The Ramblings

Angelo Roberts Jr
  • 5.0 (7)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

"The Ramblings" is an audio experience podcast hosted by Angelo Roberts Jr. The podcast is meant to bring motivation, inspiration, and education to entrepreneurs and small business owners alike. Sharing his own story and journey, interviewing local business owners and entrepreneurs, and artists, Angelo covers everything from having a healthy lifestyle and work-life balance to scaling your startup. Join us for an amazing Journey. Check out the company we're building - https://flow.page/offsource

  1. 06/13/2025

    #190 | What To Do Before and After Fundraising W/ Steve Walsh

    Episode Description: Steve Walsh didn't set out to become an angel investor. After 25 years as a Fortune 10 executive, helping build Cox Communications and Comcast's B2B divisions from zero to billions, he walked away from corporate life to help early-stage founders. What started as casual mentoring at demo days evolved into Hands-On Angel, where Steve has now invested in 64 companies with remarkable success. In this candid conversation with host Angelo Roberts, Steve shares the unvarnished truth about startup fundraising, why most founders approach it wrong, and what it really takes to build a successful company. Steve doesn't sugarcoat anything. His approach is refreshingly direct in an industry full of polite rejections and vague feedback. Whether you're a founder struggling to raise capital or an aspiring investor, this episode delivers actionable insights you won't hear elsewhere. The Default Alive Strategy Why reaching break-even changes everything about your fundraising position and gives you the optionality to raise on your terms, not out of desperation. Customer Acquisition vs. Investor Meetings Steve's mathematical approach to when founders should stop pitching investors and start selling to customers instead. What Real Commitment Looks Like Stories of founders who sold their houses, moved countries, and put everything on the line for their vision - and why this matters to investors. The Hands-On Difference How Steve's network-driven approach has helped 35 of his 64 investments reach Series A, with 8 exits ranging from $15M to $400M. Investment Philosophy Beyond Startups Steve's diversification strategy across wine, art, crypto, and real estate, plus his discipline of saving 30% of income regardless of salary level. The Marco Benitez story about selling a house and moving from Mexico City to Miami in two weeks demonstrates what "all-in" really means to successful founders. Steve's direct advice to a founder making $10K monthly but needing $18K to break even: stop talking to investors and go find 7-8 more customers instead. His honest assessment of different startup ecosystems and why 90% of his fundraising happens outside his home city of Boston. This episode will challenge how you think about fundraising timing, investor relationships, and what really matters for building a sustainable business. Steve's transparency about what investors actually look for could save you months of wasted effort. Learn from someone who's built multiple billion-dollar businesses and successfully transitioned that expertise into early-stage investing. Steve's framework for evaluating founders and his hands-on approach offer a blueprint for adding real value beyond capital. "When it comes to sales, you control the timing, you control how many people you talk to, you control your pricing. When you talk to investors, you control none of that." "If you don't want my help, do not take my money. You're wasting my time. Don't take it because I will be your worst nightmare if you don't let me help you." Find Steve on LinkedIn as "The Hands-On Angel" or visit handsonangel.com. He's launching the Funding Accelerator course with 300 founders already on the waitlist. In a startup ecosystem often criticized for lack of transparency, Steve Walsh represents a different approach - one based on honest feedback, genuine commitment to founder success, and the understanding that building great companies requires more than just capital. Whether you're raising your first round or your fifth, this conversation will change how you approach investors and think about building a sustainable, scalable business. Subscribe to The Ramblings for more unfiltered conversations with the investors, founders, and industry leaders who are actually moving the needle in startup world. What Makes This Episode Essential ListeningKey Topics CoveredStandout MomentsFor FoundersFor InvestorsMemorable QuotesConnect with Steve WalshWhy This Episode Matters

