Michael Melicia, the founder and CEO of Coastal Paving and Excavating, joins Taylor this week to share his remarkable journey from starting a business with just $500 to leading a thriving civil engineering and construction company. Along the way, Michael and Taylor explore the challenges of starting a business at a young age and how Michael navigated these obstacles with determination and resilience. The discussion also highlights the transformative power of social media in business growth, with our guest emphasizing how a strong online presence has been instrumental in expanding his company’s reach and reputation. Additionally, Michael talks about the importance of maintaining a warrior mindset in the face of adversity, balancing family life with the demands of entrepreneurship, and the critical role of personal branding in building a successful business.
Michael further delves into his unique and effective leadership style, which sets him apart in the industry, and shares his perspective on the future of Coastal Paving and the evolving landscape of content creation. He offers valuable insights on risk management and the lessons he's learned from past failures, reinforcing the idea that staying true to oneself is essential for long-term success. This episode is rich with advice on work-life balance, entrepreneurship, and strategic business growth, making it a must-listen for anyone in the industry or aspiring entrepreneurs who are looking to learn from Michael’s experience and expertise. With powerful takeaways on the intersection of personal and professional development, this conversation provides listeners with the tools and inspiration needed to succeed in their own ventures.
Topics:
The journey from $500 to a successful paving and excavating business
The impact of social media on business growth
The challenges and rewards of starting a business at a young age
The importance of a warrior mindset in entrepreneurship
Balancing family life with business responsibilities
The role of personal branding in business success
Michael’s unorthodox and effective leadership style
The future of Coastal Paving and content creation
Key Takeaways:
"Sometimes you're just two letters away from being what you need to be to get the job done: a warrior or a worrier."
"Starting a business is all about effort at the end of the day."
"I want to live forever a little bit through my personal brand and my story."
"Business takes sacrifice, but the balance with family is what creates a healthy ecosystem."
"If you can't read the energy of other humans, you're missing a crucial skill in business."
"Every failure is a lesson – learn from it, adjust, and move forward."
"I want to create a legacy, something big to leave behind."
"You need to water your plants at home for them to give you the oxygen to grow your business."
"Whoever you are when the camera’s off, that’s who you should be when the camera’s on."
"High risk, high reward – it’s all about managing that balance."
As always, thank you to our good friends over at Komatsu for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.komatsu.com/
Links:
Taylor White on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-white-9881a5170/?originalSubdomain=ca
To see highlights from the 2023 show, go to: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience/show-highlights
Komatsu: https://www.komatsu.com/
Coastal Paving and Excavating: https://coastalpavingex.com/
Coastal Paving Instagram: coastalpaving_ex
Michael’s Instagram: michael_a_melicia