The Powerballer: How He Became a Stock Market Icon

In this episode of Going Public with Ross Mandell, Ross Mandell sits down with Michael Matthews, widely known as Powerballer—one of the most connected dealmakers in finance, entertainment, and ultra-high-net-worth circles. From sneaking into VIP rooms in Las Vegas at 21 years old with nothing but confidence, to advising billionaires, global banks, and elite institutions, this episode reveals how access, leverage, and reputation became Powerballer’s greatest assets. Powerballer breaks down his unconventional rise from a misled youth in Boca Raton to becoming the founder of Blackridge & Company, a modern global advisory firm operating at the highest levels of capital, influence, and private deals. The conversation dives deep into network economics, billionaire psychology, social leverage, branding, and why today’s real power isn’t money—it’s who trusts you and who lets you into the room. This episode is essential viewing for entrepreneurs, investors, founders, sales professionals, and anyone obsessed with how power really works behind closed doors. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Intro: Who Is Powerballer 02:45 – Growing Up in Boca Raton & Early Missteps 06:10 – The Vegas Weekend That Changed Everything 10:55 – Sneaking Into VIP With Nothing but Confidence 15:40 – Why Access Beats Money Every Time 20:30 – Turning Social Leverage Into a Career 26:15 – Working With Steve Wynn & Elite Circles 31:50 – Building Blackridge & Company 37:20 – How Billionaires Think About Capital & Yield 42:55 – Perception, Branding & Influence 47:40 – Why South Florida Is “Wall Street South” 52:10 – The Future of Global Connectivity & AI 56:30 – Final Lessons From Powerballer 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS -How Powerballer turned confidence into global influence -Why access and trust outperform money in elite circles -The mindset shift that replaced college with opportunity -Building relationships with billionaires and institutions -Inside Blackridge & Company’s global advisory model -How capital really moves behind the scenes -Why South Florida has become the new Wall Street -The future of AI, global reach, and influence at scale 🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES Get Intro To The Stock Market https://www.skool.com/going-public-with-ross-mandell-7131 Follow Ross Mandell https://www.instagram.com/rossmandell/ Follow Powerballer https://www.instagram.com/powerballller/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices