Advertise on podcast: JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS

How sellable is your food business really? If you were kidnapped for two weeks with zero access to your phone or email, would your operations survive, or would they crumble? In this incredibly tactical episode of the JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Show, Justin sits down with Mark Hartman—author of Sweat Equity Payday and a seasoned Mergers & Acquisitions advisor. Mark brings decades of experience, starting from scaling and selling his own medical claims business to now helping other entrepreneurs secure their ultimate payday. This conversation strips away the romanticized idea of an easy, walk-into-the-sunset exit. Mark drops a staggering statistic: 8 out of 10 Main Street businesses never sell. They simply close their doors. To ensure you fall into the 20% that actually cash out, Mark explains why "exit planning is simply good business planning." He details the "Five D's" that force a sudden exit (Death, Divorce, Disability, Disagreement, and Downturn) and why you must be "deal-ready" long before you ever plan to leave. Justin and Mark dive deep into the specific steps you must take to de-risk your company to make it attractive to buyers. From eliminating "owner dependence" (passing the Kidnap Test) to avoiding the fatal mistake of hiring "Cousin Vinny" as your transaction attorney, this episode is a playbook for securing your family's financial legacy. They also touch on the power of separating your corporate entities, standardizing operations to survive crises, and how AI can be leveraged to buy back your time as a leader. If you are grinding 80-hour weeks in your food business without a clear exit strategy, this is the reality check you need to transition from working in your business to working on your business. Key Takeaways The Kidnap Test: If you vanished for two weeks with no communication, what would happen to your operations? If the answer is "chaos," you don't have a sellable asset—you have a demanding job. You must systemize your business to run without you. Build Your "Deal Team" Early: Do not use a general practice or divorce lawyer to sell your life's work. Months before you plan to sell, assemble a specialized team: a deal advisor/broker, a transaction attorney, a tax-savvy accountant, and a financial advisor. De-Risk to Drive Value: Buyers heavily discount businesses that have high "dependencies." You must structure your operations to eliminate dependence on the owner, a single massive customer, a single key employee, or a sole vendor. Self-Capitalize and Separate Entities: Justin shares a hard-learned lesson on the importance of legally separating your business divisions (e.g., real estate, operations, supply). This protects your assets, limits liability spread if a crisis hits, and allows you to sell off pieces of your business cleanly. Exit Planning = Good Business Planning: Don't wait until you are burned out to plan your exit. Building a business that is structured to be sold forces you to build a healthy, highly profitable, and scalable operation today. Connect with Mark: Website: www.hartmannrhodes.com Book: Sweat Equity Payday by Mark Hartmann (Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Audible)   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 Ryan Bizzarro is a multi-dimensional entrepreneur, mentor, and strategist whose career is defined by the intersection of legacy, leadership, and human growth. With a journey that began in his family’s basement in 1998, Justin helped scale a 24-year-old ecosystem of food and technology enterprises into a global benchmark for vertical integration and lean manufacturing. While his professional foundation is built on complex supply chains, restaurant development, and brand acceleration, Justin’s true north is development—whether it’s a startup, an elite athlete, or a community. As the founder of GorillaBrave, he has transitioned from building businesses to building humans, utilizing his "Troop" philosophy to empower the next generation of culinary and agricultural entrepreneurs. Justin is a sought-after voice on free markets, food diversity, and high-performance culture. His influence extends from the boardroom to the soccer pitch, where he coaches with the same tactical precision and "warrior" mindset he applies to his corporate ventures. Whether he is hosting a global podcast that reaches millions or developing curriculum for youth athletes, his mission remains constant: accelerating human potential. A lifelong student of leadership and service, Justin holds a BA from Dickinson College and an MBA from UNC-Chapel Hill, and deepen his perspective through taking classes towards a  Master of Divinity in Leadership at Denver Seminary. Based in Colorado, he is a dedicated father, a steward of his family’s legacy, and a persistent advocate for those brave enough to capitalize on their own opportunities.   Our [ELITE] Food, Farming, Hospitality, Nutrition, and Beverage Entrepreneurs Community: Under [NEW] Construction Blog Anyone?: GorillaBrave Blog 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 do you walk away from safe corporate jobs during the height of the 2009 recession, open a tiny 11-table creperie, and organically grow it into a multi-million dollar, Michelin-recognized restaurant empire? In this powerhouse episode of the JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Show, Justin sits down with Jamie and Jeff of the Tonidandel-Brown Restaurant Group. This husband-and-wife powerhouse duo left lucrative careers in NASCAR hospitality and corporate snack foods to travel the world, ultimately returning to Charlotte, North Carolina, with a vision to build something of their own. With zero commercial kitchen experience but armed with MBAs and an unshakeable work ethic, they launched Crepe Cellar Kitchen and Pub in Charlotte's eclectic, artsy NoDa neighborhood. What started as a single 11-table gamble has since exploded into six distinctly unique concepts—ranging from a walk-up sandwich window to a $100-a-head steak and seafood house—maintaining a staggering 25% to 30% year-over-year growth for a decade and a half. This episode is a masterclass in hyper-local scaling and operational ingenuity. Jamie and Jeff break down their unconventional growth strategies, like knocking a hole through a brick wall to run a craft beer bar out of their existing creperie kitchen, and transforming a literal storage closet into a wildly successful walk-up donut shop (which they recently pivoted into a thriving neighborhood deli). Listeners will get an inside look at what it takes to manage over 330 employees while fostering a culture of excellence that recently earned three of their restaurants a nod from the prestigious Michelin Guide. They also dive into their broader media footprint, sharing the inspiration behind Jamie’s book, 11 Tables, and their Emmy-nominated television show, Fork and Hammer. If you want to learn how to build an unstoppable community-centric brand, pivot fearlessly, and turn operational hurdles into your ultimate superpower, this conversation is an absolute must-listen. Key Takeaways The Hyper-Local Strategy: Why clustering multiple distinct restaurant concepts in a single neighborhood (NoDa) built an incredibly loyal community and streamlined operations. Operational Hacks: How sharing a single kitchen across multiple concepts and turning a storage closet into a revenue-generating walk-up window maximized their real estate footprint. Demanding Excellence: The leadership philosophy required to manage 330+ employees and elevate line cooks to six-figure General Managers, ultimately catching the attention of the Michelin Guide. The Power of the Pivot: Why realizing when to walk away from a profitable concept (like shifting their 7-year-old donut shop into a deli) is crucial for long-term survival. Community Over Competition: Embracing the "rising tide lifts all boats" mentality to turn neighborhood competitors into collaborative allies.   