How does a Special Forces Green Beret, trained for the complexities of global conflict, pivot to tackling one of the most pressing issues at home: the integrity of our food system?

In this eye-opening episode of the JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Show, host Justin Bizzarro sits down with Patrick Samuels, the founder of Kentucky-based Sunnyside Egg Company. This is a powerful conversation about transitioning from a life in the military to a new mission on the farm, driven by a deep commitment to stewardship, transparency, and building a truly regenerative food future.

Patrick shares his remarkable journey from West Point to the elite ranks of the Green Berets, a path that took him on deployments around the world. He reveals how the global shutdown during COVID sparked a deep dive into the American food system, exposing him and his wife—also a military veteran—to the stark contrast between industrial agriculture and the principles of regenerative farming championed by pioneers like Joel Salatin. This discovery ignited a new purpose: to leave the military and build a small homestead that would one day become a force for change.

This episode is a must-listen for any consumer who has ever been confused by labels at the grocery store. Patrick pulls back the curtain on the egg industry, delivering a stunning exposé on how misleading terms like "pasture-raised" are legally used by large corporations. He reveals the industry standard: a shocking 85% or more of chickens in so-called "pasture-raised" systems may never actually go outside.

Discover how Sunnyside Egg Company is challenging this deceptive status quo. Patrick details his innovative and truly regenerative practices, including mobile chicken coops and multi-species rotational grazing, where his flocks follow cattle or sheep to naturally fertilize the soil and express their innate behaviors. He explains how this commitment to stewardship results not only in healthier land and happier animals but in a demonstrably more nutritious egg.

This is a story about building a business—and a movement—from the ground up. It’s a testament to the power of applying the discipline, strategic vision, and leadership skills honed in the military to the immense challenges of creating a new, more honest food system. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will change the way you think about the food on your plate and empower you to support the farmers who are truly regenerating our world.

IG: @sunnysideeggco

Address: https://sunnysideeggco.com/

Entrepreneur interested in being on the show: https://calendly.com/justin-bizzarro/podcast

Hosted By: Justin Ryan Bizzarro (IG: @justinbizzarro and LinkedIn: FOLLOW ME )

Who is Justin Ryan Bizzarro? – Justin Bizzarro is a serial food, restaurant, technology, media and marketing entrepreneur, who helped build a 24-year-old group of food and restaurant related businesses, he created with his father and business partners out of his family’s basement, in 1998. He is a highly desired business management, personal and athlete growth, free market, food diversity, and entrepreneurial leadership speaker. Justin’s expertise are in human growth, motivation, leadership and management development, health foods and beverages, global lean manufacturing facilities, vertically integrating businesses, food marketing and advertising, supply chain creation and management, direct to consumer fulfillment, transportation and distribution, personal brand building, restaurant development and construction, and entrepreneur acceleration. Justin received his BA in International Business and Management from Dickinson College, in 2002, and his MBA from University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, in 2014. He is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity in Leadership from Denver Seminary. His leadership and entrepreneur podcasts have positively impacted millions of people across the globe.

Our [ELITE] Food, Farming, Hospitality, Nutrition, and Beverage Entrepreneurs Community: Under [NEW] Construction

Blog Anyone?: GorillaBrave Blog

Fellowship and Food: GorillaBrave Events and Summits

On Instagram: GorillaBrave on Instagram

GorillaBrave Group on Whoop: COMM-473D96

Free Podcast.  No Advertisements.  The stories of Food, Beverage, Farming, Hospitality, and Nutrition Entrepreneurs and how their failures led to the successes in their lives and in their business.  What does the future have in store for the food, beverage, and nutrition entrepreneur?

JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @justinandthefoodentrepreneurs ( #foodentrepreneurs )

All music is scored by host or royalty free.

How does a young entrepreneur navigate the immense pressure, loneliness, and uncertainty of launching a business while his peers are following a more traditional path?

In this incredibly raw and inspiring episode of the JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Show, host Justin Bizzarro sits down with Trajan, the young founder of Denver's unique tea shop, TropiTai. This is a powerful, vulnerable conversation about the immense personal and professional sacrifices required to chase a dream, and a testament to the resilience of the entrepreneurial spirit. Justin Bizzarro shares exciting updates about GorillaBrave Studio's rebranding efforts as it transitions into a creative studio, which will allow deeper and more more realistic education and case studies, while adding an upgraded educational experience to Elite [FOOD] Entrepreneurs' spiritual, physical, mental, business, and emotional growth.

Trajan opens up about the immense challenges he’s faced since dropping out of college to pursue his vision. He speaks with candid honesty about the loneliness of his journey, the constant fear of making the wrong decision, and the mental and physical toll it has taken—from losing weight to battling sciatica from the sheer stress and physical demands of building a business from scratch. This isn't a glamorized story of success; it's a real-time look at the struggle and the courage it takes to keep going when every instinct might tell you to quit.

Discover the brilliant strategy Trajan is using to manage the chaos: breaking down overwhelming business objectives into focused, week-long sprints. One week is dedicated to financials, the next to deep cleaning and organization, and the week after to creative R&D for his next menu launch. It's a masterclass in how to create order and progress amidst the constant demands of a new venture.

At the heart of this conversation is the power of community and finding your "why." Trajan shares how connecting with other local business owners has become a vital support system, a comforting reminder that he's not alone in the struggle. Ultimately, this episode is a story about choosing the hard path—the path of creation, risk, and immense sacrifice—and finding the strength within to endure, knowing that the ultimate reward is building something truly your own.

IG: @tropitai

Location: 98 Wadsworth Blvd., STE 122, Lakewood, CO.

Entrepreneur interested in being on the show: https://calendly.com/justin-bizzarro/podcast

Hosted By: Justin Ryan Bizzarro (IG: @justinbizzarro and LinkedIn: FOLLOW ME )

Who is Justin Ryan Bizzarro? – Justin Bizzarro is a serial food, restaurant, technology, media and marketing entrepreneur, who helped build a 24-year-old group of food and restaurant related businesses, he created with his father and business partners out of his family’s basement, in 1998. He is a highly desired business management, personal and athlete growth, free market, food diversity, and entrepreneurial leadership speaker. Justin’s expertise are in human growth, motivation, leadership and management development, health foods and beverages, global lean manufacturing facilities, vertically integrating businesses, food marketing and advertising, supply chain creation and management, direct to consumer fulfillment, transportation and distribution, personal brand building, restaurant development and construction, and entrepreneur acceleration. Justin received his BA in International Business and Management from Dickinson College, in 2002, and his MBA from University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, in 2014. He is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity in Leadership from Denver Seminary. His leadership and entrepreneur podcasts have positively impacted millions of people across the globe.

Our [ELITE] Food, Farming, Hospitality, Nutrition, and Beverage Entrepreneurs Community: Under [NEW] Construction

Blog Anyone?: GorillaBrave Blog

Fellowship and Food: GorillaBrave Events and Summits

On Instagram: GorillaBrave on Instagram

GorillaBrave Group on Whoop: COMM-473D96

Free Podcast.  No Advertisements.  The stories of Food, Beverage, Farming, Hospitality, and Nutrition Entrepreneurs and how their failures led to the successes in their lives and in their business.  What does the future have in store for the food, beverage, and nutrition entrepreneur?

JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @justinandthefoodentrepreneurs ( #foodentrepreneurs )

All music is scored by host or royalty free.

How does a man rise from a turbulent youth, navigate immense personal tragedy, and endure years of grueling, thankless work to build a brand that is not just a business, but a legacy?

This powerful episode of the JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Show brings you the incredible story of Frederick Russell, the founder of Tennessee’s beloved and utterly unique food truck, This Turkey Here. This is more than a story about food; it’s a profound testament to the power of resilience, the importance of mentorship, and the miracles that can be born from grief.

Frederick shares his raw and honest journey, which began as the only boy among four older sisters in a house rocked by divorce. He found his solace and creative spark in two places: art, and his grandmother Rosie’s kitchen, where he first fell in love with the detailed, from-scratch craft of cooking. His path forward was anything but easy, marked by a series of tough, low-paying restaurant jobs, including a nightmarish two-year management training program that had him working 70-hour weeks and sleeping in his car.

The conversation pivots to the heartbreaking loss of his wife’s parents—first her mother to cancer, and then her father, Michael Boyle, who had been Frederick’s biggest believer. It was in this moment of profound loss that a miracle, planted years earlier, came to fruition. Discover the incredible story of how his father-in-law’s faith and foresight provided the unexpected capital that allowed Frederick to finally launch the turkey-focused food truck he had only dared to dream of.

This is a masterclass in building a niche brand from the ground up. Frederick details the strategic genius behind his all-turkey concept—a blue ocean in the crowded food truck world—and how he developed a creative menu that transformed a holiday staple into a year-round craving. He gets candid about the brutal first year of business, the discipline it took to push through when he was barely making money, and how the encouragement from his community became the fuel that kept him going.

For anyone who has ever felt lost or believed their dream was out of reach, this episode is an essential listen. It’s a story about enduring the unimaginable, honoring the legacy of those who believed in you, and proving that with enough faith, grit, and hard work, you can build a truly great and purposeful life.

