From Far Rockaway to Sales Stardom: Mike Roth's Journey of Resilience and Improv

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They say the best tales come from the heart, and mine is no exception. Settle in as I, Mike Roth, trade the interviewer's mic for the hot seat, with Wayne Richard leading the charge. From my humble beginnings in Far Rockaway to the vibrant pulse of Miami, I unravel the threads of my family tapestry, complete with the legacy of my father's leather business. Memories of high school band days and backstage drama antics stitch together the rich fabric that formed the backdrop to my career pivot, from engineering to the dynamic dance of sales.

Strap in for a thrill ride through the highs and lows of my sales saga at Telex. It's a chapter rife with legal battles, vast territories, and the glitzy grind of client schmoozing—a nod to a relative's tenure at the helm of Hewlett Packard. You'll discover how a twist of fate with a Wats box at NYU not only saved our payroll but also served up a masterclass in resilience. Navigating through the early days of my engineering aspirations to the cutthroat sales floor, I share the valuable detours that rerouted my professional destiny.

When the curtain rises on The Villages chapter, laughter and loss dance a delicate duet. Acting and improv taught me life's script is often improvised, a lesson I carry into the sales strategies that once seemed as improbable as a multiplying machine gone rogue. Meanwhile, my podcasting odyssey in Cincinnati spotlights the unscripted symphony of local business leaders' stories, continuing to echo success. So, join me for an episode that harmonizes the unexpected melodies of life, where every note promises to entertain, enlighten, and inspire.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to the Open Forum Podcast

00:57 Support the Podcast: How You Can Help

02:38 Meet Wayne Richard: A Backwards Interview

03:05 Mike Roth's Early Life and Family

04:39 Educational Journey and Early Career

07:24 Transition to Business and Sales

12:04 Life at Telex and Beyond

15:08 Reflections on Career Choices

17:42 Arrival at The Villages

17:55 Discovering The Villages

18:29 Magic Tricks and Sales Training

19:50 Journey to The Villages

21:49 Improv and Acting Courses

25:14 The Business of Improv

29:20 AI in Improv

33:10 Podcasting and Reflections

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Open Forum in The Villages, Florida is Produced & Directed by Mike Roth
A new episode will be released most Fridays at 9 AM
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