Eleven Tables Book: Eleven Tables Address: https://www.tonidandel-brown.com/new-home/    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 Ryan Bizzarro is a multi-dimensional entrepreneur, mentor, and strategist whose career is defined by the intersection of legacy, leadership, and human growth. With a journey that began in his family’s basement in 1998, Justin helped scale a 24-year-old ecosystem of food and technology enterprises into a global benchmark for vertical integration and lean manufacturing. While his professional foundation is built on complex supply chains, restaurant development, and brand acceleration, Justin’s true north is development—whether it’s a startup, an elite athlete, or a community. As the founder of GorillaBrave, he has transitioned from building businesses to building humans, utilizing his "Troop" philosophy to empower the next generation of culinary and agricultural entrepreneurs. Justin is a sought-after voice on free markets, food diversity, and high-performance culture. His influence extends from the boardroom to the soccer pitch, where he coaches with the same tactical precision and "warrior" mindset he applies to his corporate ventures. Whether he is hosting a global podcast that reaches millions or developing curriculum for youth athletes, his mission remains constant: accelerating human potential. A lifelong student of leadership and service, Justin holds a BA from Dickinson College and an MBA from UNC-Chapel Hill, and deepen his perspective through taking classes towards a  Master of Divinity in Leadership at Denver Seminary. Based in Colorado, he is a dedicated father, a steward of his family’s legacy, and a persistent advocate for those brave enough to capitalize on their own opportunities.   Our [ELITE] Food, Farming, Hospitality, Nutrition, and Beverage Entrepreneurs Community: Under [NEW] Construction Blog Anyone?: GorillaBrave Blog 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 do you take the humble potato chip and completely reinvent it using chicken breast? In this episode of the JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Show, Justin sits down with Jason Wright to uncover the gritty, complex, and highly regulated journey of building WILDE, a trailblazing animal-based snack brand. Jason’s entrepreneurial path is a testament to the power of pivoting, relentless problem-solving, and the willingness to take manufacturing into your own hands when the industry cannot support your vision. From his early days launching a low-sugar granola brand to navigating the intense scrutiny of the USDA, Jason shares the hard-earned lessons of scaling a first-of-its-kind protein snack. The Origins: From Granola to Chicken Chips Jason’s journey into the food industry was born out of personal necessity. During his twenties, while working as a model in New York and Europe, he adopted a low-carb diet to clear his "brain fog" and improve his health. This led him to launch his first food business in 2004: Feed, a low-sugar, nearly grain-free granola. While Feed helped blaze the trail for healthier granolas, it ultimately closed in 2010. Still craving his favorite snack—potato chips—but wanting to avoid the heavy carbohydrates, Jason had a radical idea while staring at the bottom of an empty chip bag: What if he replaced the potato with chicken breast? He took this concept to the meat science professors at Colorado State University, utilizing their labs to develop the initial prototypes for WILDE. The Power of a Marketing Pivot One of the most critical turning points for WILDE was mastering product messaging. In the early days, Jason spent countless hours doing live grocery store demos. He quickly discovered a massive hurdle: consumers associated the term "Chicken Chips" with pet food. Listening to consumer feedback, Jason pivoted the brand's packaging in 2019 to proudly highlight the ingredients—chicken breast, egg whites, and bone broth—and rebranded the product as "Protein Chips." This small but essential shift in language instantly clarified the value proposition for health-conscious shoppers and fitness enthusiasts. Additionally, by formulating the product without tahini (sesame), WILDE accidentally unlocked a massive allergen-friendly market. The USDA Challenge and Manufacturing Commercializing an animal-based snack proved to be exponentially more difficult than Jason's previous experience with FDA-regulated granola. Regulatory Scrutiny: Unlike FDA facilities which have periodic inspections, a USDA facility requires an inspector on-site every single day. Labeling is also strictly governed, requiring specific "Statements of Identity" (e.g., "Crafted from real ingredients"). The Co-Packing Struggle: Traditional co-packers could not handle the unique process of turning chicken into chips. Early attempts to split production—making the raw "WILDE potato" in Chicago and shipping it to Virginia for crisping—yielded terrible profit margins. Taking Ownership: Realizing they had to control their own destiny, Jason and his partner Philippe leased a facility in Lexington, Kentucky. They built custom, state-of-the-art production lines, eventually scaling from 25 employees to a team of 180 across multiple massive facilities. Scaling the Team and Retail Expansion To manage this rapid growth, Jason knew he had to surround himself with industry veterans. He hired a Technical Director with 30 years of meat industry experience to handle the USDA compliance and a flavor scientist from Pepsi to elevate the product profiles. By locating their plant near an existing Nestle facility, WILDE successfully recruited a workforce already highly trained in USDA manufacturing environments. This foundation set the stage for their latest triumph: the WILDE Protein Cracker. Featuring nostalgic flavors like Classic Cheddar, Buffalo Cheddar, HOT HONEY, and Smoked Gouda, the cracker was an immediate smash hit, securing permanent shelf space at Costco within weeks of its launch, alongside distribution in Target, Sprouts, and Whole Foods. Key Takeaways for Food Entrepreneurs Control Your Manufacturing: If your product requires highly unique processing, relying on co-packers can crush your margins and limit your scalability. Taking ownership of your facility gives you the freedom to innovate. Listen to the Market: If consumers are confused by your product's name (e.g., mistaking it for pet food), do not force it. Pivot your messaging to clearly communicate what the product is and why it benefits them. Hire Your Weaknesses: Scaling a highly regulated CPG brand requires deep expertise. Bring in seasoned professionals for compliance, food science, and financial structuring so you can focus on brand vision and sales. Build an Arsenal of Flavors: Retailers constantly look for exclusives and seasonal offerings. Having a deep bench of fully developed flavors allows you to capitalize on lucrative end-cap opportunities when they arise.   IG: @wildechips Address: www.wildebrands.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 Ryan Bizzarro is a multi-dimensional entrepreneur, mentor, and strategist whose career is defined by the intersection of legacy, leadership, and human growth. With a journey that began in his family’s basement in 1998, Justin helped scale a 24-year-old ecosystem of food and technology enterprises into a global benchmark for vertical integration and lean manufacturing. While his professional foundation is built on complex supply chains, restaurant development, and brand acceleration, Justin’s true north is development—whether it’s a startup, an elite athlete, or a community. As the founder of GorillaBrave, he has transitioned from building businesses to building humans, utilizing his "Troop" philosophy to empower the next generation of culinary and agricultural entrepreneurs. Justin is a sought-after voice on free markets, food diversity, and high-performance culture. His influence extends from the boardroom to the soccer pitch, where he coaches with the same tactical precision and "warrior" mindset he applies to his corporate ventures. Whether he is hosting a global podcast that reaches millions or developing curriculum for youth athletes, his mission remains constant: accelerating human potential. A lifelong student of leadership and service, Justin holds a BA from Dickinson College and an MBA from UNC-Chapel Hill, and deepen his perspective through taking classes towards a  Master of Divinity in Leadership at Denver Seminary. Based in Colorado, he is a dedicated father, a steward of his family’s legacy, and a persistent advocate for those brave enough to capitalize on their own opportunities.   Our [ELITE] Food, Farming, Hospitality, Nutrition, and Beverage Entrepreneurs Community: Under [NEW] Construction Blog Anyone?: GorillaBrave Blog 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.

