Basement Billionaire

In light of the deaths of Reddit Founder Aaron Swartz, Fashion Mogul Kate Spade and Celebrity Chef Anthony Bourdain, guest Scott Davisson (Suicide Prevention Advocate and AFSP Fundraiser)discusses the current state of Suicide in the U.S. and ways to help prevent it in not only in others but in ones self. As always, thank you to premium web design firm Paradynamix.com for their support.

Tony Whatley is a serial entrepreneur, business consultant, and startup mentor. He has led a dual career for over 20 years, in two distinct industries - Oil & Gas, and Automotive Performance. While leading a professional career in engineering and project management, he still found time to create and operate successful side-businesses. He is best known as Co-Founder of LS1Tech, a massive automotive enthusiast community which grew into the largest of its kind. This website sees over 100,000 unique visitors per day, and has 300,000 registered members. Tony is an accomplished speaker and writer, and has had his works published in numerous magazines and books. A proven leader, he genuinely cares about others and loves to teach. His mission is to help people gain the knowledge and courage, in order to take action. His purpose is to help thousands of others become the best version of themselves. When not performing the work that he loves, you can usually find Tony traveling the world, or racing high-performance cars.

Ep 20: FatAsh Cigar Lounge co-owners Dwight & Tom by Mel "MelMan" Mendoza

From a well known Tampa Restauranteur to notable cast member on the UFC's Ultimate Fighter Season 5 to the founder of new mobile app Picarazzi, Allen "Monstah" Berube has done it all. While other fighters are struggling to figure out what careers to venture for after their last fight, Allen was an entrepreneur way before he was on reality TV. His drive, optimism and grind is infectious. And now, his new mobile app Picarazzi is gaining the attention of those in sporting and events as well as the technology sector. Sometimes you just know when someone is destined for something big. This is one of those times.

OK, some of you all have asked about the team behind the scenes. Well, they were not happy when I said I had 4 guests for episode 18 and they found out right before recording that it was them. On this episode we meet Rich Rule, Jeremiah McKenzie and Rachael Gant. Blessed to have them do what they do. Never realized the funny banter we have until I listened to the recording. Enjoy.

Nancy’s passion for food began at a young age. Growing up in a large family, her best memories occurred in the kitchen and around the dinner table. Her parents allowed their children to participate in the kitchen, instilling a lifelong passion for cooking. After graduating from Bucknell University, Nancy enrolled at the New England Culinary Institute in Vermont. She embarked on a career that would explore many facets of cooking. She owned and operated a small restaurant and catering business in Highlands, North Carolina, allowing her to discover the importance of food sourcing and the connection of family farming to a healthy food system. She sold her restaurant in 2008, and has since sought to marry her love of food and deep family heritage with a meaningful business. Reviving her family’s salt enterprise in Malden, West Virginia was the perfect fit. For her, salt is the most essential cooking ingredient, and she particularly loves to experiment with meat and fish curing. She has 2 children, Lisle and Carter, who both love to cook.

Founding Family Member and Brand Ambassador of Torano Cigar's takes time out of his busy schedule to talk with us. Jack Toraño is full-time brand ambassador for Toraño Cigars. In this new role, Jack will appear at events in strategic markets as the face of the brand. Along with sharing the history of Toraño cigars, Jack will also help in shaping General Cigar’s event marketing strategy and development of event activations and marketing platforms for the brand. “Jack began working with us last year to develop Toraño at retail and has made great strides in generating excitement for the brand,” said Régis Broersma, president of General Cigar. “We are pleased to have him as a full-time member of our marketing team and look forward to working with him to deepen retailer and consumer engagement around this important brand.” Prior to his new position at General Cigar, Jack Toraño lived in Miami, Florida, where he was heavily involved in promoting the Toraño brands. He has history in marketing, working in Chicago within the jingle business. He was involved in the the famous Anheuser Busch campaign “Real Men of Genius.” General Cigar acquired the Jack Toraño Family Cigar Company brands in September 2014. The Toraño portfolio of brands is best known for having complex blends featuring tobacco from many different countries of origin and taste profiles. In 2016, General Cigar re-launched Toraño’s Vault and Exodus lines.

A while back, I challenged a budding Rapper named Psyonik to write me a song exemplifying the spirit of the entrepreneur. I think he nailed it. A California vibe appropriate to the grind of Silicon Valley. I still listen to this song at least once a week especially when it seems the world doesn't understand my hustle. I want to share this with you and maybe you can listen to it every now and then to keep you in the zone of your entrepreneurial journey. Enjoy! -MelMan

Heather "The Heat" Hardy is an American professional boxer and mixed martial artist holding the WBC International Female Super Bantamweight title and a featured athlete for Bellator MMA. Hardy went on to major in Forensic Psychology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in Manhattan. She's overcome many nightmares—divorce, the pressures of raising a child on her own, losing one home to a fire and another to Hurricane Sandy—to reach her dream. Through it all, she's remained true to herself and held onto one essential belief: No obstacle is too large. She is the epitome of Grit, Grind and Hustle. An inspiration to all people regardless of gender of what it takes to be a fighter inside and outside the ring.

18 Year Old Gospel Singer Melody Joy Williams is an online sensation. Her YouTube and Instagram media channels have over 28K followers and her videos have reached over 200K views. Additionally, a music collaboration she wrote w/ Rapper AC has over 1.5 million Facebook views. In the footsteps of Tori Kelly, she was auditioned for American Idol but found more success in connecting with her fans through social media. She has calmly and meticulously put in the work to help create her own exposure while in her humble way taking no credit because of her deep faith and convictions. At 18 she has the maturity of a seasoned pro which she combines with her shining life of gratitude and thankfulness just to share her music. Sometimes you just know when you see someone getting to do great things. This is one of those times. Recorded from Lee Ray's restaurant in West Virginia, Melody is also our first guest to share a song on the program!

