From the Deli Counter to the Deal Table: Lessons from 34 Years in Business

In this episode of Confessions of a Millionaire, Paul sits down with RJ Galdorisi for an unfiltered conversation about what it truly takes to build, scale, and exit a business over the long haul.RJ shares his journey from the high-pressure world of Wall Street in the late 1980s to owning and scaling a demanding food service operation for more than three decades. Along the way, he breaks down the real lessons most entrepreneurs only learn the hard way—managing cash flow, surviving rapid growth, understanding working capital, and why “profitable on paper” doesn’t always mean solvent in reality.The conversation dives deep into:How creative deal structuring and seller relationships can make or break a businessWhy cash flow—not profit—is the lifeblood of every operationThe hidden dangers of scaling too fast without the right systems and peopleHow consultants and masterminds dramatically shorten the learning curveWhy knowing your numbers daily (not quarterly) separates winners from strugglersRJ also explains his transition from long-time operator to business broker and advisor, sharing what he looks for in businesses today—and why he’s far more selective than he was earlier in his career. He offers candid advice on industries to approach cautiously, where real opportunity exists, and why business ownership isn’t for everyone.This episode is a masterclass in practical entrepreneurship, ideal for business buyers, operators, and anyone considering the leap into ownership who wants a realistic, experience-backed perspective—without the hype.