    52 min

  2. 06/12/2025

    #189 | Ex-Disney Executive Shares Disney's Customer Service Process

    Episode Summary: Host Angelo Roberts interviews Vance Morris, a former Disney executive turned business consultant, who reveals how Disney's customer service principles can transform any small business into a premium-priced operation. The 17% Problem: When Vance's team called 4,000 home service businesses, only 17% answered with a live person—exposing a massive opportunity for businesses that simply answer their phones. Disney's $180 Secret: Discover why Disney charges premium prices while delivering experiences customers gladly pay for, and how any business can apply these same principles. Zero-Cost Marketing Revolution: How an Alabama insurance agent transformed his business by changing his phone greeting to "the agency that rocks"—instantly filtering out price shoppers while attracting ideal customers. The Customer Journey Blueprint: Vance's systematic approach to mapping every customer touchpoint and identifying high-impact improvements that require minimal investment but deliver maximum results. "Out of Market" Advertising: Unconventional strategies for finding your customers where competitors don't think to look—from wine in gun magazines to jewelry at horse auctions. Most businesses unknowingly create "sales prevention" and "service prevention" obstaclesHome service providers can create portable sales environments to justify premium pricingRecognition creates connection, and connection justifies premium pricingSystematic processes, not personalities, ensure consistent customer experiencesSmall details often deliver the biggest competitive advantagesVance shares his unique background as a former "birth control factory security guard" and his experience portraying Goofy at Disney events, revealing how recognition creates instant connection with customers. Answer your phone with a live person immediatelyMap your complete customer journey to identify improvement opportunitiesEliminate unnecessary obstacles in your sales and service processesCreate memorable experiences that justify premium pricingLook for marketing opportunities where competitors aren't presentFormer Disney executive with 10 years of experience, successful owner of three home service businesses, author of "Systematic Magic," and founder of Deliver Service Now. He helps businesses apply Disney's customer service principles to achieve premium pricing and improved customer retention. Resources Mentioned: DeliverServiceNow.com for free downloads and resources"Systematic Magic: The Seven Magic Keys to Disney-fying Your Business""Tales from the Customer Service Crypt" Keep up with your Host: Flowpage.com/angelorobertsjr To learn more about Vance and his Disney Strategy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vancemorris/ https://www.deliverservicenow.com/

    46 min

  3. 06/11/2025

    #188 | From Trauma to Six Figures - Building a Holistic Wellness Empire

    Episode #188: From Trauma to Six Figures - Building a Holistic Wellness Empire Discover how Jacie started a wellness business and scaled it to six figures by age 23 in this latest episode of The Ramblings. Host Angelo Roberts interviews Jacie Targett, founder of Anam Saor, who reveals the secrets of building a six-figure business without social media through strategic networking and referral partnerships. Learn holistic practices for stress management that work for high-level executives and entrepreneurs seeking sustainable success. Jacie, with her Master's in counseling psychology and Reiki certifications, breaks down the science behind energy work for business leaders - explaining how human nervous systems communicate like trees warning each other of danger. This episode is packed with sustainable business growth strategies that reject traditional hustle culture. Discover female entrepreneur hormone cycle optimization techniques and why understanding your body's natural rhythms gives you a competitive advantage. Jacie shares executive stress management techniques that help leaders regulate their nervous systems for peak performance. Key insights include how to recognize burnout signals before they destroy your business, the neuroscience behind Reiki healing, and practical nervous system regulation techniques for high-stress professionals. Learn how to heal your body naturally through the mental-physical health connection, especially valuable for autoimmune conditions. Perfect for entrepreneurs seeking mindful business leadership strategies, anyone curious about energy healing for entrepreneurs, and business leaders wanting to integrate high-performance leadership wellness into their success strategies. Discover more with Jacie @ https://www.anamsaor.com and follow her Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacietargett/ Follow Angelo Roberts across all platform: https://www.flow.page/angelorobertsjr

    1h 2m

  4. 04/18/2025

    #187 | RE Market Booms and Busts W/ Tradd Bastian

    In this episode recorded in 2024, Tradd Bastian shares his experiences navigating two major real estate market shifts: the 2008–2012 downturn and the 2020–2024 boom. He talks about the challenges of the downturn, including the wave of foreclosures and short sales, and how he managed to stay in the game while many others left the industry. Tradd also discusses how he adapted during the pandemic when many expected a market crash, only to see a fast-paced seller’s market emerge instead. He explains the struggles of buyers in a market with low inventory and bidding wars, and how he helped his clients succeed in that environment. Tradd also reflects on how real estate agents who joined the industry after 2013 had different experiences, and the long-term impact of trends like remote work. This episode provides valuable insights into the changing dynamics of real estate and how Tradd learned from his experiences to better serve his clients.

