My entire life, I thought I was going to be a Doctor just like my father.
 
Then in 2017, I realized it wasn't my passion.
 
So, I decided to end my pre-medicine college track.
 
But, before I could, I had to have a plan.
 
My dad grew his medicine practice by building relationships and grow by word of mouth.
 
These same relationships he built were the foundation for me to seek help and learn about other career paths.
 
So, I started calling his network.
 
The second call I made was to his financial planner, Timmy.
 
Timmy taught me that there's 3 things everybody thinks about before they fall asleep.
 
1st: Did I hurt anyone today? If so, you can talk to someone about that.
 
2nd: Am I healthy? If not, you can call your doctor tomorrow - that's my Dad.
 
3rd: Have I made the right financial decisions for my family? That's where I come in.
 
I'm okay with batting 3rd in that lineup.
 
Since that day, I've spent my time simplifying financial decisions for my clients.
 
How I can help you:

➡️Review every year because life happens and things change
➡️Feel confident to make difficult financial decisions
➡️Develop a simple, implementable financial plan
➡️Hold you accountable to your goals

My results:

➡️The best 1st year my agency has ever seen in its 130+ year history
➡️Rookie of the year 2021
➡️New Advisor of the year 2021
➡️Over 100 households (and counting) receiving my help & expertise

If you want to learn more about how I help my clients and see if we’re a fit, you can schedule on my calendar HERE👇🏼

Calendly.com/sallavanti/intro

Mando Sallavanti III

Build generational wealth without the money stress | Financial Advisor for Big Tech (Paycom, Oracle, Salesforce) | Top 25 MassMutual Financial Advisor (2024)

You closed $4M in deals this year. You hit President's Club. 

You're making $500K... Why's your bank account look the same as 3 years ago?

Let me guess:

→ $80K commission check hit last month - already gone
→ RSUs vesting quarterly, no idea if you should sell
→ Owed $40K in taxes you weren't expecting
→ Looking at houses you can't tell if you can afford
→ Spouse is stressed about money even though you're crushing quota
→ You're one bad quarter away from serious financial stress

You're a B2B Sales Leader at a high-growth tech company.
You close seven-figure deals for your company.
You advise C-suite executives on complex buying decisions.

But your own finances are in total chaos.

Here's why:

Traditional financial advice doesn't work for enterprise sales.

"Just save 20% and max your 401k" doesn't mean anything when:

Your income swings $50K month-to-month
You have RSUs, ESPP, commission, or bonuses all hitting at different times
Your "income" includes stock that might be up 30% or down 20%
You're taxed at rates that nobody explains properly

You don't need a financial advisor who works with "high earners."

You need someone who works with sales leaders who live in your world.

That's us.

We work with Sales Leaders at B2B SaaS and Tech companies.

Here's what we do:

Phase 1: Stop the Bleeding

→ Commission cash flow system (capture money before it disappears)
→ RSU strategy (minimize the tax hit or concentration when vested)
→ Protection planning (life, disability - so your family is covered)

Phase 2: Build the Buffer

→ Build emergency fund (handle slow quarters without panic)
→ Automate commission capture (money builds wealth before spending)
→ Know what you can actually afford (house, cars, private school - no guessing)

Phase 3: Build Real Wealth

→ Diversify beyond company stock (systematic selling, no emotion)
→ Tax planning with your CPA (keep more of what you earn within your control)
→ Build multiple income streams (not 100% dependent on quota)

The outcome we plan for?

You're not just making money. 
You're keeping it.

You're not just hitting quota. 
You're building generational wealth.

You're not stressed about the next deal. 
You have OPTIONS.

THAT is your Freedom Path.

If you're crushing quota and tired of feeling broke, let's fix that.

Message me and tell me to get started!

Mando Sallavanti III, CFP®, CEPA, ChFC®

Mattia and I paid under $500 for $8,500 flights on the most luxurious business class in the sky → Emirates business class.

New York to Dubai.
Lie-flat seats.
Gourmet meals.
Onboard bar.

Let me show you exactly how we did it:

Step 1: Create a Credit Card Strategy

Last fall, Amex Business Platinum offered me a signup bonus:
250,000 points after $20k spend in 3 months.

