Business Unchained

Business Unchained

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Business Unchained episodes

  • The Broker Behind the Brand: Bob Knakal’s 40-Year Playbook for Winning in Any Market (S3:E1)

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    About Bob Knakal

    Bob Knakal has been a broker in NYC since 1984. Over that time, he has brokered the sale of over 2,351 buildings having a market value of approximately $22 billion.

    For 26 years of those years (1988-2014), he owned and ran Massey Knakal Realty Services which sold more than 3x the number of properties as the #2 firm in NYC from 2001-2014. Running the firm with a Servant Leadership management style, focusing on empowering everyone on the team, intensely training them and building their self-esteem, led to this overwhelmingly dominant platform. The firm was sold to Cushman & Wakefield in 2014 for $100 million.

    The Massey Knakal Legacy is illustrated by the fact that today in the New York City investment sales market, there are 29 companies, or divisions of companies, that are either owned by, or run by, folks who learned the business at Massey Knakal.

    Recently, Bob started BKREA, an investment sales and capital markets brokerage firm in New York City which will blend best-in-class analog data sets with artificial intelligence technologies to create a new brokerage firm for a new era.

    Reference Links: 

    • Linkedin
    • Green Ridge Wealth Planning
    • BobbyMascia.com
    • Instagram - Bobby Mascia
    • Instagram - Business Unchained


    Bob Knakal  Social Media

    • Website - BKREA
    • LinkedIn - Bob Knakal
    • Instagram - Bob Knakal
    • YouTube - Bob Knakal
    • X - Bob Knakal


    Episode Highlights:

    What do you do after you’ve sold more buildings than anyone in the game, mentored dozens of future leaders, and built a firm that outsold its nearest competitor 3 to 1—for 14 years straight? You start over. And this time, you bring AI.

    In this episode of Business Unchained, Bobby Mascia sits down with NYC real estate icon Bob Knakal to unpack the grit, mindset, and playbook behind four decades of dominance. 

    (13:08) “Personal branding isn’t about me—it’s about getting in the way of information that helps my clients.” — Bob Knakal

    (36:01) “Servant leadership means showing your people that you truly care… and making them feel like they can do better than their best.” — Bob Knakal

    Bob opens up about the defining moments of his career—like surviving the 2008 crash on credit cards, getting fired on Valentine’s Day, and the emotional weight of letting good people go. 

    From the sales floor to the mailroom, from zoning battles to viral deal stories, this episode is a blueprint for staying relevant, staying grounded, and staying in the game—even when the rules keep changing. Let's dive in!

    In this episode:

    • (00:00) - Introduction 
    • (06:42) - Balancing social media and market presence
    • (17:36) - Social media storytelling and Knakal Nuggets
    • (19:16) - AI, zoning strategy, and land deals in NYC
    • (27:01) - Outpacing the competition through bold hiring
    • (30:25) - Why w
    54 min
  • Boomers are Passing the Torch: The Great Wealth Transfer with Bobby Mascia (Special Episode)

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    Episode Highlights:

    Imagine waking up in 2030 to find that half of America’s wealth has changed hands—yet your family, your business, and your future were left unprepared. What then?  This isn’t a dystopian thriller. It’s reality.  

    Between now and 2030, Baby Boomers will pass down up to $85 trillion to Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z—the largest wealth transfer in history. But here’s the catch: AI is rewriting the rules of money, work, and power—while families risk self-destructing over inheritance wars.  Will you seize this generational opportunity… or let it slip?

    In this special episode of Business Unchained Podcast, host Bobby Mascia teams up with executive producer Jess Lascar to unpack one of the most significant financial shifts in modern history: the Great Wealth Transfer. They discuss what’s coming between now and 2030—and how entrepreneurs, business owners, and families can prepare for this massive transition of up to $85 trillion in wealth from baby boomers to younger generations.

    (02:57) “We have what is called the biggest wealth transfer ever. And it's Interesting, because I read a lot of stuff. We all read a lot of stuff. You have everything from the biggest wealth transfer from baby boomer to Gen X and Millennials is going to be from 22 trillion all the way up to 85 trillion.”- Bobby

    Bobby shares eye-opening stats about AI, labor trends, and the risks of failing to plan, while Jess keeps the conversation grounded with practical questions about estate planning, business succession, and intergenerational communication. Together, they emphasize the importance of planning ahead, using technology wisely, and ensuring your business (and family legacy) can thrive long after you’ve stepped away.

