What do a wholesale floral empire, the Bluetooth symbol, and 14 million monthly readers have in common? Michael Politz.

In this episode, Bart sits down with the endlessly curious and wildly creative founder of Food & Beverage Magazine. Michael shares his unbelievable path—from crafting the now-iconic Bluetooth logo to being mentored by Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous legend Robin Leach, to growing one of the most influential publications in hospitality and F&B.

But the real magic? It started long before the media empire—when Michael, as a young man, sat at a local deli with wise, self-made grandfathers. He listened. He asked questions. And what they shared about work ethic, humility, and legacy would quietly shape every bold move he made after that.

This episode is a masterclass in curiosity, legacy, listening, and why most people don’t take the first step—but Michael always does.

Major Takeaways / Learnings

• Ask more. Listen deeply. Michael sat for years with local business legends—not to pitch, but to learn. That habit of asking and listening became his entrepreneurial foundation.
• Start before you're ready. He didn’t wait for credentials—he built a floral empire in college, helped brand Bluetooth, and launched a magazine from scratch.
• Mentorship multiplies momentum. Robin Leach didn’t just give access—he gave Michael the tools to build credibility and tell stories that mattered.
• Legacy isn’t inherited. It’s earned. Watching values decline across generations, Michael committed to building with gratitude and grit.
• Always stay curious. From red carpets to AI tools, Michael embraces learning and reinvention as non-negotiables.

Memorable Quotes

• “Most people walk into a room and wonder, ‘Who’s going to like me?’ I walk in and think, ‘Who am I going to like?’”
• “Those grandfathers at the deli didn’t sugarcoat it—they taught me what hard work looked like. And I listened.”

• “I didn’t wait for someone to show me how—I just figured out what needed to be done and did it.”

• “Robin Leach mentored me for 15 years. He taught me how to make stories sensational, and how to make people feel seen.”

• “Most people don’t take the first step.”

Why It Matters / How to Use It

This episode is a reminder that success starts with curiosity—and grows through listening, learning, and lifting others. Michael’s journey is proof that bold ideas are only half the battle. The other half? Paying attention to the wisdom around you.

Take action by:

• Asking better questions

• Listening like it matters (because it does)

• Capturing the wisdom of mentors

• Acting on what you hear

Michael did. And he built an empire because of it.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpolitz/

Food and Beverage Magazine - https://www.fb101.com/

Bart Berkey: MostPeopleDont.com | LinkedIn

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