HI! I’M ANNE Mcginty,
host of how i built my small business.
I’m passionate about helping people design meaningful lives through entrepreneurship, personal finance clarity, and honest storytelling. If you’re building a business, exploring an idea, or just trying to make sense of how people actually do this… you're in the right place.
After years of founding and growing small businesses myself, I created this podcast to share the kind of real-world insight I wish I had along the way. Not just the shiny headlines, but the honest, behind-the-scenes moments… the wins, the mistakes, and most importantly, the life wisdom.
I think about my episodes like a curated photography portfolio. Each one holds its own story, perspective, and value. But together, they form a bigger narrative about building a meaningful life through the lens of small business founders.
I believe that knowledge is meant to be shared. That real stories can spark real growth. And that a thoughtful conversation can change the trajectory of someone’s path.
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, an established founder, or just someone curious about how people bring their ideas to life, I hope you find something here that helps, inspires, or stays with you.
No ego. Just insight. And a deep love for learning and sharing.
Learn more and listen on your favorite streaming platform.
"TEN YEARS FROM NOW, MAKE SURE YOU CAN SAY THAT
YOU CHOSE YOUR LIFE, YOU DIDN'T SETTLE FOR IT." -UNKNOWN
While many business podcasts focus on billion-dollar exits or celebrity CEOs, How I Built My Small Business highlights a different kind of success… one that’s often more relatable and just as inspiring.
Here, you’ll hear from people who:
Built $10M family-owned companies with healthy margins and strong values
Created seasonal or low-overhead businesses that offer both freedom and profit
Turned self-taught skills into multi-million-dollar ventures
Designed lifestyle-centric businesses that support their version of enough
These founders may not be unicorns, but their wisdom runs deep.
And while the show centers on business stories, it’s not just for entrepreneurs. Whether you're a founder, small business owner, side hustler, or simply business-minded at heart, this show speaks your language. Listeners often tell me they tune in for the life lessons, financial clarity, and personal growth… even if they never plan to start a business.
Every guest brings expertise in a specific area… money, marketing, mindset, wellness, or something uniquely their own. And every conversation is designed to spark your thinking, expand your perspective, or inspire your next step.
If you're curious about how people create freedom, fulfillment, and meaning on their own terms… this podcast was made for you.
“Why focus on what you can’t do? Rather, be grateful for what you can.”- My Dad
who is anne mcginty?
HI, I’M ANNE, AND I’M SO GLAD YOU’RE HERE.
Some friends call me “Annie,” and if we ever get to talk in person, feel free to do the same. I believe in cheering people on, learning through stories, and building a life that reflects what matters most. If you’re someone who values purpose, progress, and positivity, you’ll feel right at home here.
I’m a first-generation Filipina-American, and by the age of 39, I reached a turning point: my passive income exceeded my family’s expenses. That milestone came from two life-changing forces: entrepreneurship and investing. Now, I’m passionate about helping others explore those same paths in a way that feels sustainable and aligned.
I learned about smart investing from my parents, who immigrated to the U.S. in the early ’70s with $200 each. They built a portfolio of properties, sent four kids to college, and created a life of generosity and adventure… all without outside help. Their journey shaped how I see money, freedom, and opportunity.
My own path was far from linear. After college, I backpacked for a year, sold toothpaste, lived paycheck to paycheck, and wrestled with the same questions many of us face:
What am I doing? Can I make this work? Will this ever get easier?
In my twenties, I started a handful of small businesses… some successful, some chaotic, some wildly memorable. A greeting card brand, a failed importing venture, artisan ice pops that stuck to tongues, and a holiday lighting company I scaled with zero experience. Two of those businesses led to successful exits and national press features.
That journey taught me so much… not just about business, but about resilience, ambition, what I did right, what I could have done better, and how to build something that feels right.
AND WHY THIS PODCAST?
To share the kind of real-world knowledge I wish I had access to earlier.
To highlight voices that aren’t always on the big stages.
And to help others build meaningful lives through curiosity, learning and storytelling.
Whether you're here for business lessons, life perspective, or a mix of both, I hope you find something in these episodes that lights a spark in you.
And if you ever want to reach out, share an idea, or just say hi, I’d love to hear from you. 📩 Message me anytime.
as featured in:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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I am approaching the show the same way I would if I were creating a body of work for a photography exhibition, and am focusing on the creative process. My goal is to create a line-up that is diverse in niche, experience and perspective and with guests who can be vulnerable and authentic while offering invaluable insight to listeners. In most circumstances, I am choosing who I would love to have a conversation with and am reaching out to them directly.
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No. It would take a lot of getting to know you and the specifics of your life, expenses, spending habits, and goals for me to give specific advice. Additionally, in the USA, giving financial advice requires proper licensing, which I don’t have.
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Most likely yes! Thank you for asking. Please contact me with details :)
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Yes! In a limited capacity. I offer interviewing services for students to help them uncover their stories, and their confidence, for college essays and personal statements. Navigate to Find Your Story for more information.
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