2025-03-21
32 分钟You're listening to Math & Magic, a production of iHeart Radio.
I've even tried to pay people employees in the past like, here's $100 to read this book.
You know how many have done that, zero.
So it's one of those things that you can't teach motivation.
I am Bob Pittman and welcome to this episode of Math & Magic, stories from the frontiers of marketing.
Today we have a self-made entrepreneur, grew up in poverty, skipped a formal education,
and eventually built his own billion-dollar business from just $5,000 in startup capital.
He's the co-founder and CEO of American Financing, one of the major national mortgage companies.
He's Damien Maldonado.
Damien was born in Manhattan to a single mom of four.
He grew up poor, as he says, his family was on food stamps even in the good times.
And he has interesting thoughts on what that taught him.
And we'll explore that today.
Although American Financing is in Colorado,
Damien has moved to Puerto Rico and widened his aperture to hospitality, movies, and more.
He's a newly minted pilot, family man, dog owner, and a fun and curious guy.
Damien, welcome.
Thanks, Bob.
Thanks for having me.
Before we dig in today, I want to do you in 60 seconds.