    (17:42) “What is the legacy that you're gonna leave being more than just the money? Because I think when people go, oh, legacy planning, how much money am I leaving behind? What's the impact? What's the imprint that you're leaving behind?”- Bobby


     In this episode:

    • (00:00) Introduction to Business Unchained 
    • (04:56) AI, automation, and the workforce of the future
    • (07:14) 2M jobs to require re-education by 2030
    • (08:15) Generational impact: Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z
    • (10:02) How each generation should approach the transfer differently
    • (14:56) Planning retirement and avoiding giving away wealth too early
    • (17:23) Leaving a legacy: beyond the money
    • (19:09) Avoiding family infighting with estate planning
    • (20:41) Planning = avoiding failure
    • (22:26) The risk of remarriage and unplanned asset transfers
    • (25:03) The 2030 opportunity and the “blood in the streets” mindset
    • (30:51) The cost of implementing automation
    • (32:00) Being nimble in a high-inflation, high-cost environment
    • (35:22) What is a family office?
    • (37:00) Succession inside a business and family office governance
    • (40:01) The ‘work’ of wealth after a business sale
    • (45:02) Planning for liquidity and future business acquisition
    • (46:40) Increasing business value in preparation for sale
    • (48:24) Life after selling: identity shifts and planning ahead
    • (50:56) Separating ego from enterprise
    • (52:36) Empowering your team so you can finally unplug
    • (54:47) Final thoughts: Start now. Plan ahead. Prepare to thrive.

    Reference Links: 

    • Linkedin
    • Green Ridge Wealth Planning
    • BobbyMascia.com
    • Instagram - Bobby Mascia
    • Instagram - Business Unchained


    58 min
  • The Profit Paradox: Why Culture, Not Money, Drives Growth — with Dr. Gustavo (S2:E15)

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    About Dr. Gustavo Grodnitzky

    Dr. Gustavo Grodnitzky is a clinical and organizational psychologist, TEDx speaker, and expert in workplace culture, emotional intelligence, and leadership. He specializes in helping businesses create thriving environments by transforming how leaders think about culture, team dynamics, and change. With experience ranging from working with incarcerated mobsters to advising major corporations, Dr. Gustavo brings a unique and powerful perspective on human behavior and organizational success.

    He’s also known for breaking down culture into actionable steps — from building trust to navigating generational differences in the workforce. His real-world approach has made him a trusted advisor to CEOs, entrepreneurs, and leadership teams across the country.

    Reference Links: 

    • Linkedin
    • Green Ridge Wealth Planning
    • BobbyMascia.com
    • Instagram - Bobby Mascia
    • Instagram - Business Unchained

    Dr. Gustavo Grodnitzky  Social Media

    • LinkedIn - Dr. Gustavo Grodnitzky
    • Dr. Gustavo Grodnitzky - Website
    • Dr. Gustavo Grodnitzky   Instagram
    • Dr. Gustavo Grodnitzky YouTube

    Episode Highlights:

    When a prison riot breaks out, the last thing you expect is to be protected by mobsters — but for Dr. Gustavo Grodnitzky, it was a moment that would reshape his understanding of human behavior forever. In this episode of Business Unchained, Dr. Gustavo shares that riveting story as a gateway to unpacking the psychology of culture, leadership, and change.

    (06:33) “He was willing to take his own life, but didn’t want anyone to take mine.” — Dr. Gustavo

    Host Bobby Mascia brings the conversation back to real-world entrepreneurship — asking the hard questions about resistance to change, employee engagement, generational divides, and what it really means to put people first. From rethinking outdated leadership models to understanding the “profit paradox,” this episode is a deep dive into how business owners can build cultures that scale with soul.

    (15:41) “Companies that put culture first make more. That’s the profit paradox.” — Dr. Gustavo

    (22:00) “People don’t resist change — they resist loss.” — Dr. Gustavo

    (29:48) “If you allow for backsliding, you’re going to get backsliding.” — Dr. Gustavo

    Whether you're an old-school operator learning to evolve or a next-gen entrepreneur looking to build something that lasts, this episode is packed with raw insight, practical frameworks, and plenty of "aha" moments.