An 800-square-foot restaurant generating $2.5 million in its first year is every food entrepreneur’s dream—but as Stephen Le of The Kroft discovered, early success can quickly become a nightmare without discipline and operational control. In this incredibly raw and transparent episode of the JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Show, host Justin Bizzarro sits down with Stephen Le to unpack the meteoric rise, painful fall, and triumphant rebirth of his fast-casual empire. Stephen’s story is a masterclass in extreme accountability. He shares how his ego grew alongside his sales, leading him to step back from the business just when it needed him most. As standards slipped and the pandemic hit, revenues plummeted by more than 50%, and Stephen found himself spiraling into substance abuse. His decision to check into rehab in April 2022 didn't just save his life—it saved his business. By taking absolute ownership of his failures, re-establishing daily discipline, and getting back into the trenches with his staff, he rebuilt The Kroft into a highly optimized, scalable brand. The Journey of The Kroft 1990s-2000s: The Spark - As a first-generation Vietnamese American latchkey kid, Stephen discovers his passion for food by cooking for his family's weekend BBQs.   2010: First Venture of Shabu-Shabu - Opens a shabu-shabu restaurant in Irvine with friends. He learns the hospitality ropes through a concept that requires heavy prep but no traditional line chefs.   2013-2014: The Kroft Explodes - Pivots to fast-casual with The Kroft, serving artisan poutine and sandwiches. The tiny 800 sq. ft. Anaheim location does a staggering $2.5 million in year one.   2018-2021: The Decline - Success breeds ego. Stephen steps back to golf and pursue side projects. Standards slip, sales drop to $1.2 million, and pandemic stress leads to a downward spiral.   April 2022: Rehab & Rebirth - Checks into rehab, gets sober, and takes full accountability. He starts building daily habits (like making his bed) and returns to lead the business from the front lines.   Present: Optimization & Expansion - Returns to original recipes, empowers staff, dials in finances, and hires a dedicated marketing team. The Kroft scales successfully across Southern California. The 3 Spreadsheets That Saved The Business A major turning point for Stephen was moving away from "gut feeling" management to data-driven leadership. He maintains a strict 26% to 30% Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) target by relying on three core reports: Report Type Primary Purpose Impact Gross Sales Analysis Tracks MoM and YoY growth. Allows for direct performance comparisons across all locations. Bread Par Sheet Tracks exact daily usage of artisan bread. Eliminated $300/month in bread waste by adjusting pars based on product mix. COGS Tracker Monitors vendor invoices (meat, produce, supplies). Identifies location-specific waste (e.g., catching when one store uses 10% more meat than another).   Key Lessons for Scaling Entrepreneurs Extreme Ownership: You cannot fix your business until you accept that every failure—from slipping food quality to high turnover—is ultimately your fault as the owner. Invest in Your Core Team: Stephen’s turnaround relied heavily on identifying five key players at each location. By investing in them and genuinely caring about their growth, he transformed $15/hour line cooks into six-figure General Managers. Standardize Before You Market: Never pump the gas on marketing if your operations are broken. Stephen spent a full year walking the line, tasting food, and re-standardizing the original recipes before he spent a dime on new ad campaigns. The Power of Routine: Chaos in the kitchen is inevitable. Stephen manages it by ruthlessly scheduling his life—if an inventory check, vendor order, or staff lunch isn't on the Google Calendar, it doesn't exist. The episode covers practical lessons: recipe standardization, staffing and culture, financial tracking, marketing strategies, R&D, and personal recovery and discipline—straightforward advice for food entrepreneurs planning to scale.   IG: @thekroft Address: www.thekroft.com  Location: 440 S Anaheim Blvd #109, Anaheim, CA 92805   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 Ryan Bizzarro is a multi-dimensional entrepreneur, mentor, and strategist whose career is defined by the intersection of legacy, leadership, and human growth. With a journey that began in his family’s basement in 1998, Justin helped scale a 24-year-old ecosystem of food and technology enterprises into a global benchmark for vertical integration and lean manufacturing. While his professional foundation is built on complex supply chains, restaurant development, and brand acceleration, Justin’s true north is development—whether it’s a startup, an elite athlete, or a community. As the founder of GorillaBrave, he has transitioned from building businesses to building humans, utilizing his "Troop" philosophy to empower the next generation of culinary and agricultural entrepreneurs. Justin is a sought-after voice on free markets, food diversity, and high-performance culture. His influence extends from the boardroom to the soccer pitch, where he coaches with the same tactical precision and "warrior" mindset he applies to his corporate ventures. Whether he is hosting a global podcast that reaches millions or developing curriculum for youth athletes, his mission remains constant: accelerating human potential. A lifelong student of leadership and service, Justin holds a BA from Dickinson College and an MBA from UNC-Chapel Hill, and deepen his perspective through taking classes towards a  Master of Divinity in Leadership at Denver Seminary. Based in Colorado, he is a dedicated father, a steward of his family’s legacy, and a persistent advocate for those brave enough to capitalize on their own opportunities.   Our [ELITE] Food, Farming, Hospitality, Nutrition, and Beverage Entrepreneurs Community: Under [NEW] Construction Blog Anyone?: GorillaBrave Blog 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 Navy veteran go from turning wrenches on F-18 Hornets and managing thousand-person teams at Amazon to slinging double-smashed "Jedi Jammer" burgers out of a 16-foot trailer in Delaware? In this powerhouse episode of the JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Show, Justin sits down with Chris Wheeler to unpack the raw, unfiltered reality of leaving the corporate safety net to launch Mealz on Wheelz. Chris breaks down his incredibly fast-paced startup journey, including a grueling 26-hour round trip to secure his trailer and how he utilized AI—specifically his custom digital assistant, "Phyllis"—to design his branding, map out his equipment flow, and execute his menu in a fraction of the usual time. The mental toughness required to pivot when things go wrong is a major theme in this conversation. Pushing through adversity and teaching resilience through tough losses on the pitch with GorillaBrave FC perfectly parallels the exact perseverance Chris needed to transition into the high-stakes chaos of food entrepreneurship. Justin and Chris dive deep into the mindset required to survive 16-hour days, the importance of finding the right mentors, and why true leadership means getting behind the scenes to clean up the mess rather than just leading from the front. Whether you are looking to break out of the corporate grind, want to learn how to leverage AI to shortcut your startup phase, or just need a masterclass in relentless execution, this episode delivers.   IG: @mealzonwheelzde Address: www.mealzonwheelzde.com  Location: 17603 Shady Road, Lewes, DE 19958   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 Ryan Bizzarro is a multi-dimensional entrepreneur, mentor, and strategist whose career is defined by the intersection of legacy, leadership, and human growth. With a journey that began in his family’s basement in 1998, Justin helped scale a 24-year-old ecosystem of food and technology enterprises into a global benchmark for vertical integration and lean manufacturing. While his professional foundation is built on complex supply chains, restaurant development, and brand acceleration, Justin’s true north is development—whether it’s a startup, an elite athlete, or a community. As the founder of GorillaBrave, he has transitioned from building businesses to building humans, utilizing his "Troop" philosophy to empower the next generation of culinary and agricultural entrepreneurs. Justin is a sought-after voice on free markets, food diversity, and high-performance culture. His influence extends from the boardroom to the soccer pitch, where he coaches with the same tactical precision and "warrior" mindset he applies to his corporate ventures. Whether he is hosting a global podcast that reaches millions or developing curriculum for youth athletes, his mission remains constant: accelerating human potential. A lifelong student of leadership and service, Justin holds a BA from Dickinson College and an MBA from UNC-Chapel Hill, and deepen his perspective through taking classes towards a  Master of Divinity in Leadership at Denver Seminary. Based in Colorado, he is a dedicated father, a steward of his family’s legacy, and a persistent advocate for those brave enough to capitalize on their own opportunities.   Our [ELITE] Food, Farming, Hospitality, Nutrition, and Beverage Entrepreneurs Community: Under [NEW] Construction Blog Anyone?: GorillaBrave Blog 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 mechanical engineer who cut his teeth at Tesla and Apple pivot to revolutionizing one of the oldest foods in the world while earning his MBA at Harvard Business School? In this fascinating episode of the JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Show, host Justin Bizzarro sits down with Brian Youngblood, the innovative founder of the hummus brand Prest. This is a conversation about the intersection of high-tech manufacturing, environmental responsibility, and the grit required to build a Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) brand from a dorm room. Brian shares his journey from a childhood spent tinkering and building on a South Carolina lake to the high-stakes, fast-paced worlds of Tesla and Apple. He reveals how a pivotal role at a food-waste reduction startup opened his eyes to the massive environmental impact of spoiled food and single-use plastics, sparking the idea for Prest. His solution? A shelf-stable, powder-based hummus that consumers mix with water and their own fresh olive oil at home—eliminating the slimy residue, rapid spoilage, and plastic waste of traditional store-bought brands. This episode is a masterclass in "scrappy" entrepreneurship. Brian details how he bootstrapped his brand while studying at Harvard, utilizing the university's network of CPG alumni while ignoring the pressure to pursue trendy tech or AI ventures. He explains the strategic decision to skip building his own manufacturing facility in favor of partnering with a co-packer, allowing him to focus on sourcing high-quality, sesame-free ingredients and perfecting the formula. Listeners will also learn how Brian navigated the expensive world of branding on a tight budget by creatively partnering with a talented graduating design student. Justin and Brian discuss the deeper philosophy of entrepreneurship—how true innovation often comes from identifying a problem right in front of you, managing resources outside of your control, and ultimately, building a legacy that betters the world. Tune in for an inspiring look at how one entrepreneur is using lessons from the tech world to solve real-world problems in the food aisle. Key Takeaways The Problem with Store-Bought Hummus: How traditional packaging and preservatives lead to massive food and plastic waste, and how Prest’s powder-based formula solves this. The "Scrappy" Startup: How Brian leveraged university networks, cold-emailed design professors, and utilized co-packers to launch a CPG brand on a student budget. Sesame-Free Accessibility: How the decision to remove tahini (due to powderization issues) unexpectedly opened the product up to a massive allergy-conscious market. Tech Lessons for Food: Applying the rapid problem-solving skills learned at Tesla and Apple to the slow, physical world of food manufacturing. The "Hero" Product: Why focusing intensely on perfecting one core item is essential before expanding a product line. IG: @presthummus Address: www.eatprest.com  Articles: https://www.entrepreneur.com/side-hustle/harvard-dorm-room-side-hustle-500000-in-sales-this-year-prest    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 Ryan Bizzarro is a multi-dimensional entrepreneur, mentor, and strategist whose career is defined by the intersection of legacy, leadership, and human growth. With a journey that began in his family’s basement in 1998, Justin helped scale a 24-year-old ecosystem of food and technology enterprises into a global benchmark for vertical integration and lean manufacturing. While his professional foundation is built on complex supply chains, restaurant development, and brand acceleration, Justin’s true north is development—whether it’s a startup, an elite athlete, or a community. As the founder of GorillaBrave, he has transitioned from building businesses to building humans, utilizing his "Troop" philosophy to empower the next generation of culinary and agricultural entrepreneurs. Justin is a sought-after voice on free markets, food diversity, and high-performance culture. His influence extends from the boardroom to the soccer pitch, where he coaches with the same tactical precision and "warrior" mindset he applies to his corporate ventures. Whether he is hosting a global podcast that reaches millions or developing curriculum for youth athletes, his mission remains constant: accelerating human potential. A lifelong student of leadership and service, Justin holds a BA from Dickinson College and an MBA from UNC-Chapel Hill, and deepen his perspective through taking classes towards a  Master of Divinity in Leadership at Denver Seminary. Based in Colorado, he is a dedicated father, a steward of his family’s legacy, and a persistent advocate for those brave enough to capitalize on their own opportunities.   Our [ELITE] Food, Farming, Hospitality, Nutrition, and Beverage Entrepreneurs Community: Under [NEW] Construction Blog Anyone?: GorillaBrave Blog 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 girl from Kazakhstan, whose mother encouraged her to wear high heels and oversized belts at age eight, eventually become a high-end fruit carving artist in Overland Park, Kansas? In this fascinating episode of the JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Show, host Justin Bizzarro sits down with Zhamilya Koshmambetova, the founder and creative force behind Azaya Fruit Design Studio. This is a conversation about the power of creativity, the immigrant journey, and how a simple act of bringing fruit to a party blossomed into a unique and thriving business. Zhamilya shares her incredible international story. Born in Kazakhstan to an artistic family that championed self-expression, she traveled to Moscow for her education in advertising. It was there she met her husband, leading them on a global journey to Australia, Canada, and eventually Denver, before finally putting down roots in the welcoming community of Overland Park. This episode delves into the unexpected origin of her business. As a mother of three, Zhamilya was searching for a creative outlet when she noticed a recurring issue at social gatherings: many friends couldn't eat traditional sugary desserts due to health or dietary restrictions. Her solution? Bringing beautifully arranged fruit platters. What started as a thoughtful gesture for friends quickly escalated into a demand for her stunning, hand-carved fruit displays at weddings and major events. Zhamilya opens up about the realities of being a self-taught artist, learning intricate carving techniques from Russian masters on YouTube, and the constant drive to elevate her craft from simple platters to grand, architectural fruit table installations. She also discusses the importance of community support, leaning on her faith during challenging times, and her commitment to giving back through local charities like KC for Refugees. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on finding your niche, the beauty of building a business that aligns with your values, and why true entrepreneurial success is about more than just profit—it's about bringing joy, health, and a touch of art to your community. Key Takeaways The Power of the Pivot: How Zhamilya transitioned from a background in ballroom dancing and advertising to becoming a self-taught fruit carving artist. Solving a Problem: The origin of Azaya Fruit Design Studio, born from a desire to provide beautiful, healthy dessert alternatives for friends with dietary restrictions. The "Free" Marketing Strategy: How Zhamilya built her brand and portfolio by initially offering her elaborate fruit displays for free at large community weddings. The Importance of Community: The role of the supportive vendor community in Kansas and the necessity of asking questions and learning from peers. Faith-Driven Business: How Zhamilya’s faith shapes her approach to business, emphasizing the importance of giving back (Zakat/Sadaqah) and trusting the journey during difficult times.   IG: @azayafruits Address: https://www.facebook.com/azayafruits/    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 Ryan Bizzarro is a multi-dimensional entrepreneur, mentor, and strategist whose career is defined by the intersection of legacy, leadership, and human growth. With a journey that began in his family’s basement in 1998, Justin helped scale a 24-year-old ecosystem of food and technology enterprises into a global benchmark for vertical integration and lean manufacturing. While his professional foundation is built on complex supply chains, restaurant development, and brand acceleration, Justin’s true north is development—whether it’s a startup, an elite athlete, or a community. As the founder of GorillaBrave, he has transitioned from building businesses to building humans, utilizing his "Troop" philosophy to empower the next generation of culinary and agricultural entrepreneurs. Justin is a sought-after voice on free markets, food diversity, and high-performance culture. His influence extends from the boardroom to the soccer pitch, where he coaches with the same tactical precision and "warrior" mindset he applies to his corporate ventures. Whether he is hosting a global podcast that reaches millions or developing curriculum for youth athletes, his mission remains constant: accelerating human potential. A lifelong student of leadership and service, Justin holds a BA from Dickinson College and an MBA from UNC-Chapel Hill, and and deepen his perspective through taking classes towards a Master of Divinity in Leadership at Denver Seminary. Based in Colorado, he is a dedicated father, a steward of his family’s legacy, and a persistent advocate for those brave enough to capitalize on their own opportunities.   Our [ELITE] Food, Farming, Hospitality, Nutrition, and Beverage Entrepreneurs Community: Under [NEW] Construction Blog Anyone?: GorillaBrave Blog 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 kid immersed in the high-velocity, rebel culture of East Coast skateboarding and punk rock eventually become a leading figure in the San Francisco Bay Area bakery and restaurant scene? In this fascinating episode of the JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Show, host Justin Bizzarro sits down with Matthew Kosoy, the founder of Rosalind Bakery and Jerry’s Roast Pork. This is a story about the intersection of tech, art, and food, proving that the DIY ethos of a skateboarder translates perfectly into the grit required to build a culinary brand from the ground up. Matthew shares his journey from building websites for BMX and skate brands in Philadelphia to moving to the Bay Area. Seeking an escape from the repetitive grind of startup tech culture, he found a new obsession: baking sourdough bread. What started as a hobby in his kitchen quickly exploded into a sold-out farmer's market booth, pushing him to take the terrifying leap of leasing an abandoned 3,400-square-foot grocery store in the food desert of Pacifica. This episode is a masterclass in learning by doing and failing fast. Matthew details the sheer physical labor of building his bakery—literally chipping up concrete and doing the demolition with family and friends—while maxing out credit cards and learning the business side on the fly. He shares how his willingness to be vulnerable, hire experts (like attending the San Francisco Baking Institute), and embrace failure allowed him to survive the grueling early years. Discover how the pandemic turned Rosalind Bakery into an essential community hub, and how Matthew’s relentless drive led him to launch Jerry’s Roast Pork in downtown San Francisco. He explains how a single product—a custom-developed hoagie roll—became the "hero" that connected his baking expertise to his Philadelphia roots. Tune in to hear how Matthew is now bringing his journey full circle, combining his tech background with his baking experience to develop a new ERP software designed specifically to help small and medium-sized bakeries streamline their operations. It’s an inspiring look at how stacking your unique skills can lead to unexpected, community-changing success. Key Takeaways The DIY Mindset: How the independence, creativity, and resilience learned from skateboarding culture directly applied to the struggles of entrepreneurship. Failing Fast: Applying software development principles to food—being willing to make mistakes, learn quickly, and pivot without losing momentum. The "Hero" Product: How focusing intensely on perfecting one item (the sourdough loaf, and later the hoagie roll) creates a strong foundation for a brand. Community Building: The importance of choosing a location that needs your product (like a food desert) and growing deep roots in that neighborhood. Stacking Skills for the Future: How Matthew is combining his past as a web developer with his present as a baker to build software that will help the entire baking industry.   IG: @jerrysroastpork Address: https://www.jerrysroastpork.com/  Roast Pork Sammie Location: 2 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA.   IG: @ rosalindbakery Address: https://www.rosalindbakery.com/  Bakery Location: 450 Manor Plaza Pacifica, California 94044   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 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 do you bulletproof a food business in an industry notorious for its failure rate? You start by planning for the worst-case scenario. In this sobering but essential episode of the JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Show, Justin sits down with veteran bankruptcy attorney Barry Levine. With over 45 years of experience navigating business failures and Chapter 11 reorganizations, Barry delivers a masterclass in defensive entrepreneurship. This conversation strips away the romanticized version of owning a restaurant and tackles the harsh financial and legal realities that can sink a business—and ruin personal finances—if ignored. From the hidden traps of "trust fund taxes" to the vital importance of proper cost accounting, Justin and Barry provide an actionable roadmap for structuring your business to survive crises and pivot when necessary. Here is a breakdown of the vital legal and practical strategies discussed in the episode: 1. The Danger of Blind Optimism Entrepreneurs are natural optimists, but Barry warns that this trait becomes fatal when a business starts failing. Instead of making the hard choice to close the doors, owners often drain personal savings, take out second mortgages, or borrow from family to keep a sinking ship afloat. The Fix: Establish your "breaking point" metrics from day one. Know exactly what your absolute bottom line is, and have the discipline to cut your losses before you compromise your personal livelihood. 2. Shielding Your Assets: Entity Structure Operating a food business as a Sole Proprietorship or a DBA (Doing Business As) exposes all of your personal assets—including your home—to business liabilities. The Fix: Form a proper LLC or Corporation. Treat it as a completely separate entity with its own bank accounts and tax returns. Do not commingle funds, or you risk "piercing the corporate veil," which allows creditors to come after you personally. 3. The "Trust Fund Tax" Trap When money gets tight, struggling businesses often stop paying meals taxes, sales taxes, or employee withholding taxes to cover rent or inventory. Barry highlights that these are "trust fund taxes." The government views this money as theirs from the moment it is collected. If you fail to remit it, the corporate shield disappears, and you are held personally liable. The Fix: Outsource your HR and payroll to a third-party company or Professional Employer Organization (PEO). Let them handle the tax compliance and withholding so you never have the opportunity to repurpose those funds. 4. Navigating Personal Guarantees In today's lending environment, it is nearly impossible to secure a business loan without a personal guarantee. However, not all guarantees are created equal. The Fix: Understand the difference between secured and unsecured guarantees. An unsecured personal guarantee can often be discharged in bankruptcy. But if a lender (like the SBA) secures that guarantee with a second mortgage on your home, your house is directly on the line. 5. Cost Accounting & The "Micro-Adjust" Justin points out that businesses often fail because owners stick their heads in the sand regarding volatile ingredient prices (like wild fluctuations in dairy or beef). When costs jump, restaurants wait too long to raise prices, eventually hitting customers with massive sticker shock (e.g., a $62 lobster roll). The Fix: Run a cost analysis on your recipes monthly or quarterly. Adjust your menu prices incrementally. Customers are much more likely to accept a consistent 25-cent increase than a sudden $5 hike. 6. The "Bankruptcy First" Business Plan The most powerful piece of advice from the episode is a paradigm shift in how to start a company. Don't just plan for success; plan your business backward from bankruptcy. The Fix: Before you sign a lease or take a loan, ask yourself: If this fails in 12 months, what exactly do I lose? Structure your operating agreements, supplier contracts, and corporate entities to minimize the blast radius if the worst happens.   Address: https://bankruptcythrough.podbean.com/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1pJOOD1GCTNn3YpmqZ884j10DC_T1K3c    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 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 girl from a tiny Thai village with no running water build a multi-location spa empire in Canada, all while preserving the authentic, communal spirit of her homeland? In this deeply restorative and insightful episode of the JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Show, host Justin Bizzarro welcomes Neata Goutier, the founder of Sabai Thai Spa, an established brand with seven corporate locations in Vancouver and a newly launched franchise model. This is a conversation about the intersection of hospitality, healing, and the long-game of building a legacy business. Neata’s story begins in a 200-person village in Thailand, where community support was a way of life and natural healing—through herbal remedies and massage—was a daily routine. Discover how she identified a massive cultural gap when she moved to North America: a fast-paced society that felt guilty about self-care. Neata opened her first spa 20 years ago with less than $1,000 and a vision to create a sanctuary where Westerners could experience the warmth, five-sense hospitality, and preventative health benefits of traditional Thai culture. This episode is a masterclass in slow, sustainable growth. Neata details her evolution from an exhausted owner-operator to a strategic CEO. She explains the critical importance of stepping back to work on the business rather than in it, the necessity of trusting your team, and why she spent nearly three years meticulously building out her systems and SOPs before ever offering a franchise. More than just a business playbook, this is a profound discussion on purpose. Neata and Justin delve into the difference between a money-driven "sole proprietor" and a true "entrepreneur" who seeks to elevate the world. Learn about Sabai Thai Spa’s incredible commitment to the environment—planting a tree for every massage and kelp for every product sold—and why Neata believes that the ultimate superpower in business is finding joy in the journey and leaving the world better than you found it. Key Takeaways Cultural Translation: How Neata successfully introduced the Thai philosophy of holistic, preventative self-care to a fast-paced North American market. The Power of Grassroots Marketing: Building a customer base by physically knocking on doors, introducing the business to neighbors, and sponsoring local sports teams and schools. Scaling with Systems: Why it took two and a half years to build the foundational systems (HR, accounting, training) required to support a franchise model, ensuring long-term success over rapid expansion. From Operator to CEO: The necessary, often difficult transition of handing over the keys to management and stepping back to focus on business development. Purpose-Driven Profit: How tying the business to environmental restoration (planting trees and kelp) provides deep motivation and connects the brand to a larger global mission.   IG: @sabaithaispa Address: www.sabaithai.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 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 kid selling rocks from his bedroom turn into a touring musician, and eventually the founder of a powerhouse marketing agency? In this episode of the JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Show, Justin sits down with John Smiddy, the visionary behind NutraMarketers (www.nutramarketers.com). This conversation dives deep into the gritty reality of building a business from the ground up. Justin and John bond over the mental toughness forged through physical disciplines like 75 Hard, exploring how training the body is the ultimate preparation for surviving the chaotic, high-stress world of entrepreneurship. John pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to market consumer packaged goods and nutritional supplements today. Listeners will get a masterclass in consumer psychology, learning why having a great product simply isn't enough if you don't understand the math behind your marketing. John breaks down the exact formulas for scaling: balancing customer acquisition cost (CAC), maximizing lifetime value (LTV) through strategic subscribe-and-save models, and crafting a unique "story within the formula" that builds instant brand credibility. Whether you are trying to break into a crowded retail market, dialing in your e-commerce strategy, or just need the raw motivation to keep pushing forward when you want to throw in the towel, this episode delivers the exact playbook you need to win.   Address: www.nutramarketers.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 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.

What does it actually take to turn a dilapidated fast-food shell into a thriving, community-centered brand? In this gritty and revealing episode of the JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Show, host Justin Bizzarro welcomes back Michael Spencer, the founder of Nash Dogs, for a raw look at the transition from food truck to brick-and-mortar. This isn't just a success story; it’s a survival guide. Michael walks listeners through the harrowing eight-month journey of converting an old Subway location into his new café. He shares the nightmares that no business plan can predict: peeling back wallpaper to find walls crumbling with black mold, HVAC units venting directly into block walls, and contractors quoting $30,000 for grease traps that the city eventually approved for $2,000. Discover the financial and emotional reality of scaling up. Michael explains how a project budgeted for $35,000 ballooned to $65,000, and how he had to teach himself mold remediation to save the budget. He opens up about a frustrating battle with a sign contractor who took his money and delivered nothing, highlighting the critical importance of integrity and iron-clad contracts in a world where handshake deals are fading. But the struggle yielded massive rewards. Michael details the strategic menu expansion that turned Nash Dogs from a lunch stop into a destination. Learn how adding high-margin items like homemade banana pudding (a customer favorite), loaded curly fries, and fountain drinks increased his average ticket from $11 to nearly $18. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, resourcefulness, and the power of asking questions. It’s about the difference between a task-oriented manager and an entrepreneurial leader, and why, in a world of shortcuts and "good enough," sticking to your morals and delivering excellence is the only way to build a legacy that lasts. Key Takeaways The General Contractor Trap: How Michael saved over $25,000 by calling the city water department himself rather than accepting a contractor's quote for a grease trap. Menu Engineering: The pivot from pre-packaged sides to high-margin, house-made items like banana pudding and loaded fries to boost profitability. The Reality of Renovation: The unexpected horrors of taking over a second-generation restaurant space, including mold remediation and HVAC failures. Marketing for Survival: Why waiting for customers to walk in is a death sentence, and Michael's strategy of hiring a marketer to aggressively pursue B2B catering. Integrity as a Strategy: The long-term value of keeping your word and building a brand based on trust, even when vendors and contractors fail to do the same.   IG: @nashdogs   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 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 family recipe born in the 1930s survive Jim Crow, traverse the country to Los Angeles, withstand a global pandemic, and spark a worldwide culinary phenomenon? In this fiery episode of the JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Show, host Justin Bizzarro sits down with Kim Prince, the dynamic force behind Hotville Chicken and the Dulansville Food Truck. Kim is third-generation royalty of the Prince family—the undisputed originators of Nashville Hot Chicken. This is not just a story about frying poultry; it is a masterclass in legacy, resilience, and the relentless spirit of "keeping it going." Kim takes listeners back to her roots in College Grove, Tennessee, where she grew up on 13 acres in a family of educators and entrepreneurs. She shares the profound advice passed down from her grandmother: "Handle many pots." This mantra drove Kim to master multiple skills, from the entertainment industry to the kitchen, eventually leading her to bring the authentic heat of Nashville to Los Angeles in 2016. The conversation dives deep into the realities of operating in a tough market. Kim details the rollercoaster of opening a brick-and-mortar location in Baldwin Hills, only to face the "triple threat" of COVID-19, civil unrest, and gentrification that led to the demolition of her building. Rather than folding, she pivoted. Discover how she formed a powerful partnership with Greg Doolin (of Doolin’s Soul Food) to launch the Dulansville Food Truck, a mobile concept that combines the best of both their family legacies. This episode explores the soul behind the spice. Kim explains why she refuses to compromise the integrity of the product for rapid expansion, emphasizing that true Nashville Hot Chicken isn't just about heat—it's about a 24-hour marinade, hand-dredging, and a specific frying process that requires patience and love. She also touches on her work with World Central Kitchen, feeding communities during wildfires, proving that a business is only as strong as its connection to the people it serves. Key Takeaways: The Origin Story: The history of the Prince family and how they turned a revenge recipe into a global staple. The "Handle Many Pots" Philosophy: How diversifying skills prepares an entrepreneur for the unexpected. Resilience in Crisis: How Hotville pivoted from a closed restaurant to a thriving food truck through strategic partnership. Authenticity over Expansion: Why Kim chooses to keep the operation tight to ensure quality rather than selling out for rapid franchising. Community First: The role of the food truck in disaster relief and community support.   IG: @hotvillechicken IG: @dulanville IG: @dulangregory IG: @kimprincetwin   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 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.

The Union of Two Families The story of Compton's Original is not just about food; it is about the convergence of two couples—Barbara and James (owners of Queen Bee's Delightful Catering) and David and Yolanda (owners of Colbert Southern Gourmet). Despite attending the same church for over 30 years without knowing it, the couples connected through the catering circuit. The Vision: David wanted a restaurant; Yolanda did not. Barbara wanted a restaurant; James did not. They balanced each other out and decided to partner up to purchase an existing fish fry business from a retiring owner. The Transition: Moving from catering to a brick-and-mortar restaurant required a massive shift in mindset. Catering offers controlled, prepaid environments, whereas a restaurant requires predicting daily traffic, managing immediate customer service, and maintaining constant inventory. Trials by Fire: The Build-Out The journey to opening day was fraught with expensive and emotional hurdles. The team spent over a year paying rent on a closed building while renovating to meet their standards. The Contractor Nightmare: They hired a company to install a massive hood system (a $20,000+ investment). The contractor took the money, performed substandard work, and abandoned the job. The Response: Rather than suing, the partners chose to pray for the contractor and move forward, viewing the loss as a tuition fee for business wisdom. This decision solidified their partnership and reliance on faith. Regulatory Hurdles: Navigating city permits, grease traps, and Ansul systems proved to be a steep learning curve, highlighting the operational complexity of frying food commercially compared to catering. The Menu: Soul Food with Standards Compton's Original positions itself differently from the typical "fish fry market." They focus on fresh preparation rather than holding food under heat lamps. The Offerings: Beyond fried fish and shrimp, the menu features scratch-made sides like mac and cheese, collard greens with smoked turkey, red beans and rice, and James's signature garlic mashed potatoes. Health Consciousness: Listening to the community's desire for healthier options, they introduced grilled fish (sand dabs, catfish, red snapper) and salmon salads, moving away from a strictly deep-fried menu. Faith, Leadership, and Operations The episode heavily emphasizes the spiritual foundation of the business. Conflict Resolution: With four partners, disagreements are inevitable. They established a rule where majority votes rule, and they utilize prayer to navigate impasses. They hold "face-to-face" meetings to resolve issues, prioritizing the business's health over personal ego. Community Stewardship: They view their employees as family, often hiring from the local community and mentoring young staff members. They aim to create an atmosphere where customers feel they are at a family reunion, not just a transaction. Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs Actions Follow Intent: You must know your intention before you act. If you intend to build a legacy, you cannot cut corners. The Value of Slow Growth: Growing too fast can destroy a brand. Taking the time to build a solid foundation (SOPs, culture, recipes) ensures longevity. Authenticity is Currency: In a world of AI and automation, the "human touch"—remembering a customer's name, asking about their day, and serving food with love—is the ultimate competitive advantage.   IG: @comptonsoriginalseafood Location: 1526 S Wilmington, Compton, CA 90220   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 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 someone pivot from aspiring air traffic controller and real estate investor to cookbook author and radio show host? In this inspiring episode of the JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Show, host Justin Bizzarro sits down with Lisa Parda, author of the new cookbook My Love Language is Food. This is a story about reinvention, the unexpected paths life takes us on, and the power of food to connect us all. Lisa shares her fascinating journey, starting with a childhood dream of guiding planes that led to a stint at the FAA, followed by a successful career in real estate. But it was meeting her husband that unlocked a latent passion for cooking—a creative outlet that balanced the demands of her professional life. Discover how a self-taught cook, who grew up on takeout and diet culture, transformed her relationship with food into a mission to help others answer the daily question: "What's for dinner?" This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the gritty reality of self-publishing. Lisa is candid about the challenges she faced, from scrapping her first manuscript to navigating the high costs and logistical nightmares of professional food photography. She shares the invaluable lessons learned from hiring the wrong—and then the right—creative partners, and the discipline required to turn a passion project into a marketable product. Lisa also dives into her strategies for building a brand without a traditional culinary background. Learn how she leverages her local radio show, "Lisa and Robyn on the Mic," and community partnerships to market her book, and why she believes in the power of "guerrilla marketing" tactics like collaborating with local artisans for holiday gift bundles. Tune in for a conversation that celebrates the joy of cooking, the importance of family meals, and the courage it takes to pursue a dream, no matter where you are in life. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful success comes from simply sharing what you love with the world. Key Takeaways The Pivot: How skills from unrelated careers like real estate and aviation can apply to food entrepreneurship. The Reality of Self-Publishing: The financial and creative hurdles of producing a high-quality cookbook, including the critical role of photography. Simplifying for the Home Cook: Why Lisa focuses on making recipes accessible and less intimidating for busy families. Community Marketing: Using local platforms like radio and community magazines to build a grassroots following. Food as Connection: The philosophy that cooking is not just a chore, but a vital tool for health, connection, and family legacy.   Address: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-love-language-is-food-lisa-parda/1149285733    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 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.