4. Overcoming Rough Start Leads to Successful Sales w/ Pete Machelek

What do you do when everyone says no to your can’t-miss idea? You change your clothes, have a drink, and quickly reposition. Peter Machalek, currently the COO at TREC Brands, shared the mogul-filled story of how he started Adbloc Media right out of college.

He couldn’t wait to share his idea for advertising on ski chairlifts at a trade show. He entered in his suit. The attendees were in ripped tee shirts and sandals. Fortunately, he’d brought some casual clothes. His pitch was a sure thing. Would you like to make hundreds of thousands of dollars without lifting a finger or spending a dime? Everyone said no. Machalek was dumbfounded, perplexed. Who turns down free money?

The Ivey Entrepreneur Podcast is sponsored by Connie Clerici, QS ’08, and Closing the Gap Healthcare Group, Inc.