# *From $8/Hour Dishwasher to Building a Trucking Empire

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-private-boardroom-7806405/from-8-hour-dishwasher-to-building-a-trucking-empire
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-private-boardroom-7806405/from-8-hour-dishwasher-to-building-a-trucking-empire.md
Podcast: [THE PRIVATE BOARDROOM](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-private-boardroom-7806405)
Published: 2026-06-30T19:39:49+00:00
Episode link: https://the-private-boardroom.simplecast.com/episodes/from-8-hour-dishwasher-to-building-a-trucking-empire-2BGCDuU7
Audio file: https://podgo.simplecastaudio.com/efac6a33-ebbe-4296-99a5-79857081de10/episodes/e14a6cf4-ef3b-4cfa-9635-518bc3509def/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=efac6a33-ebbe-4296-99a5-79857081de10&awEpisodeId=e14a6cf4-ef3b-4cfa-9635-518bc3509def&feed=TNhb8hG2
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-private-boardroom-7806405/episodes/from-8-hour-dishwasher-to-building-a-trucking-empire
Duration seconds: 3199

## Resource

How do you go from making $8 an hour washing dishes to building a thriving business in one of America's most competitive industries?* In this episode of *The Private Boardroom, I sit down with **Samir Burdzovic*, @samirburdzovic8, a Serbian immigrant and top trucking entrepreneur whose journey proves that success is built long before anyone sees the results. After arriving in the United States with little more than ambition, Samir worked as a dishwasher making just *$8 an hour* before entering the trucking industry. What followed were years of sacrifice, financial hardship, overwhelming stress, debt, isolation, and moments that pushed him to his breaking point. Instead of quitting, he turned those struggles into the foundation of a successful business. In this conversation, Samir shares the powerful Serbian philosophy of *"Inat"*—a mindset built on resilience, defiance, and refusing to let adversity define your future. But this episode goes far beyond entrepreneurship. We explore the emotional cost of chasing success, why so many entrepreneurs tie their identity to their business, and how true success comes from building a life—not just building a company. Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, business owner, or simply someone determined to create a better future, this conversation will challenge the way you think about resilience, leadership, and personal growth. ### In this episode you'll learn: * How Samir went from making $8/hour washing dishes to building a successful trucking business * Why rock bottom became the greatest turning point in his life * The immigrant mindset that fueled his success * The Serbian philosophy of "Inat" and why it creates relentless entrepreneurs * The emotional and financial cost of entrepreneurship * Why your business should never…

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