Fireside America with Ryan Robbins

Tune in to Fireside America as host Ryan Robbins engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Abiola of AV Luxury Design. Delve into the mind of a visionary entrepreneur and explore the philosophies and strategies that drive success in the modern business world. Gain unique insights and inspiration from this compelling dialogue, perfect for anyone passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship.  

Had a great time sitting down with Dan Culmone, founder of The Handsome Devil Barber Shop based out of Belmar, New Jersey.  We dove into the inner workings of running and scaling a successful barbershop, the pursuit of financial freedom and opportunities beyond being behind the chair.  Dan is an insightful guy with a ton of potential and it was a pleasure to have him come sit fireside!   ⬇️ SOCIALS AND SITES ⬇️

Ankur Garg is CEO of AKG Creative and former co-founder of Shredz.  Ankur helped build Shredz to nine-figures in revenue prior to his departure, yet during his tenure was influential in the creation of what is now known as “influencer marketing.”  This was a fascinating conversation that went deep on marketing, fitness startups and the complexities of business partnerships. Enjoy!   ⬇️ SOCIALS AND SITES ⬇️

My most special guest to date!  My wife, Kelly, stepped outside to site fireside as we often do, this time with cameras rolling.  She shared her story from childhood to present, going deep on her father's motorcycle accident that changed her family forever, pursuing her master's degree, our first date, a general outlook on motherhood, marriage and more.  She has been my rock since day one and the biggest supporter of all these ventures I am chasing down, for us!  To know Kelly is to love her and I hope you enjoy getting to know her as much as I do! ⬇️ SOCIALS AND SITES ⬇️

Brandon Nicastro is the founder of Grand Canyon State Glass (GCS Glass), an elite supply and installation company that has grown to service California, New York, Colorado, Texas, and Arizona and exceeds revenues of $10 Million. Built from humble beginnings, Brandon started his career as a glazer before a very brief stint as an EMT, before returning to the glass industry before launching GCS Glass. He has since led GCS Glass to three consecutive appearances on the Inc. 5,000 list three consecutive years, reserved for the fastest-growing privately held companies in the United States. Brandon and a few of his partners from New York and California joined us for another beautiful night here at the Jersey Shore for an insightful conversation on building a glass business to $10 Million.   ⬇️ SOCIALS AND SITES ⬇️  

  Jason Bitzer is a New Jersey native turned Hawaii transplant who competed as a professional bodyboarder on the historic North Shore.  Jason is the founder of “Never Off Duty”, a non-profit that offers underprivileged, at-risk kids a pathway to emergency services such as lifeguarding, fire sciences, EMT and other civil servant career opportunities.  Now back in New Jersey, his most important mission is giving his 3.5 year-old son, James, the best care possible as he battles Stage 4 Neuroblastoma.  Entrepreneurial at heart, Jason is still chasing down his dream to build a concierge-level wave pool for surfers here at the Jersey Shore, while also training East Coast lifeguards to become elite practitioners.  Jason is a class act and easy to root for.  Alongside Fireside America alumni Emma Lipnicky's Liv Like a Unicorn Foundation, we are committed to helping the Bitzer Family navigate this new wave along with other families in similar circumstances.  Check out the links below for information on how you can get involved. ⬇️ SOCIALS AND SITES ⬇️

Tony Chowdhury is the founder and CEO of Fusion Gyms, one of the most popular fitness factories in all of America.  Tony is a    relentless entrepreneur born in Bangladesh, who started his career as a personal trainer before creatively building an empire of equipment manufacturing, which he continues to scale today in conjunction with Fusion Gyms.  With two current locations and one on the way, Fusion Gyms has quickly become one of the most recognizable and sought-after gyms in all of America.  Tony has a fascinating, gritty story and is truly one of the most promising up-and-coming entrepreneurs in the world.  Enjoy! ⬇️ SOCIALS AND SITES ⬇️