     In this episode:

    • (00:00) Welcome to Business Unchained
    • (06:33) Why mobsters protected Dr. Gustavo — the power of context
    • (11:44) Culture gaps, and why middle management can kill momentum
    • (15:41) The “Profit Paradox”: why culture drives profitability
    • (22:00) People resist loss, not change — and how to lead through it
    • (24:39) Overcoming fear with clarity and KPIs
    • (35:10) Flexibility is the future — not just hybrid work
    • (44:28) You can’t change people who don’t want to change
    • (51:53) From inmate survival to boardroom strategy
    • (54:11) Final takeaways: truth, attention, and limiting adversaries
    • (55:32) Where to find and follow Dr. Gustavo
    58 min
  • Rejection, Resilience & Reinvention: Troy Helming’s Billion-Dollar Founder Playbook (S2:E14)

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    About Troy Helming

    Troy Helming is a serial entrepreneur, clean energy pioneer, and the founder & CEO of EarthGrid — a next-gen infrastructure company using plasma-powered technology to revolutionize underground tunneling. Nicknamed the “Solar Ninja,” Troy is a former NCAA All-American athlete turned renewable energy visionary, having founded two of the largest clean energy companies in North America. His ventures have contributed to over $30 billion in energy infrastructure.

    He’s also competed on American Ninja Warrior four times, proving his philosophy of failing forward and living with radical purpose. 


    Reference Links: 

    • Linkedin
    • Green Ridge Wealth Planning
    • BobbyMascia.com
    • Instagram - Bobby Mascia
    • Instagram - Business Unchained

    EarthGrid Social Media

    • Website
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram

    Troy Helming Social Media

    • LinkedIn - Troy Helming
    • Troy Helming - Facebook
    • Troy Helming  X


    Episode Highlights:

    Getting rejected by investors over 2,400 times would break most people. For Troy Helming, it was just another rep in the gym — a mental ninja course no different than the one he trained for when competing on American Ninja Warrior.

    Before founding EarthGrid, a tunneling tech company powered by literal lightning, Troy was grinding through the renewable energy space — building wind farms, launching solar companies, and even constructing a biodiesel plant with his bare hands. 

    (09:10) “So that muscle of falling and getting back up and trying again, failing, getting back up and trying again and again and again and again. And it got to where it was just part of who I am” — Troy Helming

    In this episode of Business Unchained, host Bobby Mascia sits down with Troy to explore how grit, biohacking, and staying curious can lead to billion-dollar ideas.  

    He shares how watching his mom battle cancer changed his view on health, how being “unemployable” pushed him into his first business, and how one wild story from a former Navy SEAL sparked the invention of a technology that could redefine global infrastructure.

    Whether you’re in a fundraising season, rethinking your work-life balance, or dreaming up your next big thing — this episode is packed with perspective, power, and plenty of plasma.Let’s dig in.

     In this episode:

    • (00:00) Welcome to Business Unchained
    • (06:07) Intermittent fasting, wellness hacks, and biological age
    • (10:19) Quitting AT&T and launching his first company
    • (16:40) How a Navy SEAL's story led to a plasma-powered business idea
    • (21:58) Breaking down EarthGrid’s tunneling tech
    • (26:46) Work-life balance and why Troy takes one day off per weekend
    • (29:25) How he built his team and structured equity + advisors
    • (37:45) Core principles: purpose, balance, no-asshole policy, and focus
    • (40:55) “A wolf that chases two rabbits goes hungry.”
    • (45:37) National grid vulnerability and the EMP threat
    • (49:06) Troy’s son, plasma tunnels on Mars, and building a family business
    • (53:38) Where to find and follow Troy Helming
    57 min
  • Want to Start a Podcast? Billy Samoa Reveals the Playbook Behind 1,000+ Episodes (S2:E13)

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    About Billy Samoa Saleebey

    Billy Samoa Saleebey is an award-winning filmmaker, former Tesla global sales trainer, and the co-founder of Podify — a full-service content agency for podcasting and social media growth. With a background in entertainment and sales leadership at SolarCity and Tesla, Billy now helps entrepreneurs, creators, and brands amplify their voices through strategic podcast development.

