From Underdog to Entrepreneur: Building Dreams with Pat Miller

Pat Miller
  • 4.8 (41)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. 8h ago

    Cut From the NBA, Built a Million-Dollar Coaching Empire

    Cut From the NBA, Built a Million-Dollar Coaching Empire What does it take to turn 60 rejections into a nine-year pro basketball career and then build an entirely new business from scratch? In this episode of From Underdog to Entrepreneur, Pat Miller sits down with Dre Baldwin, founder of Work On Your Game, a TEDx speaker, 43-time author, and former professional basketball player who spent nine years playing overseas. Dre shares how he went from a walk-on at a Division III college to building a company that helps entrepreneurs and experts install the mindset, systems, and strategy needed to scale from six to seven figures. Dre opens up about cold-calling 60 basketball agents and mailing VHS tapes of his footage just to land his first pro contract and how he started posting training videos on YouTube back in 2005, years before "influencer" was even a word. That early audience-building experience taught him lessons about ownership, platforms, and personal branding that still guide his business today. What You'll Learn Why being an underdog can actually be an execution advantage  How relationships and "tap-rooting" knowing someone who knows the right person open doors in business  The real difference between motivation and discipline, and why only one of them is repeatable  Why building on rented platforms (social media) means you don't actually own your audience  How relatability and authenticity build stronger connections than raw talent or fame  Why slowly transitioning clients to other team members protects a business built around one person  The importance of structure, self-discipline, and controlling distractions as your own boss About Dre Baldwin Dre Baldwin is the founder of Work On Your Game, a company that helps experts and entrepreneurs install the mindset, systems, and strategy needed to scale their businesses from six to seven figures. He's a TEDx speaker and a 43-time author. Before entrepreneurship, Dre spent nine years as a professional basketball player overseas, mostly in Europe, after walking on at the Division III college level. While still playing, he began posting training videos on YouTube back in 2005, building an audience that eventually extended beyond basketball players to professionals and entrepreneurs interested in his lessons on discipline, confidence, and mental toughness. In 2015, he stopped playing basketball to focus full-time on that mindset-driven business, moving through professional speaking before shifting into the consulting and coaching work he does today, centered on execution reliability and building presence and power in business.  Connect with Dre Baldwin. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dreallday/ Connect with Pat Miller Follow Pat Miller for more entrepreneurial insights, business strategies, and inspiring conversations with successful founders and business leaders. Website: https://patmiller.net/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepatmiller11 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thepatmiller11/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepatmiller11/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePatMiller11/ Subscribe to From Underdog to Entrepreneur: Building Dreams with Pat Miller for weekly conversations with entrepreneurs who share the real stories, lessons, failures, and successes behind building thriving businesses. If you're passionate about entrepreneurship, leadership, business growth, entertainment, and personal development, this podcast is designed to help you build your dream. New episodes are released regularly.

    Cut From the NBA, Built a Million-Dollar Coaching Empire

  2. Jul 29

    Why Diversity Training Fails and What Actually Works.

    Why Diversity Training Fails and What Actually Works What happens when you've spent 30 years telling CEOs the truth nobody else will? In this episode of From Underdog to Entrepreneur, Pat Miller sits down with Mauricio Velasquez, president of Diversity Training Group (DTG) and author of the newly released book Tackling Toxicity: A Skills-Based Guide to Addressing Toxicity. Mauricio has trained, consulted, and coached over a million people across every U.S. state but one in a career spanning three decades. Mauricio opens up about starting his business on a houseboat in Baltimore's Inner Harbor, a $520-a-month setup with no insulation but a "billion-dollar view," and how growing up watching racism directed at his immigrant parents shaped his life's work. From there, he built a career doing the jobs nobody else wants to touch: sexual harassment training, executive coaching, and calling out toxic behavior that most companies would rather ignore. What You'll Learn  Why most people are conflict-averse and avoid addressing toxic behavior  and why that silence only makes it worse  The difference between responding and reacting when someone is being toxic or bullying  Why "soft skills" are actually the hardest skills to master, and why the label undersells them   How writing a book and speaking at conferences became a lead-generation engine for his consulting business  Why diversity and inclusion work is tied directly to business growth, market expansion, and staying competitive  Real, unfiltered stories from Mauricio's career from a car dealership salesman ignoring his wife, to a model home saleswoman questioning whether he could afford a house, to his own mother's initial rejection of his wife  Why he believes DEI work is set for a resurgence, even amid current industry headwinds About Mauricio Velasquez Mauricio Velasquez is the President of Diversity Training Group (DTG), a company he founded that is celebrating 30 years in business this year. Over the course of his career, he has trained, consulted, and coached more than a million people in every U.S. state except North Dakota. His work covers diversity and inclusion training, sexual harassment training, mentoring, and executive coaching, helping organizations and leaders address issues they'd often rather avoid. Mauricio is also the author of the newly released book Tackling Toxicity: A Skills-Based Guide to Addressing Toxicity, which draws on real stories from his three-decade career to teach practical, skills-based approaches for calling out toxic behavior in the workplace and beyond. He got his start in business working out of a houseboat in Baltimore's Inner Harbor, and his motivation for the work traces back to witnessing discrimination directed at his immigrant parents as a child.  Connect with Mauricio Velasquez  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauricio-velasquez-mba/ Website:  https://www.diversitydtg.com/ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/mauricio.velasquez.9484/reels/ Connect with Pat Miller Follow Pat Miller for more conversations with entrepreneurs who share the real stories behind building successful businesses. Website: https://patmiller.net/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepatmiller11 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thepatmiller11/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepatmiller11/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePatMiller11/ Subscribe to From Underdog to Entrepreneur: Building Dreams with Pat Miller for weekly conversations with entrepreneurs who share the real stories, lessons, failures, and successes behind building thriving businesses. If you're passionate about entrepreneurship, leadership, business growth, entertainment, and personal development, this podcast is designed to help you build your dream. New episodes are released regularly.

    Why Diversity Training Fails and What Actually Works.

  3. Jul 22

    From Wall Street to Dog Walking Empire

    From Wall Street to Dog Walking Empire  What happens when you walk away from a 22-year career on Wall Street to pursue something completely different? In this episode of From Underdog to Entrepreneur: Building Dreams with Pat Miller, host Pat Miller sits down with Amanda Anderson, founder of Ring and Run Dog Walkers, to explore her remarkable transition from the fast-paced world of New York's Financial District to building one of Staten Island's premier dog walking businesses. Amanda shares how she recognized the changing landscape of Wall Street, started building her business while still employed, and eventually turned a side hustle into a thriving company. She explains why entrepreneurship isn't always about chasing millions, but about creating a lifestyle you genuinely enjoy. Throughout the conversation, Amanda offers honest advice on hiring, setting boundaries, automating operations, building customer trust, and creating systems that allow a business to grow without consuming your entire life. Her story is a powerful reminder that success can look different for everyone. Whether you're considering leaving a corporate career, building a service business, or looking for inspiration to pursue a more meaningful path, this episode delivers practical lessons from someone who successfully made the leap. What You'll Learn Why Amanda left a 22-year Wall Street career to become an entrepreneur How to build a business while still working a full-time job The importance of running your side hustle before making the leap Why relationships and customer trust matter more than marketing How hiring the right people can transform your business The systems every growing business should implement early Why entrepreneurs need clear boundaries with clients The difference between working in your business and on your business How to create a business that supports your lifestyle instead of consuming it Why success isn't always measured by revenue alone About Amanda Anderson Amanda Anderson is the founder and owner of Ring and Run Dog Walkers, Staten Island's premier dog walking service. After spending more than two decades working on the trading floor in New York City's Financial District, Amanda made the bold decision to pursue entrepreneurship full-time. Today, she has built a trusted pet care business known for exceptional customer service, strong client relationships, and personalized care. Amanda combines her passion for animals with a people-first approach, proving that businesses built on trust, reputation, and genuine service can thrive through referrals and organic growth. Connect with Amanda Anderson Follow Amanda and Ring and Run Dog Walkers on social media to learn more about her entrepreneurial journey, pet care insights, and growing a service-based business with purpose. Website - https://ringandrundogwalkers.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-anderson-707a4512/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RingandRunDogWalkers/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ringandrundogwalkers/?hl=en Connect with Pat Miller Follow Pat Miller for more conversations with entrepreneurs who share the real stories behind building successful businesses. Website: https://patmiller.net/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepatmiller11 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thepatmiller11/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepatmiller11/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePatMiller11/ Subscribe to From Underdog to Entrepreneur: Building Dreams with Pat Miller for weekly interviews with entrepreneurs, founders, and business leaders sharing the lessons, challenges, pivots, and wins that shaped their success.

    From Wall Street to Dog Walking Empire

  4. Jul 16

    Music Producer to LA Entrepreneur — How He Built Both | With Connor Treacy

    What does it take to go from organizing small events at 19 years old to working with Grammy-winning artists, launching one of Hollywood's hottest nightlife venues, and building a successful talent management company? In this episode of From Underdog to Entrepreneur: Building Dreams with Pat Miller, host Pat Miller sits down with Connor Treacy, an entrepreneur, talent manager, and former music producer who turned his passion for music and entertainment into a thriving business in Los Angeles. Connor shares his unconventional journey from promoting concerts while still in college to becoming one of Hollywood's most connected young promoters. He explains how those relationships led him to Universal Music Group, where he helped develop rising talent and worked alongside artists who would go on to win Grammy Awards. Later, he co-founded one of LA's most exclusive nightlife venues before pivoting once again to build his own management company. This conversation is packed with lessons on entrepreneurship, relationship building, calculated risk-taking, and adapting through uncertainty, including surviving the entertainment industry's shutdown during COVID-19. Whether you're pursuing a career in music, launching a startup, or building your own brand, Connor's story proves that success rarely follows a straight line. If you're interested in becoming a creative entrepreneur, building a music industry business, or learning how to turn passion into a sustainable company, this episode is full of practical insights. What You'll Learn How Connor built a successful career as a music producer and entrepreneur Why relationships are the foundation of every successful music industry business The lessons learned from promoting concerts before turning 21 How networking opened doors at Universal Music Group What it takes to build a successful business in Los Angeles The reality of becoming an LA business owner in the entertainment industry Why calculated risk is essential for entrepreneurs How COVID forced entrepreneurs to pivot and adapt The importance of momentum in business and career growth Why your entrepreneurial journey doesn't have to follow a traditional path About Connor Treacy Connor Treacy is an entrepreneur, talent manager, and entertainment executive based in Los Angeles. After launching his entrepreneurial journey by promoting concerts and nightlife events, Connor built relationships that led to opportunities with Universal Music Group, where he worked alongside emerging artists and Grammy-winning talent. He later co-founded Off Sunset, one of Hollywood's most exclusive nightlife venues, before returning to his passion for talent management. Today, Connor helps build artists, brands, and strategic partnerships across music, entertainment, hospitality, and culture while continuing to grow his management company. He recently completed his MBA at USC Marshall, combining real-world entrepreneurial experience with advanced business strategy. Connect with Connor Treacy Website:https://connortreacy.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconnortreacy  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connortreacy/  Connect with Pat Miller Follow Pat Miller for more entrepreneurial insights, business strategies, and inspiring conversations with successful founders and business leaders. Website: https://patmiller.net/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepatmiller11 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thepatmiller11/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepatmiller11/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePatMiller11/ Subscribe to From Underdog to Entrepreneur: Building Dreams with Pat Miller for weekly conversations with entrepreneurs who share the real stories, lessons, failures, and successes behind building thriving businesses. If you're passionate about entrepreneurship, leadership, business growth, entertainment, and personal development, this podcast is designed to help you build your dream. New episodes are released regularly.