Pat Grippaldi is the owner/operator of Gripp's Stitches, an upholstery shop based out of Manahawkin, New Jersey specializing in marine and automotive upholstery, awnings and more.  Pat and I go way back, but reconnected over the past few years when he caught onto Fireside America and told me of his entrepreneurial aspirations.  After sending some encouragement mixed with classic Bricktown trash talk his way, Pat made the leap to make his side hustle his main hustle, leaving a comfortable union job and affording himself a more flexible lifestyle that granted newfound time with his family.  We talked all things auto, punk rock and business ownership, followed by some commentary on current events.  Enjoy!   ⬇️ SOCIALS AND SITES ⬇️

David LaTempa is the owner/operator of Sonny's Grille in Belmar, New Jersey.  A north Jersey native, David chased his father's dream of owning a simple hot dog business and has built one of the Jersey Shore's top joints.  He is a true testament to the American Dream – starting a business on your own terms, and not always chasing down a grand plan or “sexy” business.  For most people, the American Dream is achieved by doing the little things right, and Dave shows up everyday to do just that.  Dave's adoration for his father shines through, and it was inspiring to hear the story of a man who chased down and achieved his father's dream, then made it into his own.  Enjoy!   ⬇️ SOCIALS AND SITES ⬇️

Ron Wesley Nussbaum is the founder and CEO of BuilderComs, an online portal and mobile app that helps contractors give their clients access to projects and communication. Ron is a Marine Corp veteran who spent a decade in the construction industry before identifying that lack of communication among projects was the #1 cause of failure. This was a super insightful conversation around data, construction, software and more, with the leader of a rapidly up-and-coming SAAS. Enjoy! ⬇️ SOCIALS AND SITES ⬇️

James Volpe is a partner at MTS Transport, a carrier working with large entities to build and deliver high end office furniture.  James has lived out his own hero's journey, from foster care to freedom, and to this day holds the value of true relationships close to his heart.  His ability to walk away from profitable deals because of unhealthy dynamics is admirable, as his sights stay set on deeper, long-term connections.  It was a sit down at The Pit and we hope you enjoy it as much as we did. ⬇️ SOCIALS AND SITES ⬇️

Evan Farrar is the co-creator of Fireside America, The Pit and founder of Shapeshifters Media + Marketing.  His agency has helped grow more than 50 businesses across New Jersey through the latest digital media and marketing strategies.  Evan comes from a humble upbringing and maintains an altruistic approach to life, of which the foundation of his business is built upon.  He finally stepped out from behind the camera to share his story, which included a butterfly effect of events that led him to ultimately drop out of college and chase down freedom through entrepreneurship.  Evan and I have a ton of projects in the works, and he reveals his next venture that will bring his value to blue collar businesses across the nation.  Many have asked, so we finally delivered!  Enjoy.   ⬇️ SOCIALS AND SITES ⬇️  

Mike Zusman was the founder of cybersecurity firm Carve Systems prior to acquisition by iVision, where he currently serves as the VP of Cybersecurity. Mike got his start tinkering in computing at a young age, eventually working on e-commerce projects for a small telecommunications company, taking their revenues to multiple seven figures over his tenure. In the midst of it all, he began identifying weaknesses in cybersecurity, which led him to a stint with an Israeli-based firm doing "ethical hacking," prior to launching Carve Systems. This was a super interesting conversation and the first of its kind on Fireside America. Enjoy! ⬇️ SOCIALS AND SITES ⬇️

Mike Zusman was the founder of cybersecurity firm Carve Systems prior to acquisition by iVision, where he currently serves as the VP of Cybersecurity. Mike got his start tinkering in computing at a young age, eventually working on e-commerce projects for a small telecommunications company, taking their revenues to multiple seven figures over his tenure. In the midst of it all, he began identifying weaknesses in cybersecurity, which led him to a stint with an Israeli-based firm doing "ethical hacking," prior to launching Carve Systems. This was a super interesting conversation and the first of its kind on Fireside America. Enjoy! ⬇️ SOCIALS AND SITES ⬇️

Rawlings Barnes is a serial entrepreneur holding multiple executive-level positions, including CEO of 1 Mission Nutrition, Founder of FiftyX2 Apparel and COO of Maryland Fleet Center. Rawlings has a passion to deliver results through enhanced sales strategies, more efficient processes, and ongoing employee development. He brings over 25 years of business experience to the table with a career spanning multiple industries, giving him valuable "outside the box" insight and experience into the inner workings of any company. Rawlings flew his own Cessna from North Carolina to Monmouth County for a weekend at the Jersey Shore, and brought tremendous value to everyone he met. We chopped it up fireside about his riches-to-rags childhood, which fueled his motivation to return to riches as an adult. Rawlings was also a featured guest at our first ever Fireside America Men's Retreat, alongside business juggernaut Rob Bailey, patriot like Ian Smith, former US Navy SEAL Wes Andreason and the Duncan Defense squad of Mike Duncan and Joe Ahlert. This was a powerful conversation with a soft-spoken savage who has mentored some of the nation's top entrepreneurs. Enjoy! ⬇️ SOCIALS AND SITES ⬇️

Mike and Nikki Ashkar are the husband/wife co-founders of Mav's Top Buns, an artisanal cinnamon buns bakery based out of Monmouth County who have grown a cult-like following through their sell out pop-ups, collaborations and social media. Mike and Nikki are former advertising industry professionals who went all in on Mav's Top Buns after its pandemic inception in 2020. Today, they have nearly a dozen part-time team members who have joined their mission to help bake thousands of buns each month and distribute with a boots-on-the-ground approach. Mav's Top Buns has the potential to be absolutely massive and I had a great time diving into these two powerful, highly intentional entrepreneurs' stories. Enjoy! ⬇️ SOCIALS AND SITES ⬇️

Rob and Dana Linn Bailey are serial entrepreneurs and, most notably, the founders of FlagNorFail.   A former NCAA soccer player at West Chester University in Pennsylvania, Dana has become one of the most renowned female bodybuilders in history, becoming the first ever Ms. Olympia in 2009.   Rob, also a former West Chester University athlete (football), is a Swiss Army knife of skills who has found massive success in various domains including gym ownership (The Warhouse Gym), music (Land and Ammo) supplements, real estate investments and business coaching.   Now hailing from Montana, The Bailey's returned east for a sit-down at The Pit to discuss their beginnings, their dynamic as a team and general approach to life.  Rob and Dana are two high-level human beings whom I am fortunate to have become close with in recent months, and look forward to collaborating more with in the future.  Enjoy!   ⬇️ SOCIALS AND SITES ⬇️

Jemand Ezeonwuka is a Nigerian-born fitness entrepreneur, best known as founder of New Jersey-based “Eze Fitness”, a bootcamp style gym designed to burn 500 or more calories in just 60 minutes, combining resistance training, conditioning and boxing.   Together with his wife, Kiko, Jemand has grown Eze Fitness to four Jersey Shore locations, with 10-year plans to have an Eze Fitness within 20 minutes of every New Jersey resident.   We had a great time diving into Eze Fitness' highly lucrative franchising model, Jemand's Nigerian roots, the fitness industry at large and so much more. I am blessed to have been introduced to such a good-hearted entrepreneur and look forward to supporting Eze Fitness in their pursuit for greatness!   ⬇️ SOCIALS AND SITES ⬇️

Matt Williams is the founder of The TriAxle App, a one-of-a-kind logistical networking app for the construction industry that's on a mission to close the gap between contractors and business opportunities. Matt brought 20+ years of contracting and 10+ years of excavating experience to the table to create this unique technology to help contractors coordinate the exchange of clean fill, materials, equipment, trucking, contractors, and more. TriAxle features built-in communication and collaboration tools to provide a one-stop-shop for contractors looking to save time, fuel and money, while building their network across industries. Enjoy!

Janie and Dave Ippolito are a husband/wife duo from Ocean County, New Jersey who have garnered the attention of millions through their comedic videos across platforms like TikTok (350K), Instagram (137K) and YouTube (131K). In just a few short years, The Ippolito Family has built a captivating influencer-style business to supplement their existing careers in entrepreneurship, with Dave as the owner/operator of Blue Line Powerwashing. This conversation was full of laughs, jabs and quick remarks, and gives you a candid look into a budding social media brand. Enjoy! ⬇️ FOLLOW MORE HERE ⬇️

Amy Russo is the founder/operator of Toast City Diner, a northeastern style eatery specializing in breakfast and lunch foods, with three locations across New Jersey. Amy is a grinder, a detail-oriented entrepreneur and the reason "Toast" has become one of the hottest spots at the Jersey Shore. Enjoy!   ⬇️ FOLLOW MORE HERE ⬇️

Anthony Curreri is the founder and CEO of Roadly Logistics, a premier freight brokerage headquartered in Matawan, New Jersey who sources the optimal method of transportation with more than 20,000 contracted carriers.  An Old Bridge native and Towson University graduate, Anthony worked at two different industry brokerages in the northeast before launching Roadly Logistics in from his apartment in 2020.  Anthony and Roadly have experienced a meteoric rise, with revenues nearing $20MM and 20+ employees in just three short years.  Anthony is an exciting young gun and interesting mind to dissect — we had a great time sitting fireside and hope you enjoy it as much as we did!   ⬇️ FOLLOW MORE HERE ⬇️  

Discovery Channel stars “Dirty Water Don” and John “Gannimal Gann are professional divers currently leading the search of up to 500,000 mammoth bones in NYC's East River, reportedly worth up to $1 BILLION! Their excursions and projects have been the focal point of Discovery Channel's hit show, “Sewer Divers,” which premieres on Sunday nights. The Gann brothers spent the day down here at the Jersey Shore and brought an energetic conversation that touched on everything from life in the trade union to near-death experiences as scuba divers. They are a truly rare breed! Enjoy! ⬇️ FOLLOW MORE HERE ⬇️

Eric Swan is a serial entrepreneur and founder of Swan Productions.  Hailing from California, Eric was introduced to Fireside America through a construction worker on one of his projects and immediately reached out to share some of his story.  He has launched a series of businesses, from wedding and event planning to design studios spearheading the development of ultra-high end restaurants exceeding $20M buildouts.  Enjoy!   ⬇️ FOLLOW MORE HERE ⬇️  

Scott “The Red Suit Realtor" Orison is a Utah-based, Amazon best-selling author on a mission to help 1,000 people fix and flip real estate.  Bringing an electric personality, unique brand and 15 years of investing experience to the table, Scott is a top-producing Realtor who specializes in helping clients purchase and develop land, fixer-uppers, investment properties and luxury estates in the greater Salt Lake City, Utah region.  Scott is a master connector who hosts various meet-ups, connecting industry professionals through lunches, bus tours and more.  He even collaborated with Fireside alumni Trevor West of West Properties here in NJ for a smash hit networking event at Anchor Tavern in Belmar prior to our star-studded event at Bell Works.  Scott is a tremendous father, husband and human whom I am proud to call a friend.  Enjoy!   Brought to you by Figurado Cigar Co.  Visit https://figuradocigarcompany.com/ and use promo code "FIRESIDE" at checkout for 10% off your order!    ⬇️ FOLLOW MORE HERE ⬇️  

Michael and Elizabeth Sauls are the owners of Raleigh-based BKFX Studios, a multimedia production company that specializes in cinematic storytelling of small businesses, individuals and corporations.  They made the trip from North Carolina to the beaches of the Jersey Shore for an awesome conversation, where we dug into growing up homeschooled, our opinions on marital roles, imposter syndrome and the process of telling a brand's story effectively.  It was an effortless conversation with two young entrepreneurs who I am certain we will be collaborating with more in the future — enjoy! Brought to you by Figurado Cigar Co.  Visit https://figuradocigarcompany.com/ and use promo code "FIRESIDE" at checkout for 10% off your order!    ⬇️ FOLLOW MORE HERE ⬇️  

Scott Kirk is the second generation owner of Nova Heating & Air Conditioning, based out of the Jersey Shore here in Howell, New Jersey.  A notable family name, The Kirk Family has held a strong presence in the Monmouth and Ocean County communities for decades through various local businesses, with Nova's inception dating back to 1987.  Scott swung by to dive deep into his roots of the wrestling world, share the lessons learned from losses and exchange principles of fatherhood.  He has been an awesome addition to our local tribe of entrepreneurs and is a true hard-working American chasing the dream of freedom for his family and friends.  I hope you enjoyed our conversation as much as we did!   Brought to you by Figurado Cigar Co.  Visit https://figuradocigarcompany.com/ and use promo code "FIRESIDE" at checkout for 10% off your order!    ⬇️ FOLLOW MORE HERE ⬇️

