Robert Fojo Teaches That Consistency and Diligence are the Keys to Success in Career Pivots

Designing Successful Startups

Summary

Robert M. Fojo, VP of Sales at Max Value Processing, shares his journey from being a lawyer to joining a startup in the merchant services space. He discusses his background growing up in Miami as the son of Cuban immigrants and how it shaped his values and appreciation for freedom. Fojo explains the compelling ideas behind Max Value Processing, including transparency and technology in the payments industry. He emphasizes the importance of understanding vertical markets and building relationships with software providers. Fojo also offers advice for career pivots and the importance of consistency and diligence.

Takeaways

• Understanding and appreciating your heritage and upbringing can shape your values and career choices.
• Transparency and technology are key factors in the payments industry, and companies that focus on these areas can differentiate themselves.
• Building relationships with software providers and understanding vertical markets are crucial for success in the merchant services space.
• Consistency and diligence are essential for achieving goals and making successful career pivots.

Sound Bites

"Give it 110% and don't look back."

"Be consistent and diligent in what you're doing."

"Become a wholesale Processor and control all processes."

Links

Robert’s Max Value Processing: https://maxvalueprocessing.com/

Please leave us a review: https://podchaser.com/AdventuresOnTheCanDo

Tech Startup Toolkit (book): https://www.manning.com/books/think-like-a-startup-founder

Jothy’s website: https://jothyrosenberg.com

The Who Says I Can’t Foundation: https://whosaysicant.org

Jothy’s TEDx talk on disabilities: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNtOawXAx5A

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:04 Living in New Hampshire and Working in Beverly

04:40 Transition from Lawyer to Startup

08:32 The Major Ideas that Will Change the Payments Industry

11:28 Identifying Pain Points and Differentiating from Competitors

13:13 The Similarities Between Sales and Law

15:10 Transition to VP of Sales and Managing a Sales Team

16:37 Balancing Law Practice and Sales Career

19:20 Partner Strategy and Protecting Against Competition

22:34 The Challenges of Developing Payment Solutions

25:47 Expanding into New Verticals and Differentiating from Competitors

28:16 Creating Pull Through Strategies and Displacing Competitors

35:27 The Importance of Grit and Immigrant Mentality

37:41 Advice for Career Pivots and Consistency

38:47 Goals for the Company and Future Growth

41:56 Passing on Values to the Next Generation