If you think kids these days just sit around scrolling their phones… let us introduce you to Eli Pasquale. A senior at Mount Markham and living proof that hustle isn’t dead, Eli is a class president, three-sport athlete, junk removal business owner, sneaker reseller, and full-time go-getter. From flipping candy bars in middle school to running Quicks Junk Removal as a solo operation, Eli is stacking wins before he even gets his diploma.
In this episode, we talk about how a sixth-grade side hustle turned into real entrepreneurship, how he handles self-doubt, and why he thinks waiting for the “perfect time” is just an excuse. He shares how being the oldest of three brothers shaped his drive, what he's learned about discipline from sports, and how he's already thinking big-picture — from electrician work to AI-proof career paths.
In this episode:
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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Meet Eli Pasquale – Mount Markham Senior
(0:45) - The Candy Bar Empire That Started It All
(3:30) - Building Kicks with Karl
(5:30) - Early Lessons Learned & Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone
(7:00) - How Business Gave Him Confidence Beyond the Classroom
(8:00) - Role of Parents in Early Businesses
(9:15) - Quick’s Junk Removal
(11:30) - "Kids Don't Work the Way We Did"
(12:25) - School & Future
(13:30) - Playing Quarterback & Discovering Golf
(15:30) - Figuring Out What's Next & Not Boxing Yourself In
(16:30) - Being the Oldest Brother & Responsibility
(18:50) - What Keeps Eli Motivated?
(19:25) - AI Wave & Hands On Jobs
(22:05) - Why You Shouldn’t Wait for the “Perfect Time”
(23:20) - Being Different & Embracing the Grind
(24:30) - Access to Information & Continuous Learning
(26:00) - Staying in CNY vs. Moving Away
(28:20) - Rapid Fire Questions
