By: Neil King Jr.
Excerpt from an interview conducted on December 21, 2023.
Neil King Jr. (NK):
Tony, you’ve built multiple successful businesses across a wide range of industries, from an accounting firm that has supported businesses in filing significant amounts in tax credits over the last 18 months to a Network Marketing company, an INC 500 restaurant delivery service, and now you are moving into blockchain technology. How did you get your start as an entrepreneur?
Tony Swantek (TS):
Well, it’s been quite the journey! I actually started out with a very different goal in mind—trying to make it as a professional tennis player. I played on the Futures Circuit for a while, but I was losing way too many matches! Eventually, I found myself living in my parents’ basement, looking for work, and trying to figure out what to do next. That’s when I got recruited into an office for a Network Marketing company. At the time, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it was through that company that I met some amazing mentors. These industry legends really stoked my entrepreneurial fire and showed me what was possible through building a business from the ground up.
Network Marketing was my introduction to the world of entrepreneurship. The skills I learned there—how to build relationships, how to lead, how to think long-term—were absolutely foundational. Those skills allowed me to expand into other industries over time. From that point on, I saw entrepreneurship not just as a job but as a way to make a lasting impact, both for myself and for others.
NK:
You’ve worked in a variety of industries, including health and wellness, telecommunications, and finance. Your first major success was in Network Marketing. How did that shape you as an entrepreneur and influence your approach to building businesses across so many different industries?
TS:
Network Marketing really taught me the difference between working for a system, like many people do, versus creating a system that works for you. It taught me how to create leverage, how to inspire and lead a team, and how to focus on long-term growth. A lot of traditional businesses are transactional in nature—one and done, so to speak—but Network Marketing helped me better understand the long-term potential of team-based income models and the power of building a network of people who could all succeed together. That mindset of collaboration, customer focus, and long-term vision has translated into every business I’ve built since. It really shaped my approach to entrepreneurship, and the lessons learned early on continue to guide me today.
NK:
You’ve worked across a variety of sectors—from accounting with Jorns & Associates, telecom, energy, and now with blockchain technology. What do you think has been the key to your success, especially in shifting from one industry to another?
TS:
Great question. I think some of the important things in business are timing, positioning, and adaptability. There really is a formula for success regardless of industry, but the timing must be right. The ability to pivot, learn quickly, and stay ahead of the market is crucial. I’ve always been willing to dive into new industries, even if they were unfamiliar.
For example, with Jorns & Associates, we expanded into a large-scale accounting firm that assists businesses in navigating the ERC tax credit process, providing services for companies with a wide range of employee sizes. It would surprise people to find out that I started that company less than 24 hours after hearing about the ERC program by making a 20-minute phone call to my CPA and kindergarten classmate, Justin Jorns.
With My Town 2 Go, we were just trying to deliver more pizza for our pizzeria restaurants. A small delivery service in Manhattan, Kansas, was helping us with that location, but we had a second location in Topeka, Kansas, where no delivery businesses operated. We asked the guy from Manhattan to expand into Topeka, but he was too busy, so we started My Town 2 Go the next day. A few years later, the business grew significantly and was eventually recognized on the INC. 500 list. While that journey came with many challenges, it was one of the milestones that reflected the team’s persistence and adaptability.
NK:
You’ve worked in a variety of industries, including health and wellness, telecommunications, and finance. How do you manage to juggle such a broad range of businesses without spreading yourself too thin?
TS:
The key is to have a strong team and solid partnerships. You can’t be an expert in everything, but you can surround yourself with the right people who bring the expertise and passion that complement your own vision. For instance, with Snap Partners, we started out with a focus on food delivery services, but as we scaled, we added value by integrating the ERC program. It was slow going until we got ERC fired up, but my business partners there kept the ship above water long enough to reach fertile ground.
NK:
What challenges have you faced in building such diverse companies? Were there any moments when you doubted your strategy or direction?
TS:
Absolutely. There are always challenges, especially when venturing into new markets. When I first started My Town 2 Go, it wasn’t an easy road. We had no clue how to sign up restaurants, get drivers, or find customers. But with persistence and a clear focus on daily activities that would increase our restaurant count, add drivers, advertise our brand, and focus on elite customer service, we started to see results.
Jorns & Associates was growing fast! We helped many clients successfully file for substantial tax credits over our first couple of years in business. Challenges were abundant and still are! We continue to fight through them.
I learned a long time ago that solving big problems often leads to greater opportunities and success. The trick is not to give up when things aren’t going perfectly—and things are almost never going perfectly.
NK:
You’ve built a reputation in Network Marketing. For those who might be curious, what do you think is the potential of Network Marketing as a business model, and how does it continue to shape the entrepreneur you are today?
TS:
Network Marketing, when done right, can be a powerful business model. It offers opportunities for people to earn income based on their efforts and the efforts of their teams. But beyond the financial rewards, it teaches essential skills in leadership, communication, and relationship building. It shaped me as an entrepreneur by helping me understand the importance of community and collaboration. Instead of focusing purely on transactional business, Network Marketing emphasizes long-term relationships, trust, and providing value—principles that I’ve carried into every business I’ve started or been a part of.
NK:
You’ve mentioned building long-term value and relationships. How do you balance the drive for profit with the importance of giving back and building strong communities?
TS:
That’s something I’m really passionate about. I’ve always believed that a business should not just be a money-making machine but should contribute to the broader community. With Snap Partners, for example, we’ve worked to create systems where small businesses can save money and thrive.
On a personal level, I try to mentor young entrepreneurs, share knowledge, and empower others to succeed. It’s a philosophy I live by: If you focus on helping others, the profit follows naturally. I also prioritize making sure the businesses I’m involved with are ethical and have a positive impact on their communities.
NK:
Looking ahead, what are your future goals? Where do you see yourself and your businesses in the next 5 to 10 years?
TS:
I’m always thinking about the future. I see myself continuing to evolve and build new ventures, particularly by exploring how blockchain-based technologies are being adopted to improve transparency and efficiency in business systems. The world is changing fast, and emerging technologies offer new ways to create efficient and resilient businesses.
Personally, I’m focused on making a greater impact through mentorship and helping entrepreneurs adapt to emerging digital technologies, without taking on the financial risks that earlier adopters faced. I want to continue diversifying the businesses I’m involved with, but at the core, I’ll always focus on providing value. Ultimately, I want to leave a legacy of not just financial success, but a network of thriving, empowered individuals and communities.
NK:
Tony, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Your insights on entrepreneurship, Network Marketing, and leadership are incredibly valuable. We look forward to seeing where your journey takes you next.
TS:
Thank you. It was a pleasure to chat. I hope my experiences can inspire others to take action, keep pushing through challenges, and always stay committed to growth.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Any discussion of blockchain technology, business models, or personal experiences is for educational purposes and should not be interpreted as a recommendation or endorsement. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Readers should conduct independent research or consult qualified professionals before making financial, legal, or business decisions.
Published by Jeremy S.