My business has more expenses than that each quarter.
No brainer.

Plus, the card is perfect for someone who travels frequently for business (me).
We hit the bonus. Banked the points.

Step 2: Identify Transfer Partners & Find Enhanced Value

If I booked through Amex Travel Portal: 

→ 2 business class tickets to Dubai = $8,500 cash OR 850,000 Amex points 
→ That's 1 cent per point

Instead, Colin Stroud (who's co-hosting this training with me) showed me:

Transfer Amex points → Emirates (1:1 instant transfer)
Book directly with Emirates: → Same 2 business class tickets = 276,000 Emirates points + $470 in fees

We just 3x'd the value of our points by knowing which transfer partner to use.

Step 3: Transfer Points & Book

Transfer took 2 minutes.
Booking took 10 minutes.
Total time invested: 12 minutes.
Total savings: $8,000.

BOOM.

This is what Colin teaches in Monday's training.

The exact transfer partners.
The exact tools to find these deals.
The exact strategy to maximize every point you earn.

This isn't theory.
This is the system I used to book our honeymoon.

AND it can work for YOU.

3 Questions You're Asking:

"Don't I need to spend a fortune to earn enough points?"
No.

If you're spending $50K-$100K/year on credit cards (which most sales leaders are), you're earning 100K-200K points annually.

That's enough for: 

→ Multiple business class flights to Europe 
→ 10+ nights at luxury hotels 
→ Both

You're already spending the money.
You're just getting 1.5% back instead of 5-10x value.

"Isn't this too complicated? I don't have time for this."

It's simpler than you think.

Colin uses tools (Seats.aero, Roame, PointsYeah) that search for deals automatically.

You're not manually checking 15 airline websites.

You type in your destination.
The tool shows you the best points deals.
You book.
Takes 10 minutes.

"What if I don't want to deal with points? Can't I just use cash?"

You can.

But you're choosing to pay $11,246 for business class to Germany instead of 70,000 points.

You're choosing to pay $1,330/night for hotels instead of 25,000 points.

If you make $400K+ and that doesn't bother you, don't come to this training.

But if you'd rather keep that $20K-$30K and use it for something else?

Show up Monday.

Save your seat → https://lnkd.in/eyErtStr

12/22 at 12 ET

Mando Sallavanti III, CFP®

Crushing quota, but bad with money? Click here. | Financial Advisor for B2B Sales Leaders | Message me PLAN to get started!

Darren Mass

Brand Built

Where Founders Become Brand & Business Champions

This isn’t just another community, it’s a full-time commitment to elevating entrepreneurs from contenders to champions.

Most communities run as a side hustle. Not us.
At Brand Built, scaling businesses and building brands is an everyday pursuit, from the first round to the final bell. We’re in the ring with our members, equipping them with the strategies, coaching, and resources needed to win in today’s fast-paced business arena.

A No-Nonsense Community for Serious Founders

Co-founded by two seasoned entrepreneurs, Brand Built was created for those who want more than surface-level advice.
✅ Expand your brand.
✅ Build a powerful network.
✅ Earn unbreakable trust with clients and customers.

Our members don’t just walk away with ideas, they gain a support system that has their back every step of the way.

What You Get with Brand Built:

💡 Elite coaching from experienced founders.
🤝 A high-level network of business owners and visionaries.
📈 Resources and strategies designed for real, scalable growth.

This Isn’t for Everyone.

No shortcuts. No weekend hacks. Just real work, bold risks, and next-level thinking.

If you’re ready to step into the ring with a community that’s all-in, welcome to Brand Built.

🔗 Join us today: https://joinbrandbuilt.com

Co-Founder

PEF Community

What’s Next Starts Here

The Post-Exit Founders Community is a space for entrepreneurs who have successfully exited their businesses and are now focused on what’s next, whether it’s new ventures, investing, or redefining their purpose.

✅ Built on shared experiences – Connect with those who’ve walked the same path.
✅ High-level networking – Gain access to a trusted circle of elite founders.
✅ Real conversations – Navigate the opportunities and challenges that come after an exit.

