Founder2Founder with Aaron Spivak
Entrepreneurship isn’t just a career—it’s a relentless, all-consuming way of life.
Welcome to Founder2Founder a raw and unfiltered podcast where host Aaron Spivak pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build something from the ground up. No sugarcoating, no overnight success stories—just deep, honest conversations with some of the most driven, underrated, and game-changing founders of our time. From brutal setbacks to game-changing mindset shifts, Aaron goes beyond the polished success stories to uncover the unglamorous, deeply personal side of building a business.
As a seasoned entrepreneur himself, Aaron goes beneath the surface and gets into the nitty-gritty of what it truly takes to succeed. He’ll dive into the habits, behaviors, and routines that set elite founders apart, the tactics and strategies that are working today, and the mindset shifts required to push through the hardest moments. Through raw personal stories, late-night struggles, and breakthrough moments, guests open up about what it really means to grow, not just as a founder, but as a person.
Each week, Aaron sits down with visionary entrepreneurs from high-growth startup founders to seasoned CEOs, for real, unfiltered conversations about the highs, lows, and everything in between. Whether you're scaling a company, launching your first venture, or just looking for inspiration, this podcast will give you the insights, motivation, and real-world advice you won’t get just anywhere. If you're ready to strip away the illusion and get real about what it means to build, sacrifice, and thrive, this is the podcast for you. Join us every Wednesday!
Founder2Founder with Aaron Spivak
Breaking Into Steel: Kinga Strogoff on Owning Her Place in a Man’s World
Kinga Strogoff is the President & CEO of Second Street Iron & Metal, Chairman & Creative Director of Balmoral Defender, and a Board Member at Basalt International. She runs a third-generation scrap metal business, reshapes luxury automotive design, and drives innovation in sustainable materials, all while raising her son as a single mother.
In this episode, Kinga shares how she moved to the U.S. from Poland as an au pair, eventually took over her husband’s steel business, and led it through collapse and revival. She talks openly about loss, building resilience, and why she believes obsession, not balance, is key to building anything meaningful. Her story spans legacy, grief, and the discipline it takes to keep moving forward.
Chapters:
02:23 – From Polish Village to the American Dream
04:32 – The Power of Dreaming Beyond Logic
06:00 – When Manifestation Goes Wrong
07:44 – Leaving Home Against All Odds
08:40 – Becoming an Au Pair to Escape Limitations
09:47 – The Family That Waited a Year for Her
10:26 – Feeling Called to America at Age 6
12:28 – Entering the Workforce and Loving Money
13:24 – Childhood Hustle: Scrap Metal and Sneakers
15:31 – Her Grandfather’s Influence and Deep Bond
17:04 – The Story Behind the Name “Kinga”
19:51 – Building Kinga Steel from the Ground Up
21:42 – Visualizing Life as a Painting
22:37 – No Plan B: Betting on Herself
23:13 – Meeting Her Husband and Building a Life
25:53 – Taking Over the Business During Crisis
27:25 – 24 Months of Full Obsession
28:38 – Earning Respect in a Male-Dominated Industry
32:39 – Advice to Women in Male-Dominated Fields
34:34 – When She Knew the Business Would Thrive
35:59 – Leading Through Legacy and Empowering Her Team
36:56 – The Loss of Her Husband and the Aftermath
39:12 – Rebuilding While Raising Her Son Alone
41:44 – Jump Rope Therapy: Turning Pain Into Purpose
42:51 – Fitness, Discipline, and Mental Strength
46:06 – Obsession Over Balance: Her Success Philosophy
47:51 – What’s Next? Learning to Sit in the Unknown
49:12 – What She’d Tell Her 6-Year-Old Self
52:32 – Creating Heaven on Earth, Every Day
54:40 – The Role of Social Media and Building Brand Authentically
56:03 – Protecting Her Son and Living in Silence
56:45 – Sharing Her Story to Help Others Heal
Guest Links
Instagram: @kingasteel @ssimrecycle
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