Big Shot

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/⁠

Harley Finkelstein: ⁠https://twitter.com/harleyf⁠

Production and Marketing: ⁠⁠https://penname.co

It's Better To Be Rich Than Right: Peter May Mar 21, 2024

In this episode of Big Shot, we're honored to host business mogul Peter May. But his path to managing more than $7 billion is not what you might expect. What started as a career as an accountant at the prestigious KPMG quickly became something much different once Peter crossed paths with Nelson Peltz, igniting a dynamic partnership that spanned decades. Together, they founded Triarc Companies and pioneered innovative funding strategies, revitalizing numerous struggling businesses. They eventually sold the company and founded Trian Partners, a multi-billion dollar investment firm. Peter's commitment to philanthropy extends beyond financial contributions, as he invests his time and expertise. Notably, his impactful work with Mount Sinai Health Systems and Operation Exodus showcases his dedication to making a difference. Join us as Peter generously imparts invaluable insights and practical wisdom applicable to all aspects of life.

In This Episode We Cover:

(07:28) What it was like growing up during the Cold War in Long Island

(12:12) How his father was a great role model

(14:33) Peter’s time at The University of Chicago

(16:25) How Peter was inspired by his father’s saying, “Do more than what’s expected of you”

(22:24) The Jewish value of education

(24:53) How Peter was able to avoid being drafted to Vietnam

(30:59) Getting started as an accountant at KPMG

(32:40) How Peter met Nelson Peltz

(34:24) The importance of adding value

(36:11) The origins of Home Depot

(38:16) How Peter and Nelson Peltz went into business together

(41:00) When Peter and Nelson took their company public

(44:25) What happened after Peter and Nelson sold Flagstaff foods

(49:20) Peter and Nelson’s funding strategy emerges

(50:42) How MPM group consulting got its start

(51:57) What constructive capitalism is

(54:10) How Peter and Nelson bought Triangle Industries

(1:00:29) How Peter and Nelson transformed Triangle and made it profitable

(1:03:18) The purchase of America Can and National Can

(1:17:03) The meaning of Nelson’s phrase “I’d rather be rich than right”

(1:18:53) Why Peter doesn’t look back much

(1:20:14) Why chutzpah is so quintessential to the Jewish entrepreneurial experience

(1:22:23) Why Peter doesn’t feel like he’s made it still

(1:23:30) About “engaged philanthropy” and how Peter helped turn around Mount Sinai Health

(1:30:15) Peter’s advice to the next generation

(1:33:26) About Operation Exodus

(1:36:33) Peter’s legacy—

Referenced:

Green tea benefits: https://www.firebellytea.com/blogs/all/green-tea-benefits

Firebelly Tea: https://www.firebellytea.com/

The University of Chicago: https://www.uchicago.edu/en

Pogroms: https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/pogroms

Nelson Peltz: https://www.forbes.com/profile/nelson-peltz/

Arthur Anderson: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Andersen

KPMG: https://kpmg.com/

Emerson Radio: https://www.emersonradio.com/

Bernard Marcus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_Marcus

Mike Milken: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Milken

Saul Steinberg: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saul_Steinberg

Victor Posner: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victor_Posner

Alcoa: https://www.alcoa.com/global/en/home/

Mount Sinai Health System: https://www.mountsinai.org/

Engaged philanthropy: https://engagedgiving.org/philosophy

Operation Exodus: https://operationexodususa.org/

—

Where to find Peter May:

Mount Sinai Health: https://www.mountsinai.org/about/board-leadership/peter-may

Wendy’s: https://www.wendys.com/who-we-are/board-directors/peter-may

Where To Find Big Shot:

Website: ⁠https://www.bigshot.show/

X: https://twitter.com/DM_Rubenstein

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/⁠

Harley Finkelstein: ⁠https://twitter.com/harleyf⁠

David Segal: ⁠https://twitter.com/tea_maverick⁠

Production and Marketing: ⁠⁠https://penname.co

From The Son Of A Postman To The $400 Billion Man: David Rubenstein Feb 08, 2024

In this episode of Big Shot, we're thrilled to welcome the incredible David Rubenstein! As a co-founder of The Carlyle Group, one of the globe's top private equity firms, David's journey from a Baltimore kid with big dreams to a presidential advisor and business mogul is truly inspiring. Join us, as David reveals how he overcame rejection after President Carter lost his re-election and pivoted into private equity. Learn why he's dedicated to giving back through initiatives like the Giving Pledge, and get ready for some thought-provoking insights, including why hiring geniuses might not be the best idea and tips on avoiding spoiling your kids.

In This Episode We Cover:

(03:40) Welcome David Rubenstein

(04:50) Why David and Harley both maintain their bar memberships

(05:37) Why education is important to the Jewish people

(07:30) David’s upbringing in Baltimore

(10:00) The difficulties that come with raising children when you’re wealthy

(11:30) David’s relatively laid-back parents

(13:34) The Jewish youth group that fueled David’s drive for more

(14:15) David’s first job out of law school

(15:25) How David became an advisor to President Jimmy Carter

(16:42) The years of struggle after Jimmy Carter failed to get re-elected

(20:41) How the Carlyle Group got their start

(24:36) Carlyle’s “bear hug” on Chichi’s

(27:22) David’s growth strategy for Carlyle focusing on diversification and globalization

(31:30) David’s mom’s philanthropy

(34:14) What the Giving Pledge is

(36:43) David’s philosophy on philanthropy

(39:33) An explanation of the Magna Carta, its failure, and the anti-semitism of the day

(42:22) David’s focus on patriotic philanthropy

(46:47) How David became the fundraiser for Carlyle

(47:56) How Carlyle was able to build a lasting company

(49:27) Why reasonably intelligent people make better employees than geniuses

(50:04) The cultural values that make Jewish people successful and want to give back

(54:10) Antisemitism in the US and Europe

(54:28) Why David still doesn’t think he’s made it

(55:33) Tips on raising kids and the three ways to influence people as a leader

—

Referenced:

David Rubenstein on Patriotic Philanthropy: https://www.whitehousehistory.org/the-white-house-1600-sessions/david-rubenstein-on-patriotic-philanthropy

Shelley v. Kraemer: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shelley_v._Kraemer

Virtual Jewish World: Baltimore, Maryland: https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/baltimore-jewish-history-tour#google_vignette

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP: https://www.paulweiss.com/

Ted Sorensen: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Sorensen

William Simon: https://www.philanthropyroundtable.org/hall-of-fame/william-simon/

G. William Miller: https://home.treasury.gov/about/history/prior-secretaries/g-william-miller-1979-1981

Edward J. Mathias: https://www.carlyle.com/corporate-overview/operating-executives-advisors/edward-j-mathias

T. Rowe Price: https://www.troweprice.com/

The Mellon family: https://www.forbes.com/profile/mellon/?sh=21c04b3f6c8b

Greenmailing: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/greenmail.

Mike Milken: https://milkeninstitute.org/staff/mike-milken

Frank Carlucci: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Carlucci

John Major: https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Major

Why are there so many Jewish Nobel winners?: https://www.thejc.com/lets-talk/why-are-there-so-many-jewish-nobel-winners-ctycke48#

—

Where to find David Rubenstein

Website: https://davidrubenstein.com/

Where To Find Big Shot:

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/⁠

Harley Finkelstein: ⁠https://twitter.com/harleyf⁠

Production and Marketing: ⁠⁠https://penname.co

From No-Name Producer To The Queen of Broadway: Fran Weissler Jan 18, 2024

We’re back with Season 2 of Big Shot! In this episode of Big Shot, we're joined by Fran Weissler, a seven-time Tony award-winning producer and one-half of the dynamic duo behind Chicago, the longest-running American musical. Fran's journey epitomizes Jewish chutzpah, marked by bold choices—from leaving her first marriage to making decisive moves in her Broadway career. Today, Fran shares with us stories from her journey, including breaking into Broadway at the age of 50 and producing Othello with a star-studded cast featuring James Earl Jones and Christopher Plummer. We also talk about her successful marriage and business partnership of 55 years, how Fran navigated challenges working with chauvinists and demanding actors, and how she finally started to slow down a little bit at the age of 90.

