In this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom sits down with Glenn Scher, owner of Carpets To Go, to talk about building a business rooted in community, trust, and long-term relationships. Glenn shares the story behind their incredible pay-it-forward event, where Carpets To Go gave away over 400 rugs to college students furnishing their dorm rooms. With locations in Brick and Howell, Glenn explains why creating a no-pressure shopping environment has been a cornerstone of their success and how that mindset has helped them become a go-to resource for contractors and interior designers. The conversation also dives into the importance of customer reviews, how Carpets To Go earned over 800 five-star Google reviews, and why actively asking for feedback matters. Glenn discusses his strategy of buying inventory in bulk to pass savings directly to customers, along with real-life moments on the showroom floor that remind him why he loves what he does. This episode is a great look at how putting people first, giving back, and running a smart operation can create lasting success in a competitive industry.

This episode of Grit Won't Quit takes a different turn as Tom sits down with SEO expert Alex Barr for a webinar-style deep dive into the evolving world of digital visibility. Together, they break down how SEO has changed, why it's no longer a one-time task, and how AI is reshaping everything from search behavior to business strategy. Tom and Alex explore the powerful ways AI can help local businesses grow — and the challenges it creates as agencies race to adapt. They also dig into the rising importance of trust in digital interactions, visibility across multiple channels, and why community engagement matters now more than ever. The conversation goes even deeper as they discuss the role of human interaction in an increasingly automated world, the concept of the "third space" for networking, and the possibility of universal basic income as AI replaces traditional jobs. Packed with insight, strategy, and forward-thinking discussion, this episode is a must-listen for business owners, marketers, and anyone trying to understand where digital marketing is headed next.

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom sits down with Chinal and Bhavini, business partners and dedicated healthcare professionals behind Peaceful Pines Residence Memory Care Community. After being referred by former guest Kathleen Hala, they join the show to share their inspiring journey and the heart-centered mission driving their work. With more than 25 years of experience in healthcare, Chinal and Bhavini talk about what led them to open Peaceful Pines and how they've spent the past year and a half creating a warm, boutique-style environment for their residents. They discuss the importance of becoming part of someone's daily routine, building individualized care plans, and ensuring each resident feels safe, supported, and truly at home. From compassionate caregiving to the challenges and rewards of running a specialized residence, this conversation offers a meaningful look into the world of memory care — and the people who devote their lives to making it better.

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom sits down with Bonnie Brown of Jersey Shore Food Tours to explore her unique journey from teacher to entrepreneur. Bonnie shares how her love for food tours in other cities inspired her to bring the same experience to the Jersey Shore, spotlighting the incredible local businesses that deserve more attention. Tom and Bonnie dive into the behind-the-scenes of running a food tour company, the joy of connecting people with hidden culinary gems, and the reality of navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. If you love local food, community, and stories of taking a leap into something new, this episode is a must-listen. 🍽️🌊

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom sits down with Chris Church from PCS, who shares his journey through the ever-evolving world of IT and cybersecurity. Starting with five years at Geek Squad, Chris built a foundation in tech support before moving into more advanced roles within the IT service space. Tom and Chris dive into the realities of today's cybersecurity landscape—how email threats work, why hackers can lurk inside accounts for weeks without detection, and what businesses often overlook when it comes to protecting their data. Chris breaks down how quickly the industry changes and why staying ahead of new threats is more critical than ever. They also discuss the challenges of growing within an IT organization, learning to delegate, managing a team effectively, and navigating leadership in a field where problem-solving never stops. Whether you run a business or just want to understand the growing importance of cybersecurity, this conversation offers insight into the tech world we all rely on.

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom sits down with Haris Naeem of MassMutual NJ NYC for a conversation rooted in experience, adaptability, and perspective. Haris shares how he transitioned from growing up in Pakistan and attending real estate meetings with his father to building a career in the New Jersey real estate market. Tom and Haris discuss:

• Meeting through the Kchev networking community

• Three years in the real estate business and growing quickly

• How early exposure to real estate shaped his mindset

• The advantage of combining financial knowledge with high-end real estate

• Navigating the seasonal challenges of the Jersey Shore market

• A look into the commercial real estate landscape and where it's heading

From international upbringing to local market expertise, Haris brings a unique lens to the conversation. This episode is a great listen for anyone interested in real estate, financial awareness, or the grit it takes to build momentum in a competitive field.

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom sits down with Marc Vazquez, the very first franchisee of Wingman Planning. Marc shares how he launched Wingman Middletown, what it means to be the first person to expand Tom's company through franchising, and how community has become the heart of everything he does. Tom and Marc also dive into the bigger Wingman mission. They discuss how Wingman Planning continues to grow by embracing AI early, building a team of true professionals, and staying deeply committed to helping small businesses thrive. Together, they break down what makes the Wingman model different and why supporting local businesses is such a powerful driving force. If you're interested in entrepreneurship, franchising, or the future of small business support, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and plenty of real-world experience. Tune in!

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom sits down with Rick from Suzi's Sweet Shoppe to talk about what it takes to step into an already-beloved local business and make it your own. Rick shares how he and his wife, Tara, made the leap from construction and corporate life to becoming the new owners of a community-favorite chocolate shop. They discuss the learning curve of becoming "employees" of the business they now run, the joy of keeping traditions alive, and the importance of collaborating with local vendors to strengthen their brand and community ties. If you love stories about reinvention, teamwork, and taking a sweet leap of faith, this episode delivers a great blend of heart and hustle. Tune in to hear how Rick and Tara are giving Suzi's Sweet Shoppe its next chapter.

Tom is joined once again by Aaron Levine of LG Insurance as they dive into Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss — a masterclass in negotiation straight from a former FBI hostage negotiator. Tom and Aaron break down some of the book's most powerful concepts, including: • Why you should never settle for a "win-win" mindset • How "no" can actually move a conversation forward more effectively than "yes" • The three types of "yes" — and how to tell them apart • The strategy behind getting someone to agree with you three times • Real-world examples of how these techniques apply in business, sales, and everyday life If you're looking to sharpen your communication skills, negotiate with confidence, and understand human behavior on a deeper level, this episode is packed with practical takeaways you can use immediately. Tune in and join the conversation as the Book Club returns! 📚🎙️

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom sits down with Ian Vernon, co-founder of Home Frite, to talk about turning a small food stand into a growing franchise. Ian shares how he went from working as a project manager in New York City to launching a hand-cut fry business at Brooklyn's Smorgasburg market with just $6,000. They dive into the lessons learned from scaling up, the commitment to quality ingredients, and how Home Frite holds its own against fast-food chains by focusing on freshness and flavor. Ian also talks about the challenges and rewards of franchising and what it takes to build a recognizable food brand from the ground up. Whether you're an entrepreneur or a foodie, this episode is packed with insights, hustle, and a whole lot of heart.