Phil Randazzo: American Dream U

Summary:

In this episode, Dave shares the E.O. mic with Phil Randazzo, founder of American Dream U, an organization that helps people transition out from the military and into civilian life. He’s also the founder also the founder of Text Safe Teens, a patented app that prevents teens from using their phones when they’re in school or behind the wheel. Listen as Phil talks about his transition from life as an insurance salesman in Las Vegas, to the founder of a non-profit organization dedicated to helping men and women in uniform.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

00:34 – Dave introduces Phil 02:34 – Phil’s path to success has been a path of ADD 03:18 – Phil highlights his background 03:20 – Born in Chicago 03:23 – He got his now-wife for 25 years pregnant during his senior year of college 03:50 – They moved out to Las Vegas 04:24 – Phil’s mom and sister were excited for the baby 05:03 – His in-laws thought he was a devil 06:00 – Phil’s friend said he’d help him sell insurance in Vegas 06:18 – But selling insurance didn’t work out 06:34 – Phil didn’t study the art of selling 06:39 – Phil worked 3 jobs while his wife worked 2 to makes end meet 06:55 – Phil applied to sell fire extinguishers but got rejected 07:22 – This was Phil’s turning point 07:26 – Phil turned his car into a ‘university’ and became a student for the first time in his life 08:01 – How to Make Millions with Your Ideas by Dan Kennedy 09:17 – Successful sales don’t manipulate 09:38 – Phil started to make insurance sales 10:32 – He opened an insurance business in 1994 that is still live today 10:51 – Nevada Benefits 12:24 – Phil’s first big win was when he was able to buy land in Las Vegas 12:44 – After having lunch with a guy, he decided to be his partner on a building 13:03 – Phil put the land in Escrow with some money 13:16 – Phil figured out a way to get a dozen credit cards with a $100K credit limit 13:30 – Yes, he bought his first piece of land with credit cards 14:40 – Phil kept buying land, building buildings, and selling them 15:26 – He was putting money aside for future opportunities 15:54 – Phil started investing in parcels of raw land 16:17 – When 9/11 happened Phil looked into joining the military 16:34 – Instead he started the process for creating American Dream U 18:30 – Phil looked for the support for the military 18:46 – In 4 days, Phil had 5,000 people in his office parking lot 19:06 – Phil started calling people and decided to start a non-profit 20:16 – The process took weeks, but his application eventually got approved 21:36 – What American Dream U is and how it works 24:11 – American Dream U is 100% FREE 25:36 – Tim Jennings, a ranger that Dave met at Fort Bragg was a guest on the EO Podcast 27:06 – From American Dream U, the soldiers get a little inspiration on where to start 27:56 – All about Mission Next 28:24 – Phil wanted to find out what soldier-entrepreneurs did to become successful 29:20 – The book is totally FREE for veterans and family of veterans 30:16 – Spend 20 mins on the phone with somebody and guide them in life 31:56 – People often attribute success to how much money you make, this is a mistake 32:33 – When Phil started, it was just about the bank account 35:10 – Phil wants to travel and sell his house in Vegas 35:50 – What Phil’s wife, Jennifer feels about Phil’s plans 36:28 – Generally, entrepreneurs love and appreciate change 37:22 – Phil is struggling with his plans and his family 39:05 – EO has a great community of entrepreneurs 40:20 – Strategic Coach –another group of entrepreneurs 42:30 – The book Mission Next is available on Amazon 42:34 – To make a donation, go to American Dream U 43:00 – Phil is having a podcast soon!

3 Key Points:

Learning doesn’t stop with school—in fact, many times learning doesn’t start until after we’re done with school. Always, always, ALWAYS follow your passion. The world is littered with uncertainty—face it as best you can.

Resources Mentioned:

Entrepreneur's Organization – The EO Network American Dream U– An organization founded by Phil Text Safe Teens – A company where Phil is also an owner Shark Talk, Funding Your Bigger Venture, Mission Next  – Phil’s books How to Make Millions with Your Ideas by Dan Kennedy – The first entrepreneurial book Phil read Nevada Benefits – Phil’s insurance business Tim Jennings – A former ranger who was interviewed in the EO podcast

Credits:

Show Notes provided by Mallard Creatives