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Larry SprungBuilding a Business Legacy with Mike Fata

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1. Building a Business Legacy with Mike Fata Larry Sprung 38:12

From personal transformation to entrepreneurial triumph, Mike Fata’s story showcases resilience, vision, and purpose-driven leadership.

In this episode of Mitlin Money Mindset®, Larry Sprung speaks with Mike Fata, founder of Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods. They discuss Mike’s inspiring journey from overcoming personal health challenges to creating a thriving business in the health food industry. 

Mike shares his philosophy on maintaining balance, the lessons learned from his entrepreneurial path, and the importance of mentorship in fostering success.

Mike discusses:

• Overcoming personal health challenges and using those experiences to inspire business ventures
• Founding Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods and growing it into a $100M+ business
• The emotional and logistical aspects of exiting a business and finding purpose afterward
• His passion for health, sustainable living, and educating others through mentorship and media
• The launch of his book, Grow: 12 Unconventional Lessons for Becoming an Unstoppable Entrepreneur, and its insights for aspiring leaders
• And more!

Resources:

• Mitlin Financial  
• The JOY and Productivity Journal by Lawrence Sprung 
• Download Your Free Copy of the Couple’s JOYful Money Guide
• Grow: 12 Unconventional Lessons for Becoming an Unstoppable Entrepreneur by Mike Fata

Connect with Larry Sprung: 

• LinkedIn: Larry Sprung
• Instagram: Larry Sprung
• Facebook: Larry Sprung
• X (Twitter): Larry Sprung

Connect with Mike Fata: 

• LinkedIn: Mike Fata
• Instagram: Mike Fata
• Twitter: Mike Fata
• Website: Mike Fata

About our Guest:

Mike co-founded Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods in 1998. From 1998 to 2016, he ran all aspects

of the company as Chairman of the Board and CEO. In February 2019 Mike helped guide the

strategic sale of Manitoba Harvest to Tilray for $419 million dollars.

Mike has dedicated over 25 years studying and practicing natural health, starting in 1995 when he made the life changing decision to lose over 100lbs, and go from 300lbs to his current

180Lbs. He has gained an excellent knowledge of human anatomy, Diet, nutrition and natural

healthy Lifestyle.

Mike is a best-selling author, a keynote speaker, and has been featured on

various media countless times regarding natural health, nutrition, hemp foods, organic

agriculture, sustainable business, entrepreneurship and mentorship.

Mike has won numerous awards:

• Young Entrepreneur of the Year (2004)
• Socially Responsible Business Award (2006)
• The Lorax Award (2006)
• Top 40 under 40 (2008)
• Company of the Year (2010)
• CHFA Organic Achievement Award (2010)
• Spirit of Winnipeg Award (2014)
• Nutrition Business Journal Education Award (2014)
• CME Emerging Business Award (2014)
• EY Entrepreneur of the Year (2014)
• MFPA Presidents Award (2016)
• OTA Organic Rising Star Award (2016)
• Top 100 Health Influencers (2017)
• John Holtmann Leadership Award (2021)

In February of 2022, as Chairman of the Board, Mike completed his third nine figure exit deal

with the acquisition of Sol Cuisine by Plant Plus Foods for $125mm cash.

Mike is currently Chief Executive Officer of Fata & Associates, Chairman of the Board of Nuts

For Cheese, Global Growth Advisor for Mid-Day Squares, Lifetime Member (Past Chairman) of

the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA), Lifetime Member (Past Chairman) of Young

Presidents Organization (YPO) and investor/advisor to a portfolio of companies.

Mike is a homeschooling father, certified holistic health coach and avid backyard organic farmer.

In his free time he enjoys Coaching and mentoring natural products industry entrepreneurs. In

2021 Mike launched www.fatafleishman.org a free mass mentorship toolbox for CPG

entrepreneurs.

Mike hosts the Founder to Mentor podcast (a top 5% global podcast), connecting you with world

class founders to inspire your personal and professional growth. https://www.mikefata.ca/podcast 

Disclosure:

Guests on the Mitlin Money Mindset are not affiliated with CWM, LLC, and opinions expressed herein may not be representative of CWM, LLC. CWM, LLC is not responsible for the guest’s content linked on this site.

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Larry Sprung Host Mitlin

Lawrence “Larry” Sprung, CFP® is a husband, father, entrepreneur and mental health advocate.

Larry is the author of the Amazon Bestselling book “Financial Planning Made Personal” and the also host of the Mitlin Money Mindset™ a podcast that reminds you to ask yourself “What did you do today that brought you joy?®”

In 2004 he founded Mitlin Financial, Inc. naming the firm memory of Larry’s wife’s grandfather, Mitchell, and his mother, Linda. During his career, Larry has found that a lot of industry terms and concepts can seem confusing to outsiders. That’s why he works with the families he serves to break down complex financial topics into easy-to-understand concepts.

In recognition of Larry’s significant contributions to his profession, he has received quite a few awards. In 2021, Larry was named to the Investopedia 100 Top Advisors in 2021 and was even more humbled to make their Top Ten list for 2022.

Outside the office, one of Larry’s greatest passions is raising awareness for mental health. He spent over 12 years serving on the National Board of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and sits on its financial and investment committees. With his wife, Denise, he has raised more than $1.7 million for the organization through the Keith Milano Memorial Fund. The fund was created in memory of his brother-in-law.

Larry values his family tremendously and his desire to do right by his wife and two sons drives who he is in and out of the office.