Today we’d like to introduce you to Codie Sanchez
Hi Codie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I wasn’t born into wealth, nor did I start out with a knack for finance. Growing up in Arizona, I learned practical skills like tracking deer before I ever grasped how money worked. My parents were both hardworking individuals—a marble company owner and a special needs teacher. They instilled in me the value of grit and perseverance.
Before I became a business owner, I worked as a journalist in Juárez, Mexico, reporting on human trafficking. That experience taught me a critical lesson: money is power. That’s the realization that lead me into the world of finance, working at firms like Vanguard, State Street, and Goldman Sachs. My goal was to learn the real playbook for wealth-building, then share it with everyone.
My big break came when I decided to invest in a small cash-flowing business. That first laundromat didn’t make me rich overnight ($67K income in the first year), but it sparked hope and laid the groundwork for my current portfolio of over 24 Main Street businesses, generating millions in revenue. Along the way, I also launched a financial media company called Contrarian Thinking, which now reaches over six million followers and thousands of students.
Today, I’m dedicated to helping everyday people achieve financial freedom by investing in small but profitable businesses. My mission is to guide others to ownership and save America’s Main Street businesses from fading away.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey was anything but smooth, filled with challenges and obstacles. I faced constant doubts from former finance colleagues who underestimated my business buying approach; learned hard lessons from managing laundromats, like dealing with the unglamorous reality of maintenance and operations; encountered major setbacks like being sued, lied to, having money stolen, and even dealing with an employee situation that felt threatening. I’ve experienced intense self-doubt, especially in the early days, questioning if the risk of investing in small businesses was worth it, and managed the stress of running businesses, handling suppliers, and marketing while dealing with slander and opposition. I’ve realized that the dream of passive income was far from reality, and owning businesses requires active, ongoing management.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Contrarian Thinking?
At Contrarian Thinking, our mission is to empower 1 million people to achieve financial and philosophical freedom through business ownership and financial education.We specialize in teaching individuals how to buy and profit from “boring businesses” like laundromats and lawn care services. Our resources include courses, newsletters, and a premier community. We take a unique approach, flipping conventional financial wisdom on its head by focusing on Main Street businesses rather than traditional Wall Street investments. Our contrarian strategies set us apart. Our Contrarian Community is a community– an exclusive network of business buyers, offering mentorship, deal analysis, and real-time expert guidance. Members gain lifelong connections and support. I’m most proud of building a movement that has helped thousands of people take control of their financial futures, supported by success stories from our members who have closed significant business deals.
We believe wealth isn’t just for the elite. Our platform is dedicated to creating free thinkers and owners who can reshape their lives and communities through financial literacy and strategic investments.
The best part about all of this, is that so much of the valuable insights I’ve learned over the years from Wall Street to advocating for small businesses is now available to everyone in book form– Main Street Millionaire: How to Make Extraordinary Wealth Buying Ordinary Businesses, is a great first step to understanding how this process works. I hope you’ll pick a copy!
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
– Be Intentional: When seeking mentors, don’t just look for people who are successful; find those who have achieved what you specifically aspire to. A mentor who’s lived through your challenges can offer actionable guidance rather than generic advice.
– Offer Value First: Approach potential mentors with a clear idea of how you can help them. It could be through sharing your skills, offering connections, or even just bringing a fresh perspective. People are more willing to invest in you if they see you as a valuable contributor.
– Engage in Communities: Join niche networks where entrepreneurs gather (like our Contrarian Community(. Immersing yourself in environments with ambitious dealmakers and owners accelerates your learning and offers exposure to potential mentors.
– Leverage Events and Meetups: Attending in-person gatherings like workshops, conferences, and local meetups can be game-changers. Engaging face-to-face helps build authentic connections, making it easier to find those who resonate with your goals.
– Consistency is Key: Networking is a long game. Follow up with people you meet, stay engaged in communities, and keep nurturing your connections. Building a strong network isn’t about a one-time effort; it’s about consistent and meaningful engagement.
Pricing:
- Main Street Accelerator Course ($2,000)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://codiesanchez.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codiesanchez/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/codiesanchezbiz/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Codie_Sanchez
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5fI3kxC-ewZ6ZXEYgznM7g
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@realcodiesanchez
