From Underdog to Entrepreneur: Building Dreams with Pat Miller

Pat Miller
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  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
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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

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

    What if the greatest business school you ever attended was your father's dinner table? Steven Padernacht grew up in the Bronx watching his father build a vertically integrated real estate business from the ground up, and those dinner-table deal talks became the foundation of Steven's own two-decade career in real estate. After losing his father at just 27, Steven took the five life lessons his dad left behind and turned them into a blueprint for building wealth, community, and legacy in one of New York's toughest markets. In this episode, Steven and host Pat Miller dig into the raw, unfiltered truth about entrepreneurship, the wins, the gut-punch losses, and the relentless mindset it takes to show up anyway. From Bronx apartment buildings to New Jersey developments, Steven's story is proof that where you come from doesn't define your ceiling. Key takeaways from this episode: The 5 pieces of advice Steven's father left him, and why one is now engraved on his tombstone Why resilience isn't a personality trait, it's a daily decision How mentoring someone else led to one of Steven's biggest business opportunities If you're an entrepreneur who's ever lost a deal, doubted yourself, or wondered whether it's all worth it, this one's for you. Get back up. Keep going. The windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror for a reason.   Connect with Host Pat Miller Instagram   thepatmiller11 Website     patmiller.net   Connect with Steven Padernacht: Instagram @steve_pad & @padernachtpodcast

    1h 5m

  2. 5D AGO

    Where Creativity Meets Construction | #12 (Rachel Niederhofer)

    What if the path you never planned becomes the one that transforms your life and business? In this conversation, luxury designer and strategic renovation advisor Rachel Niederhofer shares how she went from corporate finance to building a thriving design, construction-management, and real-estate brand. She opens up about the unexpected turns that shaped her entrepreneurial journey, the power of vision, and why mastering the fundamentals matters more than rushing the process. Rachel also reveals the real truth behind renovations, scaling as an investor, and why collaboration—not shortcuts—is the key to profitable, beautiful spaces. In this episode, we explore: How embracing the "underdog" phase fuels long-term success The hidden logistics behind great design and flawless execution Why investors lose money—and how strategic design prevents it Rachel's story is an inspiring reminder that purpose evolves, skills compound, and the road to success rarely looks like the plan. Tune in and take the next step on your own entrepreneurial journey. Connect with Rachel Niederhofer: • Instagram: @audaciousdesigns • @returnondesign • LinkedIn: Rachel Niederhofer • Website: audaciousdesigns.design ✨ Connect with Host Pat Miller Instagram   thepatmiller11 Website     patmiller.net

    55 min

  3. FEB 19

    Building Wealth Without Entitlement | #11 (Blake Johnson)

    What if the money you leave your kids actually ruins them? In this episode of From Underdog to Entrepreneur, Pat Miller sits down with nationally recognized estate planning attorney Blake Johnson to unpack why traditional inheritance often creates entitlement—and how intentional legacy planning builds stronger families instead. Blake shares his journey from working alongside his father to buying him out, scaling a multi-state law firm, and developing the Family Bank Method, a framework designed to teach responsibility, not dependency. Together, they dive into what it really means to build wealth that lasts, how entrepreneurs must evolve from survival mode to leadership, and why values matter more than money when building a business… or a family legacy. In this episode, you'll learn: Why "just giving your kids money" can do more harm than good How the Family Bank Method creates responsibility, not entitlement The real test of entrepreneurship: building a business that runs without you If you care about building wealth and raising capable, grounded humans, this episode will change how you think about success, money, and legacy. ✨ Connect with Host Pat Miller Instagram   thepatmiller11 Website     patmiller.net   Connect with Blake Johnson: https://yourfb.com/ https://trustedepa.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/trustedepa/

    52 min

  4. FEB 12

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

    What if the fight that almost broke you became the discipline that built your success? In this episode of From Underdog to Entrepreneur, host Pat Miller sits down with business development coach, former Golden Gloves champion, and podcast host Ron Marvo to unpack a journey shaped by resilience, grit, and relentless curiosity. From a life-altering childhood crisis to championship boxing and ultimately building a scalable business development framework, Ron shares how discipline, trust, and asking better questions can change everything. Together, Pat and Ron break down what separates transactional selling from true business leadership—and why the best entrepreneurs stop chasing deals and start becoming the most trusted resource in the room. Key takeaways from this episode: Why "Always Be Curious" beats Always Be Closing How resilience, discipline, and trust drive long-term success The mindset shift from selling products to protecting clients If you're an underdog with a vision—and the courage to bet on yourself—this episode will challenge you to step into the ring and build something that lasts.

    38 min

  5. FEB 5

    Close Customers for Life | #9 (Josh Cadillac)

    What if success wasn't about closing deals—but about eliminating the option to quit? In this episode, real estate coach, investor, and author Josh Cadillac joins host Pat Miller to break down what it really means to build a business that lasts. From being raised in entrepreneurship at age nine, to losing everything in the 2008 crash, Josh shares how underdogs win—by outworking, outlasting, and outthinking the competition. Together, Pat and Josh unpack the mindset shifts, discipline, and systems required to turn clients into lifelong relationships and chaos into momentum. Key takeaways include: Why underdogs must burn the ships and remove failure as an option How "closing customers for life" creates sustainable, compounding success Practical systems for time management, CRM discipline, and ruthless efficiency If you're building something from the ground up—and refusing to take the off-ramp—this conversation will remind you why underdogs win more often than anyone expects.   ✨ Connect with Host Pat Miller Instagram   thepatmiller11 Website     patmiller.net

    53 min

  6. JAN 29

    Turning Adversity Into Power | #8 (Rosemary Cescolini)

    What if the setback you're facing right now is actually your greatest opportunity? In this episode, host Pat Miller sits down with entrepreneur, manufacturer, and mentor Rosemary Cescolini to unpack a powerful journey that began in teaching and evolved into building a multi-generation construction and manufacturing legacy. From learning the shop floor in a male-dominated industry to growing over 200 product designs and mentoring the next wave of entrepreneurs, Rosemary shares what it really takes to pivot, lead, and endure. Key themes include: Turning adversity and uncertainty into long-term advantage Why mentorship, skilled trades, and adaptability matter more than ever Empowering women to lead, build, and thrive without waiting for permission If you're standing at a crossroads in your career—or wondering how to turn experience into impact—this conversation will challenge you to lift your head, stay ready, and move when opportunity shows up.   Connect with Rosemary: 🌐 onlywomenentrepreneurs.com Instagram: @rosemarycescolini @onlywomenentrepreneurs   Tiktok only.women.entrep FB Only Women Entrepreneurs LinkedIn Rosemary Cescolini LinkedIN OWE ✨ Connect with Host Pat Miller Instagram   thepatmiller11 Website     patmiller.net

    1h 5m

  7. JAN 22

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

    What happens when a lawyer stops thinking like a prosecutor—and starts thinking like a business owner? In this episode, Pat Miller sits down with Damian Conforti, a former prosecutor turned trusted corporate counsel, to unpack what it really means to practice the business of law. Damian shares how relearning law through an entrepreneurial lens transformed the way he advises CEOs, founders, and leadership teams facing real-world operational and governance challenges. Rather than just reacting to legal problems, Damian explains why the most valuable counsel anticipates risk, understands the business inside and out, and empowers leaders to make smarter decisions—before issues ever reach the courtroom. In this conversation, you'll hear about: Why effective legal counsel requires an entrepreneurial mindset The difference between practicing law for businesses vs. with business leaders How CEOs can leverage lawyers as strategic partners—not just problem solvers If you're a founder, executive, or advisor navigating high-stakes decisions, this episode will change how you think about law, leadership, and long-term strategy. Press play and start thinking like both an owner and a lawyer.     ✨ Connect with Host Pat Miller Instagram   thepatmiller11 Website     patmiller.net

    1h 3m

  8. JAN 15

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

    A heart attack, a bankruptcy, and a lifetime of grit pushed Dan Sachkowsky to rebuild himself—and redefine what success really means. In this powerful conversation, Dan ("Big D") opens up about humble beginnings, multimillion-dollar wins, losing everything, and the wake-up call that turned pain into purpose. He and host Pat Miller dive deep into what it really takes to grow a business, lead with integrity, and build a life that actually matters. In this episode, you'll learn: How to turn adversity, setbacks, and heartbreak into fuel Why most business owners stay stuck—and how to rise into the CEO role The mindset shifts that create wealth, freedom, and long-term resilience Dan's journey is a reminder that success isn't what you have—it's who you become. Lean in, get inspired, and let this episode push you toward the life you know you're meant to build.   Connect with Dan Sachkowsky Website: DanSachkowsky.com Instagram: big_dan_official Podcast: Big D Podcast LinkedIn: Dan Sachkowsky Connect with Host Pat Miller Instagram: thepatmiller11 Website: patmiller.net

    1h 5m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 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.

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