Grit Won't Quit

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.

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom sits down with Dan Sachkowsky of DS Legacy Group and The Big D Podcast to talk about his powerful journey through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. From starting in construction at 17 and running his own company for over two decades to facing bankruptcy after the 2008 market crash, Dan opens up about what it really means to have grit. He shares how chasing money once defined success for him—but hard lessons taught him the true value of resilience, integrity, and growth. Now, through his coaching business, Dan helps others avoid the same pitfalls and build businesses grounded in purpose and perseverance. A must-listen for anyone who's faced setbacks and is ready to rebuild stronger.

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom sits down with Shawn and Pat, the duo behind FINS – TropiCali Cuisine, a local favorite that's been serving up fresh, flavorful food for over 23 years. They talk about the journey from starting in restaurant sales to building a beloved brand with three thriving locations. The conversation dives into what it takes to grow a restaurant business that lasts — from managing rising costs and finding the right team to balancing quality, quantity, and customer satisfaction. Shawn and Pat also share their approach to building a loyal, generational clientele, adapting to the changing world of takeout and delivery, and the exciting future of FINS as they explore franchise opportunities. Through it all, their focus remains the same: great food, great people, and a great culture that feels like family.

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom sits down with Sabrina Boudreau-Gullace, owner of Park Social in Neptune, NJ. Sabrina shares what it's like running a new restaurant with a welcoming bistro vibe — without boxing herself into a niche. She talks about sourcing quality ingredients from local suppliers like Butcher Block and Atlantic Offshore, facing the pressures of the restaurant industry, and developing the resilience needed to handle its challenges during her first year in business. As a woman-owned business, Sabrina opens up about striving to be an inspiration, focusing on customer experience, and building a positive work environment — even if it means closing two days a week to take care of her staff. She also discusses how she's navigating challenges like inflation, food critics, and the reality that everything in the business ultimately falls on her shoulders. Her message to other entrepreneurs and women chasing their dreams: "You can do it."

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom sits down with Barbara Malchevsky of Atlantic Limo in Charleston, South Carolina. Barbara shares her powerful story of transformation — from overcoming addiction to building a thriving business in the competitive, male-dominated limo industry. She opens up about the obstacles she faced, the lessons she's learned along the way, and how relationships and perseverance have been key to her success. Barbara also talks about the importance of exceptional customer service and fostering a positive team culture that drives growth. Her journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the belief that it's never too late to rewrite your story.

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom sits down with Allan Burns of Real Broker Red Bank to talk all things real estate and business growth. With over 20 years in the industry, Allan shares how lead generation and data have become the backbone of success in today's market. He dives into why Monmouth County has proven to be nearly recession-proof and what makes Real Broker such a unique and forward-thinking company for agents looking to take their careers to the next level. Whether you're a seasoned agent or just curious about the local market, this conversation offers valuable insights into what it takes to thrive in real estate today.

It's a milestone moment — the 200th episode of Grit Won't Quit! For this special episode, Tom sits down with Joe Leone and John Hilla, the brother-in-law duo behind the beloved Joe Leone's Italian market. With over 20 years in business, Joe and John share the story of how it all began with a simple idea — "we're gonna make a few meatballs and mozzarella, it'll be fun" — and how that passion grew into a Jersey Shore staple. They talk about taking big risks at a young age, surviving the seasonal challenges of the Shore, and the lessons learned from starting with nothing but hard work and faith that "we better make some money today." From Superstorm Sandy to the pandemic, they've seen it all — and through it, they've stayed true to what matters most: listening to their customers, investing in their team, and doing what they do best, the right way. This episode is packed with stories about resilience, community, and decades of determination.

In this heartfelt episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom sits down with Alesha Donohue from Seeds of Service, who shares her powerful story of recovery and purpose. Alesha opens up about her journey to seven years of sobriety, how a friend's courage to seek recovery first inspired her to do the same, and how her dog, Dupree, has been by her side through it all. Today, she's dedicated to giving back and making a lasting impact in her community through her work with Seeds of Service — helping others find hope and connection on their own paths to healing.