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Big Shot

By: Big Shot
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  • Summary

  • If the walls of Kosher delis could speak, they would (schm)ooze invaluable wisdom and endless laughs. Harley Finkelstein (Shopify) and David Segal (DAVIDsTEA) are Jewish entrepreneurs influenced by the greats who came before them. But, they realized no one was archiving the best behind-the-scenes stories ever told. Before time was up, they set out on a passion project to preserve the memories, mishaps, and wins of the people who have seen it all. Big Shot tells the stories of the people that shaped an entire generation.
    Big Shot
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Episodes
  • The Man Who Built New York City With No Money | Larry Silverstein

    The Man Who Built New York City With No Money | Larry Silverstein
    May 2 2024
    In this episode of Big Shot, we sit down with another legendary real estate developer, Larry Silverstein. Best known for the 99-year lease he signed for the World Trade Center, just six weeks before 9/11, Larry’s story is one of persistence and strategic partnerships—and a whole lot of chutzpah. He shares with us today how he leveraged partnerships, refurbished properties on a shoestring budget and built a business that today is valued at over $10 billion. As with many successful Jewish entrepreneurs, family is at the center of it all, and Larry speaks with extreme gratitude about his children and wife Klara. You won’t want to miss hearing about how Larry very narrowly missed being at ground zero during 9/11, and how his wife supported his efforts in rebuilding the World Trade Center. If you'd like to apply to be an executive producer, please complete the form here https://shorturl.at/xLQUW In This Episode We Cover: (03:19) How Larry got established in real estate with no money (09:59) Why Larry turned down a 100k profit on his first contract (12:51) How Larry leveraged investors to land million-dollar properties (14:22) The low-budget, resourceful way Larry’s team refurbished buildings (16:31) How Larry collaborated with competitors in purchasing 711 Fifth Avenue (24:42) Coca-Cola’s purchase of 711 Fifth Avenue (26:43) Why Larry worked with partners (27:33) The beginning of Larry’s journey toward buying the World Trade Center (35:22) How Silverstein Properties built their own electric plant (45:28) The drama of signing Salomon Brothers (52:44) Larry’s accident and acquiring the World Trade Center (58:45) Why Larry was absent from the building on 9/11 (1:00:20) How Larry decided to rebuild the World Trade Center (1:04:21) When Larry knew he made it (1:06:28) Larry’s philanthropic efforts paying the tuition of medical school students — Referenced: Harry Helmsley: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Helmsley 711 Fifth Avenue Purchased from Columbia Pictures: https://www.nytimes.com/1978/04/23/archives/realty-news-fifth-avenue-third-avenue-executives-named.html George Kaufman’s obituary: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/26/obituaries/george-s-kaufman-who-revived-astoria-studios-dies-at-89.html Peter Feinberg obituary: https://www.nytimes.com/1990/03/15/obituaries/peter-i-feinberg-79-real-estate-developer.html Port Authority to lease World Trade Center to Silverstein Properties: https://www.panynj.gov/port-authority/en/press-room/press-release-archives/2001_press_releases/port_authority_toleaseworldtradecentertosilversteinpropertiesinc.html World Trade Center history: https://www.911memorial.org/learn/resources/digital-exhibitions/world-trade-center-history Ed Koch: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ed_Koch Salomon Brothers: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salomon_Brothers Mortimer Zuckerman: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mortimer_Zuckerman Salomon Will Move to the World Trade Center: https://www.nytimes.com/1988/11/29/nyregion/salomon-will-move-to-trade-center.html The Collapse of Drexel Burnham Lambert: https://www.nytimes.com/1990/02/14/business/the-collapse-of-drexel-burnham-lambert-key-events-for-drexel-burnham-lambert.html NYU School of Medicine Offers Full-Tuition Scholarships to All New & Current Medical Students: https://nyulangone.org/news/nyu-school-medicine-offers-full-tuition-scholarships-all-new-current-medical-students — Where to find Larry Silverstein: Silverstein Properties: https://www.silversteinproperties.com/ The Rising: The Twenty-Year Battle to Rebuild the World Trade Center: https://www.amazon.com/Rising-Twenty-Year-Battle-Rebuild-Center/dp/0525658963 Where To Find Big Shot: Website: ⁠https://www.bigshot.show/ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@bigshotpodcast⁠ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigshotshow⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/⁠ Harley Finkelstein: ⁠https://twitter.com/harleyf⁠ David Segal: ⁠https://twitter.com/tea_maverick⁠ Production and Marketing: ⁠⁠https://penname.co
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • It's Better To Be Rich Than Right: Peter May