IG: @thisturkeyhere

Address: thisturkeyhere.com

Phone: 615-569-4912 

Email: [email protected]

Entrepreneur interested in being on the show: https://calendly.com/justin-bizzarro/podcast

Hosted By: Justin Ryan Bizzarro (IG: @justinbizzarro and LinkedIn: FOLLOW ME )

Who is Justin Ryan Bizzarro? – Justin Bizzarro is a serial food, restaurant, technology, media and marketing entrepreneur, who helped build a 24-year-old group of food and restaurant related businesses, he created with his father and business partners out of his family’s basement, in 1998. He is a highly desired business management, personal and athlete growth, free market, food diversity, and entrepreneurial leadership speaker. Justin’s expertise are in human growth, motivation, leadership and management development, health foods and beverages, global lean manufacturing facilities, vertically integrating businesses, food marketing and advertising, supply chain creation and management, direct to consumer fulfillment, transportation and distribution, personal brand building, restaurant development and construction, and entrepreneur acceleration. Justin received his BA in International Business and Management from Dickinson College, in 2002, and his MBA from University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, in 2014. He is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity in Leadership from Denver Seminary. His leadership and entrepreneur podcasts have positively impacted millions of people across the globe.

Our [ELITE] Food, Farming, Hospitality, Nutrition, and Beverage Entrepreneurs Community: Under [NEW] Construction

Blog Anyone?: GorillaBrave Blog

Fellowship and Food: GorillaBrave Events and Summits

On Instagram: GorillaBrave on Instagram

GorillaBrave Group on Whoop: COMM-473D96

Free Podcast.  No Advertisements.  The stories of Food, Beverage, Farming, Hospitality, and Nutrition Entrepreneurs and how their failures led to the successes in their lives and in their business.  What does the future have in store for the food, beverage, and nutrition entrepreneur?

JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @justinandthefoodentrepreneurs ( #foodentrepreneurs )

All music is scored by host or royalty free.

In this deeply inspiring episode of the JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Show, host Justin Bizzarro sits down with Ahmad Tarin, the passionate founder of The Burger Shop, for a remarkable story about how faith, family, and a perfect smash burger can forge a path through life's biggest storms. From his family's roots in Afghanistan to the heart of Union City, California, this is a must-listen tale of resilience and the power of community.

Ahmad's journey begins not in a professional kitchen, but in the heart of his Afghan family, where massive gatherings and a deep-seated culture of hospitality ignited his love for cooking. But the spark for his business was lit in a crucible moment: just as the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the world, and only a month before his first child was born, Ahmad was laid off from his high-profile recruiting job in the tech industry. Faced with profound uncertainty, he and his wife took a leap of faith, starting with nothing more than a tiny Blackstone grill in a desolate parking lot.

What happened next is nothing short of miraculous. Ahmad recounts the story of a pop-up he held in a torrential rainstorm, the day after his daughter was born. Despite the weather, a massive line formed, with loyal customers traveling from all over the Bay Area. It was undeniable proof that he had created something truly special. This moment became the catalyst for going all-in, investing in a food trailer, and eventually building a buzzing, beloved business.

This episode is a masterclass in building a brand with soul. Ahmad shares how the core tenets of his culture—generosity and hospitality—are the secret sauce to his success. It's about more than just profit; it's about giving a free drink to a thirsty kid, covering the last couple of dollars for a customer who's short, and treating every person not as a transaction, but as a respected member of the community. He delves into his meticulous process of perfecting his product by humbly listening to every piece of customer feedback, turning criticism into a stronger, more beloved burger.

Join Justin and Ahmad for a heartfelt conversation about taking risks, the spiritual importance of breaking bread, and how the hardest moments in life can often be the miracles that propel us toward our true purpose. This is an unforgettable story about the grit, grace, and community spirit that fuels a truly great food entrepreneur.

IG: @_theburgershop_

Address: The Burger Shop

Entrepreneur interested in being on the show: https://calendly.com/justin-bizzarro/podcast

Hosted By: Justin Ryan Bizzarro (IG: @justinbizzarro and LinkedIn: FOLLOW ME )

Who is Justin Ryan Bizzarro? – Justin Bizzarro is a serial food, restaurant, technology, media and marketing entrepreneur, who helped build a 24-year-old group of food and restaurant related businesses, he created with his father and business partners out of his family’s basement, in 1998. He is a highly desired business management, personal and athlete growth, free market, food diversity, and entrepreneurial leadership speaker. Justin’s expertise are in human growth, motivation, leadership and management development, health foods and beverages, global lean manufacturing facilities, vertically integrating businesses, food marketing and advertising, supply chain creation and management, direct to consumer fulfillment, transportation and distribution, personal brand building, restaurant development and construction, and entrepreneur acceleration. Justin received his BA in International Business and Management from Dickinson College, in 2002, and his MBA from University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, in 2014. He is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity in Leadership from Denver Seminary. His leadership and entrepreneur podcasts have positively impacted millions of people across the globe.

Our [ELITE] Food, Farming, Hospitality, Nutrition, and Beverage Entrepreneurs Community: Under [NEW] Construction

Blog Anyone?: GorillaBrave Blog

Fellowship and Food: GorillaBrave Events and Summits

On Instagram: GorillaBrave on Instagram

GorillaBrave Group on Whoop: COMM-473D96

Free Podcast.  No Advertisements.  The stories of Food, Beverage, Farming, Hospitality, and Nutrition Entrepreneurs and how their failures led to the successes in their lives and in their business.  What does the future have in store for the food, beverage, and nutrition entrepreneur?

JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @justinandthefoodentrepreneurs ( #foodentrepreneurs )

All music is scored by host or royalty free.

In this inspiring episode of the JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Show, host Justin Bizzarro sits down with Steve and Shelley Schneider, the dynamic husband-and-wife team from Marysville, Washington, behind the artisanal coffee company, Miss Cherry Coffee. What began as a transformative trip to Asia, culminating in Vietnam, sparked a passion that would unexpectedly lead them down the path of entrepreneurship.

The Schneiders recount how their love for the unique, high-quality Vietnamese coffee they experienced in Hanoi led to a frustrating search back home. Unable to find the same authentic flavors, and with the encouragement of a home-roasting friend, they decided to take matters into their own hands. This set them on a journey from hobbyist roasters, sharing their creations with friends, to landing their first major contract and realizing they had a viable business.

Steve shares how his seemingly unrelated background as a Chinese Mandarin linguist in the U.S. Army gave him the confidence to navigate the complexities of international travel and sourcing, a crucial skill for their new venture. Shelley’s experience as a barista provided the foundational knowledge of what makes a great cup of coffee. Together, they delved into the art and science of coffee, from understanding the different processing methods—natural, washed, and honey—to the sensory nuances of the roasting process itself, where smell and sound are as important as sight.

Listeners will get a fascinating education on the world of coffee, from the journey of the coffee "cherry" from farm to cup, to the critical importance of freshness—a realization that Steve describes as a "my whole life's been a lie" moment. They explain why coffee roasted just days ago offers a peak experience that can't be matched by beans that have sat on grocery store shelves for months.

Beyond the beans, this is a story with a mission. The Schneiders shed light on the inequities within the coffee industry, where women perform the vast majority of the labor but hold a tiny fraction of the equity. This discovery drove them to partner with organizations like Cafe Femenino, sourcing their beans from women-led farms and contributing to programs that empower these communities. They also discuss the future of coffee, highlighting the potential of drought- and pest-resistant varietals like Excelsa to combat the challenges of climate change.

Join us for a rich and aromatic conversation that blends culture, history, and business. Steve and Shelley’s story is a testament to how a shared passion, a commitment to quality, and a desire for positive change can brew a truly remarkable entrepreneurial adventure.

IG: @misscherrycoffee

Address: https://misscherrycoffee.com/ 

Entrepreneur interested in being on the show: https://calendly.com/justin-bizzarro/podcast

Hosted By: Justin Ryan Bizzarro (IG: @justinbizzarro and LinkedIn: FOLLOW ME )

Who is Justin Ryan Bizzarro? – Justin Bizzarro is a serial food, restaurant, technology, media and marketing entrepreneur, who helped build a 24-year-old group of food and restaurant related businesses, he created with his father and business partners out of his family’s basement, in 1998. He is a highly desired business management, personal and athlete growth, free market, food diversity, and entrepreneurial leadership speaker. Justin’s expertise are in human growth, motivation, leadership and management development, health foods and beverages, global lean manufacturing facilities, vertically integrating businesses, food marketing and advertising, supply chain creation and management, direct to consumer fulfillment, transportation and distribution, personal brand building, restaurant development and construction, and entrepreneur acceleration. Justin received his BA in International Business and Management from Dickinson College, in 2002, and his MBA from University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, in 2014. He is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity in Leadership from Denver Seminary. His leadership and entrepreneur podcasts have positively impacted millions of people across the globe.

Our [ELITE] Food, Farming, Hospitality, Nutrition, and Beverage Entrepreneurs Community: Under [NEW] Construction

Blog Anyone?: GorillaBrave Blog

Fellowship and Food: GorillaBrave Events and Summits

On Instagram: GorillaBrave on Instagram

GorillaBrave Group on Whoop: COMM-473D96

Free Podcast.  No Advertisements.  The stories of Food, Beverage, Farming, Hospitality, and Nutrition Entrepreneurs and how their failures led to the successes in their lives and in their business.  What does the future have in store for the food, beverage, and nutrition entrepreneur?

JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @justinandthefoodentrepreneurs ( #foodentrepreneurs )

All music is scored by host or royalty free.

How does an entrepreneur transform a cottage food operation into a nationally recognized brand that’s about more than just heat? For Lucas Lentz, the answer is found in mentorship, radical collaboration, and a core philosophy he calls "flavor you feel."

In this dynamic episode of the JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Show, host Justin Bizzarro sits down with Lucas, the innovative founder of Papa Caps Foods, for an inspiring look at the power of community in the hyper-competitive hot sauce world. This is a story about how a passion for spice became a vehicle for creating unforgettable experiences and giving back.