Christian Coronato is the founder/operator of Coronato's Lean Cuisine and Coronato's Kitchen. A nationally ranked power lifter and bodybuilder, Christian is a Jersey Shore native who, together with his wife and Kristi, has built multiple successful and regionally renown businesses in the fitness and nutrition industries. Christian and I have ran in similar circles for decades and even rubbed elbows at Powerhouse Gym back in the day, but have never sat down to chop it up! I can vividly remember Christian as one of the most freakishly muscular humans at Powerhouse Gym, yet also one of the kindest, as he would routinely take time out of his day to share his knowledge and grow the confidence of newbies looking for their balance in the gym. He bakes that same generous spirit into every dish he creates. This was a super enjoyable conversation with a truly powerful local entrepreneur. Enjoy!   Brought to you by Figurado Cigar Co.  Visit https://figuradocigarcompany.com/ and use promo code "FIRESIDE" at checkout for 10% off your order!    ⬇️ FOLLOW MORE HERE ⬇️

Ian Smith is a South Jersey native and former co-owner of The Atilis Gym in Bellmawr, New Jersey, best known for his defiance of court orders that demanded he close the doors to his gym amidst COVID shutdowns.  This was a captivating conversation with a figure who experienced a meteoric rise to fame during the pandemic, where we peeled back many layers of one of the most recognizable faces in the conservative movement — a reckless youth, the tragic accident that landed him behind bars, a chance at redemption and the devastating news he received at the height of everything.  Today, he is the co-owner of Summit Rejuvenation, brand director at RecoveryCBD and a 1st Phorm athlete.  I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!   ⬇️ FOLLOW MORE HERE ⬇️

Sajid Ali is the founder and operator of Patriot Limousine, a luxury limousine service with a state-of-the-art fleet of vehicles, driven by a team of professional drivers with over twenty years of experience in transporting VIP clientele, from executives to medical professionals and even organ transplants.  I was introduced to Ali just weeks ago as he drove my team and me to the airport for our trip to Utah, and in the short 60-minute drive to Newark, we were captivated by his story of emigration from Pakistan to the United States in pursuit of freedom.  We knew we had to get Ali to share his full story around The Pit, and it did not disappoint.  Ali is one of the most hardworking yet humble humans I have ever met, and the true embodiment of the American Dream.   ⬇️ FOLLOW MORE HERE ⬇️

Tom Simpson is the founder and operator of Chisel & Loom, which specializes in new and reclaimed wood flooring, solid and hollow beams, cladding and Millboard decking and siding.  A rapidly up-and-coming Chatham-based business, their sourced materials are imported from Europe and have rarely ever been offered in the United States.  Tom swung by The Pit to tell his story, geek out on wood and share some of his most valuable lessons learned along the way, from previous jobs, to fatherhood and fitness. Tom is also the co-host of a very popular craft beer podcast, America The BREW-tiful, which can be found on all streaming platforms.  It was great to finally meet face-to-face and dive into this rising entrepreneur's story.  Enjoy!   ⬇️ FOLLOW MORE HERE ⬇️

Robert Nagel is a Jersey Shore native and the founder of Surf Taco, New Jersey's preeminent Mexi-Cali cuisine-style restaurant, founded in 2001 and now with 11 locations across New Jersey and Florida (Jupiter).  Rob has a fascinating life story that brought him to each coast of the United States, from living in tents to directing non-profits in California, and ultimately returning back to his roots at the NJ shore to bartend, lifeguard and work in other restaurants prior to launching Surf Taco.  He has maintained an admirably grounded approach to business and life, and shared tremendous nuggets with aspiring entrepreneurs on guerrilla marketing, taking action and going heavy at the start.  We discussed the Surf Taco sticker craze of the 2000's, the future of Surf Taco and the "halftime" adjustments being made behind closed doors.  Awesome hang with a great local dude and iconic brand!  Enjoy

