Richard Maize

Richard Maize, a well-respected business and real estate expert with nearly thirty years of experience in the industry, has carved out a reputation for being a foremost resource for the finance, mortgage and real estate business. Before founding one of the largest and reputable mortgage banking companies in the United States, Richard had already made a name for himself when at 28, he amassed almost 1000 apartment units. After selling his mortgage firm, Maize went about investing in numerous other business ventures due to his constant fascination with the intricacies of business methodologies and tactics.

As the current partner of an online PR firm, a distressed assets company and an investor to a food truck, Richard balances work, homelife and community outreach through his philanthropic foundation, the Rochelle & Richard Maize Foundation. Through the foundation, Richard raises funds and donates to causes including youth advancement and environmental as well as health initiatives.

Richard Maize currently resides in Beverly Hills with his two daughters and wife Rochelle, with whom he runs the philanthropic foundation.

Where did the idea for WebPR come from?

WebPR was designated for the ISO (credit card clearing company) and funding institution to give an early warning to the ISO in case a merchant has a variety of complaints especially for the high risk merchants. Richeeze Melts was more of a passion project that was a play on my first name and my love of cheese! Our slogan is “Smile and Say Richeeze”

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

I think it can be easy to get into a lackadaisical routine or become distracted, especially during this elongated period of being at home due to the Covid-19 pandemic. So for me, I say let’s get this day started. I am up at 5 or 5:30 am. I start by having breakfast with my wife, then check my emails and write down my schedule for the day. I have to write things down so nothing gets missed. After my schedule is mapped out, I like to get in my morning exercise by either going to the gym or doing a workout at home. After that I get back to work until 1 PM, followed by a social hour at lunch every day going out with different people every day. I find it helpful to talk business in a relaxed environment. Then it’s back to work to finish the goals that I set for myself that morning.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I am an idea guy, it’s one of my biggest strengths. I’m also the ultimate optimist, so there’s never an idea that I think is “too big” to accomplish. I love to accomplish things people didn’t think were possible. You have to believe in yourself.

What’s one trend that excites you?

I really like the current trend in the finance and real estate industries of making banking, building credit, investing, and/or obtaining a mortgage or a loan clear, concise, and more accessible to everyone. For example all of the free credit tracking apps that give advice for keeping track of your score in real time.

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

Writing down goals both daily, weekly and long term. With long term goals, I write first where I want to be, then fill in the gap as to how to get there.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Don’t react emotionally in business.

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

Food trucks are actually a great investment. Especially in a post Covid-19 world.

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

Going to go back to writing down and physically crossing off lists as you go. A day planner is essential for me and I find it way more effective than the calendar in my phone. Sometimes the old ways work better.

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

Hiring a great team! It’s great to have ideas and well laid plans, but you need a great team in order to execute. And if you don’t know exactly how to create the right team or find the right people, consider hiring a recruiter.

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

I’ve had to overcome a myriad of challenges and failures during my 40 years as an entrepreneur, but a recent one that sticks out was with WebPR. In the early stages of the business we thought our focus would be more in digital marketing, but quickly realized we needed to pivot. True entrepreneurs know how to turn problems into opportunities.

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

I’d love to see someone create an app that could integrate all of someone’s financial accounts into one place.

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

Taking my wife to dinner! Taking the time for my spouse and daughters is the most important thing to me.

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

I love Square! It’s a great platform for billing and invoicing.

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

Ask Your Developer by Jeff Lawson – because it provides great insight on how to compete in business in an oversaturated digital landscape.

What is your favorite quote?

“The best deal you will make is the one you walk away from”

Key Learnings:

• Write your schedule down in a planner or at least in a notebook. Nothing feels better than crossing off a task or a goal with an actual pen.
• Always make time for family!
• Make sure you’re hiring the right people for your company culture.