In this episode of Athletes to Entrepreneurs, Rob Finkelstein sits down with Joey Cioffi, a former Monmouth University football player turned entrepreneur, to discuss the transition from sports to business ownership. Joey 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 Create-Your-Own salad options.Coming from a family rooted in the restaurant industry, Joey took a leap beyond the traditional deli business and ventured 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—is a testament to resilience, vision, and a commitment to expanding healthy food options nationwide.Rob and Joey dive into the challenges athletes face when stepping away from sports, the importance of networking and mentorship, and how the skills developed in athletics—such as discipline, teamwork, and resilience—serve as a foundation for entrepreneurial success. Joey also shares insights on franchising as a career path, the growing demand for healthy dining, and how athletes can apply their competitive mindset to building a thriving business.---Key Takeaways:- Athletic Mindset Fuels Business Success: Joey’s competitive nature and discipline from football helped him navigate entrepreneurship.- Networking is a Game-Changer: Building strong relationships is essential for athletes transitioning into new careers.- Life After Sports Requires Preparation: Schools are improving education on career opportunities post-athletics.- Athletes Bring Valuable Skills to Business: Leadership, teamwork, and adaptability are highly sought-after traits.- Franchising Offers a Pathway for Athletes: Business ownership can be a rewarding next step with the right strategy.- Mentorship is Key: Learning from experienced entrepreneurs accelerates growth and decision-making.- Healthy Dining is a Growing Industry: Salad House was created to offer nutritious meals while appealing to a broad audience.- Teamwork Translates Beyond Sports: Collaboration and adaptability in athletics apply directly to business success.- Resilience and Mental Toughness Matter: Overcoming setbacks is crucial for long-term success in business.- Building a Brand with Purpose: Joey shares how he positioned Salad House to attract both health-conscious and casual diners.---Connect with Joey Cioffi & Salad House:🌱 Website: [Salad House] (https://www.thesaladhouse.com/)📸 Instagram: [@thesaladhouse](https://www.instagram.com/thesaladhouse)💼 LinkedIn: [Joey Cioffi](https://www.linkedin.com/in/joey-cioffi)---Connect with Us:Follow Alumni Direct for more inspiring stories of athletes making an impact beyond sports:📸 Instagram: [@AlumniDirect](https://www.instagram.com/alumnidirect)💼 LinkedIn: [Alumni Direct](https://www.linkedin.com/company/alumnidirect)📘 Facebook: [Alumni Direct](https://www.facebook.com/alumnidirect)🚀 If you’re an athlete navigating life after sports, this episode is packed with insights to help you on your journey! Don’t forget to share this with fellow athletes and entrepreneurs and join our community to continue the conversation.