    39 min

  5. 04/17/2025

    #186 | Back-in-Action | Interview with Owner of 45 Solutions - T.J Butler

    #186 | Should remote workers get paid based on where they live? Let’s talk about it. In this episode, we’re having a real conversation about remote work and how companies handle pay across different locations. Should someone in New York make more than someone in North Carolina for the same remote role? Is that fair—or outdated thinking? We also get into: How companies are hiring globally (and sometimes underpaying) The difference between sales and HR pay (and why it matters) What businesses get wrong about saving money on talent The story behind starting 45 Solutions and getting into HR full-time This one’s honest, a little spicy, and packed with insight if you work in HR, run a company, or just care about how the future of work is shaping up. Subscribe if you like real talk around business, hiring, and work that actually works.

    54 min

  6. 03/13/2024

    #185 | How to Grow a Community IRL, Owning a Bookstore, Education in 2024 W/ Lauren Anderson

    In this episode of The Ramblings, we interview Lauren Anderson, the visionary behind Possible Futures, a unique space that combines the aspects of a hangout spot, library, and bookstore. Lauren shares her journey from dreaming about creating a community space filled with books to the realization of Possible Futures. She talks about the importance of creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for local youth, highlighting their desire for reading and community belonging. Our discussion also covers the challenges and joys of running such a space, the significance of choosing books that represent diverse voices, and the impact of creating a culture of trust and respect with the local children. Lauren further emphasizes the importance of being deeply connected and invested in one's community, the transformative power of books, and the cultural events and book clubs hosted by Possible Futures to engage and uplift the local community. Follow Possible Future on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/possiblefuturesbooks Follow Angelo Roberts: https://www.flow.page/angelorobertsjr Visit https://www.offsource.tech to get started with your virtual support today! ---- 00:00 Dreaming of a Community Space: The Genesis of a Unique Idea 01:25 The Birth of a Book Space: From Concept to Reality 03:02 Introducing Lauren Anderson: The Visionary Behind Possible Futures 04:16 Defining a Book Space: More Than Just a Library or Bookstore 07:33 The Journey to Ownership: From Educator to Entrepreneur 14:52 Creating a Community Hub: The Evolution of Possible Futures 26:42 Future Plans and Sustainability: Navigating the Challenges Ahead 27:25 Sustainable Business and Community Impact 27:49 Launching Free Libraries: A Community Initiative 29:01 Mission and Vision: Spreading Book Joy 31:10 Engaging the Youth: Building a Safe and Inclusive Space 41:46 Challenges and Strategies in Education 49:02 Cultivating a Positive Work Culture 56:24 Upcoming Events and Book Recommendations

    1 hr

  7. 03/11/2024

    #184 | Becoming an Entrepreneur, Growing a Community Online, Consistency is the Key to Success

