I’m An Artist, Not A Salesman Podcast

In this episode of I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman , Luis Guzman sits down with creative strategist and marketing rebel Ankur Garg, the CEO of Youngry and founder of Flex Work Studios, for one of the most brutally honest conversations we've had on this show. If you’re expecting a polished tale of success, this ain’t it. This is a real one—messy, inspiring, and filled with the kind of truth most peop...

Welcome to Episode 37 of the I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman Podcast, hosted by Luis Guzman. In this raw and inspiring episode, we sit down with Christo, the owner and creator of Christo’s Wake & Steak in Bloomfield, New Jersey. He’s known for making what many call the best cheesesteaks in the state—but his story runs way deeper than just killer sandwiches. Christo’s path is built on passion...

What happens when you outgrow the cubicle, outdream the 9-to-5, and finally pick up the camera that’s been calling your name? You get Ludwig Araujo — photographer, brand builder, storyteller, and living proof that you don’t have to sell out to level up. In this episode of I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman , host Luis Guzman chops it up with Ludwig about his journey from working at Verizon to becom...

This episode is what happens when raw honesty, side-splitting stories, and years of hustle walk into a podcast studio. In Episode 34 of I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman, host Luis Guzman chops it up with Vinnie Brand — stand-up comic, family man, and the mastermind behind The Stress Factory Comedy Club (aka New Jersey’s most laughter-infused landmark since forever).If you think this is gonna be j...

In this episode, Luis sits down with Michael Griz, founder of Fly Three Activewear , to discuss the powerful story behind his family-run apparel brand. What started as a creative project during a snowstorm blackout in late 2023 turned into a thriving business — and a meaningful way for Michael to connect with his two sons, Aiden and Khalib. As a single dad, Michael wanted to teach his boys more th...

Food content creator Joshua Berman joins host Luis Guzman to share how he turned career uncertainty and personal struggles into a thriving New Jersey food review brand. Joshua opens up about mental health, therapy, and rediscovering passion, while spotlighting local small businesses through his popular Josh’s Food and Stuff platform. Discover how letting go, mindfulness, and embracing creativity c...

Master barber and CEO Michael "Checo" Checo shares his journey from growing up in his father's bodega to building Stache, a thriving barbershop brand in Union, NJ with his partner Chaz Hazlitt. He dives into business growth, balancing fatherhood, creating a nonprofit foundation, and giving back through free haircuts for kids. Tune in for insights on leadership, scaling a barbershop, and staying hu...

Discover how Juan Alzate turned his passion for videography into a thriving business while overcoming life’s toughest challenges. From filming nightlife events to working with top artists like Bad Bunny and 50 Cent, Juan’s journey is one of resilience, self-discovery, and success. Tune in for a conversation on creativity, mental health, and what it takes to achieve your dreams. Don’t miss this ins...

Meet Chef Antonino “Nino” LoCascio, a professionally trained executive chef and the creative force behind Grano Pizzeria and Tavern in Scotch Plains, NJ. In this episode of I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman , host Luis Guzman dives into Chef Nino’s incredible journey—from his beginnings in a family-run bakery to crafting innovative culinary experiences in some of New Jersey’s top establishments. Disco...

In this episode of I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman, host Luis Guzman sits down with Steve Griggs, the founder of Steve Griggs Design, an award-winning landscape design firm. Known for crafting luxurious outdoor spaces, Steve shares his journey from humble beginnings working alongside his father to becoming a celebrated entrepreneur featured in Forbes , Business Insider , and on Bravo . Steve opens u...

In this episode of I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman , host Luis Guzman sits down with Josh Pele, a celebrity magician, mentalist, and the founder of Josh Pele Magic. Josh shares his inspiring journey from discovering magic at 21 during a trip to Milan to performing for some of the biggest names, including Travis Kelce, Mike Tyson, J Balvin, and more. From his philosophy of continual growth and optimi...

Brian Walter, a Michelin-star executive chef with over 20 years of experience, shares his journey of dedication, artistry, and mastery in the culinary world. In this episode of I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman , host Luis Guzman explores Brian’s rise through the ranks, from his time at prestigious NYC kitchens to shaping the dining experience at 87 Sussex in Jersey City. Learn about Brian’s inspirati...

