Steve Distante is an author, business storyteller, and The Pitchologist. His latest book, Once Upon a Time in Entrepreneurlandwas inspired by a conversation with his son about his first book, Pitchology.
“I was talking to my son, who had read Pitchologyand told me it was boring because it was extremely factual. His favorite books in his entrepreneurship program in college, High Point University, were fables. He mentioned that fables were more memorable, and then I started thinking about how to take stories we know and love and turn them into lessons in entrepreneurship,” explains Distante. “So I took the story of the three little pigs and turned it into a trilogy.”
Distanta embraces storytelling as a powerful tool to teach entrepreneurship in a more engaging way. He discovered that when people read Once Upon a Time in Entrepreneurlandthey retain approximately 90 percent of what they read. “I chose to write in fable format because it encourages readers to immerse themselves in the story, avoiding their critical mindset, which often hinders their ability to explore and connect with new ideas.” On the other hand, readers of Pitchologya straightforward, factual book, a business guide on how to raise capital, they often had to revisit it to remember the lessons. Distante claims that fables effectively teach valuable lessons because “these types of stories are relevant. Although they are not real, they contain real-life applications. “Fables are not just for fantasy.”
Creating new opportunities
Distante’s new book encourages entrepreneurs to create opportunities by leveraging “existing assets, relationships, and finances” and discovering “the importance of using the strengths of others.” Collaboration is central to the book, as Distante emphasizes that building success requires a “Who, not How” philosophy, focusing on finding people who complement one’s strengths. This concept of searching for the right people for the right roles is what he calls being a “Who Hunter.”
As a lifelong entrepreneur, Distante is motivated to share his knowledge and experiences of the sector with others. “I’ve been an entrepreneur since I was six years old,” says Distante.
In his own path, Distante has consistently believed in the importance of building communities that empower others to succeed. This belief inspired him to establish the Private Investor Network (PIN), connecting “entrepreneur investors (EI) and budding entrepreneurs (E)”, creating the equation “ExEI = E2”: Entrepreneur x Entrepreneur Investor = Exponential Entrepreneur.
To improve the experience of Once Upon a Time in EntrepreneurlandDistante has launched a podcast that expands on the themes of each story. A children’s edition will be released in February 2025, adapting some of the fables for children ages 8 to 12. Additionally, he has created an online clone of himself using artificial intelligence, designed to answer reader questions and provide guidance on how to create an effective pitch. “I created my clone because I felt disappointed in myself for not being able to answer all the questions I received from entrepreneurs. Now, he responds with my voice, with my knowledge and experience—and it’s amazing to see.”
Supporting future entrepreneurs through education
Distante’s commitment to the education of others extends to its partnerships with universities, facilitated through the Collegiate Entrepreneurship Organization (CEO). Through these collaborations, he provides mentorship and resources to budding entrepreneurs, bringing his entrepreneurship principles to students across the country.
Beyond his role as author and mentor, Distante is the founder and president of Vanderbilt Financial Groupa firm dedicated to ethical, environmentally responsible and socially responsible investments. As an advocate for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, he frequently speaks about the importance of ethical entrepreneurship and impact investing. Distante also owns and operates Cally Farmsa 400-acre tree farm in Georgia, where she hosts entrepreneurial retreats that offer a blend of nature, learning, and hands-on experience.
Looking to the future
As for what’s to come, Distante is already working on his next project, determined to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs by providing them with the right tools. In addition to Once Upon a Time in Entrepreneurlandis developing a board game and card game aimed at college students, designed to reinforce the entrepreneurial principles laid out in his book.
