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Success is a formula that requires a certain set of ingredients.
The combination of these ingredients AND the knowledge of how these ingredients go together is required to make an excellent dish.
Dennis Agalli is a Future Shark and serial entrepreneur who has repeatedly created success by using these ingredients and recipe over and over again.
As the founder of Leave Normal Behind™ (LNB™), I am always getting highlighting individuals who are “above normal” – meaning they are elite in what they do and are rich in character & integrity.
The mission of the LNB is to influence humanity in a positive way by inspiring others to become the best version of themselves, give back, create things that matter, and encourage others to do the same.
Dennis “Donato” Agalli is a serial entrepreneur who has successfully built a multi-million dollar business portfolio.
Currently, Agalli is the owner of the multi-million dollar pizza business Rocky’s Pizza Group, Rocky’s Pizza Vinoteca Inc.[1] In addition, he is the owner of the ER Bar and Lounge, Old Country Coffee Corp, EZ Furniture Solutions Corp and Private Real Estate & Real Estate Management.
I got to spend some time with him to give you this EXCLUSIVE Future Sharks Interview.
Read below & Enjoy !!
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Where are you from ?
Originally from Europe but a New Yorker 1000%
What are some of your hobbies ?
Art, Traveling, Extreme Sports (Free Diving, Scuba Diving) What is your favorite quote?
By Conrad Hilton : “Successful men and women keep moving. They make mistakes but they dont Quit.”
What are you working on ?
Opening New Retail Business and expanding them.
How did you come up with this idea?
I’m doing what I love and have always had a passion for growing up – Pizza, Coffee, Restaurants and Hospitality.
What brought you into the business world ?
Just my inner desire of creating and running my own business.
How are you different from other entrepreneurs and business owners ?
Most entrepreneurs in my generation are very successful, yet very aggressive and have a “cut-throat” mentality meaning that they will do anything to succeed, even if it hurts them emotionally and spiritually.
I am a little different, I believe in values and integrity. I have more of a “family approach” in all of my businesses. By that, I mean that I treat my workers and customers as family members. Amazing things happen when you do this.
Being a successful entrepreneur requires the obligation to make sure that you lead the right way and give back to the one’s who need the most. That is what real success means to me and my generation of entrepreneurs in their thirties and older need to do this more often and realize that success goes beyond the material.
I’ve made millions and have lived a lavish lifestyle, I am here to tell you that serving others with your money is the way to feel most happy.
What makes you special?
I believe we are all special in our different ways, and we all have something special to offer. My hard work ethic and perseverance is unmatched.
What is your best tip when it comes to networking and building relationships ?
For me the best tip is to be “yourself”, a lot of entrepreneurs and business owners are missing authenticity. There is no better way of connecting and building relationships in my opinion,
You must be yourself.
What motivates you ?
Love and Family. A lot of people depend on me and I cannot let them down.
Also, I love to inspire others and show them that anyone can become successful if they really want to and decide to put in the work for it.
What was your biggest failure ? What did you learn from it ?
I had 3 businesses that failed and lost all my investments. What I learned is that nothing comes easy – you must put in your work.
After failing I didn’t give up, I tried again and again and again, and thats why I was able to build 7 successful businesses.
Why is mentorship important to you ?
It is very crucial to me because many times in my life I gained the motivation to continue going on by seeing examples of people who have gone through even more difficult times than me and made it despite their circumstances.
They set a good example for me and gave me motivation to overcome challenging obstacles.
Have you mentored individuals in the past ?
Yes – from workers to family members and others who have asked me for help.
What are the most important values that you hold ?
Integrity, honesty & loyalty.
How do you build a strong team ?
By finding and attracting people who share the same values as you do.
How do you build loyalty, trust, and respect within an organization ?
Personally I do that by leading by example. You cannot expect all those values from any worker without you as an owner sharing the same values and acting upon those values.
Workers feel it, they know. That how I build those values because it’ s what I really believe in.
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Now here are some more VALUE-ADD questions !!
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What is the best piece of advice that you can share …
Not giving up, it’s easier said than done, but yes never giving up is the best piece of advice I have. This singular piece of advice has kept me alive in tough and challenging times
Teach us something (must be actionable) …
I have taught myself to say “Challenge” instead of “Problem” in both my business and personal life.
We all have Challenges that pass, never “Pro..”
What’s something new you’ve learned in the past month ?
I have learned, and still mastering, patience in business and personal life.
Teach us something we don’t know (it’s vague and open-ended on purpose)
1pound of coffee makes about 48 6-once coffee cups 🙂
What do you think you do better than most people ?
Persistence
What is the most practical and actionable framework you can share for other Future Sharks to use in their daily life ?
Prioritize your To-Do list.
What should an entrepreneur focus on ?
Growth and development, without losing authenticity and values.
What holds most entrepreneurs back and how can they get through it ?
Fear holds most entrepreneurs back. The way to break through fear is knowing that without failure there is no success.
When you fail you receive feedback on how to do it better the next time. By repeating this process you will become more successful over time. It’s a formula that always works no matter you are.
What is the best book you’ve ever read ?
The Richest Man in Babylon
Where do you see yourself and your product in a couple years ?
Expanding and growing our family of customers and employees.
What does it take to be in the restaurant/lounge business ?
A lot of work and effort – late nights & early mornings.
How do you run a successful restaurant/lounge business ?
Quality and Service.
What do the words ‘Leave Normal Behind’ mean to you ?
Myself – I see myself in those words. I have never been normal and this describes me and what I believe in. I believe in becoming the best version of yourself, giving back, loving others, creating things that matter, and encouraging others to do the same.
Where should we follow you on social media ? (hyperlinked, example: Facebook):
Follow me on Instagram ! @donato.nyc
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Dennis shared amazing insights in this Future Sharks interview and it was my pleasure to spend time with him to share this information with you.
By implementing his advice you will attract more success 2020 and beyond.
Remember that “failure cannot overtake you if your will to succeed is strong enough.”
That is a formula that always works.
If you or anyone you know is a Future Shark who is leaving normal behind then email me to connect: Rob@leavenormalbehind.com
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