    He brings a rare blend of creativity and systems thinking, drawing on deep experience in communication, leadership, and the psychology of attention. 


    Reference Links: 

    • Linkedin
    • Green Ridge Wealth Planning
    • BobbyMascia.com
    • Instagram - Bobby Mascia
    • Instagram - Business Unchained

    Podify Social Media

    • Podcast Launch Strategy Call
    • Website
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram

    Billy Samoa Saleebey Social Media

    • LinkedIn - Billy Samoa Saleebey
    • Billy Samoa Saleebey - Facebook
    • Billy Samoa Saleebey- X
    • Billy Samoa Saleebey- Youtube


    Episode Highlights:

    Working the floor of a busy LA restaurant might not sound like CEO training — unless you're Billy Samoa Saleebey.

    Before he built a company or trained Tesla’s global sales team, Billy was learning something far more foundational: how to meet customer needs in real time. 

    In this episode of Business Unchained, host Bobby Mascia dives deep with Billy Samoa Saleebey — former head of global training at Tesla turned podcasting and branding expert — to uncover how to build authority, scale authentic content, and tap into the psychological triggers that create trust and traction.

    Billy also opens up about launching Podify, the podcasting company he co-founded after realizing the biggest bottleneck most creators face is time.

    [19:32]  ”You gotta validate that attraction and then retain, if you do that, that's a good recipe to tap into the, the human emotions.”-Billy Samoa

    (41:56) “"Everyone's tenth podcast is better than their first, and their fiftieth is better than their tenth, and their hundredth's better than their fiftieth. You just get better."-Billy Samoa

    Whether you’re thinking of starting a podcast, growing your LinkedIn presence, or just curious how Tesla trains its team — this episode is packed with gold. Let’s dive in!


     In this episode:

    • (00:00) Welcome to Business Unchained
    • (02:22) Billy’s journey from film school to restaurant work
    • (05:08) Transitioning into solar sales and breaking records
    • (11:20) Elon Musk’s mindset: No excuses, only solutions
    • (18:28) The psychology of attention in content creation
    • (30:50) The founding of Podify and solving for time
    • (39:37) Billy’s free podcast launch guide offer
    • (44:41) Authenticity and generational shifts in content trust
    • (59:14) The unique connection of podcasts  
    • (01:00:24) Building trust in business  
    • (01:05:03) Creating impact through leadership  
    1 hr 12 min
  • The Business of Making Memories: Event Planning with Maria Falzo (S2:E12)

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    About Maria Falzo

    Maria Falzo is a PR and events expert, entrepreneur, and founder of The Hip Event, a boutique agency specializing in luxury brand experiences, high-profile events, and strategic marketing. With a career rooted in retail marketing and public relations, Maria has worked with top-tier brands such as Neiman Marcus, Hugo Boss, and luxury real estate firms, connecting high-net-worth individuals with meaningful brand experiences.

    Her expertise lies in crafting high-impact events, from black-tie galas to intimate brand activations, always ensuring that clients receive an ROI-driven approach. Maria's entrepreneurial journey has allowed her to balance her professional success with her role as a devoted mother, shaping a business that fits her lifestyle.


    Reference Links: 

    • Linkedin
    • Green Ridge Wealth Planning
    • BobbyMascia.com
    • Instagram - Bobby Mascia
    • Instagram - Business Unchained

    The Hip Event  Social Media

    • Website
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Youtube
    • Instagram

    Maria Falzo Social Media

    • LinkedIn - Maria Falzo
    • Maria Falzo - Instagram


    Episode Highlights:

    What makes an event truly unforgettable? Is it the grand venue, the meticulous details, or the emotions it evokes? In a world where luxury events are becoming more extravagant, what does it take to create magic behind the scenes?

    In this episode of Business Unchained, host Bobby Mascia sits down with Maria Falzo, a top event planner specializing in high-net-worth clientele, to discuss her journey from the corporate world to launching her own agency. 

