David Meltzer

1 week ago | selfemployed.com | David Meltzer

Growing up in a cramped two-bedroom apartment with five siblings and watching my mother work two jobs just to keep us afloat shaped my entire worldview. I can still vividly recall my mom crying when our car broke down—another financial burden she couldn’t bear. Those moments hardened something inside me. I made a promise to myself: I would never experience that kind of financial struggle again. This childhood trauma became my fuel.

1 week ago | selfemployed.com | David Meltzer

Twenty-five years ago, if Jeff Bezos had told me he would become the richest man on Earth while selling books from his garage, I would have laughed in disbelief. Yet here we are—his seemingly outlandish vision transformed into reality, with Amazon becoming a trillion-dollar company. What separates visionaries like Bezos from the rest of us isn’t luck or resources—it’s their ability to see probability where others see impossibility.

1 week ago | selfemployed.com | David Meltzer

When entrepreneurs talk about success, they often focus on gross revenue. “We’re a seven-figure business!” or “We hit $10 million this year!” These statements sound impressive, but they can be dangerously misleading. I’ve learned this lesson the hard way, and it’s transformed how I approach business growth.Throughout my career, from building the Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment agency to my current ventures, I’ve seen countless entrepreneurs fall into the same trap.

1 week ago | selfemployed.com | David Meltzer

Making money doesn’t have to be complicated. In my years of experience, I’ve discovered that wealth creation often boils down to a remarkably simple formula: go where the money is, offer value, and connect people with what they want. When I started out, I didn’t have complex business plans or venture capital. What I had was a willingness to put myself in front of wealthy individuals and ask a simple question: “How can I be of service to you?”My approach was straightforward.

1 week ago | selfemployed.com | David Meltzer

Throughout my career, I’ve experienced countless meaningful interactions, but there’s something truly special about those moments when someone approaches me and says, “I don’t know why, but I’m here.” These unexpected connections often become the most profound. One particular encounter at the University of Michigan stands out in my memory. As my event was wrapping up, the very last student approached me with tears streaming down his face.