Bruno Raschio

Most people know Magen David Adom as Israel's national emergency medical service. What many don't realize is that it existed 18 years before the modern State of Israel.

In this conversation, Mike Driquez explains how a tragic attack on a Jewish community in 1929 exposed the need for an organized emergency response system—and how that led to the founding of Magen David Adom in 1930. Nearly a century later, its mission hasn't changed.

One mandate: saving lives.

History provides context. Understanding that history helps us better understand the organization, its purpose, and why it continues to play such a vital role today.

Watch the full conversation on The Backbone of America.

As we continue to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, I’m honored to share the story of Gizo Ujarmeli, an entrepreneur whose journey reflects the opportunities that freedom makes possible.

Originally from Georgia, Gizo speaks about the importance of freedom, personal growth, and the ability to build a future through hard work and determination. His perspective is a reminder that America continues to attract people from around the world who believe in creating something bigger than themselves.

This is another powerful Entrepreneur Story from The Backbone of America.

As we continue to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, I’m proud to share the story of Giacomo Ortiz.

Originally from Sicily, Italy, Giacomo built a successful wine importing and distribution business here in the United States. His message is simple: opportunity exists for those willing to work for it.

For Giacomo, freedom means the ability to grow, invest, and build a future without limits. Stories like his remind us why the American Dream continues to inspire people from all over the world.

🇺🇸 The Backbone of America.

As we celebrate America's 250th birthday, I want to thank everyone who made this special project possible.

A special thank you to Ronnie Overman, whose passion for entrepreneurship and love for this country helped bring together an incredible group of business leaders from around the world to share their stories. Your contribution made this celebration possible.

To every guest who participated, thank you for reminding us that the American Dream is still alive through hard work, opportunity, and the freedom to build something meaningful.

From all of us at The Backbone of America, Happy 250th Birthday, America. 🇺🇸 Here's to the entrepreneurs, innovators, and dreamers who continue to write the next chapter of this extraordinary nation.

Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸

As America approaches its 250th birthday, we're reminded that the American Dream is still alive. For generations, people have come here with little more than faith, determination, and a willingness to work hard. That spirit continues today through entrepreneurs and families who believe anything is possible.

This message opened one of the most meaningful events I've ever hosted, celebrating the people who truly are the Backbone of America.

Watch the full episode now on YouTube.

As part of our America’s 250th Celebration series, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Yara Zaya.

Originally from Ukraine, Yara came to the United States seven years ago and built a life centered around entrepreneurship, family, and opportunity. In this conversation, she shares what freedom means to her as a business owner, a mother, and someone who believes that hard work can still open doors.

Her story is a reminder of why so many people from around the world continue to chase the American Dream.

Watch the full episode now on YouTube.

Mateus Carmo came to the United States from Brazil in 2005, built a life here, and today proudly calls America home.

As a husband, father of three American-born children, and business leader, Mateus sees the American Dream through the lens of opportunity, family, and freedom. What stands out most is his belief that one of America's greatest strengths is the ability to think independently, share different ideas, and have open conversations—even when we disagree.

As we celebrate America's 250th birthday, Mateus reminds us that freedom isn't just about opportunity—it's about having a voice and the ability to build a future for the next generation.

Watch the full episode now on YouTube.

Juanita Carmet's story is a reflection of what makes America so unique.

With Jamaican and Cuban roots, Juanita built a career helping fashion brands grow, launch products, and turn big ideas into successful businesses. As a fashion consultant and brand strategist, she understands firsthand what can happen when opportunity meets hard work.

What stood out to me most is her belief that America gives people from all backgrounds the freedom to pursue their dreams. No matter where you come from, if you're willing to work for it, the opportunity is there.

As we celebrate America's 250th birthday, Juanita reminds us that the American Dream is still alive for those bold enough to chase it.

Watch the full episode now on YouTube.

Rivesh Patel's story is one that so many immigrant families can relate to.

With roots in India, his family came to America for the opportunity to build a better life. Today, Rivesh sees the American Dream not as what he can achieve for himself, but what he can provide for those he loves most.

For him, freedom means taking care of his parents, giving them a life they never had, and creating even greater opportunities for the generations that follow. It's the belief that you can arrive with very little and, through hard work and determination, build something meaningful.

As we celebrate America's 250th birthday, Rivesh reminds us why the United States continues to be a place where dreams become reality and where each generation can build upon the sacrifices of the last.
Watch the full episode now on YouTube.