From Barista to Managing Director: J. Michael Fischer Jr. Shares the Rules of the Game (S2:E10) Artwork

Business Unchained

Calling all small business warriors who feel chained to their business! Do you run your business or does your business run you? You've poured your blood, sweat and tears into it and it is time to set yourself free. I'm Bobby Mascia – owner of a wealth management firm, family office, manufacturing business, 18 store Dunkin Franchise, and de facto business coach. My goal? To liberate your business— whether it be operationally, prep for a sale, a legacy handover, or self-management. The roadmap to this freedom is something we will uncover together in Business Unchained." Join me as I learn about fellow entrepreneurs, dissecting their past, present, and future.

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Business Unchained

From Barista to Managing Director: J. Michael Fischer Jr. Shares the Rules of the Game (S2:E10)

February 27, 2025 • Bobby Mascia • Season 2 • Episode 10

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About Michael Fischer

J. Michael Fischer Jr. is a financial strategist and investment banker with a passion for helping business owners navigate growth, acquisition, and exit strategies. His journey is anything but traditional—starting as a college dropout pursuing a rock-and-roll dream, he worked as a janitor, a plumber, and a bank teller before climbing his way up to leadership roles in finance. Through personal challenges, career pivots, and a transformative approach to self-improvement, Fischer has developed a methodology that integrates mindset, physical fitness, and financial acumen.

Outside of work, Michael is dedicated to personal development, fitness, and helping others reach their potential. His philosophy centers around resilience, discipline, and strategic decision-making to optimize both business and personal success.

Reference Links:

Mike Fischer Social Media

Episode Highlights:

Like it or not, having a meaningful life starts with discipline, self-awareness, and the courage to evolve. In this episode of Business Unchained, host Bobby Mascia sits down with J. Michael Fischer Jr. to discuss his remarkable path from playing in a rock band to becoming an investment banker.

Michael shares how his early career was shaped by trial and error, a willingness to work from the ground up, and a powerful mindset shift following the sudden loss of his father.

[06:34] "That Monday morning, my mom screamed for me at 5:00 in the morning. My dad was dying in his bed, and we tried to resuscitate him, but we lost him. It was the biggest mindset shift for me in my life." — J. Michael Fischer Jr.

Michael shares his transformative journey, focusing on health, mindset, and routines. He details his morning rituals, emphasizing gratitude inspired by "Conversations with God," and his commitment to continuous self-improvement. Mike discusses his structured health program, stressing personal responsibility and long-term lifestyle changes.

[24:47] "Teach me the rules of the game. Give me a few minutes to learn them, and I’ll win the game." — J. Michael Fischer Jr.

At its core, Michael’s story is about perseverance, adaptability, and the belief that success isn’t just about financial wealth—it’s about vitality, confidence, and leading a meaningful life.

Join us as we uncover the lessons from Michael’s journey and learn how to elevate every aspect of life, from career to health to mindset. Let’s dive in!

In this episode:

(00:43) Welcome to Business Unchained
(06:24) The turning point: loss of his father and growth
(07:52) Journey into banking
(14:42) Fitness and confidence transformation
(20:44) Daily routines and mindset
(28:01) Balancing work and personal life
(29:59) Investing in health and fitness
(35:52) Combining personal development with professional goals
(38:07) Advice for business owners and personal growth
(43:19) Crafting a meaningful life
(51:14) Final thoughts and encourag