Mitlin Money Mindset®
Building a Business Legacy with Mike Fata
Key Takeaways
- 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
Meet the Guest
Mike Fata
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
Show Notes
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.
Resources
Learn more about Larry Sprung's book, "Financial Planning Made Personal."
The JOY and Productivity Journal by Lawrence Sprung
JOYful Finances for Couples
About the Podcast
Welcome to Mitlin Money Mindset®️! With your host, Larry Sprung, CFP®️, Founder and Wealth Advisor at Mitlin Financial Inc®️. With over 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur in the financial services industry, Larry thrives to help you achieve your goals while finding JOY in the journey.
Each week, he’ll go deep with engaging guests who provide tangible takeaways and a whole lot of JOY along the way. Here, we don’t just talk about money; we celebrate it as a catalyst for JOY and possibility. Whether you’re saving for the future, planning your next big adventure, or just looking to add some spark to your daily money management, you’re in the right place.
We hope you enJOY these conversations as much as Larry enJOYed having them. And remember to ask yourself, what did you do today that brought you joy?®️