Math & Magic: Stories from the Frontiers of Marketing with Bob Pittman cover image

Math & Magic: Stories from the Frontiers of Marketing with Bob Pittman

Damian Maldonado: “You can’t teach motivation.”

Mar 20, 2025
Damian Maldonado, co-founder and CEO of American Financing, turned a $5,000 line of credit into a billion-dollar business through sheer determination. He shares his journey from selling candy door-to-door to mastering marketing strategies. Damian emphasizes the importance of fostering a positive company culture and hiring with intention. He discusses overcoming challenges in the mortgage industry and how self-education and innovative thinking can empower entrepreneurs. Plus, his passion for kite surfing and the vibrant culture of Puerto Rico add a personal touch to his inspiring story.
32:02

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Damian Maldonado's journey from a challenging childhood to co-founding a billion-dollar mortgage company highlights the significance of resilience and real-world experience over formal education.
  • His ability to adapt to market changes during the mortgage industry's downturn emphasizes the critical role of flexibility and proactive problem-solving in sustaining business success.

Deep dives

Introducing Instagram Teen Accounts for Enhanced Safety

New Instagram teen accounts are designed to enhance the safety of teenagers on the platform. These accounts come with automatic protections that restrict who can contact teens and what content they can access, acting as a vital safety measure as they navigate social media. This initiative emphasizes the importance of providing a safer online environment for youth, analogous to ensuring they wear seatbelts or protective gear while biking. By implementing such measures, Instagram aims to foster a responsible approach to social media engagement among younger users.

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