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09 | Buddy Valastro | How to Build a Business That’s Both Famous and Grounded
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What if the defining moment of your life came at 17, and you had to grow up overnight?
In today’s episode of the Going Beyond the Deal podcast, J. Michael Fischer Jr. sits down with the one and only Buddy Valastro, a.k.a. the Cake Boss, for a deeply personal conversation about legacy, leadership, and the drive that turned a Hoboken bakery into a globally recognized brand.
From taking over Carlo’s Bakery as a teenager after the loss of his father, to navigating the early challenges of keeping a family business alive in the face of supermarket competition, Buddy shares how he transformed adversity into fuel. You’ll hear the story of how Cake Boss came to life—not through agents or auditions, but through grit, relationships, and relentless belief in the power of storytelling.
Buddy also opens up about staying grounded in the whirlwind of fame, leading with efficiency and integrity, and why, despite all his success, his proudest accomplishment is still his family. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a creator, or just someone who’s had to start from scratch, this episode offers rare insight into what it really takes to build something lasting.
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Enjoy!
In This Episode You'll Learn:
- How Buddy took over Carlo’s Bakery at age 17 and earned respect as a young leader
- The moment that sparked his shift from survival mode to visionary growth
- Why efficiency became the cornerstone of his leadership style
- How Cake Boss came to be, and why it almost wasn’t on TV
- What Buddy learned about sales, trust, and relationships from meeting thousands of brides
- The behind-the-scenes evolution of Cake Boss into a global franchise
- How Buddy balances being a CEO, husband, and father in the middle of a media empire
- And much more…
Guest Bio:
Buddy Valastro is a fourth-generation baker and the owner of Carlo’s Bakery, a business founded in 1910 and made world-famous through the hit TV show Cake Boss. After taking over the bakery at age 17 following the sudden death of his father, Buddy transformed a small Hoboken storefront into a billion-dollar global brand spanning television, restaurants, frozen foods, and consumer products. Known for his passion, work ethic, and efficiency-driven leadership, Buddy remains deeply committed to his roots—both in business and in family. He continues to run Carlo’s Bakery alongside his wife Lisa and their children, while innovating new ventures like scratch-made frozen pizza and national supermarket lines—all while staying grounded in the values that shaped his journey.
Resources:
Follow Carlo’s Bakery on Instagram
Follow Carlo’s Bakery on Facebook
Follow Carlo’s Bakery on TikTok
Connect with Michael on LinkedIn
Disclaimer:
The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Going Beyond the Deal podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their situation. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that any reliance on the content is at your own risk.
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