    It's Better To Be Rich Than Right: Peter May
    Mar 21 2024
    In this episode of Big Shot, we're honored to host business mogul Peter May. But his path to managing more than $7 billion is not what you might expect. What started as a career as an accountant at the prestigious KPMG quickly became something much different once Peter crossed paths with Nelson Peltz, igniting a dynamic partnership that spanned decades. Together, they founded Triarc Companies and pioneered innovative funding strategies, revitalizing numerous struggling businesses. They eventually sold the company and founded Trian Partners, a multi-billion dollar investment firm. Peter's commitment to philanthropy extends beyond financial contributions, as he invests his time and expertise. Notably, his impactful work with Mount Sinai Health Systems and Operation Exodus showcases his dedication to making a difference. Join us as Peter generously imparts invaluable insights and practical wisdom applicable to all aspects of life. In This Episode We Cover: (07:28) What it was like growing up during the Cold War in Long Island (12:12) How his father was a great role model (14:33) Peter’s time at The University of Chicago (16:25) How Peter was inspired by his father’s saying, “Do more than what’s expected of you” (22:24) The Jewish value of education (24:53) How Peter was able to avoid being drafted to Vietnam (30:59) Getting started as an accountant at KPMG (32:40) How Peter met Nelson Peltz (34:24) The importance of adding value (36:11) The origins of Home Depot (38:16) How Peter and Nelson Peltz went into business together (41:00) When Peter and Nelson took their company public (44:25) What happened after Peter and Nelson sold Flagstaff foods (49:20) Peter and Nelson’s funding strategy emerges (50:42) How MPM group consulting got its start (51:57) What constructive capitalism is (54:10) How Peter and Nelson bought Triangle Industries (1:00:29) How Peter and Nelson transformed Triangle and made it profitable (1:03:18) The purchase of America Can and National Can (1:17:03) The meaning of Nelson’s phrase “I’d rather be rich than right” (1:18:53) Why Peter doesn’t look back much (1:20:14) Why chutzpah is so quintessential to the Jewish entrepreneurial experience (1:22:23) Why Peter doesn’t feel like he’s made it still (1:23:30) About “engaged philanthropy” and how Peter helped turn around Mount Sinai Health (1:30:15) Peter’s advice to the next generation (1:33:26) About Operation Exodus (1:36:33) Peter’s legacy— Referenced: Green tea benefits: https://www.firebellytea.com/blogs/all/green-tea-benefits Firebelly Tea: https://www.firebellytea.com/ The University of Chicago: https://www.uchicago.edu/en Pogroms: https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/pogroms Nelson Peltz: https://www.forbes.com/profile/nelson-peltz/ Arthur Anderson: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Andersen KPMG: https://kpmg.com/ Emerson Radio: https://www.emersonradio.com/ Bernard Marcus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_Marcus Mike Milken: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Milken Saul Steinberg: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saul_Steinberg Victor Posner: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victor_Posner Alcoa: https://www.alcoa.com/global/en/home/ Mount Sinai Health System: https://www.mountsinai.org/ Engaged philanthropy: https://engagedgiving.org/philosophy Operation Exodus: https://operationexodususa.org/ — Where to find Peter May: Mount Sinai Health: https://www.mountsinai.org/about/board-leadership/peter-may Wendy’s: https://www.wendys.com/who-we-are/board-directors/peter-may Where To Find Big Shot: Website: ⁠https://www.bigshot.show/ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@bigshotpodcast⁠ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigshotshow⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/⁠ Harley Finkelstein: ⁠https://twitter.com/harleyf⁠ David Segal: ⁠https://twitter.com/tea_maverick⁠ Production and Marketing: ⁠⁠https://penname.co
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    1 hr and 39 mins
  • From The Son Of A Postman To The $400 Billion Man: David Rubenstein

