Grit Won't Quit

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom sits down with Kathy and her son Mathew from Best Day Ever Ice Cream to talk about their sweet journey over the past five years. They share why they chose a mobile truck over a storefront, how Mathew knew he always wanted to be part of the family business, and the fun (and challenge) of keeping a rotating lineup of flavors. From sourcing the best ice cream through trusted vendors to personalizing every event they cater, Kathy and Mathew have built a business that keeps growing year after year. They also talk about their seasonal twist with a winter hot chocolate bar, their award-winning creations, and how they keep innovating to surprise and delight their customers. This conversation is a treat—literally and figuratively—for anyone who loves small business stories, family teamwork, and creative ideas.

Sal Fiore is back on the Grit Won't Quit podcast—one year after his first appearance—to give us an inside look at how things are going with The Pedal Cycle. Now operating in both Seaside and Beach Haven, Sal shares what it's been like to run a high-energy party bike business, how he's spreading the word, and why the good vibes are just as important as the logistics. From balancing expansion goals to keeping riders smiling, Sal embodies what it means to show up, stay the course, and keep the wheels turning—literally.

In this episode, Tom Mirabella sits down with Chelsea Olsen, the founder of CLOHZ, a B2B sales training company helping teams close deals by selling the way people buy today.

With over 20 years in sales and deep experience teaching B2B teams how to use LinkedIn and social selling strategies, Chelsea shares how cold outreach is evolving—and what that means for your business. She breaks down her Six C's sales method, talks about the importance of content before conversations, and explains how personal branding and digital presence are more important than ever.

Chelsea also opens up about her own journey, from gym sales to consulting to launching her own agency. Whether you're part of a sales team or a solopreneur building from scratch, this episode is packed with actionable advice for staying relevant and successful in a changing sales world.

On this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom talks with Lorenzo Mauriello of Automated Vending—a college student with a drive for entrepreneurship and a vision for growth. Lorenzo shares how he got started in the vending machine business, the process of acquiring his first machine and location, and what excites him about the future of unattended, automated retail. They discuss the advantages of getting started young, learning through action, and using content to document and fuel the journey. Still in the early stages, Lorenzo is building the foundation for something much bigger.

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom sits down with husband-and-wife duo Anthony & Kendra Zarrilli to talk about what it really takes to build and grow a family business. From modular homebuilding with Zarrilli Homes to revitalizing local landmarks like the Mantaloking Road Ale House and the Mantaloking Road Playhouse Theatre, Anthony and Kendra share their journey of embracing opportunity, taking risks, and bringing new energy to the community. They dive into the benefits of modular construction, what it's like updating an old-school bar, and the mindset needed to keep evolving across different industries—all while keeping it in the family.

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom sits down with Jennifer Vinges, a Mind & Body Coach who helps women over 40 reconnect with their bodies, minds, and souls. They dive into what it really takes to start something new later in life, from turning consistency into a habit to aging with confidence and rewriting your story on your own terms. Jennifer shares the value of time, the challenges of launching a wellness-focused business, and why getting advice from people in your space—not outside of it—matters. This conversation is all about staying committed, finding balance, and building a mindset that supports lasting change. If you're navigating a new chapter or searching for deeper self-connection, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom sits down with Joseph Biondolillo of Biond Financial to talk about building strong client relationships, surrounding yourself with the right people, and helping entrepreneurs think bigger about their businesses. After starting his career on Wall Street, Joseph brought his experience back home to Monmouth County, where he now focuses on providing financial guidance with a personal, community-first approach. He shares what it's like to work within a tight-knit networking group that values trust and client experience—and why who you recommend reflects directly on you. They also dig into the difference between working in your business vs. working on your business, and explore how ESOPs (Employee Stock Ownership Plans) can be a game-changing strategy for business owners looking to plan ahead. If you're an entrepreneur, leader, or someone focused on building long-term value, this one's packed with insight.

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom sits down with Colleen Guerriero of A Joyful Career to talk about her journey from 29 years at Verizon to becoming a leadership and career coach helping others find their path. Colleen shares how going back to school for her master's led her to launch A Joyful Career, where she now runs trust-building team workshops, leadership coaching, and career coaching. They talk about the power of creating space for people to be seen, leading with inspiration over fear, and why team success starts at the top. This episode is for anyone navigating change, building a better workplace culture, or looking to reconnect with what drives them.

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom sits down with Maria Fontana of Maria Fontana Consulting to talk about her journey from salon owner to serial entrepreneur—and how she's built a life and business model around constant reinvention. Maria shares how she went from running a successful salon to flipping businesses the same way others flip houses, always looking for the next opportunity to build, grow, and let go. Now running an online consulting firm, she helps other entrepreneurs do the same—create businesses that are not only profitable, but sellable. They dig into why "we've always done it this way" is the most dangerous mindset in business, how to maintain balance while scaling, and why adaptability is key to long-term success. This is a must-listen for anyone ready to think differently about business growth, freedom, and sustainability.

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom is joined by Carrie Villanueva of Wind Therapy Wellness Retreats and Captain Dave of Jersey Coastal Adventures to talk about one of the most unexpected and unique partnerships you'll find—wellness and sailing. Together, they've combined two completely different worlds to create a one-of-a-kind experience: massages, yoga, meditation, and sound therapy… all aboard a 40-foot sailboat. From dock & dine charters to full moon sails, it's all about giving people the chance to disconnect, be present, and truly feel taken care of. They also talk about the challenges of working around unpredictable weather, building a business on the water, and the joy of watching people finally put their phones away and just breathe. This episode is all about creativity, collaboration, and giving people something they didn't even know they needed.