More than just a network, this is a community of builders, investors, and visionaries committed to supporting each other’s next big moves.

Member

Business Therapy Group

Navigating the Emotional Side of Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship is tough, but you don’t have to face it alone.

Business Therapy Group was born from my passion to help small business owners overcome the intense, often overlooked emotional struggles that come with leadership. I’ve seen firsthand how challenges can strain relationships with partners, employees, and even yourself. My mission is to help you break through these roadblocks, move beyond setbacks, and regain a sense of purpose and control.

Addressing the Emotional Hurdles That Impact Success

💬 Tough conversations that bring awareness to underlying issues.
🎯 Accountability structures to keep you grounded and focused.
⚡ Fear, doubt, and frustration, tackled head-on.

Once the emotional roadblocks are cleared, we shift to practical, results-driven strategies to mitigate risks, streamline operations, and drive sustainable growth.

More Than Guidance, A Space for Transformation

✅ Empathy & understanding to help you navigate personal and business challenges.
✅ Actionable plans that propel you forward with clarity.
✅ Stronger accountability and goal-setting that align with your vision.

At Business Therapy Group, we focus not just on your business’s success, but on cultivating resilience and confidence in every leader.

If you’re ready to improve performance, address business risks, and create streamlined processes, we’re here to support you.

Founder - Business Therapy Group

YousicPlay

Empowering the Next Generation of Musicians with YousicPlay

As a Board Advisor for YousicPlay, I’m honored to support an innovative platform that’s redefining music education by connecting aspiring musicians with world-renowned artists.

Bridging the Gap Between Passion and Mastery

🎵 Direct access to techniques and strategies from top musicians.
🎸 World-class mentorship for aspiring artists at all levels.
📚 A revolutionary approach to learning and mastering music.

My Role: Shaping the Future of Music Education

✅ Guiding strategic decisions to drive sustainable growth.
✅ Advising on partnerships that expand our reach and impact.
✅ Enhancing the learning experience to make education inspiring and accessible.

At YousicPlay, we go beyond teaching technical skills, we cultivate a deep, lasting connection to the art of music. I’m proud to help shape a platform where every musician has the tools to grow, improve, and reach new heights.

💡 The mission is simple: Empower musicians everywhere to learn from the best and discover the artist within.

Board Member

Retail Advisory Board

Helping Local Businesses to Thrive

After exiting a successful company, I co-founded the Retail Advisory Board with one goal in mind: to give back to the small business community that supported my journey.

Our Mission: Strengthening Small Business Retailers

🚀 Free, volunteer-driven advice to help businesses grow and succeed.
💡 Expert guidance in retail sales, financial modeling, marketing, IT, and more.
📈 Actionable strategies to navigate market challenges and drive sustainable growth.

How We Make an Impact

✔️ One-on-one consultations to tackle unique business challenges.
✔️ Workshops and training sessions to refine operations and customer engagement.
✔️ A collaborative approach that fosters resilience and long-term success.

As co-founder and board member, I’m deeply committed to helping small businesses stay competitive and create a thriving local marketplace. Every success story reaffirms why we started this journey to uplift, empower, and drive real impact.

💙 Stronger retailers mean a stronger community, and we’re here to make that happen.

Board Member / Co-founder & Member Chair

I Took a Hike

Business, Leadership & Life Off the Beaten Path

Where the best conversations happen outside the boardroom.

“I Took a Hike” began as a way to blend my love for the outdoors with my fascination for the stories behind successful business leaders. Each episode, we step off the beaten path, literally and figuratively, heading into the wilderness to talk candidly about the stumbles, setbacks, and triumphs that have shaped my guests’ journeys.

Why the Trail?

🏔️ Raw, real conversations away from the daily hustle.
🌿 Candid insights you won’t hear in a traditional interview.
🛤️ Lessons in resilience, creativity, and leadership, told where the journey itself becomes part of the story.

There’s something about being on the trail that brings out a new side of people. As we trek through the wilderness, my guests open up in ways you won’t find in a boardroom, revealing the unexpected moments that shaped their success.

