Grit Won't Quit

Tom sits down with Ryan Mitchell of CPR Tax to talk about his journey into sales, working with small business owners, and the importance of understanding what clients actually need and what outcome they are looking for. Ryan shares why so many small business owners fear the IRS and how he works to make accounting less intimidating. They also discuss the importance of being comfortable being uncomfortable, including getting on video, building genuine relationships, and staying authentic with clients. Tom and Ryan also talk about how AI is changing the way businesses communicate and the concern that technology can sometimes make interactions feel less personal. They discuss the challenges that come with growth and how one mistake can create a domino effect across a growing business. Learn more at CPR.Tax and Taxmanwhoeats.com.

Tom sits down with Lori Roland of Lori Ann Roland Counseling LLC to talk about her journey from starting her career at Morgan Stanley in New York City at just 21 years old to realizing she wanted something different and going back to school to pursue counseling. Lori shares what led her into counseling and how she got her start as a student counselor in Monmouth County before building her career in the field. Tom and Lori also discuss how phones and social media have changed the way kids grow up, the pressure to portray a life that isn't always real, and the importance of developing the tools to handle the highs and lows of life. They also have an open conversation about marijuana use among young people, what Lori has seen through her work with students, and some of the challenges counselors face when helping kids who may not want to be there. It's a conversation about changing careers, finding purpose, building a counseling practice, and understanding the challenges facing the next generation.

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom sits down with Troy Ewen, Community Bank Ambassador at OceanFirst Bank, to talk about financial literacy and why learning how to manage money early can make a lasting difference. Troy shares how he helps people understand credit, budgeting, fraud prevention, and the importance of living within your means. Tom and Troy also discuss OceanFirst's growth, new ways the bank is supporting nonprofits, and partnerships with elementary schools to help teach financial lessons at a young age. They also talk about networking, overcoming the fear of public speaking, and creating smaller, more personal networking groups where people can build real connections. It's a great conversation about helping people become more confident with their finances and giving the next generation the tools they need to succeed.

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom sits down with Blake, a 13-year-old Boy Scout who has already made a name for himself with an incredible approach to sales and entrepreneurship. Tom first met Blake when he came into the office selling Boy Scout popcorn and was immediately impressed by his confidence and sales pitch. Blake went on to become the #1 Boy Scout popcorn seller in the nation, with a goal of selling $80,000 worth of popcorn. Blake shares the sales tactics he's learned, how performing in plays helped him overcome nervousness, and why he enjoys sharing what he's learned with his friends. Tom and Blake also talk about his goal of becoming an Eagle Scout, being homeschooled, his plans to potentially start college early, and the advice he has for young entrepreneurs. A great conversation about confidence, learning, setting big goals, and understanding that different things work in different places.

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom sits down with Joe Leo of JBL Travel Group to talk about his journey from the corporate world to building a successful travel business.

Joe shares how planning his own destination wedding sparked the idea for JBL Travel Group, and how he eventually made the leap into travel after proving he could replace his corporate income. He also talks about the massive impact COVID had on the travel industry and how being proactive helped him protect his clients and come out stronger.

Tom and Joe discuss why having a travel advisor can make such a difference when things go wrong, from canceled trips and recovering money to having a real person available when a crisis happens during your vacation. Joe also explains why getting to know each client is so important, especially when choosing between all-inclusive resorts that aren't necessarily created equal.

The conversation is a great reminder that success doesn't happen overnight. It comes from learning through failures, taking care of your customers, and always being willing to go to bat for the people you serve.

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom sits down with Bella Zemel, founder of Match Beyond Labels, an organization helping neurodivergent adults build friendships, confidence, and meaningful connections in a safe and supportive environment.

Bella shares how her background in education and special needs support inspired her to create a friendship-first community where adults can connect without the pressure of traditional dating. Tom and Bella discuss how Match Beyond Labels uses interest-based matching, group conversations, and one-on-one support to help members build trust and confidence.

They also talk about powerful success stories, the importance of community and belonging, and Bella's vision to expand Match Beyond Labels across the U.S., Canada, and beyond.

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom sits down with Joshua Markell for a raw conversation about losing nearly everything and finding the strength to rebuild. After more than a decade in Amazon sales, Yosh's life changed dramatically when a supplier he trusted became connected to a stolen-goods investigation. His home was raided, his accounts were frozen, and he spent 12 days in jail before facing years of strict restrictions and a lengthy legal battle. Yosh opens up about the impact it had on his family, business, and identity, and how faith, therapy, and community helped him keep moving forward. Tom and Yosh also discuss rebuilding from what Yosh calls "negative zero" and refusing to let one chapter define the rest of your life. This is a powerful conversation about resilience, family, faith, and finding a way forward when everything changes overnight. 🎙🔥

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom sits down with Lindsay White, founder of High Voltage Leadership, to discuss what it really takes to grow a business without burning out. After walking away from a corporate HR career at her breaking point, Lindsay built a business dedicated to helping founders and small business owners become stronger leaders. She shares why sustainable growth isn't about working more hours. It's about developing your team, delegating effectively, and creating a culture built on accountability and shared values. Tom and Lindsay dive into the challenges many entrepreneurs face as they transition from doing everything themselves to leading a growing organization. They discuss defining success on your own terms, investing in coaching, building leadership within your team, and why the best businesses are built by people who empower others to succeed. This episode is packed with practical leadership advice for entrepreneurs looking to scale their business while building a stronger team and a healthier culture.

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom sits down with Peter Humphreys of Blacklion Consulting for a thought-provoking conversation about innovation, artificial intelligence, and the future of work. Peter shares his unique career path, from growing up in Queens with a passion for animals to spending seven months in Africa and eventually helping organizations secure grant funding through programs like Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR). He explains how his work supports small businesses, conservation initiatives, and organizations developing innovative technologies. Tom and Peter dive into one of today's biggest topics: artificial intelligence. They discuss the rapid race toward automation, the concerns surrounding AI's impact on jobs and energy consumption, and why continuous learning will become one of the most valuable skills for future generations. The conversation also explores how workplace expectations have changed, the challenges younger professionals face today, and why businesses must continue adapting as technology evolves. This episode is all about embracing innovation, staying curious, and preparing for a future that is changing faster than ever.

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom sits down with Cortney McKenzie, founder of Cozy Croissant Embroidery, to talk about the journey of building a creative business from the ground up. After years working in high-pressure environments, Cortney took the leap into entrepreneurship in her 30s and built a woman-owned, small-batch embroidery studio centered around craftsmanship, creativity, and intentional design. From custom gifts to branded merchandise, every piece reflects her passion for thoughtful details and helping others bring their ideas to life. Tom and Cortney discuss the realities of being a solopreneur, how she came up with the name Cozy Croissant, the value of learning from mentors, and the importance of continuously growing both personally and professionally. They also talk about the relationships she's built with fellow small business owners and why authenticity has been a driving force behind her brand. This episode is all about creativity, taking chances, and proving it's never too late to build something meaningful.