestimated or overlooked? Do you identify with being the underdog? If you answered yes to any of these questions, welcome to From Underdog to Entrepreneur: Building Dreams with Pat Miller. Each week, Pat brings super successful entrepreneurs like herself who can provide the tips and tools to help you win when the chips seemed stacked against you.

Episodes

  • Burnout Nearly Killed Him at 30 | #22 (Boomer Anderson)

    Host Pat Miller talks with Boomer Anderson, CEO of Smarter Not Harder Inc., about Anderson's experience with severe burnout and heart disease in his 30s after a career in investment banking. Anderson now focuses on helping entrepreneurs op…

  • Built on Grit, Not Passion | #21 (Courtney Spies)

    In this episode of From Underdog to Entrepreneur, Courtney Spies discusses her career evolution, highlighting how grit, discipline, and mastery, rather than passion, were key to her success in a male-dominated industry. Learn how to levera…

  • From Weddings to 25 Rental Properties | #20 (Cameron Philgreen)

    Cameron Philgreen transitioned from wedding photography to real estate investing, acquiring over 25 properties using the BRRRR method without personal funds. He also discusses building a coffee business and prioritizing time and family, of…

  • From Introvert to Immigration Powerhouse | #19 (Alka Bahal)

    Alka Bahal, a leader in Corporate Immigration Services, discusses her career progression from an introverted student to a respected professional. The episode covers entrepreneurship, challenges for women in leadership, and leveraging empat…

  • Who You Are Isn't Who You Think | #18 (Jane Bond)

    Jane Bond joins Pat Miller to discuss how to confront the truth beneath achievements and the hidden cost of success. The episode explores reinventing yourself without losing everything, focusing on identity and societal expectations.

  • She Built Freedom the Hard Way | #17 (Sarah Saffari)

    Sarah Saffari recounts her unconventional path from aspiring doctor to entrepreneur, detailing her experience with burnout, rebuilding her life on her own terms, and founding a global influencer agency. Host Pat Miller and Sarah discuss th…

  • From Homelessness to Historic Success | #16 (Paul Lamar Hunter)

    Host Pat Miller interviews Paul Lamar Hunter, an author and entrepreneur who rose from homelessness to become the first college graduate in his family. Hunter discusses turning rejection into opportunity and finding purpose despite challen…

  • What If Success Isn't About Speed, But About Staying Power? | #15 (Michael Grinberg)

    Michael Grinberg discusses his entrepreneurial path, from early ventures to founding an AI-enabled services firm, with host Pat Miller. They explore the importance of integrity, the pitfalls of instant gratification, the role of AI for pro…

  • She Bet on the Trades | #14 (Heather Creech)

    Host Pat Miller talks with Heather Creech about her transition from educator to the trades. They discuss the outdated college versus trades narrative, connecting students to opportunities, and earning respect in male-dominated industries.

  • Built From the Bronx: Real Estate, Resilience & Legacy | #13 (Steven Padernacht)

    Steven Padernacht discusses his real estate career, inspired by his father's business and life lessons. He emphasizes resilience and shares insights on entrepreneurship, wealth building, and legacy.

  • Where Creativity Meets Construction | #12 (Rachel Niederhofer)

    Rachel Niederhofer discusses her journey from corporate finance to building a successful design, construction-management, and real-estate brand. She shares insights on embracing the underdog phase, the importance of mastering fundamentals…

  • Building Wealth Without Entitlement | #11 (Blake Johnson)

    Pat Miller interviews estate planning attorney Blake Johnson about the negative impacts of traditional inheritance and introduces the Family Bank Method for building responsible legacies. They discuss entrepreneurial evolution and the sign…

  • Always Be Curious, Not Closing | #10 (Ron Marvo)

    Host Pat Miller interviews business development coach and former Golden Gloves champion Ron Marvo about how discipline, resilience, and curiosity drive business success. They discuss moving beyond transactional sales to become a trusted cl…

  • Close Customers for Life | #9 (Josh Cadillac)

    Real estate coach Josh Cadillac shares his journey from early entrepreneurship to overcoming setbacks, discussing with host Pat Miller the importance of mindset, discipline, and systems for building a business that lasts and creating "cust…

  • Turning Adversity Into Power | #8 (Rosemary Cescolini)

    Host Pat Miller talks with Rosemary Cescolini about her entrepreneurial journey, evolving from teaching to building a successful construction and manufacturing business. They discuss overcoming adversity, the importance of skilled trades a…

  • Lawyers Who Think Like CEOs | #7 (Damian Conforti)

    Pat Miller talks with Damian Conforti, a former prosecutor turned corporate counsel, about how an entrepreneurial mindset transforms legal practice. Conforti explains how lawyers can become strategic partners by anticipating risks and unde…

  • From Rock Bottom to Relentless | #6 (Dan Sachkowsky)

    Dan Sachkowsky discusses his comeback from bankruptcy and a heart attack, sharing insights on overcoming adversity, business growth, and building a meaningful life. He explains how to transform setbacks into fuel and adopt the mindset shif…

  • From Battlefield to Boardroom | #5 (Chris Graffagnino)

    Chris Graffagnino, an Army Veteran and Purple Heart Recipient, shares his journey of reinvention after an injury, moving from law enforcement to founding an international risk management enterprise. The episode explores themes of adversity…

  • Turning Underdog Energy Into Impact | #4 (Ron Nussbaum)

    Pat Miller talks with Ron Nussbaum, a Marine veteran and founder, about turning an underdog mindset into impact. They discuss overcoming challenges, leaving security for entrepreneurship, and building a life of purpose.

  • From Tragedy to Triumph in the Barber World | #3 (Lena Piccininni)

    Lena Piccininni details her rise in the barbering industry after personal tragedy, emphasizing grit, resilience, and hard work in building her brand, Manan Haircare, and balancing business with motherhood.

  • From Garage Dream to Coastal Movement | #2 (Tomas Gesumaria)

    Tomas Gesumaria shares the story of founding East Waves Surf Co., turning a passion for social media and screen-printing into a coastal lifestyle brand and surf community.

  • The Underdog Advantage: Turning Setbacks Into Strength | #1

    In this solo episode, host Pat Miller shares her journey from hardship to success, discussing how overcoming setbacks can strengthen an entrepreneur's resolve. She explains how to leverage disadvantages to build a business rooted in integr…