Bobby Genovese

If you’re going to be successful in whatever path you decide to take, never take no for an answer.

 

Bobby Genovese (Robert Genovese) is a Candian-born self made businessman and serial entrepreneur who founded his first company at the age of 25.

With a skill for spotting innovative ideas and attracting talent across a spectrum of industries, Genovese expanded his company leadership experience further with the creation of BG Capital Group Limited and BG Capital Management Corporation.

Bobby Genovese currently resides in the Bahamas and enjoys working with non-profit organizations such as Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children and many other charities.

Where did the idea for your company come from?

From a young age, I quickly learned that you will never generate wealth by working for someone else. With that in mind, I learned the art of salesmanship, which helped me launch my first company, The Investor Relations Group. Through The Investor Relations Group, I was able to comprise a list of Canada’s wealthiest investors.

I then realized I had a knack for identifying lucrative opportunities which I was able to turn into a vast portfolio of businesses under the BG Capital Group umbrella.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

Life in the Bahamas has a different pace to it. I start each day by rising early, eating a healthy breakfast and working out. I try to get out for a ride on my horses whenever I have the chance. Throughout the day, I am constantly on the phone or checking emails. All of my companies are equally important to me. I nurture them and love them as if they were my children.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I think that part of what has made me successful, and why other businesses come to us for advice is, I tend to look at things differently. I’m a big picture kind of a guy. We focus on what we can do to grab as much market share or audience as we can. That philosophy has really been a game changer when doing business for us.

What’s one trend that excites you?

Ecotourism. Deciding to travel in a way that shows respect for nature and does not contribute to environmental degradation. To support ecotourism, I’ve partnered with the Department of Environmental Protection as well as the Florida State Parks with the mission to protect ecotourism land and waterscapes of several Florida state parks.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

Giving back. I believe that with privilege comes a responsibility to serve others. I became involved with Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children many years ago, helping them to raise money for pediatric cancer research, as well as many other charities I’m involved with.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Well considering I dropped out of school in the 9th grade, I can’t stress enough how important school is, and now that I’m a little older and a little wiser, what an opportunity I missed by not finishing college.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

People truly want to be led.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

When an entrepreneur comes to me for advice, I always tell them to find something they love to do because then it’s not work.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

I look for opportunities that I know will not only generate working capital, but will also fill a void in that particular market the company is based in.

In 2013, we launched BG Signature, exclusive luxury destinations and vacation experiences that include private estates and polo clubs in the United States, Canada, Bahamas, England and Argentina. We also instituted a private yacht and aircraft that can be chartered as part of the package.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

The above company has been a battle to make successful, but if you’re going to be successful in whatever path you decide to take, never take no for an answer.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

Concentrate on cash flow. With solid cash flow, you can survive the ups and downs of the economy.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

A new white dress shirt. You can never have too many.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

Most definitely my smart phone. I’d be lost if I couldn’t communicate through it.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

You’ve got to be a lover of horses but my favorite book is “The Man Who Listens to Horses” by Monty Roberts.

What is your favorite quote?

“People want to be heard and want to be loved. That attitude of acceptance and support inspires them to be the best they can be.”

Key Learnings:

• Find something you love to do because then it isn’t work.
• Always focus on the bigger picture.
• Successful people get involved with charity. Giving back is a great way to stay humble.

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