—

In This Episode We Cover:

(02:35) Fran’s childhood and life before Broadway

(07:04) Why Fran decided to end her first marriage

(08:59) How Fran met Barry and got started in theater

(15:02) The early days of NAMCO producing plays for Catholic schools

(19:00) Fran’s first Broadway show, Othello, with James Earl Jones

(21:52) How Fran got Christopher Plummer to play Iago

(31:34) What it was like to win a Tony for Othello

(33:33) How firing Peter Coe accelerated Fran’s career as a producer

(45:30) Fran’s chutzpah

(48:20) How Fran and Barry balance each other out as a team

(51:14) How Fran handled working with the chauvinist Anthony Quinn

(1:00:15) A compromise made with Kathleen Turner

(1:03:26) The Queen of Broadway: Fran’s identity separate from Barry

(1:05:28) Fran and Barry’s rare, beautiful marriage

(1:09:32) HowFran and Barry revived Chicago and made the longest-running American show

(1:19:11) Fran’s advice for aspiring producers

—

Referenced:

NAMCO: https://www.namcousa.com/

Othello at the Winter Garden Theater (1982): https://playbill.com/productions/othellobroadway-winter-garden-theatre-1982

James Earl Jones: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000469/

Christopher Plummer: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001626/

Lucy Kroll: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucy_Kroll

Stratford Festival: https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/

Lou Pitt: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1018725/

Zoe Caldwell: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0129807/

Robert Whitehead: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0925723/

Medea 1982 playbill: https://playbill.com/production/medea-cort-theatre-vault-0000003496

Chicago: https://chicagothemusical.com/

Phantom of the Opera: https://us.thephantomoftheopera.com/

When Kathleen Turner Brought Maggie the Cat Back to Broadway: https://playbill.com/article/when-kathleen-turner-brought-maggie-the-cat-back-to-broadway

Zorba the Greek 1983 playbill with Anthony Quinn: https://playbill.com/production/zorba-broadway-theatre-vault-0000012262

Encores: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encores

The economics of Broadway shows: https://thehustle.co/the-economics-of-broadway-shows/

—

Where to find Fran Weissler:

Website: https://www.namcousa.com/

Where To Find Big Shot:

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/⁠

Harley Finkelstein: ⁠https://twitter.com/harleyf⁠

Production and Marketing: ⁠⁠https://penname.co

Jewish Titans and Untold Triumphs: Predicting the 2008 Crash, The Architect of Canadian Pride, and More Hidden Stories You've Never Heard! Nov 30, 2023

When you sit down with iconic entrepreneurs for two to three hours, it's hard to include every story in an episode. But that doesn't mean every story isn't worth telling. On this episode of Big Shot shorts, you'll hear some wild tales that didn't make it into individual episodes of season 1. You'll learn how Ed Sonshine anticipated the 2008 crash, what Aldo Bensadoun did to break into America when so many others failed, how Charles Bronfman shaped Canadian pride, and Jonathan Wener's wild story about acquiring a massive art collection. These are the stories that, once you hear them, you'll want to retell to others.

—

In This Episode, We Cover:

(00:20) Harley and David have an epiphany about their Canadian upbringing

(01:50) Every Canadian retailer fails, except for one

(02:10) Why this bonus episode was necessary

(03:10) Jonathan Wener's family collection of 140 paintings

(05:55) How Ed Sonshine anticipated the 2008 housing crash

(10:00) How passing up on a round of golf was one of Ed Sonshine's best decisions

(17:45) How Charles Bronfman was behind Drake's start

(18:30) Why Charles Bronfman created Heritage Minutes

(22:25) How Aldo Bensadoun succeed in America when so many others failed

(28:25)The only lawsuit Jonathan Wener faced in 52 years

—

Where To Find Big Shot:

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/⁠

Harley Finkelstein: ⁠https://twitter.com/harleyf⁠

Production and Marketing: ⁠⁠https://penname.co

Why Billionaires Believe Work-Life Balance Is A Myth Nov 02, 2023

One of the hardest parts of being an entrepreneur is the stress and anxiety of never having enough time. When ambition flows through your veins, it’s difficult to balance your desire to build something great with your love for your family, friends, and other interests. Being an entrepreneur requires sacrifice — but how do you do that without giving up what matters most? On this episode of Big Shot Shorts, Issy Sharp, Charles Bronfman, and Ed Sonshine reveal their regrets, rules, and recommendations for creating happiness and harmony in work and life.

