GE 288: How David C. Meltzer Hit Rockbottom and Dug Himself Out to Become a Top Executive Business Coach (podcast)

Hey everyone! In today’s interview, I share the mic with David C. Meltzer, a top executive business coach, keynote speaker, and CEO and Co-Founder of Sports 1 Marketing.

Tune in to hear about David’s tumultuous journey as an entrepreneur, how he made his first million a year after he graduated from law school and then had to file for bankruptcy, and why he decided that he needed to provide value instead of taking it.

Time-Stamped Show Notes:

• [00:37] Before we jump into today’s interview, please rate, review, and subscribe to the Growth Everywhere Podcast!
• [01:35] David wanted to be a professional football player or a doctor, but both ultimately proved unattainable or the wrong path.
• [02:45] He eventually became the CEO of Samsung’s first smartphone product line.
• [03:15] 10 Years ago he partnered with someone and started three brands that are in a variety of markets.
• [04:45] David made his first million a year after he graduated from law school. However, he has lost a lot of money and has had to work his way back up.
• [05:15] He lost his money because he trusted all the wrong people.
• [06:05] After the crash in 2008, had a series of lawsuits related to properties he owned and he couldn’t get a bank loan. So, he had to file for bankruptcy.
• [06:50] He changed and decided he needed to provide value instead of taking it.
• [08:20] He studied Rockefeller and Vanderbilt to understand how to make and keep your money.
• [08:55] He has been trained by Marshall Goldsmith, the best biz coach in the world.
• [09:12] David says to find your passion, pick a product related to that, and learn how to buy it low or make it low and sell it high.
• [11:00] When David was pre-med, his brother told him he had to be more interested than interesting (because David didn’t like hospitals).
• [11:50] David’s main focus is on his brand.
• [13:10] For every paid speaking engagement for corporations, he does a free one for schools or non-profits.
• [15:07] David believes that people love to give, but people are also afraid to ask for things.
• [17:40] When he owned properties (a golf course), David regrets not reaching out to someone with expertise in owning a golf course.
• [18:07] If you want a mentor, do your due diligence, then reach out to them (hopefully with a referral).
• [21:53] His wife was a big influence in David turning his business life around.
• [24:00] David and one of his partners had to branch off from their third partner and that’s how his current business came about.
• [26::00] One new tool that David has added in the last year is Rev.
• [26:35] David says to be a student of your calendar.
• [28:30] One book David recommends is Think and Grow Rich.

Resources from the interview:

• David on Twitter
• David on LinkedIn
• Rev
• Must-read books: 
  • Think and Grow Rich
  • David’s Books

Leave Some Feedback:

• What should I talk about next? Who should I interview? Please let me know on Twitter or in the comments below.
• Did you enjoy this episode? If so, leave a short review here
• Subscribe to Growth Everywhere on iTunes
• Get the non-iTunes RSS Feed

Connect With Eric Siu:

• Growth Everywhere
• Single Grain
• Eric Siu on Twitter