Episode 6: Adrian Ranieri – The reality of business – Raw insights and practical wisdom

In this episode, I had an amazingly insightful conversation with my good friend Adrian Ranieri, the founder of LNDR Group, a boutique asset finance brokerage. Adrian’s journey into the world of business is nothing short of inspiring, especially for anyone considering starting their own venture. We sat down on my podcast, The Leap, where we explore the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, and Adrian’s story is a perfect example of what it takes to succeed.

Adrian’s background is rooted in sales, with early experiences in nightclubs and DJing. He always had a knack for exceeding sales targets, but he felt unfulfilled in traditional roles. After a series of jobs in various sales positions—from call centers to car sales—he realized that if he wanted to do things his way, he needed to take the plunge and start his own business. This realization came after a frustrating stint in mortgage broking, where he learned the ropes but found the payoff too slow for his liking. Eventually, he landed a finance job at EasyAuto123, where he quickly climbed the ranks. However, the itch to go solo was too strong, and he decided to venture out on his own.

The initial phase of taking The Leap for his business was tough. Adrian faced countless rejections while door knocking and cold calling, often running on empty both literally and figuratively. But he persevered, driven by the belief that every “no” brought him closer to a “yes.” He didn’t have a fancy education or a safety net; just sheer determination and a willingness to hustle. He emphasized that sales are the lifeblood of any business, and he quickly learned that success in his field required not just knowledge but also the ability to connect with clients and understand their needs.

As we chatted, Adrian shared some practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. He highlighted the importance of knowing your financial limits and preparing for the worst-case scenario. By cutting his expenses and relying on his partner’s income, he created a safety net that allowed him to focus on building his business without the constant pressure of financial strain. His initial success came from leveraging his network and reaching out to everyone he knew, reminding us that sometimes, it’s about who you know just as much as what you know.

Adrian’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the entrepreneurial spirit. He may not have had all the answers at the start, but his willingness to learn, adapt, and push through the challenges set him on a path to success. If you’re thinking about starting your own business, take a page from Adrian’s book: embrace the grind, leverage your connections, and don’t be afraid to take that leap.