From Washing Cars to Building Empires: The Entrepreneurial Journey of Mike Regina
In the latest episode of “The Entrepreneur’s Journey,” Michael Pallozzi, President of HFM Investment Advisors, LLC, sits down with Mike Regina—a long-time friend, successful entrepreneur, and what Michael calls a “master entrepreneur.” This episode dives deep into Mike’s entrepreneurial journey, exploring his roots, drive, and the key elements that have shaped his diverse and successful business ventures.
Early Beginnings: The Car Wash That Sparked a Dream
Mike Regina’s journey into entrepreneurship began in his freshman year of high school. His first taste of business came from washing cars at his dad’s office buildings, a hustle that quickly transformed into a profitable venture. Mike discovered early on that the more he hustled, the more he earned—a realization that ignited his entrepreneurial spirit and solidified his resolve never to work for anyone else.
From Concrete to CEO: Cutting His Teeth in Construction
Mike’s next major step was in the construction business, working summers with his father in concrete construction. This hands-on experience taught him the value of planning, execution, and resilience. “With concrete, you only get one chance,” Mike shared, emphasizing the importance of getting things right the first time. The challenges of the job molded Mike’s work ethic and problem-solving skills, laying the groundwork for his future ventures.
The Leap of Independence: Starting Big Sky
Mike and his brother Ryan eventually decided to branch out on their own, forming Big Sky after an opportunity to take on a project that his father felt they undervalued. Encouraged by their father to make their own way, the brothers embraced the challenge. They built Big Sky into a self-managing company by focusing on customer service, professional processes, and a strong team culture.
Navigating Family Dynamics in Business
When asked about the challenges of working with family, Mike highlighted the strength of his partnership with his brother, Ryan. Their shared values, faith, and commitment to putting the customer first have made their collaboration uniquely successful. Unlike many family-run businesses, the Regina’s have never had a major argument in over 21 years of working together, a testament to their mutual respect and shared vision.
Expanding Horizons: The Birth of Global Auditing
Recognizing new opportunities, Mike, Ryan, and their business partner Stephanie ventured into the auditing industry with Global, a post-auditing freight payment company. Despite having no direct experience in this field, the team leveraged their business acumen, strong partnerships, and commitment to professional service. Mike attributes their success to surrounding themselves with the right people and maintaining robust processes—a formula that transcends industry boundaries.
Lessons in Entrepreneurship: People, Process, Persistence
Throughout his journey, Mike has applied the three P’s: People, Process, and Persistence. These principles have allowed him to build successful businesses, delegate effectively, and pursue new ventures without being tied down by day-to-day operations. Mike’s approach emphasizes the importance of not just working in your business but working on it, continually refining processes and nurturing talent.
Coaching and Community: The Mike Regina Masterclass
Mike’s passion extends beyond his own businesses. He is driven by a desire to help other entrepreneurs unlock their potential. Through his masterclass series, Mike provides aspiring and established entrepreneurs with the tools, guidance, and community support they need to scale their businesses. His workshops cover a broad range of topics, from leadership and communication to marketing and HR, all designed to help business owners at any stage of their journey.
The Four Freedoms of Entrepreneurship
Mike embodies the four freedoms of entrepreneurship—time, money, relationships, and purpose. He attributes his ability to balance work, family, and personal passions to his disciplined approach to time management. From waking up at 3:30 AM to maximize productivity to meticulously planning vacations with spreadsheets, Mike demonstrates that success in business is as much about managing your time as it is about seizing opportunities.
Living with Purpose: Glorifying God and Providing for Family
At the heart of Mike’s drive is a desire to glorify God and provide his family with the best life possible. His purpose aligns with his passion, a combination that has fueled his relentless pursuit of excellence in every venture. Mike’s message to other entrepreneurs is clear: match your work with your passion and purpose, and you will find success.
Final Thoughts
Mike Regina’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of persistence, strategic thinking, and strong values. From washing cars to running multiple businesses, Mike’s story is one of seizing opportunities, embracing challenges, and always striving for excellence. As Michael Pallozzi put it, Mike is just getting started on his journey, with much more to give to his businesses, his community, and everyone he inspires along the way.
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