What It Takes to Build From Nothing | Emily Frisella on Business, Leadership & Family
What It Takes to Build From Nothing | Emily Frisella on Business, Leadership & Family  
Podcast: Common Denominator with Moshe Popack
Published On: Wed Sep 17 2025
Description: What does it really take to build a business from nothing and design a life you love?For Emily Frisella, founder of The Paper & Plan Co., it started on a farm. She bought her first house at 19, launched a brick-and-mortar business at 20, and turned early failure into fuel for long-term success. Today, she leads multiple brands with relentless execution, discipline, and heart.In this episode of Common Denominator, we unpack how resilience, reverse-engineered goals, and paper planning helped Emily go from a $42 bank balance to a thriving entrepreneurial life she loves.In this episode, you’ll learn:🌾 How growing up on a farm built discipline, resourcefulness, and work ethic📉 The cash flow crisis that nearly broke her, and the hustle that changed everything🧠 Why successful entrepreneurs still use pen and paper to set and stick to big goals📈 How to diversify your business without losing focus👩‍💼 Why women excel in executive roles that require detail and emotional intelligence🤝 How to build relationship capital that isn’t transactional🧒 The tools she’s created to help kids learn financial literacy, without screen timeLike this episode? Leave a review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/commondenominatorTimestamps:00:00 The Journey Begins: Early Lessons in Entrepreneurship02:57 Building a Business: The First Steps05:56 Facing Challenges: The Reality of Entrepreneurship08:55 The Importance of Adaptability and Resourcefulness11:56 Diversification: Balancing Multiple Ventures14:57 Scaling and Forecasting: Strategic Business Growth17:39 The Power of Goal Setting and Visualization20:42 Building Genuine Relationships in Business24:07 Empowering Women in Business26:51 Giving Back: The Importance of Community Engagement29:50 Reflections on Success and GratitudeGuest Links:Follow Emily: https://www.instagram.com/emilyfrisella/?hl=en🎙 Common Denominator PodcastWebsite: https://moshepopack.com/podcast/YouTube: @mpopackInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpopackFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoshePopackNewsletter: https://moshepopack.com/newsletter/