Tom Golisano is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and civic leader who founded and served as the Chairman of the Board of Paychex, Inc., a leading national provider of payroll, human resource, and benefit outsourcing solutions for over half a million small and medium-sized businesses. He has been consistently recognized by the business, financial and national media and has donated approximately $300 million to various charitable causes and institutions. He was also notably the former owner of the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League. His commitment to helping those with intellectual disabilities, Western New York, and the region's economic climate will leave a lasting legacy.
Does the American dream still exist? Is it really possible to realize the dream of becoming a billionaire in a lifetime? The skeptics say it's no longer possible. It's just a dream. Let's listen to Tom Golisano, the Italian kid who started with $3,000 and founded and developed Paychex, which allowed him to become a billionaire in one generation.
Tune in for a chock-full of nuggets for current and aspiring entrepreneurs on how to start, grow, and operate a successful business.
Why you have to check out today’s episode
Learn the background of Paychex and how Tom grows it one partner and franchise at a time
Reveals the secrets behind much of Golisano’s success and teaches you how to apply those same success-hacks to your own life.
Emboldens you to see the world differently in terms of what’s possible despite what others may have you believe.
Entertains and enlightens you along the way, with Golisano’s stories of running for Governor two times, purchasing a failing NHL franchise, the Buffalo Sabres, and dry sense of humor throughout.
“The biggest thing we did was to have great people working for the team, good people who knew how to do the job and I'd let them do the job.” - Tom Golisano
Topics Covered:
01:30 Tom explains the double meaning behind the title of his book—The Italian Kid Did it.
03:10 Can the skeptics still count on the American dream and the possibility of becoming a billionaire?
06:54 Talks about what it takes before Tom sees Paychex succeed
07:44 The challenges Tom faced in expanding his business and how he turned golf buddies into bosses
09:49 The next steps in Tom's business journey
10:34 Tom discusses the main motivator that propelled his success
13:05 The motivation behind the book—The Italian Kid Did it
15:23 Find out about Tom’s professional sports journey
16:45 Advice to those who are looking to create a professional sports team
18:00 Tom’s insight on addressing the crisis leadership situation in America’s political system
19:33 Three things Tom would like you to get from his book—The Italian Kid Did It
Key Takeaways
Because of technology, there are a lot of opportunities out there, you've gotta find it, you've gotta look for it.
Some people would admit that the turmoils or difficult situations have a great effect on their life. That applies to me too.
I just wish our people in governmental positions would try working together for once instead of working against each other.
People/Resources Mentioned
Built not Born Book: https://www.amazon.com/Built-Not-Born-Billionaires-Entrepreneurs/dp/1400217555
The Italian Kid Did It: How I Turned $3K into $44B and Achieved the American Dream
https://www.amazon.com/Italian-Kid-Did-Achieved-American-ebook/dp/B09831XR9J#:~:text=Watching%20his%20father%20struggle%20to,sway%20your%20view%20of%20reality.
Paychex: https://www.paychex.com/
Connect with Thomas Golisano
Website: http://tomgolisano.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThomasGolisano Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thomasgolisano/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomgolisano/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-golisano-94937919a/
Connect with Dr. Katrina Burrus
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrinaburrus/ Website: https://mkbconseil.ch/contact/