—

In This Episode, We Cover:

(01:00) Work-life balance is not a 50-50 equation

(02:00) Why entrepreneurs struggle so much with finding time for everything

(02:48) How consistency can help reduce stress and anxiety

(03:30) David Segal’s family ritual

(06:00) The most important source of support for entrepreneurs

(08:00) Issy Sharp’s lessons from decades of a happy marriage

(09:25) Issy Sharp’s regrets about building the Four Seasons

(13:05) Charles Bronfman’s lessons on raising a family with ambition and purpose

(19:00) Why it’s important to “never look back”

(22:00) Ed Sonshine’s 3 rules for family happiness

—

Where To Find Big Shot:

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/⁠

Harley Finkelstein: ⁠https://twitter.com/harleyf⁠

Production and Marketing:⁠⁠https://penname.co

Why Jews Are Entrepreneurs By Necessity Oct 19, 2023

Did you know that less than .2 percent of the world is Jewish? And yet, more than 20 percent of all Noble Prize winners are Jewish. What explains the high likelihood of success? On this episode of Big Shot shorts, Harley Finkelstein and David Segal explore the history of Jewish entrepreneurship with legends Charles Bronfman, Aldo Bensadoun, and Ed Sonshine. Their competitive advantage? They had everything to lose, giving them no choice but to find a way to win.

—

In This Episode, We Cover:

(00:25) The tidal wave analogy

(03:30) Why are so many Jews successful?

(05:15) Entrepreneurs by necessity

(06:55) The curious relationship between anti-semitism and Jewish entrepreneurship

(10:00) The surprisingly small number of Jews in the world

(11:35) The Jewish career path

(16:50) Why Ed Sonshine is worried for future entrepreneurs

(18:40) It’s tough to make diamonds without pressure

—

Where To Find Big Shot:

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/⁠

Harley Finkelstein: ⁠https://twitter.com/harleyf⁠

Production and Marketing: ⁠⁠https://penname.co

Integrity Is More Than A Principle -- It's The Secret To Entrepreneurial Success Sep 28, 2023

Some of the best stories in business are the ones you never hear about. They are the deals that fell through, the partnerships that never happened, and the employees who didn’t make it. Behind those moments are decisions that shape some of the best businesses. And, when you speak with some of the world’s greatest entrepreneurs, you realize that those moments are shaped by strong values. In particular, the best entrepreneurs lean into integrity to turn risks into rewards. On this episode of Big Shot Shorts, you’ll learn how Jonathan Wener, Aldo Bensadoun, and Issy Sharp all took the hard road by trusting in integrity, doing the right thing, and making life-changing decisions that defined their businesses and led to undeniable success.

—

In This Episode, We Cover:

(00:00) The variable not discussed enough in business

(01:35) A crazy story about Starbucks and Spotify

(04:35) Why Jonathan Wener left $10 million on the table

(07:20) How to build great relationships and develop trust

(11:45) “You’re going to outgrow us before we outgrow you.”

(12:40) How Aldo’s billion-dollar business was born out of integrity

(14:15) It’s possible to be a capitalist and be fair

(16:20) The Four Seasons’s “sustainable competitive advantage”

(19:30) How McDonald’s influenced the Four Seasons

(24:40) Instilling a winning culture at all costs

—

Where To Find Big Shot:

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/⁠

Harley Finkelstein: ⁠https://twitter.com/harleyf⁠

Production and Marketing: ⁠⁠https://penname.co

How Business Legends Build The Best Teams Sep 14, 2023

It's cliché to say that you can see further when standing on the shoulders of giants. But it's also a mentality that has served some of the most successful entrepreneurs. No matter how brilliant the individual, great leaders know that building a world-class team can take a company from being a good idea to becoming a household name. And wise employees know that if they can find a leader who understands the value of a team, then the opportunity and upside can be unlimited. In this episode, you'll learn how four different founders approach building teams, the value of good partners, and how the best founders are obsessed with helping their employees reach their full potential.