Lucas recounts his journey from selling at small farmers' markets to taking a leap of faith at the massive Illinois Hot Sauce Expo. It was there he discovered that his greatest competitors were also his most valuable allies—a tight-knit community of creators willing to share knowledge and support one another's growth. He shares powerful stories of the mentors who guided him, from the marketing executive at SCORE who helped him start, to the business coach who is now helping him master the analytics of scaling a CPG brand.

Discover the brilliant strategy behind his growth: creative collaboration. Lucas gives a behind-the-scenes look at his upcoming "Dr. Gindo & Mr. Caps" project, a dual-branded hot sauce that allows customers to mix their own heat level. It's a masterclass in how to partner with another brand to cross-pollinate audiences and create a product that is truly unique.

But the heart of this conversation is about purpose. Lucas reveals how his role as a student leader at his church and his mission to support St. Jude Children's Hospital through his "Hearts on Fire" sauce are inextricably linked to his brand's identity. This is a powerful blueprint for any entrepreneur who wants to build a business that not only succeeds financially but also makes a tangible, positive impact. Tune in for an episode packed with lessons on finding the right mentors, turning competitors into collaborators, and building a brand that truly connects with the hearts—and palates—of its community.

IG: @papacapsfoods

Address: www.papacapsfoods.com 

Entrepreneur interested in being on the show: https://calendly.com/justin-bizzarro/podcast

Hosted By: Justin Ryan Bizzarro (IG: @justinbizzarro and LinkedIn: FOLLOW ME )

Who is Justin Ryan Bizzarro? – Justin Bizzarro is a serial food, restaurant, technology, media and marketing entrepreneur, who helped build a 24-year-old group of food and restaurant related businesses, he created with his father and business partners out of his family’s basement, in 1998. He is a highly desired business management, personal and athlete growth, free market, food diversity, and entrepreneurial leadership speaker. Justin’s expertise are in human growth, motivation, leadership and management development, health foods and beverages, global lean manufacturing facilities, vertically integrating businesses, food marketing and advertising, supply chain creation and management, direct to consumer fulfillment, transportation and distribution, personal brand building, restaurant development and construction, and entrepreneur acceleration. Justin received his BA in International Business and Management from Dickinson College, in 2002, and his MBA from University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, in 2014. He is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity in Leadership from Denver Seminary. His leadership and entrepreneur podcasts have positively impacted millions of people across the globe.

Entrepreneur interested in being on the show: https://calendly.com/justin-bizzarro/podcast

Hosted By: Justin Ryan Bizzarro (IG: @justinbizzarro and LinkedIn: FOLLOW ME )

Who is Justin Ryan Bizzarro? – Justin Bizzarro is a serial food, restaurant, technology, media and marketing entrepreneur, who helped build a 24-year-old group of food and restaurant related businesses, he created with his father and business partners out of his family’s basement, in 1998. He is a highly desired business management, personal and athlete growth, free market, food diversity, and entrepreneurial leadership speaker. Justin’s expertise are in human growth, motivation, leadership and management development, health foods and beverages, global lean manufacturing facilities, vertically integrating businesses, food marketing and advertising, supply chain creation and management, direct to consumer fulfillment, transportation and distribution, personal brand building, restaurant development and construction, and entrepreneur acceleration. Justin received his BA in International Business and Management from Dickinson College, in 2002, and his MBA from University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, in 2014. He is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity in Leadership from Denver Seminary. His leadership and entrepreneur podcasts have positively impacted millions of people across the globe.

Our [ELITE] Food, Farming, Hospitality, Nutrition, and Beverage Entrepreneurs Community: Under [NEW] Construction

Blog Anyone?: GorillaBrave Blog

Fellowship and Food: GorillaBrave Events and Summits

On Instagram: GorillaBrave on Instagram

GorillaBrave Group on Whoop: COMM-473D96

Free Podcast.  No Advertisements.  The stories of Food, Beverage, Farming, Hospitality, and Nutrition Entrepreneurs and how their failures led to the successes in their lives and in their business.  What does the future have in store for the food, beverage, and nutrition entrepreneur?

JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @justinandthefoodentrepreneurs ( #foodentrepreneurs )

All music is scored by host or royalty free.

Wanna Link Up: GorillaBrave on Linkedin

GorillaBrave Group on Whoop: COMM-473D96

Free Podcast.  No Advertisements.  The stories of Food, Beverage, Farming, Hospitality, and Nutrition Entrepreneurs and how their failures led to the successes in their lives and in their business.  What does the future have in store for the food, beverage, and nutrition entrepreneur?

JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @justinandthefoodentrepreneurs ( #foodentrepreneurs )

All music is scored by host or royalty free.

How does an entrepreneur, after years of grinding through corporate jobs and failed ventures, transform a personal pain point into a revolutionary, multi-million-dollar food tech company?

In this deeply insightful episode of the JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Show, host Justin Bizzarro welcomes Andy Sartori, the brilliant and tenacious founder of MealPro. This is a masterclass in perseverance, strategic thinking, and the relentless pursuit of a vision, detailing a journey that took Andy from cleaning soda machines at Panda Express to the helm of a nationwide meal delivery service.