    #184 | Becoming an Entrepreneur, Growing a Community Online, Consistency is the Key to Success - From Laid-Off Hotel Manager to Successful Online Entrepreneur: Alex Hitt's Journey This episode features Alex Hitt, a hotel manager turned successful online entrepreneur following his unexpected layoff due to COVID-19. Alex shares his inspiring journey from managing hotels across the globe to leveraging the power of social media and affiliate marketing to create a sustainable online business. He discusses his ventures, like the MAX3R community, an online network for entrepreneurs, and offers practical advice on online business strategies, including the power of consistency in social media content creation and the importance of modeling successful strategies before inventing your own. Alex then deep dives into the need for massive action and resilience in the, providing his step-by-step plan to success that includes over 50 videos per day! Our conversation also touches upon practical tips for starting and scaling an online business, the balance between offering free value and monetizing, and Hitt's personal views on authenticity and business luck. __________ Join Alex Hitt's MAX3R community by visiting: https://www.alexhitt.com/ or https://max3r.com/invitation?code=332EGJ Connect or follow Alex on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexhittMAX3R Community Members get a FREE 7-Day Trial to https://flow.page/offsource-max3r Follow Angelo Roberts: https://www.flow.page/angelorobertsjr Visit https://www.offsource.tech to get started with your virtual support today! _________ 00:00 Introduction: From Hotel Manager to Entrepreneur 00:21 The Ramblings: A Startup Journey 02:10 Meet Alex Hitt: The Digital Nomad 02:52 The Unexpected Entrepreneurial Journey 04:46 The Power of Social Media in Business 06:53 The Transition to Real Estate and Entrepreneurship 08:41 The Evolution of Online Business1 2:29 The Power of Consistency and Massive Action 14:35 The Shift to Affiliate Marketing 17:56 The Entrepreneurial Dream: Time, Financial, and Location Freedom 21:30 The Future of Online Business30:33 The Ease of Starting an Online Business30:53 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs 31:10 The Importance of Productizing and Understanding Your Audience 31:51 The Journey of Starting a Business with TikTok32:02 The Power of Taking Massive Action 32:15 The Importance of Charging More and Balancing Your Nine to Five 33:43 The Value of Affiliate Offers and Passive Income 35:11 The Technicalities of Creating Content 35:58 The Art of Storytelling in Social Media38:58 The Power of Consistency and Authenticity in Social Media 42:46 The Role of Luck and Persistence in Business 45:46 The Importance of Learning from Others 51:31 The Impact of Reality TV on Entrepreneurship 54:02 The Power of Patience and Persistence 57:28 The Maxer Community: A Resource for Entrepreneurs

    59 min

  8. 03/04/2024

    #183 | Advice for Startups from Angel Investor Scott Kallick

    In this episode of 'The Ramblings,' I sit down with Scott Kallick, a seasoned Angel Investor and Business Advisor with decades of experience. We dive into the startup arena and discuss the challenges startups face, the importance of creating business cultures, thoughts on the role of AI in business, among many other conversations. Scott also shares his business journey; from owning a laundry operation business to investing in startups and his current involvement in helping companies in the million to 15 million space accelerate their profit. Scott highlights the invaluable role of 'gritty businesses' against the backdrop of today's fast-paced technology-driven commercial landscape. 00:00 Introduction and Reflections on Startup Funding 00:38 Welcome to The Ramblings and Sponsor Introduction 01:23 Guest Introduction: Scott Kallick, Angel Investor and Business Advisor 02:04 Scott's Journey: From Profit Acceleration Specialist to Entrepreneur 02:31 Scott's Personal Background and Entrepreneurial Journey 03:54 Scott's Experience in the Coin Laundry Business 04:41 The Decision to Sell the Company and Experience in Corporate Life 05:55 Scott's Transition to Coaching and Working with Startups 07:55 Scott's Approach to Business Growth and Success 08:14 The Importance of Investing in Employees and Building a Strong Culture 13:14 The Challenges and Opportunities in the Startup Landscape 19:42 Scott's Vision for His Future Work 21:07 Scott's Perspective on AI and Virtual Reality in Business 25:07 The Potential of Trades and Small Businesses 31:54 Conclusion and Contact Information

    33 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

"The Ramblings" is an audio experience podcast hosted by Angelo Roberts Jr. The podcast is meant to bring motivation, inspiration, and education to entrepreneurs and small business owners alike. Sharing his own story and journey, interviewing local business owners and entrepreneurs, and artists, Angelo covers everything from having a healthy lifestyle and work-life balance to scaling your startup. Join us for an amazing Journey. Check out the company we're building - https://flow.page/offsource

Information

  • Creator
    Angelo Roberts Jr
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    189
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Angelo Roberts Jr
  • Show Website
    The Ramblings