Troy Caruso

I value relationships. By building relationships with each individual client, we can become more attuned to their needs. We can ultimately ensure the success of our own company this way too.

 

Troy Caruso began his professional life in the construction industry, but his passion for business and finance ultimately led him to venture in a different direction. His path eventually brought him to be CEO of Radium2 Capital. Radium2 Capital is an alternative lender specializing in Merchant Cash Advances (MCAs) of up to $1,000,000 to help startups get off of the ground. It’s currently headquartered in Bay Shore, New York.

Caruso enjoys volunteering in his community in his spare time, and encourages the entire Radium2 Capital team to do the same. He was named the Cooley’s Anemia Foundation 2017 Man Of The Year, an honor that he ultimately used to raise over $500,000 for charity. We recently sat down with Caruso to discuss his views on entrepreneurship.

Where did the idea for Radium2 Capital come from?

I’ve always been interested in finance, and I know that entrepreneurs often struggle to access the capital they need to transform their lives. Radium2 Capital was born from the marriage of these two things.

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

I’m a big believer in leading by example, so I try to do promote a strong work ethic within my team. I think of ways that we can push boundaries and create really great results. That could mean devising a creative way to help a specific client.

Or I’m simply ensuring that my entire team is motivated to help our clients everyday. I don’t like to stay idle, so I’m always looking at what’s next for our organization to have my team follow suit.

How do you bring ideas to life?

Unlike others in the finance industry, I have pragmatic experience as the proverbial “boots on the ground” at construction sites. I try to leverage that whenever I can to turn visions into reality.

What’s one trend that excites you?

The younger generation is eager to start their own business. It’s a trend that proves the American Dream is alive and well. I couldn’t ask for anything more!

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

I value relationships. By building relationships with each individual client, we can become more attuned to their needs. We can ultimately ensure the success of our own company this way too.

So I take it upon myself to always deliver more than what a client expects to build a solid foundation. That way, they can really put their trust in me and I can in turn provide the best help they can get.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Just keep doing what you’re doing. Even my mistakes have proven essential to getting where I am today, so I wouldn’t want to change anything.

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

In the business world, your team and execution are far more important than your ideas. A lot of entrepreneurs don’t seem to understand that when they’re starting out.

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

It is important to both give and seek out advice. We provide guidance to every client we work with based on our business experience, but I wouldn’t be where I am today without my team’s help.

There are a lot of factors that can keep entrepreneurs from achieving their goals. But sometimes it helps to know some of the first steps to take to start and grow your business.

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

Honestly, we have benefited immensely from word of mouth. If one client has a tremendously positive experience, they are bound to share it with others who could benefit from our services.

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

I can think of a few times where I put an idea together, but really didn’t ask for enough help to bring the idea to life. And it didn’t turn out the way I planned.

But I kept telling myself to take a moment and rely on the amazing team around me. They are a great source to pull from when I need it.

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

Cryptocurrency is an exciting space! Any company that manages to successfully integrate it into a business plan with superb execution is bound to succeed.

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

We recently funded a really interesting startup. It was a lot more than $100, but a $100 chunk of it is definitely the best answer I can think of!

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

Our hassle-free application process is the backbone Radium2 Capital is built on. It lets us get to know every prospective client’s individual needs, giving us a leg up on other lenders in meeting and exceeding them.

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

“The Men, The Mission, And Me” by Pete Blaber. It’s a military book, but its advice on leadership is universal.

What is your favorite quote?

“Always listen to the person on the ground.” It’s actually from Blaber’s book, and it means that the soldier (or entrepreneur) in the thick of it knows more about any given situation than the commanders (or financial advisers) who are further removed.

Key Learnings:

• Entrepreneurs often need help to launch their companies, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
• Your team and execution are much more important than your underlying idea for the success of your company.
• The people on the ground know what’s working and what needs tweaking, so listen to them wherever possible.