Jessica Dawn Lynch (born April 26, 1983) is a former United States Army soldier who served in the 2003 invasion of Iraq by U.S. and allied forces. On March 23, 2003, Private First Class Lynch was serving as a unit supply specialist with the 507th Maintenance Company when her convoy was ambushed by Iraqi forces during the Battle of Nasiriyah. Lynch was seriously injured. Her subsequent recovery by U.S. Special Operations Forces on April 1, 2003 received considerable media coverage; it was the first successful rescue of an American prisoner of war since World War II and the first ever of a woman. Initial official reports on Lynch's capture and rescue in Iraq were incorrect. On April 24, 2007, she testified in front of Congress that she had never fired her weapon (her M16 rifle having jammed), and that she had been knocked unconscious when her vehicle crashed.[1] Lynch has been outspoken in her criticism of the original stories reported regarding her combat experience. When asked about her heroine status, she stated "That wasn't me. I'm not about to take credit for something I didn't do... I'm just a survivor."

Everyone at "You've Got Mel Podcast" family wants to recognize all the inspiring woman that set the example of strong female empowerment by airing this special episode. In observance of Women's History Month, March 2018 will exclusively feature stories and interviews of woman whose lives helped to create change, encourage others to endure, and inspire other women to go after their dreams and goals. This episode will showcase the stories of my personal Mt Rushmore of influential women in my life. This includes a former Foreign President, Physician, a Minister's wife and a stay at home Mom. Humbled and Thankful, -Melman

Ron Ubaldo started out in 2009 as an intern at Sony Music working on projects for the likes of Bruce Springsteen and quickly rose the ranks there. His talents took his career climb with companies such as Spotify, YouTube Music, SoundCloud, Urban Outfitters and currently with Media Icon Conde Nast in NYC. His music industry collaborations include artists Wutang Clan, Katy Perry and Chance The Rapper. His insight on current trends in the music business, digital marketing and how to stand out in a crowded branding space is valuable to any aspiring artist. Welcome Ron to the You've Got Mel Podcast!

21 year old Restaurateur Chandler McDaniel holds the title of being the youngest entrepreneur guest on our show to date. With his father's help they built a popular restaurant (Lee Ray's) famous for it's outrageously huge burgers on the daily homemade burger rolls to accommodate all the meat and toppings. Chandler talks about the fear of the future in high school because of his grades, his pride in serving in the National Guard and the power of social media marketing to increasing their brand and business. We can't wait to see the Food Network stopping by for a taste of the famous "Kitchen Sink" Burger!

30 year old Entrepreneur Co-Founder of AutoiPacket.com came up with an idea when he was 24 years old that would start revolutionizing the sales process in the automotive industry. A win-win product that helps the customer but also helps the dealer. Together w/ Co-Founder Ken Wilkinson, they took the company from idea stage to a viable SAAS product used by hundreds of dealers all of the USA. Listen in as we discuss starting a tech company in Rural America, bootstrapped beginnings and attracting quality talent to a small market. Seve has some strong reality check thoughts for budding entrepreneurs in regards to hard work and patience. Welcome Seve Astorg to the You've Got Mel Podcast! **WARNING- Brief Mild Profanity**

25 year old Spirit Founder Ben Murphy came up with the idea for a moonshine brand while he was at college in Appalachia USA. After graduation he took the idea back to his hometown in Ontario, Canada where he combined the artistry of a Master Chef and chemistry of a Mad Scientist to perfect his recipe for one of the worlds best tasting Moonshine Brands. That was in 2015 while he was holding several jobs and in a masters program. He used his own money to build his company at night and on the weekends until the demand for his product necessitated him to go full time into what was once his side hustle. Now his products can be found in over 150 Canadian locations and 50 drinking establishments. His brand has caught the eye of distribution groups in New York and Florida to help the USA launch of such flavors as Apple Pie, Cherry and Habanero Honey. Tune in to hear his ups and downs, how he told Mom and Dad and how he found mentors back in college to help him think out his dream.

The "Rico Suave" single sold millions of copies world wide in 1991. Most people forget about Gerardo's acting career before that playing roles opposite Patrick Dempsey, Robert Duvall, Sean Penn and Johnny Depp. After the "Rico Suave" hysteria died down, Gerardo pivoted one more time into the world of music executive discovering one of the biggest recording artist of all time. An inspiring story of huge success followed by disappointment to discovering new opportunities. All along the way, his family's strong faith is the foundation to keeping them together.

#3 Women's World Boxer joins us from historical Gleason's Gym in Brooklyn. An inspiring woman who survived a life threatening attack to taking boxing for self defense to competing on the highest level of the sport. She holds to Masters degrees in education and commits to teaching young people in inner city New York school system. **Warning, some mild profanity**

Ring & Cage is a new segment to the podcast that is predominantly discussing the sport of Boxing and MMA. In this episode, MelMan discusses w/ pro boxer Boyd Melson about the spirit of a fighter, Mayweather/McGregor fight, Paulie Malinaggi (his good friend) sparring McGregor controversy, Canelo/GGG II prediction, and what the top pro boxers think of Demetrius "Boo Boo" Andrade. *****Warning, episode has mild profanity*******

MelMan calls CEO of Wilde Capital Management, Doug Wilde, to try to understand big drop in the market and if we should be worried with our investments and retirement funds.