    (29:04) "People will spend more money on personal events than they will on corporate events. It's that emotional connection"— Maria Falzo

    The conversation also explores the challenges that come with planning high-profile events, including last-minute changes, difficult clients, and the pressure to deliver perfection. Maria explains how she stays grounded and maintains balance between her demanding career and personal life.

    (04:15) "I think a lot of people have a hard time dealing with high-net-worth individuals, and I think for myself, it took me a few years of just seeing a lot of zeros and a lot of digits before numbers just really didn’t matter to me anymore." — Maria Falzo

    At its core, Maria’s story is about passion, resilience, and the ability to turn a vision into reality. Whether you're planning your own wedding, hosting a corporate event, or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration. Let’s dive in!


     In this episode:

    • (00:00) Welcome to Business Unchained
    • (08:15) Launching her own agency
    • (17:43) Balancing work and family life
    • (19:20) Balancing parenthood and business
    • (20:02) Building a business team
    • (20:35) Event planning: personal vs. professional
    • (25:05) The importance of networking
    • (27:33) Balancing life and career
    • (33:54) Future plans and personal growth
    • (35:47) Conclusion and contact information


    38 min
  • Why Your Kids Need Emotional Intelligence More Than Straight A’s: Dr. Jenny Woo’s Blueprint for Success (S2:E11)

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    About Dr. Jenny Woo

    Dr. Jenny Woo is an educator, entrepreneur, and founder/CEO of Mind Brain Emotion, a company incubated at Harvard Innovation Labs that helps children and adults build emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and communication skills. With a Ph.D. in cognitive science and a master’s from Harvard, she has worked in human capital consulting at Deloitte, talent strategy at Cisco, and career coaching at UC Berkeley.

    She is the creator of award-winning card games, including 52 Essential Conversations and 52 Essential Coping Skills, used in 50+ countries. Her work has been featured in CNBC, Forbes, FORTUNE, Fast Company, and more.

    As a mother of three, Dr. Woo is passionate about helping families and professionals navigate modern challenges, build resilience, and create meaningful connections.

    Reference Links: 

    • Linkedin
    • Green Ridge Wealth Planning
    • BobbyMascia.com
    • Instagram - Bobby Mascia
    • Instagram - Business Unchained

    Mind Brain Emotion Social Media

    • Website
    • LinkedIn
    • Youtube
    • Instagram
    • X
    • Facebook
    • 52 Essential Emotional Intelligence Training - Book

    Dr. Jenny Woo  Social Media

    • LinkedIn - Dr. Jenny Woo


    Episode Highlights:

    What if the key to raising successful, resilient children isn’t about perfect grades or packed schedules—but something far more profound? In a world dominated by social media, academic pressure, and emotional recessions, how do we ensure our kids grow up with the emotional intelligence to thrive?

    In this episode of Business Unchained, host Bobby Mascia sits down with Dr. Jenny Woo to discuss her journey from corporate consulting to creating tools that help families and workplaces develop essential human skills. 

    [07:54] "When I say village, it doesn’t have to be a lot of people, but you really need that relationship. It could be a partner, a friend, a mentor to just help you stay on track and keep going." — Dr. Jenny Woo

    [09:46] "We are experiencing an emotional recession. We don’t quite know how to talk to each other anymore." — Dr. Jenny Woo

    Dr. Woo explains how her company creates tools like conversation cards to help families and workplaces build emotional intelligence. 

    At its core, Dr. Woo’s story is about the power of emotional intelligence, resilience, and the belief that success isn’t just about academic or professional achievements—it’s about building meaningful connections and leading a balanced, fulfilling life.


     In this episode:

    • (00:00) Introduction: The vicious cycle
    • (04:59) The changing dynamics of parenting
    • (09:45) Building emotional intelligence and resilience
    • (13:02) Jenny's entrepreneurial spirit
    • (14:35) Balancing parenthood and career
    • (17:20) The birth of Mind Brain Emotion
    • (24:06) Adapting communication for different generations
    • (25:19) Impact of the pandemic on communication
    • (30:45) Expanding beyond B2C to B2B
    • (40:22) Finding balance and avoiding burnout
    • (43:27) Conclusion and final thoughts
    46 min
  • From Barista to Managing Director: J. Michael Fischer Jr. Shares the Rules of the Game (S2:E10)

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    About Michael Fischer

    J. Michael Fischer Jr. is a financial strategist and investment banker with a passion for helping business owners navigate growth, acquisition, and exit strategies. His journey is anything but traditional—starting as a college dropout pursuing a rock-and-roll dream, he worked as a janitor, a plumber, and a bank teller before climbing his way up to leadership roles in finance. Through personal challenges, career pivots, and a transformative approach to self-improvement, Fischer has developed a methodology that integrates mindset, physical fitness, and financial acumen.

