Frank Caputo

If you’re going to do something, do something you’re passionate about.

 

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Frank Caputo has always had an interest in finance, economics, and investments. Caputo went to Hofstra University in New York where he received his BA in business management. Afterwards, Frank went to work for Salomon Brothers in Manhattan as a junior partner in investment banking for roughly ten years before kick starting his own business, GuaranteedCreditGroup.

Aside from being a businessman, Caputo is an avid enthusiast of music. In particular, Caputo has played the piano since he was 11 and is self-taught. He’s played in several bands over the years performing at weddings and clubs. He also plays billiards and participates in tournaments around the country.

Frank Caputo is currently the CEO of his business, GuaranteedCreditGroup. At GuaranteedCreditGroup, typical approvals are anywhere between $3,000 and $15,000 but higher amounts can also be considered for approval. Whether you are looking for a personal unsecured loan, a line of credit, a credit card, or any other type of loan, GuaranteedCreditGroup can help you regardless of your financial and credit situation.

Where did the idea for GuaranteedCreditGroup come from?

I was always interested in finance and loans. I knew that there were people that had credit problems and needed help. I knew that some people have trouble finding places to go, so we decided to set up a platform where customers can come to us, and we can direct them down the right path.

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

A typical day for me is sitting in front of my computer for eight to twelve hours a day. I answer emails and take care of customer service-related work. I seek out more sources to refer our customers to. There are several things that constantly need to be taken care of regularly and a lot of paperwork done in the background.

How do you bring ideas to life?

When I come up with an idea, I look at both the positive and negative benefits. Then we test it out for a trial period and see if it is beneficial to the company and the customers.

What’s one trend that excites you?

Ever since the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act was passed, it has made it more difficult for lenders to approve people for multiple types of funding. This has benefited us because more customers are now looking for alternative sources.

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

I constantly have business on my mind. The productivity of the company, the benefits and drawbacks. I’m always looking to improve something for the customers or the company in general.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would say to a younger Frank Caputo to have a positive attitude about things. I would tell him not to worry too much when things don’t go the way he’s expecting it. I would tell him to be grateful when things are going well in your life and to stay positive. Keep a positive outlook on the future and that no matter what happens, you keep persevering.

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

Salt is very healthy for you. I know you can overdo it. However, I believe that all of the blame that salt gets for things like high blood pressure is a bunch of baloney because you do need a daily intake of salt. Of course, a lot of foods do have added salt. That’s true. But to say that salt is directly related to high blood pressure? I believe it’s a myth because there are no studies. There’s only one study that they did a long time ago, and it was a flawed study, and the blood pressure when up just a slight bit, so now they blame all high blood pressure on salt intake

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

I recommend that everybody be grateful for every single day. I am. Be grateful for the things that you have, the things that are going your way, and the things you are blessed with. Even if there are things that you desire to be different, that’s okay. Just don’t dwell on what you don’t have. Focus more on what you do have and have a positive outlook toward the future.

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

Put the customer first. Don’t look at an individual aspect of your business as far as profit and loss are concerned. Don’t look at an individual aspect and decide whether it should stay or go. Instead, look at the business as a whole. And if it’s profitable stick with it. Always look to improve, but at the same time, you have to be careful because every time you make a little change to your business, it can affect the outcome greatly. ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’

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

What I used to do, and what I think most people tend to do is come up with a master plan in their head before they get started. They spend a lot of time trying to make everything work in their head or on paper before even getting started. It’s a recipe for failure because most often than not, things do not work according to plan. There’s always something you didn’t think about that will happen. The best thing I ever did was not getting everything worked out ahead of time before I got started. I just got started and then dealt with things as they came along.

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

I would say credit repair performed for customers, but most credit repair companies charge a lot of money either upfront or on a monthly basis. If you are able to only charge the customers based on results or by each individual item of work that is performed and keep it at an affordable level for most people, I think the business would skyrocket, assuming of course that you get results. Who knows? Maybe we will do it someday.

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

Buying food and groceries for my mother. I love to give, and I love to do things for other people. I’m willing to do just about anything for my mother.

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

Microsoft Outlook. It’s very convenient. I can have multiple email addresses available right in front of me. It works pretty fast, and it’s very easy to find specific emails using the search options.

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

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. It was very eye-opening for me.
I started to realize that people are focused on themselves and like to talk about themselves. They like it when other people are interested in them and listen to them and show they care. Using that information was a big step towards winning friends and influencing people.

What is your favorite quote?

“Those that trust in the Lord shall not be disappointed.”

Key Learnings:

● Always put the customer first.
● Be grateful for every day.
● If you’re going to do something, do something you’re passionate about.