Alexis Smith is the owner and operator of Embellish U, a luxury spa and boutique based out of Point Pleasant (New Jersey), offering the finest treatments and products in the beauty industry. Starting her own nail salon at the age of 15 out of her parents' house, entrepreneurship is embedded in Alexis' DNA and she has built a mini-empire in the industry. Embellish U is a true one-of-a-kind experience and one of the most notable beauty establishments in New Jersey among women. In this episode we dove into everything from operating physical locations and managing a staff, to family struggles and everything in between. Alexis is a young veteran in the industry who is only just getting started. Enjoy!   ⬇️ FOLLOW MORE HERE ⬇️

Matt Vincent is the MOST INTERESTING MAN ON THE INTERNET!  A 2X Highland Games world champion turned serial entrepreneur and psychonaut, Matt's roots were dug in southwest Louisiana where he was a high school indoor and outdoor state champion in the shot, before competing for the LSU Tigers and standing upon the SEC podium multiple times. After college, Matt took an outside sales job in the oil industry, where he was on pace to earn close to $200K in total comp at a young age.  While training for the Highland Games, which draws comparisons to the World's Strongest Man competition, Matt started his YouTube channel to analyze his throwing form, before eventually evolving into what is now known as daily vlogging.  Today, he owns a successful apparel company “Not Dead Yet” and operates a bustling coaching group focused on total human performance around the domains of life, business and health.  Matt is a SUPER interesting and open-minded individual, with a passion for psychedelic medicine and research.  It was a truly enjoyable experience having him in town from St. Louis, and we are excited to collaborate on more things in the future.  Enjoy!   ⬇️ FOLLOW MORE HERE ⬇️  

WE'RE BACK!  Hope everyone had a tremendous Christmas and New Year and is as fired up for 2023 as I am!

Nick Hoffer, AKA “The Holster Guy” is the founder/CEO of HofTac Industries and Patriot Trays.  Based out of Idaho, USA, Nick has built an impressive business that includes his ultra-popular “OMNICARRY” holster, which comfortably accommodates more than 200 handguns.  Nick and I connected through Sean Whalen's “The Lion's Den” and hit it off immediately, so I was super excited when we were able to put together this cross-country hang.  We discussed quitting unfulfilling jobs, taking chances on ourselves, “personality scores” and all of the trials and tribulations that come along with the human experience.  Nick's facilities have a capacity to output 3,600 holsters per month, and sights are set on scaling operations, with a personal goal of an exit in the next decade.  It was a short but worthwhile time showing Nick the ropes of the Jersey Shore, and I hope you enjoyed this conversation as much as we did.  Cheers!   ⬇️ FOLLOW MORE HERE ⬇️  

Keaton Hoskins is a serial entrepreneur best known for his role as “The Muscle” on The Discovery Channel's hit TV show, “Diesel Brothers”.  A wildly successful entrepreneur in his own right hailing from Utah, Keaton has built, operated and sold dozens of successful businesses since his 20's across a variety of industries, from fitness to medicine and everything in between.  He has never invested more than $7,500 to launch a business and has led each venture to meteoric success.  While continuing to operate a number of businesses, Keaton's latest and most prized venture is his launch of “Limitless Society” where he coaches men and women on how to be “limitless” in all aspects of life, from personal development to career success.  Keaton and his beautiful wife, Madi, made the cross-country trip to Point Pleasant, New Jersey for a long weekend at the Jersey Shore and dropped a ton of nuggets here at The Pit.  Enjoy!

Sean Grevy is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, impact investor and most notably, the CEO of 43 Oak Advertising. His agency has dominated the advertising game across the Tri-State area, from the airwaves of radio to the airspace that billboards of Eat Clean Bro, Pond LeHockey and others command. Sean has a captivating story and a relentless self-belief that has allowed him to continually bet on himself, bringing him from the projects of Philadelphia to the top of the advertising industry. A lifelong hockey player, Sean's proudest accomplishment has been his creation of The 43 Oak Foundation in collaboration with The New York Islanders and UBS Group AG, which brings diversity to hockey and opportunity to the underprivileged. We talked the early days of “dialing for dollars”, our duty to help others and rarely heard struggles that shaped him into who he is today. It was a passionate, inspiring conversation and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!  