Andy shares the powerful origin story behind MealPro, which was born from a simple yet profound frustration: as a dedicated bodybuilder, he was tired of one-size-fits-all restaurant menus that ignored his specific nutritional needs. This sparked the mission to create a service that truly allows people to "eat with purpose." Discover how he ingeniously combined technology and tradition, building a custom online platform that allows users to tailor every meal to their exact goals—adjusting proteins, carbs, and dietary preferences—while using classic culinary techniques to ensure every dish is delicious.

This is a raw and honest look at the grueling reality of building a business from the ground up. Andy recounts the years of preparation—working in every facet of the restaurant industry, from quick-service giants to mom-and-pop shops, and teaching himself to code and build websites in a tiny, out-of-business donut shop. He gets vulnerable about the early days of MealPro, working 18-hour days, facing near-financial ruin, and the sheer force of will it took to push through six months of breaking even before finally achieving liftoff.

The conversation is a blueprint for any entrepreneur, highlighting the importance of starting with a hyper-niche market, the discipline of "working smarter, not harder," and the critical moment a founder must learn to build and trust a team to scale. This is more than a story about meal prep; it's a testament to the power of solving your own problem, the grit required to master every aspect of your business, and the incredible success that lies on the other side of perseverance.

IG: @mealpro

Address: www.mealpro.net

Location: 7433 Greenback Lane, Citrus Heights, CA 95610

HQ: 11231 Gold Express Drive, Gold River, CA 95670

Entrepreneur interested in being on the show: https://calendly.com/justin-bizzarro/podcast

Hosted By: Justin Ryan Bizzarro (IG: @justinbizzarro and LinkedIn: FOLLOW ME )

Who is Justin Ryan Bizzarro? – Justin Bizzarro is a serial food, restaurant, technology, media and marketing entrepreneur, who helped build a 24-year-old group of food and restaurant related businesses, he created with his father and business partners out of his family’s basement, in 1998. He is a highly desired business management, personal and athlete growth, free market, food diversity, and entrepreneurial leadership speaker. Justin’s expertise are in human growth, motivation, leadership and management development, health foods and beverages, global lean manufacturing facilities, vertically integrating businesses, food marketing and advertising, supply chain creation and management, direct to consumer fulfillment, transportation and distribution, personal brand building, restaurant development and construction, and entrepreneur acceleration. Justin received his BA in International Business and Management from Dickinson College, in 2002, and his MBA from University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, in 2014. He is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity in Leadership from Denver Seminary. His leadership and entrepreneur podcasts have positively impacted millions of people across the globe.

Our [ELITE] Food, Farming, Hospitality, Nutrition, and Beverage Entrepreneurs Community: Under [NEW] Construction

Blog Anyone?: GorillaBrave Blog

Fellowship and Food: GorillaBrave Events and Summits

On Instagram: GorillaBrave on Instagram

GorillaBrave Group on Whoop: COMM-473D96

Free Podcast.  No Advertisements.  The stories of Food, Beverage, Farming, Hospitality, and Nutrition Entrepreneurs and how their failures led to the successes in their lives and in their business.  What does the future have in store for the food, beverage, and nutrition entrepreneur?

JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @justinandthefoodentrepreneurs ( #foodentrepreneurs )

All music is scored by host or royalty free.

How does an ice cream brand, launched from the trunk of a car during a global pandemic, become one of the hottest culinary tickets in a major city?

In this incredible episode of the JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Show, host Justin Bizzarro sits down with David Right, the innovative founder of Denver’s acclaimed Right Cream. This is a powerful story about perseverance, radical creativity, and how a moment of career uncertainty can become the catalyst for building the business of your dreams.

David shares his unconventional journey from a successful but unfulfilling career in software sales to the world of food. He recounts the pivotal moment in early 2020 when he was laid off just two weeks before the global lockdown. With an unexpected surplus of time, a lifelong passion for cooking, and a deep appreciation for culinary storytellers like Anthony Bourdain, David began making ice cream. What started as a creative outlet quickly became a clandestine operation, selling pints to friends and followers out of his car in grocery store parking lots.

Discover the hustle and ingenuity that took Right Cream from a trunk-based side gig to a local phenomenon. David details the challenges of those early days and the game-changing moment when a local magazine feature turned his small-batch operation into a full-time, must-have brand overnight. He offers a raw and honest look at the trials and tribulations that followed—navigating leases, sharing kitchens, and the immense pressure of scaling a business that grew faster than he could have ever imagined.

This episode is a masterclass in evolution and listening to your customers. David explains his brilliant strategic move to expand beyond ice cream, adding hot food like his now-famous smash burgers, breakfast sandwiches, and fried fish. It was a way to solve a business problem—how to get customers to show up more than once a week—that simultaneously unlocked a new level of culinary creativity, culminating in exclusive, multi-course tasting dinners served at his 800-square-foot ice cream shop.

