Canadian Founder Exodus: Mena Maimone on Leaving Canada, Building in the U.S. and Visa Strategies

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with immigration attorney and founder Mena Maimone for a direct conversation about why so many Canadian entrepreneurs are exploring a move to the United States. Originally from Canada, Mena moved to South Florida nearly a decade ago, earned her J.D. from Nova Southeastern University, and built Maimone Legal with her mother into a fast-growing firm helping clients navigate the move to the U.S.Together, Aaron and Mena unpack the fears, misconceptions, and real opportunities behind relocating as a founder. From visa pathways and taxes to safety, lifestyle, and long-term freedom, this episode offers a clear look at why more entrepreneurs are making the move and what it actually takes to do it well.Chapters: 01:30 – Why Aaron Believes Canada’s Builders Are Leaving 01:32 – Mena Explains What She’s Seeing With Canadian Business Owners 03:15 – The Main Reasons Canadians Are Looking to Leave 04:41 – What a Government-Heavy Economy Means for Entrepreneurs 05:11 – The Importance of Environment, Energy, and the “Miami Effect” 06:09 – The Biggest Hurdles Canadians Think They Face 06:12 – Why Mena Says the Process Is Easier Than Most People Think 07:47 – Advice for Founders Who Want to Leave but Feel Stuck 09:04 – The Fear-Based Mindset That Keeps People From Making the Move 10:23 – The Most Common Objections Mena Hears 11:09 – Debunking the Healthcare Cost Myth 13:42 – Why the Quality of Life in Florida Feels So Different 16:47 – Why Mena Believes Canada Is Trying to Slow the Exodus 18:02 – Choosing Your Environment and What That Says About Your Future 19:31 – Aaron Shares the Home Invasion That Changed Everything 25:07 – What Founders Need to Know About the So-Called Exit Tax 28:12 – What It Typically Costs To Make the Move Properly 29:05 – How Mena’s Business Has Doubled and What Markets She’s Watching 30:00 – Why Asset Protection Matters More in the U.S. 31:10 – Tax Advantages Business Owners Often Overlook 34:41 – Building a Business With Family and Creating a Legacy 38:40 – Why the E2 Visa Is One of the Most Popular Paths 39:52 – How Long E1 and E2 Visas Last and What Renewal Looks Like 42:38 – Green Card Options for Founders Who Want a Long-Term PathGuest Links:Instagram: @maimone_legalFacebookYouTubeIf you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast