Partnerships and pizza! Check out this final episode in our season on Pittsburgh pizza to hear from Neil Blazin and Justin Vetter, owners of Driftwood Oven. We discuss the origins of their concept, why it’s important for them to create a sustainable restaurant, and what it’s like to work in a partnership. Their thoughtful attention to ingredient selection and the care in which they make their food clearly comes across in our conversation. It’s easy to see why Driftwood Oven has quickly become a favorite among local pizza lovers and for those who enjoy sitting down and breaking bread with their friends and family.

You thought heavy industry was the only thing that connected Pittsburgh and Detroit? Think again. How about pizza? In this episode, we hear from Pete Tolman, owner of Iron Born Pizza, about how one man’s passion for pizza and entrepreneurship resulted in adding something unique to Pittsburgh’s culinary landscape. He tells us the story of how he put his own spin on Detroit-style pizza and how he built a thriving business in the process.

Sitting down and talking with Rico Lunardi, owner of Slice on Broadway, was so much fun. His enthusiasm for all things pizza and Pittsburgh is infectious. We really got into the nitty-gritty details on this one, so if you've ever wondered about the decision-making process for creating and growing a small business with multiple locations, then this episode will satisfy your cravings. Not to mention that you’ll probably want to grab a slice after you’re done listening, too!

I had a blast sitting down with Nick Bogacz, owner of Caliente Pizza and Draft House, in one of his restaurant locations. Nick talked about what it’s like to grow to five stores, how he approaches employee retention, the thrill of winning pizza competitions around the world, and why it’s critical that you never stop learning as a business owner. We also discussed one of my favorite topics, which is giving back to the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and Nick blew me away with some incredible and gracious examples of how he has done just that over the years.

Season two serves up a subject that everyone loves – pizza! Get ready to hear from the business owners behind some of your favorite local pizzerias. Is your mouth watering yet?

In this episode, I chat with Holly Gatto, personal trainer and health coach, about one of the most important aspects of achieving any fitness goal or any life goal for that matter. It’s mindset. Holly shares why addressing mindset paves the way for the results that a client will ultimately get both in and out of the gym. We also discuss accountability, perspective, and much, much more. Enjoy!

In this episode, I sit down with Keem Robinson, also known as Coach Keem. We chat about the challenges and advantages of building a team, why the customer is the central focus of the business, the power of nutrition, and so much more. Keem brings straight fire and truth, and I know you will get a lot out of this one. Enjoy!

In this episode, I interview strength and conditioning coach, James Lederach. His story is sure to inspire and resonate with anyone who desires to make a living from doing what they love. James recounts the twists and turns that led him full circle back to the gym, a place where he feels right at home teaching the thing that he is most passionate about.

In this episode, I interview personal fitness trainer, Garrett Davis. We discuss that constant challenge that so many aspiring entrepreneurs face – how to turn a side hustle into a full-time business. Garrett openly shares the successes and struggles that he has faced on the road to realizing his dream.

Find out what Pittsburgh small business owners and entrepreneurs are up to in this new podcast from Darin Vilano. Listen, get inspired, and then connect, because this is a podcast that allows you to actually reach out to and engage with the people that you hear on the show. Together, let’s build a stronger and more vibrant, local small business community.