—

In This Episode, We Cover:

(00:00) Intro

(03:15) Charles Bronfman’s partner formula

(04:40) The importance of chemistry

(05:30) How Issy Sharp made his first hire at the Four Seasons

(10:30) Building the cornerstone of the Four Seasons brand

(12:55) Why Four Seasons employees can stay for free

(13:35) Aldo Bensadoun’s day 1 message to employees

(14:37) How Aldo built integrity into his hiring process

(17:55) Jonathan Wener’s focus on making his employees wealthy

(19:40) The difference between operating a company and building a culture

—

Where To Find Big Shot:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bigshot.show/⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@bigshotpodcast⁠⁠

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@bigshotshow⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/⁠⁠

Harley Finkelstein: ⁠⁠https://twitter.com/harleyf⁠⁠

David Segal: ⁠⁠https://twitter.com/tea_maverick⁠⁠

Production and Marketing: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://penname.co⁠

Legacy Lessons: The Enduring Wisdom of Our Grandparents for Success Today Aug 31, 2023

In today’s episode, we explore stories from our guests on how their parents and the previous generation profoundly impacted their lives. You’ll hear from Ed Sonshine, Jonathan Wener, Issy Sharp, Charles Bronfman, and Aldo Bensadoun about how they learned their relentless work ethic from their parents and the power of learning by example. It’s a great example of how each generation stands on the shoulders of the giants that came before them.

—

In This Episode, We Cover:

(00:00) Welcome to Big Shot Shorts

(00:58) The power of the past generation

(04:22) Ed Sonshine on the two things his father taught him

(07:49) How Jonathan Wener learned his work ethic

(10:37) Issy Sharp on learning by example

(16:15) Charles Bronfman on learning to give back

(20:04) Aldo Bensadoun on treating others with love, respect, and integrity

—

Where To Find Big Shot:

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/⁠

Harley Finkelstein: ⁠https://twitter.com/harleyf⁠

Production and Marketing: ⁠⁠https://penname.co

How To Live A Rich Life Through Giving Back Aug 17, 2023

In today’s episode, we dive into the concept of philanthropy and its importance for each of our season 1 guests. Tikkun Olam is a concept in Judaism that refers to various forms of action intended to repair and improve the world. You’ll hear this theme from each of today’s guests. Whether it is Issy Sharp explaining why he has helped raise $1 billion for the Terry Fox Run or Jonathan Wener saying that the best way to live a rich life is by giving back. We explore the importance of giving to the next generation and why we are truly put in this world to make it a better place.

—

In This Episode, We Cover:

(00:00) Our second Big Shot Shorts episode

(03:40) Aldo Bensadoun: We are put on earth to fix the world

(08:03) The story of raising $1 billion for charity

(14:55) Ed Sonshine on the privilege money provides

(17:49) Charles Bronfman on philanthropy

(19:04) How to live a rich life through giving back

(25:43) Thanks for listening

—

Where To Find Big Shot:

Website: https://www.bigshot.show/

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/⁠

Harley Finkelstein: ⁠https://twitter.com/harleyf⁠

David Segal: ⁠https://twitter.com/tea_maverick⁠

Production and Marketing: ⁠⁠https://penname.co

—

Referenced:

Terry Fox Run: https://terryfox.org/

Reshaping The Future of Retail: https://www.mcgill.ca/bensadoun-school/

Mount Sinai: https://www.mountsinai.on.ca/

Defi Canderel: https://deficanderel.com/our-story

Winning Big with Chutzpah: Lessons from the Titans of Entrepreneurship Aug 03, 2023

Looking for a masterclass on taking chances and winning big? This episode of Big Shot looks at the one trait shared by all the successful entrepreneurs and billionaires on the podcast -- chutzpah. It's one thing to say you can't fear failure. And it's something completely different to act in ways that seem crazy at the moment but turn out to be the perfect move. This episode shares the combined wisdom of Ed Sonshine, Charles Bronfman, Aldo Bensadoun, Jonathan Wener, Issy Sharp, and hosts Harley Finkelstein and David Segal. You'll learn how the best entrepreneurs approach risk differently than the rest, and that's a big reason why they succeed in ways others can't imagine.

—

In This Episode, We Cover:

(00:00) Wow, what a first season of Big Shot

(04:02) Pitching Season 2

(05:15) Ed Sonshine on what chutzpah means to him

(06:19) Charles Bronfman on chutzpah

(07:05) Aldo Bensadoun shares his take

(12:02) Jonathan Wener on not taking no for an answer

(17:33) Issy Sharp on giving your best

(20:57) Harley and David on what chutzpah means to them

—

Where To Find Big Shot:

Website: ⁠https://www.bigshot.show/

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@bigshotpodcast⁠

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigshotshow⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/⁠

Harley Finkelstein: ⁠https://twitter.com/harleyf⁠

David Segal: ⁠https://twitter.com/tea_maverick

⁠Production and Marketing: ⁠⁠https://penname.co

An Unfiltered Conversation With The Founder of The Four Seasons: Issy Sharp (Part 2) Jun 29, 2023

We’re back today for part two with The Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts founder, Issy Sharp. If you didn’t check out part 1, be sure to watch or listen. In this episode, we explore how Mcdonald's surprisingly had the biggest impact on the Four Seasons' approach to hospitality and led to Issy firing most of his executive team, why the Four Seasons changed their entire business model and don’t own any real estate, and how the death of his son helped inspire him to help the Terry Fox run to become the largest cancer charity event in Canada. Not to mention, he ends the episode by absolutely dropping a bomb that you just wouldn’t foresee coming. We can’t wait for you to watch today and let us know your comments by leaving a comment or a review.

Big Shot Is Supported By Firebelly Tea

Founded by David Segal and Harley Finkelstein, Firebelly Tea was created to bring the benefits of a modern tea ritual to your life. Premium teas made with real ingredients – never any added flavorings – and smart, stylish tea accessories you'll love to use combine to help you energize, focus, rest, and digest. Because when you can taste the difference and feel the difference, you're more likely to make a difference. Big Shot listeners get 15% off – visit firebellytea.com/bigshot in the US or firebellytea.ca/bigshot in Canada.

—

Where To Find Big Shot:

Website: ⁠bigshot.show⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/⁠

Harley Finkelstein: ⁠https://twitter.com/harleyf⁠

Production and Marketing: ⁠⁠https://penname.co

—

In This Episode, We Cover:

(00:00) Welcome to Big Shot and part 2 with Issy Sharp

(00:25) Meet Firebelly Tea

(04:34) Issy Sharp Introduction

(06:38) How Issy built the standard in hospitality

(13:04) How Mcdonald's had a huge impact on the Four Seasons

(15:48) When Issy fired his entire executive team

(19:50) How the Golden Rule transcended time

(22:58) Why the Four Seasons never own their real estate

(33:28) How Issy balances family and a multi-billion dollar company

(42:50) Issy helped raise $850 million for the Terry Fox Run

(50:24) What chutzpah means

(55:00) Why Big Shot exists

(58:16) You’ll never believe Issy’s most important piece of advice

—

Referenced:

Terry Fox Run: https://terryfox.org/

How Issy Sharp Built The Four Seasons and Transformed The Hospitality Industry Forever (Part 1) Jun 15, 2023

Today we’re joined by none other than Isadore (Issy) Sharp, the founder of The Four Seasons. We’re talking about one, if not the most iconic luxury hotel brands in the world. His story is incredible. From growing up and working in construction. To how he met his wife that’s he’s still with over 70 years later. This episode was so damn good we had to split it into two parts. In part one, you’ll learn what Issy’s upbringing was like, why Issy has never felt fear, the most important concepts that made the Four Seasons successful, and arguably the best investment of all time.

—

Where To Find Big Shot:

Website: ⁠bigshot.show⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/⁠

Harley Finkelstein: ⁠https://twitter.com/harleyf⁠

Production and Marketing: ⁠⁠https://penname.co

—

In This Episode, We Cover:

(00:00) Welcome to Big Shot and meet our guest Issy Sharp

(05:45) Learn about Issy’s upbringing and the influence his parents had on him

(12:40) Why every Four Seasons design still goes through Issy to this day

(14:33) How Issy met his wife over 70 years ago and his ability to never have fear

(22:50) How Issy had the chutzpah at even a young age

(24:25) The story of Issy’s first hotel project and how he built the Four Seasons

(30:00) Arguably the best investment of all time

(33:15) Why it was named the Four Seasons

(37:05) The key concepts that made the Four Seasons so successful

(45:29) How the Inn on the Park was designed on the architect’s deathbed

(51:59) How Issy got a $600k loan to take the Four Seasons to the next level

(55:25) Why London became the prototype and catalyst for the Four Seasons

—

Referenced:

ITT Corporation: https://www.britannica.com/topic/ITT-Corporation

Ford Thunderbird: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Thunderbird_(second_generation)

Tanenbaum Family: https://search.ontariojewisharchives.org/Permalink/accessions24895

Inn on the Park: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inn_on_the_Park

Peter Dickinson: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Dickinson_(architect)

