Grit Won't Quit

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom Mirabella sits down with Rich Calandra, the entrepreneur behind VidaRich and The Good Life. Rich shares his journey from leaving a corporate career to finding his true passion in nutrition and wellness. He dives into how VidaRich, a coffee additive packed with health benefits, came to life after customers kept asking him about collagen. Instead of just explaining, he created a product infused with collagen and lion's mane mushroom—designed to support both body and mind. Rich talks about the challenges and wins of getting into 44 stores across the Tri-State area, building an online presence, and using taste tests and direct feedback to perfect the product. From creating something high-end to staying connected with his community, Rich proves that passion and persistence can build something special. Check out more at 👉 https://www.VidaRich.com

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom Mirabella sits down with Todd Abraham, entrepreneur and franchise consultant, to talk about his journey building Heartbeat Christian News. Todd shares how he turned his vision into a unique franchise model that empowers individuals to publish a Christian newspaper from home while building community connections.

They discuss the role of Franchise Marketing Systems in helping him scale, the potential earnings for franchisees, and how working with franchise consultant Greg Moore has shaped his growth. Todd also highlights the supportive network behind Heartbeat Christian News and the mission of spreading the gospel through entrepreneurship.

Whether you're curious about franchise opportunities, interested in faith-driven business models, or simply want to hear an inspiring story of grit and growth, this episode is packed with insight.

Aaron Levine of Luxury Group Insurance Agency and Tom Mirabella, founder of Wingman Planning, are back with the third episode of their book club! This time, they're diving into Thinking in Bets: Making Smarter Decisions When You Don't Have All the Facts by Annie Duke. In this episode, Aaron and Tom break down the core lessons from Annie's background as a professional poker player and decision strategist, sharing how to separate luck from skill, make smarter choices under uncertainty, and reframe outcomes as learning opportunities. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or just someone looking to make better decisions in life, this discussion is packed with insights you can start applying right away. 📖 Want to grab the book? Check out Thinking in Bets on Amazon: https://a.co/d/6dh8xHw Join the conversation! Let us know in the comments: What's your biggest takeaway from Thinking in Bets? How do you make decisions when the outcome isn't guaranteed?

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom welcomes back Rich Bruno of Rich Bruno Consulting for his second appearance on the podcast. Since his last visit, Rich has been focusing more on the world of franchises and shares what he's learned about helping entrepreneurs find the right fit. Rich and Tom dive into his 3 Ps framework: People, Processes, and Performance, and how each plays a critical role in building a successful business. They talk about the importance of refining processes before scaling, the challenges of wearing many hats as a business owner, and how to prepare for sustainable growth. Whether you're considering franchising, scaling your business, or simply looking for practical insights on leadership and operations, this episode delivers valuable takeaways you won't want to miss.

This episode of Grit Won't Quit features Gio and his dad Justin from GLG Gardens. At just 12 years old, Gio is running a pickle business that started from his love of gardening at age 4. With his dad's support, what began as a backyard project has grown into a family business that's teaching lessons in hard work, creativity, and even investing. Tom, Gio, and Justin talk about: Starting with a small garden and growing all their own ingredients Taste testing spicy and regular pickles on camera Cutting costs by switching jars, labels, and making bigger batches Fine-tuning their process year after year Advertising through social media Taking profits and investing in stocks Gio actually likes From "Seeds to Stocks," this story is proof that you're never too young to think big, work hard, and grow something amazing.

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom sits down with Keith Mikulewich of Platinum Group Design & Installation to talk about his entrepreneurial journey and the grit it takes to keep evolving. Keith shares how he started with holiday light installations before realizing the need to serve customers year-round, which led him to pivot into audio-visual projects, custom garages, and closet organization systems. From navigating failed partnerships to building loyalty with clients, Keith opens up about the lessons learned and the importance of taking your shot—even if it means taking a few bumps along the way. Discover how Platinum Group has grown by adding new services, staying adaptable, and always looking for the next piece of the puzzle.

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom sits down with Angela Teeple of All In Personal and Professional Development Co. to share her powerful journey of leaving behind a 20+ year teaching career to pursue her passion for inspiring and empowering others.

Angela opens up about what it took to walk away from a steady paycheck, the challenges and rewards of stepping into entrepreneurship, and how her mission turned into both a TED Talk and a book. She talks about the mindset of being "All In"—constantly pivoting, growing, and leading with purpose to create a movement that helps others go after the life they truly want.

Learn more about Angela's work at 👉 Iamallin.org

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom sits down with Christopher Howard, owner of Legacy Executive Transportation, to hear his journey from corporate layoffs to building a thriving limousine service. Christopher shares how grit, hustle, and a commitment to exceptional customer service have been the driving forces behind his success. They discuss the power of personal connections, the challenges of acquiring an established company, and strategies for standing out in a competitive industry. Christopher also talks about expansion plans, community involvement, collaborating with competitors, and why trusting your gut is crucial in business.

In this episode of the Grit Won't Quit podcast, Tom Mirabella sits down with Kirt Giresi from The Assurance Group for an in-depth conversation on sales, leadership, and the power of connection. With over a decade in the insurance industry, Kirt shares how his natural leadership skills and focus on building relationships have shaped his career. They dive into the importance of prospecting, the difference between searching for leads vs. paying for them, and why avoiding "commission breathe" is key to long-term success. Kirt also talks about the power of suggestion, his personal referral system, and how networking groups have helped him connect and grow.

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom Mirabella chats with Mary McGinty, the creator of Emerald Pub Bus—a converted school bus turned full-blown Irish pub on wheels. With 13 trips to Ireland fueling her inspiration, Mary combined her love for Irish culture with entrepreneurial grit to launch a mobile experience like no other. The Emerald Pub Bus shows up to private parties and events across the Jersey Shore, offering guests a one-of-a-kind, BYOB-friendly pub atmosphere that brings people together in a truly unforgettable way. Tune in to hear how Mary brought her vision to life, what goes into building a rolling pub, and how she continues to spread good times and community vibes—one stop at a time.