At The End Of The Day

Chris Raimo

The Fire In Me Aspiring Entrepreneur Community shares and reveals the mindset, technique, resources, and discipline required to become an successful entrepreneur. Whether creating something from scratch, buying, or franchising, you will learn how to break through the barriers to startup. Whatever your challenges, Chris and his entrepreneur guests discuss all the REAL things about  small business to help you gain the confidence you need to break through into entrepreneurship for the first time.

  1. Navigating the Entrepreneurial Seas: The Inspiring Journey of Bill Hoopes

    DEC 18

    Navigating the Entrepreneurial Seas: The Inspiring Journey of Bill Hoopes

    In this powerful episode of At the End of the Day, host Chris sits down with coach, speaker, entrepreneur, and former U.S. Navy Chief Bill Hoopes. Bill shares his remarkable journey from his first business at 13 years old to 15+ years in the Navy, and eventually building multiple successful ventures as a civilian entrepreneur. Through stories of resilience, failure, and reinvention, Bill offers practical lessons on leadership, self-belief, and navigating uncertainty in business and life. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Early Entrepreneurial Roots: How selling candy at 13 sparked Bill Hoopes’ entrepreneurial mindset.Leadership Through Service: Lessons from Bill’s 15.5 years in the U.S. Navy and how they shaped his leadership approach.Transitioning to Civilian Life: The challenges of leaving military structure and finding clarity as an entrepreneur.Building a Softball Organization: Growing a statewide girls’ softball program into a thriving business.Overcoming Financial Setbacks: Lessons from bankruptcy, health challenges, and rebuilding stronger ventures.The Three R Method: Bill Hoopes’ framework for recognizing opportunities, recalibrating strategy, and regulating emotions.Emotional Resilience in Business: Managing stress, navigating uncertainty, and avoiding complacency.Leading the Next Generation: Insights from Bill’s book Leading Her Game and supporting young female athletes.Key Takeaways Entrepreneurship requires adaptability, self-belief, and emotional regulation.Failure and setbacks are often the foundation of long-term success.Leadership is built through service, resilience, and continuous growth.Resources & Links Book: Leading Her Game by Bill HoopesLearn more about Bill Hoopes: https://popl.co/card/oaJD8kec/1/sEpisode Chapters 00:00 Introduction & Guest Welcome  01:09 Early Entrepreneurial Journey  02:50 Navy Leadership & Personal Growth  04:47 Transition to Civilian Life  10:25 Building a Softball Organization  13:44 Financial Challenges & New Ventures  21:04 Entrepreneurial Lessons  26:28 The Three R Method  30:00 Navigating Business Storms  33:46 Resilience & Personal Transformation  37:11 Building a Leadership Movement  39:00 Supporting Young Athletes  47:20 Final Thoughts & Encouragement Enjoy the Episode? Subscribe, rate, and leave a review to support the show. Share this episode with an entrepreneur or leader who needs encouragement today.

    50 min
  2. Unlocking Entrepreneurial Success with Enel Soeson | At the End of the Day Podcast

    DEC 11

    Unlocking Entrepreneurial Success with Enel Soeson | At the End of the Day Podcast

    In this episode, Chris welcomes entrepreneur and co-founder Enel Soeson to discuss mindset, creativity, resilience, and what it really takes to transition from a solo service provider to a successful business owner. Enel shares her journey of breaking societal expectations, navigating burnout, and building a business rooted in focus, clarity, and confidence. This conversation offers practical insights for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to grow their impact and income. Key Topics Covered Enel’s Entrepreneurial Journey: From technician to business owner and her mission to help solo service providers package and position their expertise for B2B clients.Breaking Societal Expectations: Redefining success on your own terms and letting go of inherited beliefs.Mindset & Focus: Why internal work, confidence, and prioritizing your own expectations lead to stronger outcomes.Creativity & Conditioning: How childhood creativity declines and how societal pressures shape risk-taking.Mentorship & Failure: The lessons learned from both good and “not-so-good” mentors, and why failure builds resilience.Social Media Discipline: Creating more than consuming and using social platforms with intention.Entrepreneurship vs. Employment: Navigating burnout, responsibility, and choosing a path that aligns with your strengths.Franchising Myths: Understanding why there’s no true “business in a box” and the commitment required to succeed.The Value of Community: Enel’s vision for helping service providers shift into B2B and the importance of surrounding yourself with support.Work-Life Fulfillment: Finding balance, joy, and meaning through aligned work.Resources & Links Learn more about Enel Soeson: www.dankb2b.com; Enjoyed the Episode? Subscribe, rate the show, and leave a review! Share your takeaways or questions for Enel and Chris, and tell us what topics you want covered next. Connect with us – The Fire in Me Community Website: https://thefireinme.com/ Email: chris@thefireinme.com Subscribe to "At The End Of The Day" for more raw and real conversations about entrepreneurship. Share this episode with a business owner who’s building both a legacy and a life.