🎧 New episodes drop every Tuesday!
Listen on Spotify, Apple, and Google Podcasts or visit itookahike.com 🌄 to join us on this adventure.

See you on the trail!

Host & Part-time Wilderness Philosopher

Windstream Enterprise

Driving Growth & Innovation

As President of Windstream Enterprise, following the acquisition of MASS Communications, I led a dynamic transformation across several business units, driving substantial growth and innovation. My focus was on:

✅ Defining and executing Windstream’s vision for the Enterprise division.
✅ Strengthening distribution channels and launching new partnership programs.
✅ Developing and empowering top talent within the organization.

Unifying Teams & Scaling Success

🔹 Integrated teams & cultures from MASS Communications, Windstream, and other acquisitions.
🔹 Scaled our channel strategy to expand market reach and enhance collaboration.
🔹 Launched innovative programs that accelerated revenue and strengthened our market presence.

Surpassing Revenue Targets & Expanding Market Reach

📈 Secured major Resale partnerships, driving over 100% revenue growth in the segment.
🚀 Expanded Windstream Enterprise’s footprint in the Resale market, unlocking new opportunities.
🌐 Delivered client-centered network solutions that redefined our industry impact.

At Windstream Enterprise, our mission extends beyond connectivity, we empower businesses to thrive in the digital age. As a $6 billion telecommunications leader, we provide scalable, cloud-driven solutions that drive growth, efficiency, and resilience in a rapidly evolving world.

President

MASS Communications (Acquired by Windstream Enterprise)

Building a Vision from the Ground Up - A Decade of Growth & Innovation

In 2008, I co-founded a company with a bold goal: to reshape the telecommunications industry. Fueled by passion and an entrepreneurial spirit, I was involved in every aspect:

💡 Funding & strategic sales
📢 Marketing & business development
⚡ 24/7 client support & service innovation

Our commitment to custom-engineered solutions and unmatched client service transformed us from a startup into an industry leader, generating $30M+ in revenue within a decade.

Cultivating a Team of Champions

🏆 Built a workforce driven by shared vision & excellence
🏢 Created a culture recognized as a “100 Best Places to Work in NYC” (Crain’s NY, 3 years running)
🔹 Fostered a family-like atmosphere that fueled our rapid growth

Achievements & Industry Recognition

🚀 Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Companies – 5 consecutive years
📈 1,000+ loyal customers across diverse industries
🔑 98% staff retention rate through the company’s sale

A Strategic & Rewarding Exit

In 2018, we achieved a major milestone, successfully selling the company to Windstream Holdings Inc. This marked not just the culmination of our growth, but a validation of the enduring value we built.

A Legacy of Impact

Reflecting on this journey, I take immense pride in what we created, a thriving business, a top-tier team, and an industry-altering success story.

💡 My story is proof that vision, teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of excellence can transform industries.

Here’s to inspiring others to dream big, take bold risks, and build with heart.

Chief Executive Officer

PAETEC COMMUNICATIONS

A Career Built on Experience & Growth

Learning from the Ground Up

My journey began as an intern, where I quickly realized that hands-on experience and a willingness to learn were the keys to growth.
🔹 Started as a technician & engineer – mastering the technical foundations.
🔹 Faced real-world challenges – troubleshooting, problem-solving, and late nights refining my skills.
🔹 Gained insights beyond the classroom – understanding the core of the industry from the inside out.

Mastering Operations & Efficiency

Transitioning into operations roles taught me that success isn’t just about technology, it’s about precision and collaboration.
⚙️ Managed workflows & optimized efficiency across teams.
📊 Developed problem-solving strategies beyond technical fixes.
🤝 Built high-performance teams by fostering collaboration and setting high standards.

Stepping into Leadership

With each management role, my perspective expanded.
✅ Led diverse teams – empowering individuals to excel.
✅ Set a clear vision – driving results through shared goals.
✅ Honed executive leadership skills – mastering strategic planning & decision-making.

The Path to MASS Communications

Armed with deep expertise in both technology and leadership, I was ready to build something bigger. MASS Communications was born with a mission of:

🚀 Innovation – pushing boundaries in telecommunications.
🤝 Teamwork – creating a strong, people-first culture.
🎯 Client success – delivering exceptional, custom-engineered solutions.