    Music Producer to LA Entrepreneur — How He Built Both | With Connor Treacy

  5. Jul 9

    The Master Closer Reveals Why You Can't Close | With Kayvon Kay

    If you've ever wondered why you can't close a sale, this episode is for you. In this powerful episode of From Underdog to Entrepreneur: Building Dreams, host Pat Miller sits down with Kayvon Kay, internationally recognized keynote speaker, Master Closer, sales strategist, and revenue architect, to break down the psychology behind closing deals and why most entrepreneurs unknowingly sabotage their own sales. Kayvon shares the mindset shifts, communication skills, and sales techniques that separate top performers from everyone else. From handling objections with confidence to understanding why people really buy, he explains that great sales isn't about pressure or manipulation. It's about creating trust, solving problems, and becoming someone people naturally want to buy from. The conversation also explores the rapid rise of AI and how today's entrepreneurs can use technology to sell more effectively without losing the human connection that ultimately wins business. Whether you're a business owner, freelancer, salesperson, or entrepreneur, you'll discover practical insights that can immediately improve your ability to influence, communicate, and grow revenue. If you're looking for actionable sales training, better ways of overcoming objections, and proven methods for how to close a sale, this episode delivers a masterclass from one of the industry's leading experts. What You'll Learn Why most people struggle with closing deals The biggest mistake salespeople make before asking for the sale Practical sales techniques that build trust instead of pressure How to confidently handle and overcome objections The mindset every Master Closer develops Why sales is about solving problems, not convincing people How entrepreneurs can use AI to improve productivity without replacing human relationships The importance of authenticity in modern selling Why embracing new technology creates more opportunity, not less How to future-proof your business in an AI-driven world About Kayvon Kay Kayvon Kay is a globally recognized keynote speaker, sales strategist, revenue architect, and Master Closer who has trained thousands of entrepreneurs, founders, and sales professionals around the world. Through one-on-one coaching, group programs, live events, and corporate training, Kayvon helps businesses increase revenue by mastering communication, improving sales performance, and building scalable systems that consistently close more deals. His practical approach combines psychology, leadership, and modern technology to help professionals sell with confidence while creating genuine, long-term relationships with clients. Connect with Kayvon Kay Website - https://kayvon.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kayvonkay/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@kayvonkay Connect with Pat Miller Website: https://patmiller.net/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepatmiller11 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thepatmiller11/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepatmiller11/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePatMiller11/   If you enjoyed this episode of From Underdog to Entrepreneur: Building Dreams with Pat Miller, subscribe for weekly conversations with entrepreneurs, business leaders, and industry experts who share the real stories, lessons, and strategies behind building successful businesses.