This is a story about the power of trusting your team, delegating responsibility, and having the courage to evolve. For any entrepreneur who has ever felt stuck or feared taking a leap of faith, David Right’s journey is an unmissable testament to the fact that with enough passion and persistence, you can build a thriving, authentic, and utterly unique business against all odds.

IG: @rightcream

Address: www.rightcream.com

Location: 2423 S Downing St, Denver, CO 80210

Entrepreneur interested in being on the show: https://calendly.com/justin-bizzarro/podcast

Hosted By: Justin Ryan Bizzarro (IG: @justinbizzarro and LinkedIn: FOLLOW ME )

Who is Justin Ryan Bizzarro? – Justin Bizzarro is a serial food, restaurant, technology, media and marketing entrepreneur, who helped build a 24-year-old group of food and restaurant related businesses, he created with his father and business partners out of his family’s basement, in 1998. He is a highly desired business management, personal and athlete growth, free market, food diversity, and entrepreneurial leadership speaker. Justin’s expertise are in human growth, motivation, leadership and management development, health foods and beverages, global lean manufacturing facilities, vertically integrating businesses, food marketing and advertising, supply chain creation and management, direct to consumer fulfillment, transportation and distribution, personal brand building, restaurant development and construction, and entrepreneur acceleration. Justin received his BA in International Business and Management from Dickinson College, in 2002, and his MBA from University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, in 2014. He is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity in Leadership from Denver Seminary. His leadership and entrepreneur podcasts have positively impacted millions of people across the globe.

Our [ELITE] Food, Farming, Hospitality, Nutrition, and Beverage Entrepreneurs Community: Under [NEW] Construction

Blog Anyone?: GorillaBrave Blog

Fellowship and Food: GorillaBrave Events and Summits

On Instagram: GorillaBrave on Instagram

GorillaBrave Group on Whoop: COMM-473D96

Free Podcast.  No Advertisements.  The stories of Food, Beverage, Farming, Hospitality, and Nutrition Entrepreneurs and how their failures led to the successes in their lives and in their business.  What does the future have in store for the food, beverage, and nutrition entrepreneur?

JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @justinandthefoodentrepreneurs ( #foodentrepreneurs )

All music is scored by host or royalty free.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Show, host Justin Bizzarro welcomes back the trailblazing Peter Elias to pull back the curtain on the intense spiritual and logistical journey of building a restaurant empire. With his new upscale seafood concept, "Oyster and Scales," taking shape in Ocean City, Peter shares a raw and honest account of navigating the immense pressures of entrepreneurship through the lens of unwavering faith.

This isn't just a conversation about business; it's a testament to impact. Peter reveals how his last appearance on the show forged an unexpected fellowship with a local fan, proving that these discussions are building communities far beyond the airwaves. He then dives into the immense challenges he’s currently facing—juggling multiple high-stakes projects, including the long-anticipated Sand and Cedar, while battling construction delays, frustrating inspector issues, and the daily complexities of leading his teams.

Peter offers a profound perspective on these trials, framing them not as mere business problems, but as spiritual warfare. Discover how he maintains a state of calm and peace amidst the chaos by developing a "spiritual reflex"—a conscious choice to trust in God's timing over his own, letting go of the need to react and instead leaning into steadfast faith.

The heart of the episode lies in Peter's mission to build more than just restaurants; he's building platforms for grace. He discusses his non-negotiable commitment to using the highest quality ingredients, like wild-caught seafood and organic produce, as a direct reflection of his values, refusing to be a hypocrite by preaching grace while serving processed food. The true measure of his success, he reveals, is not in profits, but in creating a supportive, family-like culture where his team can thrive—a success validated by over 1,700 glowing online reviews that consistently praise his staff by name.

Join Justin and Peter for a conversation that transcends business strategy and touches the soul. It's a gripping look at what it means to lead with integrity, to find peace in the storm, and to build a legacy that nourishes both the body and the spirit.

IG: @spainwinebar

Address: www.spainwinebar.com

Sand and Cedar Taverna: 11070 Cathell Rd, Ocean Pines, MD.

Bai-Tee Bakery: 1401 Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, MD

The Bistro & Lounge: 1700 Philadelphia Ave, Ocean City, MD.

Entrepreneur interested in being on the show: https://calendly.com/justin-bizzarro/podcast

Hosted By: Justin Ryan Bizzarro (IG: @justinbizzarro)

Who is Justin Ryan Bizzarro? – Justin Bizzarro is a serial food, restaurant, technology, media and marketing entrepreneur, who helped build a 24-year-old group of food and restaurant related businesses, he created with his father and business partners out of his family’s basement, in 1998. He is a highly desired business management, personal and athlete growth, free market, food diversity, and entrepreneurial leadership speaker. Justin’s expertise are in human growth, motivation, leadership and management development, health foods and beverages, global lean manufacturing facilities, vertically integrating businesses, food marketing and advertising, supply chain creation and management, direct to consumer fulfillment, transportation and distribution, personal brand building, restaurant development and construction, and entrepreneur acceleration. Justin received his BA in International Business and Management from Dickinson College, in 2002, and his MBA from University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, in 2014. He is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity in Leadership from Denver Seminary. His leadership and entrepreneur podcasts have positively impacted millions of people across the globe.

