Business

Manuel Suarez, the marketing ninja who overcame life’s setbacks

Published

4 years ago

September 5, 2021

Manuel Suarez, founder of Attention Grabbing Media, was born to a working-class family in Puerto Rico and got his start in the public eye as a professional tennis player – a far cry, he says, from the life he leads now.

“I navigated poverty, drug addiction, and bankruptcy to get to where I am today,” he said. “It’s a crazy story when I look back, but it made me who I am today, and for that, I’m very grateful.”

Although he lacked any formal education, he still managed to turn his life around by founding and scaling AGM, which has grown by leaps and bounds during a moment in time when many businesses are struggling to survive.

“Often, we need only to look at ourselves for salvation,” he said. “From the moment I learned that waiting for something that won’t ever happen without effort on my part was an excuse to never be successful, I started doubling down on what I knew I was good at in order to create and scale a company that would enable me to do what I love.”

Suarez said his knack for understanding what people want and need has helped him bring in and serve top-tier AGM clients looking to amplify their voices and make a lasting difference. He also attributes his success to his willingness to listen and learn about what others are looking for while networking with successful entrepreneurs.

“When you come from a life of poverty, it’s easy to feel like you’re never going to make it,” he said. “But that wasn’t enough to stop me, and it still isn’t. I wanted more for myself and did everything in my power to get it.”

For those who want to find his same success, Suarez has one piece of advice: find your passion, and let that fuel you.

“You will find out just how far you can go when you refuse to let obstacles deter you from your goals,” he said. “Working hard pays off, and I’m living proof of that. It sounds cheesy, but there’s a reason why it’s said so often. By investing in yourself and ignoring the noise – including the voice in your own head – that says you can’t make it, you will be able to build the success you dream of.”

Business

Derik Fay: A Multifaceted Entrepreneur, Investor, and global business leader

Published

1 day ago

March 21, 2025

Matthew Wiles

Derik Fay is a renowned celebrity entrepreneur, investor, and business leader with a diverse portfolio of successful ventures and a deep-seated passion for empowering others. His journey from humble beginnings to his extraordinary achievements is a testament to his resilience, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the world.

Born on November 19, 1978 and raised in Westerly, Rhode Island, Fay’s entrepreneurial spirit emerged at a young age. He founded his first large company at 22 (Around the Clock Fitness) that quickly became Floridas largest, and most successful independently owned fitness chain in the state before selling it to the publicly traded company Towns Sports International in 2109.

Sine that time he has built and scaled over 30 highly successful companies, achieving remarkable exits in the 7-to 9-figure range. His expertise spans various industries, including health & fitness, real estate, financial services, hospitality, and technology to name just a few.

Fay is also the founder and CEO of his main holding company 3F Management, (founded 2094) a venture capital and operational management firm that provides operational infrastructure, financial support, strategic partnerships, and other value add services directionally focused towards scaling and exiting.

Under the umbrella of 3F Management, Fay currently owns, is a co-owner, or is a cap table advisory member of over 40 other successful and growing brands.

Tycoon Payments, Results Roofing, BKFC, ManCandy, Fort North Media, Spintel, SendBuzz, Ritas Italian ice, FayMS Films, Eratyc Entertainment, Tycoon Funded, Pure Peptide Solutions, and 3F Financial, are just a few of the rapidly growing companies and brands that fill Fay’s entrepreneurial days.

Beyond his business ventures, Fay is a dedicated philanthropist, actively supporting various charities and causes. He is passionate about empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and believes in the power of education and mentorship to create positive change.

Fay’s personal life is as fulfilling as his professional achievements. He is a devoted father to his two daughters, Sophia Fay (18) and Isabella Fay (16), and is engaged to his fiancée, Shandra Phillips (35) and is to be married in January 2026, in Naples Florida.

He enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and pursuing his life long passion of health and fitness thru weightlifting and bodybuilding.

Derik Fay’s multifaceted career and unwavering commitment to excellence has established him as a respected figure in the business world, and a has gained global notoriety as role model for aspiring entrepreneurs.

His story is such an inspiration to all who seek to overcome challenges, achieve their goals, and make a meaningful impact on the world that Netflix is in post production on the documentary style film about Fays life journey from poverty to global success.