    45 min
  3. Building Sustainable Businesses with Janneh Wright

    DEC 4

    Building Sustainable Businesses with Janneh Wright

    What does it take to build a business that lasts, not just in revenue, but in structure, leadership, and long-term impact? In this episode, host Chris Raimo sits down with Janneh Wright, a seasoned entrepreneur, consultant, and systems builder who has spent over two decades helping small businesses and nonprofits thrive. Born in Guyana and raised in Brooklyn, Janneh’s journey is rooted in community and shaped by rigorous academic training in economics, finance, and innovative entrepreneurship. After earning his degree from SUNY Buffalo and a dual MBA from Northeastern University, he founded PRIMUS Business Management in 2002. Today, PRIMUS delivers end-to-end back-office support, including accounting, HR, operations, marketing, and strategic consulting, to help founders focus on their mission, grow sustainably, and build organizations that truly serve. In this conversation, Janneh breaks down the mindset shifts required to evolve from hustler to CEO, the systems every small business needs, and the hard lessons that taught him how to build resilience and scale with intention. Episode Highlights How entrepreneurship shaped Janneh’s mission to support small businessesThe realities founders overlook in back-office and financial managementLessons learned from working with nonprofits and minority-owned businessesWhy strong financial systems fuel sustainable, scalable business growthWhat inspired the Black Business Success Model and its impact on leadershipAbout the Guest Janneh Wright is the Founder and CEO of PRIMUS Business Management, a firm he launched in 2002 after earning an economics degree from SUNY Buffalo and a dual MBA in finance and innovative entrepreneurship from Northeastern University. With 15+ years of experience helping nonprofits and small businesses strengthen their administrative and financial infrastructure, he is dedicated to building capacity within the Black diaspora. He is also the author of the Black Business Success Model, a practical workbook designed to help entrepreneurs strengthen their leadership and business foundations. Connect with Janneh LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com PRIMUS Business Management: https://www.primusco.com  Black Business Success Model (Workbook): Available through PRIMUS and major retailers Connect with us – The Fire in Me Community Website: https://thefireinme.com/ Email: chris@thefireinme.com Subscribe to "At The End Of The Day" for more raw and real conversations about entrepreneurship. Share this episode with a business owner who’s building both a legacy and a life.

    33 min
  4. Can Mentorship and Resilience Shape Your Entrepreneurial Journey?

    NOV 13

    Can Mentorship and Resilience Shape Your Entrepreneurial Journey?

    This week on "At the End of the Day," host Chris Raimo sits down with the inspiring Jessica Flynn, award-winning educator, bestselling author, TV host, and social entrepreneur. Jessica shares her remarkable journey from a first-generation Canadian with no entrepreneurial influences to building a portfolio career that empowers youth and adults alike. In this candid conversation, Jessica opens up about: Growing up without business role models and discovering entrepreneurship by chanceThe power of mentorship and how key figures shaped her pathBuilding resilience through setbacks, financial challenges, and the realities of entrepreneurshipWhy empowerment is about knowing your strengths and celebrating others'The importance of community, collaboration, and paying it forwardHow creativity is a muscle we can all strengthen, no matter our ageThe mental health side of entrepreneurship and why self-care is non-negotiableHer top traits for entrepreneurial success: openness, resilience, creativity, and patienceConnect with Jessica: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-jessica-flynn/ https://www.thejessicaflynn.com/ https://www.theflynncollaboration.com/ https://www.theyoupowerproject.com/ https://www.theacademysgb.com/  Whether you’re an aspiring founder, a seasoned business owner, or just love stories of growth and grit, this episode is packed with wisdom, honesty, and actionable advice. Plus: Jessica and Chris discuss why your "why" matters, how to find your people, and the real, unglamorous side of building something meaningful. Tune in for a conversation that will leave you inspired to trust your wings, embrace lifelong learning, and empower those around you. New episodes drop every Thursday morning subscribe so you never miss a story!

    40 min
  5. Can Compassion Redefine Entrepreneurship?

    NOV 6

    Can Compassion Redefine Entrepreneurship?