    From The Son Of A Postman To The $400 Billion Man: David Rubenstein
    Feb 8 2024
    In this episode of Big Shot, we're thrilled to welcome the incredible David Rubenstein! As a co-founder of The Carlyle Group, one of the globe's top private equity firms, David's journey from a Baltimore kid with big dreams to a presidential advisor and business mogul is truly inspiring. Join us, as David reveals how he overcame rejection after President Carter lost his re-election and pivoted into private equity. Learn why he's dedicated to giving back through initiatives like the Giving Pledge, and get ready for some thought-provoking insights, including why hiring geniuses might not be the best idea and tips on avoiding spoiling your kids. In This Episode We Cover:  (03:40) Welcome David Rubenstein  (04:50) Why David and Harley both maintain their bar memberships (05:37) Why education is important to the Jewish people (07:30) David’s upbringing in Baltimore (10:00) The difficulties that come with raising children when you’re wealthy (11:30)  David’s relatively laid-back parents (13:34) The Jewish youth group that fueled David’s drive for more (14:15) David’s first job out of law school (15:25) How David became an advisor to President Jimmy Carter  (16:42) The years of struggle after Jimmy Carter failed to get re-elected (20:41) How the Carlyle Group got their start (24:36) Carlyle’s “bear hug” on Chichi’s (27:22) David’s growth strategy for Carlyle focusing on diversification and globalization (31:30) David’s mom’s philanthropy  (34:14) What the Giving Pledge is  (36:43) David’s philosophy on philanthropy  (39:33) An explanation of the Magna Carta, its failure, and the anti-semitism of the day (42:22) David’s focus on patriotic philanthropy  (46:47) How David became the fundraiser for Carlyle  (47:56) How Carlyle was able to build a lasting company (49:27) Why reasonably intelligent people make better employees than geniuses (50:04) The cultural values that make Jewish people successful and want to give back (54:10) Antisemitism in the US and Europe (54:28) Why David still doesn’t think he’s made it (55:33) Tips on raising kids and the three ways to influence people as a leader — Referenced:  David Rubenstein on Patriotic Philanthropy: https://www.whitehousehistory.org/the-white-house-1600-sessions/david-rubenstein-on-patriotic-philanthropy Shelley v. Kraemer: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shelley_v._Kraemer Virtual Jewish World: Baltimore, Maryland: https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/baltimore-jewish-history-tour#google_vignette Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP: https://www.paulweiss.com/ Ted Sorensen: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Sorensen William Simon: https://www.philanthropyroundtable.org/hall-of-fame/william-simon/ G. William Miller: https://home.treasury.gov/about/history/prior-secretaries/g-william-miller-1979-1981 Edward J. Mathias: https://www.carlyle.com/corporate-overview/operating-executives-advisors/edward-j-mathias T. Rowe Price: https://www.troweprice.com/ The Mellon family: https://www.forbes.com/profile/mellon/?sh=21c04b3f6c8b Greenmailing: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/greenmail. Mike Milken: https://milkeninstitute.org/staff/mike-milken Frank Carlucci: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Carlucci John Major: https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Major Why are there so many Jewish Nobel winners?: https://www.thejc.com/lets-talk/why-are-there-so-many-jewish-nobel-winners-ctycke48# — Where to find David Rubenstein X: https://twitter.com/DM_Rubenstein Website: https://davidrubenstein.com/ Where To Find Big Shot:  Website: ⁠https://www.bigshot.show/ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@bigshotpodcast⁠   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigshotshow⁠    Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/⁠   Harley Finkelstein: ⁠https://twitter.com/harleyf⁠  David Segal: ⁠https://twitter.com/tea_maverick⁠ Production and Marketing: ⁠⁠https://penname.co
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    58 mins
Leadership Economics
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