    The Master Closer Reveals Why You Can't Close | With Kayvon Kay

  6. Jul 2

    Building a $1.5B Real Estate Empire from a Cubicle | Mark Khuri

    In this inspiring episode of From Underdog to Entrepreneur: Building Dreams with Pat Miller, Pat sits down with Mark Khuri, CEO and Co-Founder of SMK Capital Management, to uncover the remarkable journey from working in a corporate cubicle to building a $1.5 billion real estate investment portfolio. Mark shares how a simple conversation with a coworker sparked his passion for real estate investing and led him to purchase his first property while still working a full-time corporate job. Through persistence, calculated risks, and years of learning, he transitioned from fixing up duplexes after work to leading a private equity firm with investments spanning more than 120 properties across 36 states. The conversation dives deep into today's real estate market, recession-resistant investment strategies, mobile home park investing, passive income opportunities, and the importance of diversification when building long-term wealth. Mark also opens up about setbacks, including a devastating property fire, lessons learned from raising investment capital, and why character and relationships matter more than chasing quick profits. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned investor, or someone looking to build financial freedom through real estate, this episode delivers practical insights and timeless business wisdom. What You'll Learn How Mark turned a corporate finance job into a $1.5B real estate business Why starting real estate investing while keeping your day job can reduce risk The biggest lessons from building SMK Capital Management Why mobile home parks remain one of the most resilient real estate investments The truth about today's self-storage and multifamily markets How successful investors evaluate risk before making a deal Why diversification is essential for protecting wealth The importance of surrounding yourself with trustworthy partners Lessons from raising private investment capital Why entrepreneurship is about freedom, relationships, and long-term thinking About Mark Khuri Mark Khuri is the CEO and Co-Founder of SMK Capital Management, a family-owned private equity real estate firm specializing in institutional-quality, recession-resistant investments. With more than two decades of experience, Mark has participated in over 120 real estate investments valued at more than $1.5 billion and has built more than 70 successful investment partnerships. His mission is helping investors create long-term wealth through carefully selected passive real estate opportunities while emphasizing education, integrity, and disciplined investing. Connect with Mark Khuri Website: https://www.smkcap.com Learn more about SMK Capital Management and explore educational resources on passive real estate investing. Connect with Pat Miller If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to From Underdog to Entrepreneur: Building Dreams with Pat Miller for inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs who have overcome obstacles, built successful businesses, and continue helping others achieve their dreams. New episodes released regularly.

    Building a $1.5B Real Estate Empire from a Cubicle | Mark Khuri

  7. Jun 25

    Skate Where the Puck Is Going | #29 (John Petrocelli)

    What if the biggest opportunities are hiding where everyone else isn't looking? In this episode of From Underdog to Entrepreneur, Pat Miller sits down with John Petrocelli, founder and CEO of Bulldog DM, whose work has generated more than 1 billion audience engagements for brands including Apple, Coca-Cola, Samsung, Netflix, and YouTube. John shares his journey from working in telecommunications and Hollywood mailrooms to helping pioneer the livestreaming industry. Along the way, he collaborated with Prince on one of the first direct-to-consumer music platforms, learned entrepreneurial lessons from Mark Cuban, and built a business by constantly anticipating where technology was heading next. In this conversation, you'll learn: • Why successful entrepreneurs focus on where the market is going, not where it is today • How Prince helped shape the future of digital media and direct-to-consumer business • Why live streaming, AI, and social commerce are creating massive opportunities right now • The importance of listening to customers and solving real problems • How embracing change can keep you ahead of the competition John's story is a powerful reminder that innovation rewards those willing to adapt, experiment, and stay curious. If you're building a business, reinventing your career, or searching for your next big opportunity, this episode will challenge you to think bigger and move faster.   ✨ Connect with Host Pat Miller Instagram   thepatmiller11 Website     patmiller.net   Connect with John:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpetrocelli https://bulldogdm.com

  8. Jun 18

    More Than Just Luck | #28 (Greg Wier)

    What if the biggest thing standing between you and success is the excuse you've been telling yourself? In this candid conversation, Pat Miller sits down with entrepreneur, author, and security industry veteran Greg Wier to unpack the hard lessons behind building and selling multimillion-dollar companies. From becoming a young father with no money and a failed business to leading a national security empire, Greg shares the unfiltered stories that shaped his journey. Along the way, he reveals why bad partnerships nearly destroyed him, how work ethic opened doors that education couldn't, and why resilience matters more than talent when building a business that lasts. Key takeaways: • Why excuses are often the biggest obstacle to success • The costly lessons Greg learned from multiple business partners • How focusing on revenue, relationships, and discipline creates long-term growth Whether you're launching your first business or navigating the challenges of scaling one, this episode is packed with real-world wisdom from someone who has lived through the highs, lows, lawsuits, setbacks, and victories of entrepreneurship. Success is rarely luck. It's built one decision, one lesson, and one hard-earned experience at a time. Tune in and discover what's possible when you refuse to quit.   ✨ Connect with Host Pat Miller Instagram   thepatmiller11 Website     patmiller.net   Connect with Greg: https://www.gregwier.com TikTok, YouTube @morethanjustluck Instagram @morethanjustluckbook

See All (35)

4.8
out of 5
41 Ratings

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.

Information