Mia and Carla Jung are South Jersey natives and two of the most dynamic women in healthcare! These powerful twin sisters joined me fireside for a beautiful evening of conversation, sharing stories from childhood, through college at Villanova and Columbia, to their prominent positions in healthcare and finance today. A Talent Partner on the Healthcare team at WCAS, Mia focuses on executive talent strategy and management, and is responsible for helping the world's leading healthcare companies build best-in-class executive teams. Her personal mission to serve as a bridge for bringing women into private equity — specifically in healthcare — and launched "Break into the Boardroom” as her flagship initiative. The Vice President of Sales, Coronary and Renal Denervation at Medtronic, Carla leads high-performance sales teams with hundreds of members across the nation in Medtronic's pursuit to boldly attack the most challenging health problems facing humanity, with innovations that transform lives. She brings a strong passion for growing teams and transforming company cultures to the table. Enjoy!

Matt Rega is a serial entrepreneur based out of Monmouth County, New Jersey, with ventures including the Beach Shack Deli, Straw Dock (https://strawdock.com/) and a budding boutique marketing agency. A former NCAA D1 wrestler, Matt brings a relentless grit to business and a passion for community, which was amplified after locals rallied around his business and countless others at the Jersey Shore post Hurricane Sandy. Matt has limitless potential and was a great hang on a beautiful fall evening! Enjoy!   ⬇️ FOLLOW MORE HERE ⬇️

Paul Altero is a New Jersey Native and the co-founder of Bubbakoo's Burritos.  Along with his partner, Bill Hart, Bubbakoo's has grown into a nationwide brand, with more than 100 locations and a goal of 250 within five years.  A former fellow Point Pleasant resident, Paul joined me at the pit in his return to New Jersey after moving to Naples, Florida with his wife and two daughters.  We discussed the inception of Bubbakoo's, his Ghanaian professor's encouragement which triggered a change in his self actualization, ensuring quality across 100+ stores, and “Creating Something Different.”  While Paul is a high-level entrepreneur, at the end of the day he is just a regular Jersey boy who chomped at the bit and did what it took.  It was an inspiring conversation loaded with value, and we hope you enjoy it as much as we did.   ⬇️ FOLLOW MORE HERE ⬇️

Tobias is a professional eater, drinker and one of the most prolific partiers in America.  He is ALSO a highly intelligent, strategic and dedicated entrepreneur, with a self-produced show “Tobias Eats” available on Apple TV!  Tobias joined me fireside on a calm, autumn night, and the pit would never be the same!  Bourbon, beers from local breweries and some of my favorite cigars were shared, as were stories about the rise and future of Tobias Eats.  It was a fun one!  Enjoy

Chef James Avery worked his way from a pizza delivery boy to sous-chef, under the tutelage of iconic chefs including David Burke and Gordon Ramsay. In 2010, James jumped on a TV opportunity to work on the culinary production team for Gordon Ramsay's hit FOX television show “Kitchen Nightmares.”  CJA stayed on as a Consulting Chef for one of the show's renovated New Jersey restaurants before making his way back to Michael Mina's Sea Blue. In 2011, James joined BR Guest Hospitality helping to open Dos Caminos and its three sister restaurants at Harrah's Resort in Atlantic City. The following year, he returned to FOX television as the Blue Team Sous Chef on Gordon Ramsay's culinary competition show “Hell's Kitchen” for seasons 11-14. In the summer of 2014 he became the Executive Chef of the Asbury Festhalle and Biergarten and Executive Chef/Partner at the Bonney Read. He opened a farm-to-table eatery Farmly Neighborhood, and eventually launched "The Black Swan" in Asbury Park, a European gastropub serving British/Irish fare, imported beers, wines, and craft cocktails. James is a legit entrepreneur and all-around good guy, residing in Wall Township, N.J. with his wife, Diana and four young children. Enjoy!   ⬇️ FOLLOW MORE HERE ⬇️  

Melina Bradley is the daughter of immigrants and one of the top Realtors in the greater Jersey Shore region. A trained opera singer, Melina traveled the world pursuing music, living multiple states and nations before ultimately settling in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey. In a few short years, Melina has built a real estate machine that sells tens of millions of dollars in real estate per year, and provides her with the financial freedom and future that can only be achieved through "walking THROUGH the storms." Enjoy!

