E202 | From $45k in Debt to Building a Trusted Business
Thu Jul 03 2025
Starting from scratch is one thing. Starting with debt, doubt, and no safety net is another.
In this powerful replay from Tycoons of Small Biz, real estate entrepreneurs Ryan Zolin and Steve Trang open up about the moments they nearly walked away. Steve shares how he racked up $45,000 in credit card debt during the 2008 crash. Ryan talks about being 18, underestimated, and how he earned trust despite his age.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why early mistakes can cost you if you don’t learn fastHow to earn trust when you’re the youngest professional in the roomWhy confidence and consistency beat credentials every timeWhat hiring looks like when the stakes are personal
Want to know where you really stand when it comes to wealth beyond your business?
Grab your free copy of The Business Owner’s Wealth Scorecard - a powerful self-assessment tool to help you spot the gaps between your business success and personal wealth strategy.
Access Your Free Scorecard Here: bit.ly/backbone-score
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About Backbone Planning Partners
Backbone Planning Partners helps blue-collar business owners in trades, construction, and manufacturing turn day-to-day success into lasting wealth.
Founded by Austin Peterson and Landon Mance, Backbone works exclusively with self-made founders doing $5M–$20M in revenue who are legacy-minded and ready to take control of their future.
Listen in for real stories, real talk, and guidance built for business owners like you.
Ready to see what’s possible? Schedule a call at BackbonePlanning.com.
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Starting from scratch is one thing. Starting with debt, doubt, and no safety net is another. In this powerful replay from Tycoons of Small Biz, real estate entrepreneurs Ryan Zolin and Steve Trang open up about the moments they nearly walked away. Steve shares how he racked up $45,000 in credit card debt during the 2008 crash. Ryan talks about being 18, underestimated, and how he earned trust despite his age. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why early mistakes can cost you if you don’t learn fastHow to earn trust when you’re the youngest professional in the roomWhy confidence and consistency beat credentials every timeWhat hiring looks like when the stakes are personal Want to know where you really stand when it comes to wealth beyond your business? Grab your free copy of The Business Owner’s Wealth Scorecard - a powerful self-assessment tool to help you spot the gaps between your business success and personal wealth strategy. Access Your Free Scorecard Here: bit.ly/backbone-score --- About Backbone Planning Partners Backbone Planning Partners helps blue-collar business owners in trades, construction, and manufacturing turn day-to-day success into lasting wealth. Founded by Austin Peterson and Landon Mance, Backbone works exclusively with self-made founders doing $5M–$20M in revenue who are legacy-minded and ready to take control of their future. Listen in for real stories, real talk, and guidance built for business owners like you. Ready to see what’s possible? Schedule a call at BackbonePlanning.com.