Coffeez with Joe Shalaby

In this episode of Coffeez for Closers, we sit down with Maha Abouelenein—a global communications strategist, former head of comms for Google and Netflix, and author of The 7 Rules of Self-Reliance.

From launching billion-dollar campaigns to advising leaders like Gary Vee and royalty in Dubai, Maha has spent decades helping brands and individuals craft powerful narratives that actually connect. But her message is clear: in today’s world, if you’re not building your personal brand, you’re already behind.

We talk about the difference between self-promotion and idea promotion, how to get attention for "boring" products, why storytelling is a superpower, and how your reputation is the real currency that opens doors.

If you're building a business, a career, or just trying to be more intentional with how you show up—this one’s packed with clarity, insight, and real tactics you can use today.

This isn’t your typical Coffeez for Closers episode—we’re going full science nerd.

Our guest, Thoryn Stephens, is a molecular biologist turned entrepreneur who’s worked with biotech startups, Caltech neuroscientists, and now runs Brain One—a platform using AI and neuroscience to help anyone (from pro athletes to your grandma) upgrade their brain health and performance.

He’s the kind of guy whose morning routine involves sunlight, red light, brainwave tracking, and about six other things you’ve probably never heard of—but might want to try.

This isn’t the usual entrepreneurial grind talk—but if you want more energy, clearer thinking, and yeah… more money in the long run—this episode’s for you.

In this episode of Coffeez for Closers, we sit down with Brian Goldstein—serial entrepreneur, scaling expert, and founder behind multiple 8- and 9-figure ventures. From building his first detailing business in high school to helping companies 4x their revenue today, Brian’s journey is one of grit, honesty, and zero fluff.

We talk about growing up in chaos, overcoming adversity, and how those early battles shaped his calm, no-nonsense approach to business and life. Brian shares how he helps businesses scale, why most founders stall out, and how he’s raising his daughter to have the same grit he was forced to learn.

Raw, real, and unapologetically sharp—this one’s for the builders who don’t make excuses.

In this episode of Coffeez for Closers, we sit down with Chris Lee, entrepreneur, investor, and CEO of Next Level Pros. After scaling Solgen into one of the country’s largest solar companies and leading a nine-figure exit, Chris turned his focus to helping other business owners grow and scale with intention.

We talk about what it really takes to build a thriving company, why culture is the key to attracting top talent, and how he keeps faith, family, and personal growth at the center of it all. Chris also shares how his biggest failure—going bankrupt in 2011—became the foundation for his future success.

If you're looking for real, battle-tested business wisdom with a focus on long-term impact, this one's for you.

In this episode of Coffeez for Closers, we sit down with Larry Sands, a pioneer in the luxury eyewear industry. Starting his career in the optical field, Larry opened the Optical Shop of Aspen in 1969, one of the first optical boutiques in the world, catering to notable personalities like Elton John and John Denver.

Beyond eyewear, Larry has ventured into various businesses, including the innovative exotic EuroCar showroom in Costa Mesa. At 84, he continues to innovate, recently launching Bugatti Eyewear, a collection that blends high-tech materials unique to the auto industry with luxury design.

Join us as we explore Larry's journey from small-town beginnings to becoming a trendsetter in luxury brands, his creative process, and how he continues to redefine the eyewear industry.

Mark Lack built a multi-million dollar brand, made a big exit, and then went all in on Bitcoin—tripling his money in just over a year. But for Mark, success isn’t just about stacking wealth. It’s about playing the long game.

From being one of the world’s best paintball players to becoming a top personal branding expert, Mark has always focused on staying ahead of the curve. In this episode, we talk about entrepreneurship, wealth, legacy, and the moments that shift your entire perspective.

If you're thinking about building a brand, making smart investments, or figuring out what really matters in the end—this is one you’ll want to hear.

In this episode of Coffeez for Closers, we sit down with Lavinia Errico, the visionary who co-founded Equinox and redefined the fitness industry. She helped turn gyms from grimy, no-frills spaces into luxury wellness experiences, setting a new standard for fitness culture.

But after selling Equinox, Lavinia realized success wasn’t just about building a business—it was about finding joy. Now, she’s leading MoveJoy, a movement-focused wellness platform designed to help people reconnect with their energy, mindset, and purpose.

We talk about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, what it really takes to build something great, and how to avoid losing yourself in the process. If you're chasing success but don’t want to burn out, this conversation is for you.

In this episode of Coffeez for Closers, we sit down with Rafi Anteby, a man whose journey is anything but ordinary. From his time in the Israeli military to mastering Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and Qi Gong as a Daoist monk, Rafi has reinvented himself multiple times.

He’s the founder of Bullets 4 Peace, turning spent bullet casings into meaningful jewelry, and the visionary behind Rafi Lounge in Malibu, a one-of-a-kind wellness space blending ancient practices with modern community.

We talk about his approach to life, business, and finding purpose in every chapter. If you’re looking for inspiration on how to pivot, evolve, and create impact, this one’s for you.

In this episode of Coffeez for Closers, we sit down with Vince Ricci, the founder and CEO of Hubble Studio. Starting in 2014, Vince transformed a single-stage setup into a premier creative hub in Los Angeles, hosting top-tier clients like Vogue and GQ. Beyond the studio, he has expanded into fashion with Hubble Clothing and ventured into the cannabis industry with Balanced Los Angeles. Vince shares his journey from humble beginnings in the Bronx to becoming a key player in LA's creative scene, discussing the challenges and successes along the way. Join us for an insightful conversation about entrepreneurship, creativity, and the drive to build something unique.

In this episode of Coffeez for Closers, we hang out with Greg Lutzka, a pro skateboarder with a long list of contest wins and a reputation for technical skill. Originally from Milwaukee, Greg packed up and headed to Southern California at 18 to chase his skateboarding dreams.

But Greg’s story doesn’t stop at skating. He’s also an entrepreneur, running Lutzka’s Garage, an online shop for motorcycle parts, and teaming up with brands like Saddlemen and Bassani Exhaust to design custom products.

We talk about his move from the Midwest, life as a pro skater, and how he’s turned his love for action sports into a growing business.