Our [ELITE] Food, Farming, Hospitality, Nutrition, and Beverage Entrepreneurs Community: Under [NEW] Construction

Blog Anyone?: GorillaBrave Blog

Fellowship and Food: GorillaBrave Events and Summits

On Instagram: GorillaBrave on Instagram

GorillaBrave Group on Whoop: COMM-473D96

Free Podcast.  No Advertisements.  The stories of Food, Beverage, Farming, Hospitality, and Nutrition Entrepreneurs and how their failures led to the successes in their lives and in their business.  What does the future have in store for the food, beverage, and nutrition entrepreneur?

JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @justinandthefoodentrepreneurs ( #foodentrepreneurs )

All music is scored by host or royalty free.

How does a lifelong obsession with spice, a five-year expat journey in Shanghai, and a life-altering global pandemic all converge to create a fiery new food brand in Connecticut?

This episode of the JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Show brings you the incredible story of Maria Carlucci, the globetrotting, flavor-chasing founder of BamuBamu Fire Club. This isn't just a story about hot sauce; it's a testament to how a winding personal journey, full of unexpected detours and cultural discovery, can become the perfect recipe for entrepreneurial success.

Maria shares how her passion for all things spicy was ignited by her diverse Italian and Turkish family roots. But it was a college study abroad program, "Semester at Sea," that truly opened her eyes to a world of flavor, sending her on a mission to collect and journal about spices from ports in Africa and beyond. This obsession led her to a five-year adventure living in Shanghai, where she immersed herself in a new culture and discovered the unique, numbing heat of Sichuan peppercorns.

The conversation pivots to the dramatic moment when COVID-19 stranded Maria in Japan, forcing her to abandon the life she had built in China—including her apartment, her belongings, and even her dog—and return to a life she thought she'd left behind in Connecticut. It was in this moment of anger, frustration, and starting over that the seeds for her business were planted.

Discover the serendipitous story of how a late-night brainstorming session with a friend—a Japanese restaurant owner—transformed a fun idea for a "spicy ramen challenge" into a full-fledged business. They launched BamuBamu Fire Club, a completely unique concept that fuses the bold flavors of global peppers with a distinctly Japanese culinary sensibility. Maria provides a masterclass in scrappy, grassroots marketing, from hitting the farmers' market circuit to finding a passionate community in the burgeoning world of hot sauce expos.

This episode is a powerful narrative about resilience, reinvention, and the art of turning a personal passion into a profession. It’s a story for anyone who has ever had their life's path dramatically rerouted, proving that sometimes the most unexpected journeys lead to the most exciting destinations.

IG: @bamubamu_fireclub

Address: www.bamubamufc.com 

Entrepreneur interested in being on the show: https://calendly.com/justin-bizzarro/podcast

Hosted By: Justin Ryan Bizzarro (IG: @justinbizzarro and LinkedIn: FOLLOW ME )

Who is Justin Ryan Bizzarro? – Justin Bizzarro is a serial food, restaurant, technology, media and marketing entrepreneur, who helped build a 24-year-old group of food and restaurant related businesses, he created with his father and business partners out of his family’s basement, in 1998. He is a highly desired business management, personal and athlete growth, free market, food diversity, and entrepreneurial leadership speaker. Justin’s expertise are in human growth, motivation, leadership and management development, health foods and beverages, global lean manufacturing facilities, vertically integrating businesses, food marketing and advertising, supply chain creation and management, direct to consumer fulfillment, transportation and distribution, personal brand building, restaurant development and construction, and entrepreneur acceleration. Justin received his BA in International Business and Management from Dickinson College, in 2002, and his MBA from University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, in 2014. He is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity in Leadership from Denver Seminary. His leadership and entrepreneur podcasts have positively impacted millions of people across the globe.

Our [ELITE] Food, Farming, Hospitality, Nutrition, and Beverage Entrepreneurs Community: Under [NEW] Construction

Blog Anyone?: GorillaBrave Blog

Fellowship and Food: GorillaBrave Events and Summits

On Instagram: GorillaBrave on Instagram

GorillaBrave Group on Whoop: COMM-473D96

Free Podcast.  No Advertisements.  The stories of Food, Beverage, Farming, Hospitality, and Nutrition Entrepreneurs and how their failures led to the successes in their lives and in their business.  What does the future have in store for the food, beverage, and nutrition entrepreneur?

JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @justinandthefoodentrepreneurs ( #foodentrepreneurs )

All music is scored by host or royalty free.