Lessons That Shape Future Leaders

Every role, every challenge, every success was a stepping stone. My journey proves that growth comes from experience, adaptability, and a relentless drive to learn.

💡 No role is too small, every step forward is a lesson that shapes the leaders of tomorrow.

Early Career

Exited Founder, Now I Build Personal Brands That Make Founders Unf★ckingforgettable → Own Your Brand. → Grow Your Business. → Lead the Conversation. Get Your Brand Built.

I built my company from the ground up and successfully exited it.

The hard way. No shortcuts. No overnight wins. Just grit, clarity, and execution.

It took years, failures, pivots, and an unshakable belief in the vision.

Since that exit, one thing has become crystal clear:
Your personal brand is your most valuable business asset.

Not your logo.
Not your tagline.
You.

Your name, your story, your presence.

It’s what gets you in rooms, earns trust, and opens doors before a word is spoken.
And it’s especially true for founders.

We’re so often heads-down building the thing…
That we forget we are part of the product.

Today, I help other founders, particularly post-exit, growth-stage, or quietly crushing it, build personal brands that reflect who they really are. Brands that stand up, stand out, and do business at scale.

LinkedIn is the space where that brand lives.
It’s not just a platform; it’s where visibility, credibility, and opportunity converge.

I’m not here to make people “look good online.”

I’m here to help founders own their story, lead with clarity, and show up like they already belong at the top of the category.

Because when your personal brand hits, it doesn’t just change how people see you.
It changes what you attract.

★

Get Your Brand Built 🥊

🔗 Join the Brand Built Community @ https://joinbrandbuilt.com
🔗 Or meet with me to become seen @ https://darrenmass.com/connect-with-darren

Co-Founder of a business and social community centered around growing your brand, building your network, scaling your business, and establishing trust for your customers and clients.

Darren Mass 🥊

Jeff Bezos doesn’t guess.
He bets on inputs.

Everyone sees Amazon’s speed.

What they miss is the system behind it.

Bezos didn’t focus on daily sales.
He focused on the flywheel.

→ Lower prices
→ Better customer experience
→ More traffic
→ More sellers
→ More products
→ More sales
→ Repeat

Inputs that compound.

Decisions that scale.

Systems that work with or without you.

Founders love to talk about “getting to the next level.”

But most are just micromanaging chaos, chasing outcomes with no engine behind them.

If your business depends on you pushing every deal across the finish line?

You’re not in growth mode.
You’re in survival mode.

The Bezos model wasn’t sexy.
It was smart.
And repeatable.

Build the machine.
Then let the machine build the business.

If your business dies when you stop pushing, you don’t have a business.
You have a burnout loop.

★

What’s one repeatable action you can double down on for 2026?

Darren  Mass

Branding. Business. Biking. Boxing.✨Digital Magic gave me the time to enjoy my passions. Want yours back?

No alternative text description for this image

Discipline doesn’t care how you feel.

That’s why it works.

You can be tired.
Over it.
Uninspired.
Not “in the mood.”

None of it matters.

Because discipline shows up anyway.

And that’s why Be Better isn’t some feel-good accountability group.

It’s a daily rep machine for people who are done hiding behind excuses.

→ One task.
→ One win.
→ Every day.

No lectures.
No 37-tab Notion templates.

Just forward movement, whether you feel like it or not.

You want momentum?
Build it.

No one’s coming to save you.

You’re not going to suddenly wake up consistent in 2026 if you can’t finish December strong.

This is where it starts.
Today.

Not Jan 1.

Not Monday.

NOW.

You don’t need more time.
You need more reps.

★

What’s the thing you always say you’re going to do, but never finish?

If your calendar’s packed, but your business isn’t growing, something’s broken.

And it’s probably you.

Founders like to act busy because it feels productive.

But back-to-back calls, Slack fires, and half-finished tasks don’t mean momentum.
They mean you’re operating with zero leverage.

At some point, you have to ask:

“What am I doing every day that someone, or something, else should be doing?”

We acquired Digital Magic CRM because we were tired of watching sharp founders become the bottleneck in their own business.