In this episode of I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman , Luis Guzman sits down with his longtime friend, Chaz Haslett, an influential figure in barbershop culture, master barber, and creator of Stache Barbershop. Chaz opens up about his path from New Jersey kid with big dreams to grooming celebrities and building a brand with global reach. They dive into his journey, from managing artists in the music i...

In this episode of I'm An Artist, Not An Salesman , host Luis Guzman sits down with Danilo Bonazza, a globally renowned mosaic artist whose work graces high-profile homes, hotels, and even iconic brands. Danilo shares the incredible journey from his early days in Italy, experimenting with broken glass and sand, to becoming a top-five mosaic artist worldwide. Hear how he overcame financial hardship...

In this episode of I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman , host Luis Guzman welcomes back his friend and artist, Jamai. Known for his soulful voice and storytelling, Jamai shares his journey of confronting personal trauma, expressing vulnerability, and finding peace through music and film. A former The Voice contestant and now a successful singer and entrepreneur, Jamai opens up about his latest project,...

Join host Luis Guzman as he sits down with Steven Winters, better known as the Pizza Hulk. Steven is a digital creator, influencer, and podcast host of Smashing Slices . Famous for his pizza reviews, love for sneaker culture, and positive outlook on life, Steven shares his journey of balancing family, coaching, and his passion projects. Discover how Steven stays true to himself while growing his b...

In this inspiring episode, host Luis Guzman sits down with Tony Hage, the mastermind behind La Bibi Prime Steak and Seafood in North Brunswick, NJ. Tony shares his incredible journey from growing up in modest beginnings to becoming a leader in the New Jersey dining scene. Honoring his late grandmother’s legacy, Tony combines family traditions with a modern twist to create a one-of-a-kind dining ex...

In this episode of I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman , host Luis Guzman sits down with Joe Rizzuto, the creative genius and owner of Main Street Donuts. With two thriving locations in Belmar and Matawan, Joe shares his journey from corporate America to entrepreneurial success, combining his culinary expertise and business acumen. Hear how Joe’s passion for nostalgic flavors, his dedication to customer...

Discover how Jose Oliveras, founder of TWK Events, turned his passion for music and community into a thriving bilingual and multicultural wedding entertainment company. From his humble beginnings in Hollis, Queens, to creating unforgettable events across New York and New Jersey, Jose shares the secrets behind his success, the challenges of running a family business, and the importance of staying a...

In this heartfelt episode, Luis Guzman sits down with Al Santillo, the man behind Santillo’s Brick Oven Pizza, a New Jersey institution since 1918. Al shares stories of his family’s immigrant roots, the challenges of running a third-generation business, and the philosophy that drives his passion for crafting traditional pizza. With tales of hard work, faith, and the wisdom passed down from generat...

In this episode Nasar depicts his story from how he started in real estate and the defining key best practices that have grown his business into what it is today. A true story of resourcefulness and the will to go get what you deserve!

Luis Guzman sits down with Keith McPherson, who is a WFAN Sports Radio Talkshow host/ Sports Media Personality. Keith talks about how in less than 4 years he went from driving Uber to becoming the new voice of the NY sports media world. Follow on Instagram: @LuisGuzman2444@KeithMcPherson

Luis Guzman sits down with special guest Bookem, who is not only a proud police officer, but also a Hip-Hop artist! Bookem speaks about his community outreach and how his non profit organization "Bridges" is dedicated to bridging the gap between law enforcement and urban communities.

On this episode Luis Guzman sits down with owner & entrepreneur, Julian Valencia, on location at one of many of his successful businesses. They discuss what it takes to be a successful business person, the importance of a great team, the power of believing in yourself, education and much more!

On this episode, Luis Guzman sits down with with DJ, Producer, Club & restuarnt owner, real estate investor, Eddy G. Eddy talks about his humble beginnings, from selling empanadas on the corner in Queens, NY, to establishing and growing multi million dollar businesses around the Tri State.