    Outside of work, Michael is dedicated to personal development, fitness, and helping others reach their potential. His philosophy centers around resilience, discipline, and strategic decision-making to optimize both business and personal success.


    Reference Links: 

    • Linkedin
    • Green Ridge Wealth Planning
    • BobbyMascia.com
    • Instagram - Bobby Mascia
    • Instagram - Business Unchained

    Mike Fischer Social Media

    • LinkedIn - J. Michael Fischer Jr. 
    • LinkedIn - DBD Investment bank 
    • DBD Investment Bank 


    Episode Highlights:

    Like it or not, having a meaningful life starts with discipline, self-awareness, and the courage to evolve. In this episode of Business Unchained, host Bobby Mascia sits down with J. Michael Fischer Jr. to discuss his remarkable path from playing in a rock band to becoming an investment banker.

    Michael shares how his early career was shaped by trial and error, a willingness to work from the ground up, and a powerful mindset shift following the sudden loss of his father. 

    [06:34] "That Monday morning, my mom screamed for me at 5:00 in the morning. My dad was dying in his bed, and we tried to resuscitate him, but we lost him. It was the biggest mindset shift for me in my life." — J. Michael Fischer Jr. 

    Michael shares his transformative journey, focusing on health, mindset, and routines. He details his morning rituals, emphasizing gratitude inspired by "Conversations with God," and his commitment to continuous self-improvement. Mike discusses his structured health program, stressing personal responsibility and long-term lifestyle changes. 

    [24:47] "Teach me the rules of the game. Give me a few minutes to learn them, and I’ll win the game." — J. Michael Fischer Jr. 

    At its core, Michael’s story is about perseverance, adaptability, and the belief that success isn’t just about financial wealth—it’s about vitality, confidence, and leading a meaningful life. 

    Join us as we uncover the lessons from Michael’s journey and learn how to elevate every aspect of life, from career to health to mindset. Let’s dive in!


     In this episode:

    • (00:43) Welcome to Business Unchained
    • (06:24) The turning point: loss of his father and growth
    • (07:52) Journey into banking
    • (14:42) Fitness and confidence transformation
    • (20:44) Daily routines and mindset
    • (28:01) Balancing work and personal life
    • (29:59) Investing in health and fitness
    • (35:52) Combining personal development with professional goals
    • (38:07) Advice for business owners and personal growth
    • (43:19) Crafting a meaningful life
    • (51:14) Final thoughts and encouragement
    39 min
  • Chop Star: Joey Cioffi and The Sign that Launched the Salad House Franchise (S2:E9)

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    About Joey Cioffi

    Joey Cioffi is the founder and CEO of Salad House, a fast-casual health-focused franchise brand known for its fresh chopped salads, made to order proteins and its Create-Your-Own salad option. Coming from a family rooted in the restaurant industry, Joey expanded beyond the traditional deli business into fast-casual dining. Through perseverance, calculated risk-taking, and relentless drive, he transformed Salad House into a scalable franchise. His journey—from working in his family’s deli to overcoming financial hardships—demonstrates resilience and vision for national expansion.

    Outside of work, Joey values family, faith, and fostering a team culture that promotes growth and opportunity. 

    Reference Links: 

    • Linkedin
    • Green Ridge Wealth Planning
    • BobbyMascia.com
    • Instagram - Bobby Mascia
    • Instagram - Business Unchained

    Joey Cioffi’s Social Media

    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram
    • X

    Salad House Social Media

    • Website
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • LinkedIn

    Episode Highlights:

    Building a business from the ground up is never easy, and Joey Cioffi knows that better than most. In this episode of Business Unchained, we sit down with the founder of Salad House to talk about the realities of entrepreneurship, the complexities of running a family business, and the bold risks required to turn a vision into reality.

    [05:27] “At 2am. . .my father would get the phone call, go downstairs, make the pie, get in his car, and deliver it. Oh my God, that was the mindset. He was just so hungry for success.”—Joey Cioffi

    Success didn’t come overnight. Joey details the emotional, financial, and strategic challenges of scaling his brand—facing near financial collapse, learning when to pivot, and navigating the struggles of expansion.

    [24:37] "I was failing my family and my kids, and I loved them with every ounce of my being. I wanted to set the bar of a lifestyle and providing, and never ever get below that."—Joey Cioffi

    At its core, Joey’s story is a testament to resilience and adaptability—the two things every entrepreneur needs to succeed. His journey proves that big dreams require big risks, but with the right mindset and determination, anything is possible. Let’s dive in!

     In this episode:

    • (00:01:32) - Joey's background and family business
    • (00:05:08) - Transition to restaurant ownership
    • (00:10:00) - Career at Merrill Lynch
    • (00:15:05) - Inspiration for Salad House
    • (00:20:38) - Mistakes in business decisions
    • (00:25:26) - Hindsight on business decisions
    57 min
  • From Telecom Sales to Leadership Success: Vincent Finaldi’s Formula for Family Business Growth (S2:E8)

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    About Vincent Finaldi

    Vincent Finaldi, known to friends as Vin or Vince, is a seasoned professional with 18 years of experience in the Telecom industry. As the VP of Sales at TeleCloud, he excels in working directly with clients and partners to achieve remarkable results. With a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Fairfield University, Vincent's expertise lies in his ability to "get stuff done" and make things happen.

    Beyond the office, Vincent's true passions lie in raising his three children to be kind and responsible individuals and cherishing quality time with his family. A firm believer in leading a good and healthy life, Vincent is dedicated to balancing his professional success with personal well-being.

    Whether at work in Morristown or enjoying downtime in Florham Park, NJ, Vincent exemplifies a commitment to excellence in both his professional endeavors and personal life.

    Reference Links: 

    • Linkedin
    • Green Ridge Wealth Planning
    • BobbyMascia.com
    • Instagram - Bobby Mascia
    • Instagram - Business Unchained

    Vincent Finaldi’s Social Media

    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram

    TeleCloud  Social Media

    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram
    • Website

    Episode Highlights:

    In this episode of "Business Unchained Podcast," we have the privilege of delving into the unique dynamics of family businesses with Vincent Finaldi, Vice President of TeleCloud, a family-owned business in the service and technology sector. Through Vin's personal journey of taking over the business after his father's passing in 2021, we explore the complexities of family enterprises, leadership transitions, and the invaluable lessons learned during trying times, including those brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

    [23:45] "When the patriarch leaves, it’s a big deal in a family. His death forced us to formalize things because we realized our mortality." - Vincent Finald

    The conversation underscores the challenges of distinguishing between family roles and business roles. Vin draws parallels between a family business and a sports team, underscoring the necessity of clear responsibilities and accountability for achieving success. 

    In response to these challenges, Vin and his siblings proactively sought to formalize their business structure. Their proactive measures included consulting legal experts to establish buy-sell agreements and safeguard their shares. 

    Furthermore, Vincent outlines their strategic planning process, which leverages the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to set lucid goals for the future. Their three-year vision encompasses ambitious targets, including reaching 30,000 subscribers and expanding the team to 30 members. Let’s dive in!

     In this episode:

    (00:00) - Internal Team Health

    (06:47) - Joining the Family Business

    (10:02) - Business Model Shift in 2013

    (16:18) - Hiring the Right Talent

    (20:05) - Transitioning Leadership

    (25:22) - Future of the Business

    (28:06) - Engaging an Organizational Expert

    (32:51) - Future Growth Planning

    (35:46) - Internal Health Importance

    (43:12) - Reverse Mentorship Concept


    50 min

About Business Unchained

From the publisher's feed

Calling all business warriors who feel chained to their business! Do you run your business or does your business run you? You've poured your blood, sweat and tears into it and it is  time…