BIO: Curt Mercadante specializes in helping business owners deliver the right message to the right clients to generate the right revenue.

STORY: Curt grew up knowing that owning a home is an important investment that everyone should have. Over the years, and after a couple of losses, he has learned that a home is not an investment unless you’re planning on flipping it.

LEARNING: Don’t just take advice at face value, do your research and get second opinions. Don’t fall for the American Dream fallacy; rent if that’s what you want.

“Remember to apply your greatest weapon—creative thinking—where you think with the end in mind.”

Curt Mercadante

Guest profile

Curt Mercadante specializes in helping business owners deliver the right message to the right clients to generate the right revenue.

For 23 years, he has counseled small businesses, entrepreneurs, as well as some of the largest corporations and associations in the US. He’s built three profitable businesses, including a 7-figure PR and ad agency.

Curt has trained, coached, and delivered keynotes and workshops to clients across the globe.

He is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Trainer, a Certified Human Behavior Consultant, host of The Authority Brand podcast, and author of the bestselling book, Five Pillars of the Freedom Lifestyle.

Curt and his wife, Julie, are currently traveling the country with their four children.

Worst investment ever

Over the years, Curt has owned several homes, and he viewed them as investments all along. His financial advisor would often advise him not to look at houses as an investment. Still, because of how he was brought up and the fallacy of the American dream, Curt always believed owning a home was the best investment. After making a couple of losses buying homes, Curt now believes his financial advisor.

Lessons learned

Our habits are influenced by our societal conditioning, which can be dangerous.
A lot of the security we have is an illusion. Step back, have some discernment and awareness, and start asking yourself why you do what you do—question your conditioning instead of flowing with it.

Andrew’s takeaways

Don’t be caught up in the American Dream fallacy.
Buying a home is not always the best option; sometimes renting is.

Actionable advice

Don’t just take things at face value just because someone you know said it, or someone on TV said it, or some experts somewhere said it. Do your homework and get a second opinion. Also, remember to apply your greatest weapon—creative thinking—where you think with the end in mind.

No. 1 goal for the next 12 months

Curt’s number one goal for the next 12 months is to unleash his creative flow on a regular basis.

Parting words

“When the world is burning around you, keep your head above water. Think creatively, and you won’t go wrong.”

Curt Mercadante

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Connect with Curt Mercadante

Andrew’s books

How to Start Building Your Wealth Investing in the Stock Market
My Worst Investment Ever
9 Valuation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Transform Your Business with Dr.Deming’s 14 Points

Andrew’s online programs

Connect with Andrew Stotz:

Elizabeth Anderson, “The Imperative of Integration” (Princeton UP, 2010)