In the vast sea of social media, a few key individuals offer a wealth of wisdom and experience from their entrepreneurial journey. Today, I’d like to introduce you to one of my favourite business mavens. As qualifying criteria, the only influencers I listen to need to pass the following benchmarks:
a. They need to have built their businesses from scratch
b. Their net worth must exceed $100 million
c. They must have integrity
d. Something stupid, but they must be studs, i.e. look after their fitness and diet
Andy Frisella.
Hailing from St. Louis in the United States, Andy Frisella is a widely recognised influencer, entrepreneur and fitness fanatic who has cultivated success in his various businesses through sheer determination and hard work.
He began his journey in the business world at the tender age of 19, overcoming personal struggles and adversities, including a tough childhood that saw him battle low self-esteem and body image issues. He was also stabbed in the face when protecting a teenage girl from being harassed by a thug. He jokingly refers to himself as the guy who cannot smile due to the stab wounds. One-half of his face is entirely numb.
Through discipline and self-belief, he transformed himself physically and mentally, igniting a drive to succeed that has carried him far.
His entrepreneurial journey began with a supplement store, a venture that faced its fair share of trials, including a robbery that stripped the store of its products. Yet, Andy refused to let his dream fade. Today, his network of supplement stores serves countless customers daily, a testament to his resilience and tenacity.
At first, he only sold supplements, later developing his own, which ballooned into an international organisation called First Phorm, a huge supplement and apparel brand in America.
Beyond the supplement world, Andy has diversified his business portfolio. His enterprises include Alpina Sports Products, Paradise Distribution, and Carbon Fire Nutrition. All these ventures contribute to his impressive net worth, which as of June 2023, stands at around $110 million.
But Andy’s influence extends far beyond his business success. He has also authored books like “Fantastic Fruit Stand and Otis” and “Play to Win”, sharing his life experiences and lessons to inspire young readers to work towards their dreams.
A significant part of Andy’s outreach involves his podcast. Originally known as the “MFCEO Project”, the podcast amassed millions of daily listeners, making him a global influencer and successful entrepreneur. In 2020, amidst the turbulence of the Covid-19 pandemic, he rebranded the podcast as “Real AF”. Shifting focus to broader economic and political issues, he continues to provide valuable insights that shape our understanding of the macro and micro economy.
Andy’s journey is a beacon for those seeking personal and professional excellence. His no-nonsense approach might not be everyone’s cup of tea – he’s known for his frank language – but his experiences, perspectives, and advice are well worth a listen.
From his early struggles to his current success, Andy Frisella is a testament to the transformative power of self-belief and hard work. As he continues to inspire and motivate through his podcast, books, and businesses, his story serves as a vivid reminder that personal excellence is indeed the ultimate rebellion.
What I like
Andy is straightforward. He believes that 50% of his audience will love him, and he doesn’t give a sh#t about the 50% that hates him, take him as he is. If you disapprove of expletives, give this one a miss.
What I dislike
His political tirades are sometimes viewed as pro-Republican. BUT. After listening to him for seven years, I can assure you his heart is in the right place.
Summary
Andy Frisella and his co-host DJ (Head of security or read “personal bodyguard”) make a great team. Their wit, humour, and insights on life and work will make you a better person at the end of every podcast. His grittiness and unpolished, down-to-earth personality is a breath of fresh air in the world of “Make believe, fakeness and delusion”, as he often says.