Grit Won't Quit

Tom and Chef Mike sit down with Chef James Avery, a Jersey Shore native and Gordon Ramsay's former sous chef on Hell's Kitchen, for a conversation about what thirty years in the restaurant industry really looks like. James started as a pizza delivery boy on the Jersey Shore and worked his way through some of the most demanding kitchens in the country before building his own name in the culinary world. James gets real about the rising cost of food and labor, how it is impacting restaurants, and why educating consumers on those realities is more important than ever. He also gets into the art vs. business side of being a chef, why the business has to work before the creativity can flow, and the dark side of a culture that too often attracts and enables addiction. On top of that, James talks about the course he is building to mentor young chefs on life outside the kitchen, the power of networking and building community in the industry, and his takes on the most overrated and underrated dishes in food today. #GritWontQuit #ChefSeries #ChefJamesAvery #HellsKitchen #GordonRamsay #JerseyShore #RestaurantIndustry #ChefLife #Entrepreneurship #Podcast

Tom sits down with Jen Gouldstone, founder of Craft Loft — a multi-craft studio offering hands-on arts and crafts experiences through live hosted workshops, walk-in DIY projects, and private events. Unlike most craft studios that focus on one type of project, Craft Loft is a multi-craft concept where guests can make everything from succulent terrariums and mosaic coasters to moss art and fairy gardens. Jen's story is one of the most interesting we have had on the show. She moved from China to the Boston area at 13 without speaking English, went on to graduate from MIT, led efforts at Google, TripAdvisor, and several VC-backed startups, and survived the dot com bubble before eventually walking away from tech entirely. Tom even got hands-on and built a terrarium with Jen live on the podcast.

Season 2 of Grit Won't Quit is back, and we're kicking things off with the Chef Series — a recurring segment where host Tom Mirabella and Chef Mike Jurusz bring a fellow culinary pro to the table for real, unfiltered conversations about the restaurant industry. First up is Chef Chris Brandl, owner of the acclaimed Brandl. restaurant on the Jersey Shore. Chris pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to run a successful restaurant — from how he found his way into the kitchen to the story behind Brandl. and what the "." actually means. Chris also gets into the hard realities of the industry: how skyrocketing food, labor, and utility costs are squeezing restaurants and forcing them to pass those prices on to customers, the challenges of dealing with difficult guests, why people often forget that restaurants are a business, and the importance of mutual respect between diners and the people serving them. Plus, the chefs who inspired him and shaped the chef he is today.

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!