    Can compassion and entrepreneurship truly go hand in hand? In this inspiring episode, host Chris Raimo sits down with Dr Bruno Roque Cignacco (PhD), an international business consultant, TEDx speaker, and researcher who’s helping entrepreneurs see business through a more human lens. With over 30 years of global experience, Dr Cignacco reveals how adopting a prosperity mindset, built on empathy, authenticity, and generosity, can lead to sustainable success. He contrasts this with the scarcity mindset that often drives burnout and short-term thinking, showing why compassion is not just good ethics it’s smart business. This conversation is an eye-opener for entrepreneurs who want to grow with purpose and lead with heart. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: The difference between prosperity and scarcity mindsets in entrepreneurshipHow compassion and reciprocity fuel long-term business growthThe importance of building meaningful relationships with employees, customers, and communitiesWhy creating a psychologically safe workplace boosts performance and loyaltyThe role of authenticity, generosity, and kindness in strengthening your brandWhy “high touch” connection matters as much as “high tech” innovationPractical ways to face fear, build resilience, and lead with purpose About Dr Bruno Roque Cignacco (PhD): Dr Cignacco is an international business consultant, TEDx speaker, and researcher with over three decades of experience advising and training companies on international trade, marketing, and compassionate business leadership. He is a university professor and Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) in the UK. His books on business and personal development have been published in several languages. Dr Cignacco’s Book: The Art of Compassionate Business (Second Edition, White Cover) — available worldwide and directly through Routledge . Connect with Dr Cignacco: 🌐 www.brunocignacco.com Connect with the Show: Follow The Fire In Me Podcast for more inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs and thought leaders redefining what success means in today’s world.

    51 min
  6. From Matchbox Cars to Industry Trailblazer: Moira Sheehan on Building Karma Auto Care, Leading with Heart, and Never Giving Up

    OCT 2

    From Matchbox Cars to Industry Trailblazer: Moira Sheehan on Building Karma Auto Care, Leading with Heart, and Never Giving Up

    What does it take to turn childhood dreams and a love for Matchbox cars into a thriving, community-driven business? For Moira Sheehan, it meant breaking the mold, challenging industry norms, and leading with heart every step of the way. In this inspiring episode of the End of the Day Podcast, host Chris Raimo sits down with Moira Sheehan, founder and owner of Karma Auto Care in Savannah, Georgia. Moira’s journey is anything but ordinary she went from racing Matchbox cars as a child to breaking barriers as a female entrepreneur in the auto repair industry. Moira shares how her passion for cars and her frustration with the status quo led her to create a shop that’s as much about people as it is about engines. Discover how Karma Auto Care stands out with its commitment to transparency, lifetime labor warranties, and a genuine focus on both customer and employee well-being. You’ll hear Moira’s candid reflections on: The challenges and rewards of being a woman in a male-dominated fieldWhy building real relationships with customers and staff is her secret sauceThe importance of vulnerability, humility, and continuous learning as an entrepreneurHow she balances business growth with family, health, and self-careThe power of mentorship, and why her children are her greatest inspirationHilarious and heartfelt moments, from wrangling stray cats at the shop to almost trading it all for a “witch in the woods” lifestyle.Connect with Moria: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moira-sheehan-84396810a/ Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, Moira’s story is packed with wisdom, honesty, and encouragement to “never give up.” Tune in for a conversation that’s as real as it gets full of practical advice, hard-won lessons, and a reminder that success is about more than just the bottom line. Listen now and get inspired to build your own path one that’s driven by passion, purpose, and a whole lot of heart.

    45 min
  7. Paul Mallot on AI, Automation, and the Realities of Entrepreneurship

    SEP 25

    Paul Mallot on AI, Automation, and the Realities of Entrepreneurship

    In this episode, host Chris Raimo sits down with Paul Mallot global procurement executive, automation strategist, and founder of Automations 24 to explore the exhilarating (and sometimes daunting) journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship in the age of AI. Paul shares candid stories from his own leap into business ownership, revealing how being “recalibrated” out of a corporate role became the catalyst for building a company that helps others unlock the power of automation and AI. Together, Chris and Paul dig into: The mindset shift required to move from employee to entrepreneur and why risk is everywhere, not just in startups.How AI and automation are transforming not just big business, but creating unprecedented opportunities for small teams and solo founders.The importance of separating your personal identity from your business, embracing failure, and learning to “keep going” when things get tough.Why sales is the most underrated (and unavoidable) part of entrepreneurship, no matter your background.Actionable advice for aspiring founders: from validating your idea and building your network, to embracing the inevitability of setbacks.Whether you’re already running your own business, dreaming of taking the plunge, or just curious about how AI is reshaping the entrepreneurial landscape, this episode is packed with real talk, practical wisdom, and inspiration to help you move forward with confidence. Key Quotes: “The only thing you can really trust as an entrepreneur is what you’re going to go out and do.”“Risk exists everywhere your 9-to-5 is no safer than your own business.”“Do it with confidence. Don’t let closed doors stop you.”Connect with Paul: Website: https://automations24.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-malott/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/automatewitha24 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@automations24 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Automations24 Tune in for a conversation that’s honest, motivating, and full of insights you won’t hear anywhere else. Listen now and get ready to take your next step at the end of the day, it’s all about believing in yourself.

    38 min

About

The Fire In Me Aspiring Entrepreneur Community shares and reveals the mindset, technique, resources, and discipline required to become an successful entrepreneur. Whether creating something from scratch, buying, or franchising, you will learn how to break through the barriers to startup. Whatever your challenges, Chris and his entrepreneur guests discuss all the REAL things about  small business to help you gain the confidence you need to break through into entrepreneurship for the first time.