WZMH Architects: https://www.wzmh.com/about/history/

Dorchester Hotel: https://www.dorchestercollection.com/en/london/the-dorchester/

Ed Sonshine: From Displaced Persons Camp To a Multi-Billion Dollar Real Estate Empire May 25, 2023

Ed Sonshine is one of those people you could speak with for hours and barely scratch the surface of his life. Born in Bergen-Belsen Displaced Persons Camp after World War II to two Holocaust survivors, he immigrated to Canada as a young child. After already becoming a very successful lawyer, he founded RioCan, which, at the time, was the first REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) in Canada. As of this recording, RioCan operates 193 properties, has over 33 million in leasable square feet, and an evaluation of $15 billion. In this episode of Big Shot, you’ll learn what it was like being born in Germany after the war, how Ed built a real estate empire while still being a family man, why he thinks the Jewish community is extremely self-reliant, and much more.

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Where To Find Big Shot:

Website: ⁠bigshot.show⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/⁠

Harley Finkelstein: ⁠https://twitter.com/harleyf⁠

Production and Marketing: ⁠⁠https://penname.co

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In This Episode, We Cover:

(00:00) Welcome to Big Shot and meet our guest Ed Sunshine

(05:40) The early days of Ed’s life and being born in a displaced person’s camp

(10:18) Why Ed’s father was a smuggler after the war and never complained

(14:55) What made Ed want to be successful and change career paths

(19:12) When Ed got the idea to bring the first REIT to Canada

(24:38) What he learned from his father that had a profound impact on him

(27:20) How Ed built a business empire while being a family man

(31:20) Why Ed finally got a cottage

(36:40) How Ed defines success, financial security, and purpose

(42:15) Why the Jewish community is self-reliant

(50:51) How Ed defines chutzpah

(52:32) A story you need to hear about Ed’s father

(58:36) What worries Ed about the future

(1:04:40) Ed’s biggest piece of advice to younger generations

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Referenced:

RioCan: https://www.riocan.com/

Bergen-Belsen Displaced Persons Camp: https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/bergen-belsen-displaced-persons-camp

An Empire Of Their Own: How the Jews Invented Hollywood: https://www.amazon.com/Empire-Their-Own-Invented-Hollywood/dp/0385265573

The Power Of Kindness: How Jonathan Wener Turned A $10k Loan Into A $15 Billion Empire Apr 27, 2023

Jonathan Wener is proof that nice guys don't finish last. The founder of Canderel, which has developed over 80 million square feet throughout Canada, has a reputation for being one of the nicest people you'll ever meet. In this episode of Big Shot, you'll discover how his bold decisions at 25 turned a $10,000 loan into more than $15 billion, how he always used kindness to create opportunity, and how he approached objections and adversity in his career. —

Where To Find Big Shot:

Website: ⁠bigshot.show⁠

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@bigshotshow⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/⁠

Harley Finkelstein: ⁠https://twitter.com/harleyf⁠

Production and Marketing: ⁠⁠https://penname.co —

In This Episode, We Cover:

(00:00) Welcome to Big Shot and our guest Jonathan Wener

(03:40) How Jonathan created $1M in value by 17

(09:05) Where Jonathan’s hard work ethic comes from

(11:45) How Jonathan bought the Student Union building and got the mayor’s attention

(14:38) Integrity over revenue

(20:30) Jonathan’s first deal with $5,000 in his bank account

(29:01) What made Jonathan quit his job overnight and start his own business

(36:17) A story around building a strong business relationship

(43:18) The incredible Royal Trust story

(52:00) The importance of giving back and philanthropy

(55:28) Jonathan’s most significant lessons in life

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Referenced:

Canderel: https://canderel.com/

Défi Canderel: https://deficanderel.com/

Building A Billion-Dollar Shoe Brand From Scratch: Aldo Bensadoun Apr 13, 2023

If you have ever wondered if you have what it takes to become an entrepreneur, then listening to Aldo Bensadoun's story could be a life-changing experience. Entrepreneurship is a natural calling for some. For others, it's a destiny that seems to find them. In this episode, Aldo takes us on a journey from his humble beginnings to building a billion-dollar brand that may have never existed if it wasn't for one life-changing decision that turned a loyal employee into a trailblazing founder who still feels like he has something to prove.

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Where To Find Big Shot:

Website: bigshot.show⁠