We recently connected with Mark Maldonado and have shared our conversation below.

Mark, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I’ve always believed that growth doesn’t come without risk, and many of the decisions I’ve made have reflected that philosophy. One of the most significant risks I took was in 2016 when I invested 90% of my income into Bitcoin. At the time, cryptocurrency was still a relatively unknown frontier, and while many were skeptical, I saw potential. It was a calculated leap into the unknown, but it paid off in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

Real estate was another domain where I embraced risk, purchasing properties for over $30,000 above asking price just to lock in a 3% interest rate. This was a huge step outside of my comfort zone, especially given my lack of experience in real estate. From buying land to investing in new construction, each decision came with its own challenges. Yet, I pushed forward, learning the ropes as I went and immersing myself in finance so I could not only understand it but help others navigate its complexities.

Perhaps the most personal risk I’ve taken has been starting my own mobile bar business, Mixhaulogy. Launching a small business while working 50-60 hours a week, being a father, and staying committed as a partner to my amazing partner has been a balancing act. But the reward of watching my vision grow and thrive has made every risk worthwhile.

Since becoming a father, my decisions have become more calculated, but I haven’t shied away from risk. Instead, I’ve learned to assess opportunities more thoughtfully, always weighing the potential for growth. Each time, I’ve emerged stronger, more knowledgeable, and more successful. For me, it’s not just about achieving the end goal—it’s about embracing the journey and the lessons along the way.

Mark, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’ve always had a deep connection to sales, with 10 years in the field and 6 years in leadership roles. However, my journey truly began at 22 when I discovered the power of investing. It started with cryptocurrency—watching my money grow overnight completely shifted my perspective on wealth. This sparked a relentless curiosity about finance, and I dedicated myself to learning how the wealthy built and maintained their wealth.

This journey led me into real estate, where I saw properties as a hedge against inflation. After owning multi-family properties for two years, I knew there was more to explore, which opened the door to understanding investments, taxes, life insurance, and most importantly, how I could use this knowledge to uplift others. I became passionate about helping black and brown communities, where financial literacy is often lacking, realize that financial independence is achievable with discipline and consistency.

The birth of my daughter shifted my priorities even further—I knew I wanted to work for myself. I had proven time and again that I could create success, so I decided to bet on myself and launched Mixhaulogy, my own mobile bar business. With Mixhaulogy, we bring the bar experience directly to our clients’ backyards or events, offering a personalized, elevated service that creates unforgettable moments.

What sets me apart is my relentless drive to always improve and push boundaries. I’ve overcome a challenging upbringing—being kicked out of four high schools, experiencing homelessness, and dropping out of school. Despite that, I’ve transformed into a proud father and business owner, earning a six-figure income while working 50-60 hours a week. My story is one of resilience, and I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve taken every hardship as an opportunity to grow, learn, and succeed.

For anyone considering working with Mixhaulogy, know that my commitment goes beyond just providing a service. I’m dedicated to delivering an exceptional experience, and I bring the same passion and perseverance that has driven every step of my journey.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the art of detachment. Growing up without a strong support system, I developed a mindset that I didn’t need anyone and that I could handle everything on my own. In fact, I used my circumstances as a reason to distance myself from friends and family. This created a shield of stubborn resilience, where I believed that independence meant isolating myself and not accepting help from anyone.

As I matured, especially after becoming a father, I realized that this mindset was not only unhealthy but also limiting. I came to understand that everyone needs help, and there’s no shame in accepting it. Letting go of ego and pride allowed me to embrace humility, and I’ve learned that true strength comes from recognizing when you need support.

Networking, in particular, has become a cornerstone of my life. It’s not just about business opportunities—although those are important—but about building relationships that can positively impact your mental health, friendships, and growth. Talking to the right person at the right time can open doors you never even knew existed. Now, I always encourage others to understand that seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of wisdom. We’re all stronger when we’re connected.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

’m often asked by other small business owners how I built my audience on social media, and the answer is surprisingly simple: be yourself. Authenticity is the key to attracting the right audience. Not every potential client is going to be the right fit for your service, and that’s okay. By staying true to who you are, your unique personality will naturally attract the clients who resonate with you and what you offer.

For me, consistency was crucial. I focused on consistently showcasing not just my business, but who I am as a person and entrepreneur. Over time, this helped me build an audience that truly connects with my values and the way I approach business. This consistency and authenticity laid the foundation for a loyal clientele and a brand image that feels genuine, not forced.

For anyone starting to build their social media presence, my advice is simple: don’t try to cater to everyone. Instead, focus on being consistent, engaging with your audience, and letting your personality shine through. When you build relationships with your followers based on who you truly are, you create trust, and that’s what leads to long-term success. It takes time, but by being authentic and staying the course, you’ll cultivate an audience that believes in you and your brand.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Mixhaulogy.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/mixhaulogy
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/mixhaulogy
• Other: [email protected] to learn about real estate, life insurance, investments