It automates follow-up.
Keeps leads warm.
And keeps your backend moving without pulling you into the weeds.

So you can actually spend time on what you say matters.

Not just what’s screaming loudest.

If you’re always reacting, you’re not leading. You’re just surviving with good branding.

★

What’s one daily task you’re still doing manually, even though you know it’s a waste of your time?

You don’t need another planning session.
You need better inputs.

This is the time of year when founders start filling whiteboards:

“New goals.”
“New systems.”
“New content strategy.”
“New energy.”

Same confusion.

The problem isn’t your ambition.

It’s that you’re still the only one in the room holding it all together.

That’s why we built Brand Built.

It’s not a place for hype.

It’s a room full of sharp operators who will challenge your thinking, not just comment “🔥🔥🔥” on your ideas.

In here, we make time for things that matter:

→ What’s actually moving the needle
→ What to cut
→ How to buy back time
→ How to stop building a business that needs you to babysit it 24/7

This isn’t about working harder next year.
It’s about building smarter right now.

You don’t need more motivation.
You need more perspective.

★

What’s one thing you’re doing right now just because it’s familiar, but you know it’s holding you back?

Lululemon wasn’t built to go viral.
It was built to dominate.

Chip Wilson didn’t create leggings.

He created a movement.

The brand wasn’t the product.
The brand was the belief system.

→ High standards
→ Ruthless positioning
→ Community over convenience
→ Obsessive culture, by design

Was it polarizing?
Absolutely.

But it was clear.

And clear wins.

Lululemon wasn’t for everyone.

And that’s exactly why it scaled.

Here’s the part founders miss:

You don’t need everyone to love your brand.
You need the right people to obsess over it.

But that only happens when you’re bold enough to say:

“This is who we are.
This is who we’re for.
And if you don’t like it, there’s the door.”

Your personal brand should do the same.

Not blend in.
Not please everyone.
Not chase clicks.

But repel the wrong people and convert the right ones like a magnet.

The fastest way to grow your brand is to stop making it polite.

★

What’s something you believe that your content’s been too afraid to say?

You’re managing your business like it’s still 2013.

Sticky notes.
Manual follow-ups.
Email threads with 27 forwards.

And a pipeline that lives in your head or some dusty Google Sheet.

You’re not running a company.
You’re dragging one uphill.

And let me guess.

You tell yourself it’s “fine for now.”

Until you forget to follow up with a warm lead.

Miss a deal.

Lose momentum.

That’s the cost of duct tape.
You feel it after it breaks.

We acquired Digital Magic CRM because we were done watching smart founders bleed time through broken systems.

DM isn’t a fancy platform.

It’s the operational backbone that frees you up to actually lead.

→ Automated follow-up
→ Branded communication
→ Systems that don’t rely on your memory

This isn’t tech for tech’s sake.

It’s time, attention, and peace of mind back in your corner.

Your backend shouldn’t be held together by vibes and calendar reminders.

★

What’s the most outdated part of your business that you’re still defending?

You built the business.
Now build the brand.

You’ve got the receipts:

→ The wins.
→ The scars.
→ The hard-earned experience that actually means something.

But nobody knows it.

Because you’ve stayed behind the scenes, “heads down,” “too busy,” “not a content person.”

Here’s the truth:

Your brand doesn’t need you to be famous.
It needs you to be visible.

So when the right customer, client, or opportunity shows up, you’re already top of mind.

That’s the game.

If you’re not showing up, you’re making it harder for people to find you.

To trust you.
To choose you.

Meanwhile, people with less experience, less results, and less to say?

They’re saying it louder.
And they’re winning.

You didn’t build all that just to stay quiet.
So stop shrinking.

Own your story.

Clarify your message.
Show up like someone who’s here to be known.

If you’re not building your brand, you’re building someone else’s pipeline.

★

What’s the one thing holding you back from showing up online consistently?

taplio

The Battle

Mando Sallavanti III, CFP®, CEPA, ChFC®

Darren Mass 🥊

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The Battle

Mando Sallavanti III, CFP®, CEPA, ChFC®

Darren Mass 🥊

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Engagements

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