Matt Cangialosi is the co-owner of Jersey Freeze, founded in 1952 by the Blackmore family before being purchased by Matt and his partner Katie DiNonno in 2014.  Matt is a retired police officer who rose through the ranks for 10 years before taking the dive into entrepreneurship with CKO Kickboxing and Jersey Freeze.  A community staple, Jersey Freeze is heavily involved in local organizations and has been a comforting constant in Monmouth County for decades.  Matt swung by the pit to walk us through his upbringing, from the baseball field at Christian Brothers Academy to his time in the police force.  He and Katie have big plans for Jersey Freeze, with a new location opened up in Holmdel's Bell Works that could very well serve as the blueprint for future franchises across the nation.  It was an awesome conversation with a true patriot who is crushing it on every level!  Enjoy!

AJ Adamczyk is the founder of Thrive Spine and Sports Rehab as well as Electro-Acupuncture Medicine. Our first ever repeat guest, AJ swung by The Pit to discuss the opening of Thrive's new state-of-the-art facility in Belmar, New Jersey, as well as the meteoric rise and success of his online business, Electro-Acupuncture Medicine. While AJ is one of the most accomplished individuals in the acupuncture industry, his business IQ is what truly sets him apart as a force in brand building and scaling. Good times were had by all - enjoy!

Sean DeDeyn is the co-founder and managing partner of The Axel Group, one of New Jersey's top staffing firms for environmental, architecture, construction, engineering, accounting, finance and marketing placement services.  A former Division 1 wrestler at Rutgers University, Sean brings a dialed-in approach to entrepreneurship and operates the agency as a true team.  He swung by The Pit to share his story, from humble beginnings in Bayville, chasing down what he wanted in collegiate athletics and not taking "no" for an answer, the growth of the business, which has reached 6-$7M ARR and is on a meteoric trajectory.  Enjoy!   ⬇️ FOLLOW MORE HERE ⬇️  

Steve Cortopassi is a serial entrepreneur with a decorated portfolio of work.  He built a successful careers in the mortgage industry, before moving on to a hedge fund which he ultimately left to open a CKO Kickboxing franchise.  Since then, Steve has opened multiple gym locations, expanded his holdings with Lukoil gas stations, and is a boots-on-the-ground owner of So Fresh So Clean Meal Prep.  Steve swung by The Pit to discuss grabbing yourself by the balls and chasing down your dreams, not being afraid to do the dirty work, and his philosophy of “do what you love and the money will follow.”  Enjoy!   ⬇️ FOLLOW MORE HERE ⬇️  

Andrew Zihmer is the Vice President and Lead Strategist at the Zihmer Law Firm, alongside his co-founder wife, Tracy. Andrew and I were connected through Sean Whalen's coaching group "The Lion's Den" and have bonded over our love of freedom, business and reaching back to pull others up. Andrew made the drive from Pittsburgh, PA to the Jersey Shore to be our first out-of-state guest, so we had to roll out the red carpet! We enjoyed dinner and drinks at the iconic Charlie's of Bay Head, drove some of my favorite Jersey Shore neighborhoods, and put him up in my guest suite for a few nights. Awesome conversation with an even better guy who has built a powerhouse business with his incredible wife. Enjoy!   FOLLOW MORE HERE

Joe Hughes is the founder and team leader at Contractor Dynamics, the roofing industry's top marketing training company. After spending over a decade in construction, Joe founded Contractor Dynamics in 2013 to help builders, contractors and related professionals grow their businesses strategically by leveraging the Internet.  He's a local guy with a powerful business that spans 40+ states, and was a genuinely good hang around the pit.  We discussed the concept of being "five mile famous", Joe's experience with the 75 Hard Challenge, family and more.  Enjoy!   ⬇️ FOLLOW MORE HERE ⬇️

Chris DeCresce is the owner and operator of Fratello's Italian Restaurant & Lounge in Sea Girt, New Jersey.  Chris brings decades of success to the table as a restaurateur, getting his start with his purchase of the Sand Bar in Brielle.  We discussed the not overextending yourself in tumultuous times (like today), marketing in the 90's versus 2022, advice for blue collar workers looking to generate business, and why you NEED a business plan!  Chris DeCresce, ladies and gentlemen — enjoy