Fireside America with Ryan Robbins

In this engaging episode of the Fireside America Podcast, host Ryan Robbins sits down with Jeffrey Smith, co-founder of Colorado Craft Beef, to delve deep into Jeffrey’s journey from growing up in Oregon to revolutionizing the beef industry. They discuss how Jeffrey’s hardworking parents—a Navy veteran father and entrepreneurial mother—instilled in him a strong work ethic and a natural aptitude fo...

Join host Ryan Robbins in Episode 98 of the Fireside America Podcast as he sits down with 23-year-old entrepreneur Riley O'Toole from Belmar. Riley shares his inspiring journey from starting in construction with his grandfather at age ten to founding his own demolition contracting company, Coastline Cleanups. Discover how he chose hands-on experience over college, the life lessons imparted by his...

Welcome to Episode 97 of the Fireside America Podcast! This week, host Ryan Robbins sits down with entrepreneur Tommy Rinaldi to explore the power of building a supportive community where everyone thrives together. In this inspiring conversation, Ryan and Tommy discuss: The importance of fostering an environment where everyone wants each other to succeed How to build a lifestyle that empowers othe...

Welcome to Episode 96 of the Fireside America Podcast with your host, Ryan Robbins! 🔥 In this compelling interview, we sit down with Chris Edgar, a seasoned wealth management advisor and intrapreneur at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. If you're planning to start a business in 2024 or looking to ensure your current venture thrives, this episode is a must-watch! Why Do Most Start-Ups Fail, and How C...

Join me, Ryan Robbins, as I sit down with Mark Palmieri, the owner of The Helm in Greenwood Lake. In this episode, we dive into Mark's journey from a stationary desk job at UBS to becoming a successful restaurant owner. Mark shares how he transitioned subtly into the restaurant industry, where he met his founding partner, Jenn. Together, they transformed a rundown spot into the bustling scene that...

Join me, Ryan Robbins, as I sit down with Joey Mac, the co-founder of The Mobile Cigar Lounge. A fellow Bellville guy, Joey shares his journey from military service to creating a veteran-run business that brings premium cigars and unforgettable experiences to events across New Jersey. We chat about what financial freedom means to different people and how Joey's team offers more than just cigars –...

In this episode of Fireside America, I sit down with my good friend and industry powerhouse, Bernie Sousa. Bernie and I dive deep into his journey from discovering his sales skills at Circuit City to co-founding his own medical device distribution company, S2 Surgical Solutions, which specializes in distributing orthopedic implants, surgical instruments, and diagnostic devices, and generates over...

In this episode of Fireside America, we sit down with Justin, who has carved a niche in the NCAA sports decal industry. Starting from his early days in a modest graphics shop to now collaborating with major NCAA teams, Justin shares his journey of growth and the challenges faced along the way. We delve into the nuances of licensing, the importance of partnerships, and the competitive dynamics of t...

Welcome back to the Fireside Podcast! Join me as I sit down with one of our business coaches from The Pit, Nick Fusilli. He is the principal owner of Freedom Acquisitions USA, and CFO for both Thermal Innovations Corporation and Highline Arena / Sand Beach Volleyball LLC. We delve into Nick's entrepreneurial journey, exploring his initial partnerships and ventures along with the powerful lessons h...

In this dynamic episode of the Fireside Podcast, I'm joined by Chris Rizzolo, the principal owner of COR Realty Capital, for an in-depth discussion on the realities of entrepreneurship, sharing both the challenges and the rewards. We dive deep into the early hurdles of building businesses from the ground up, recounting the funding obstacles, strategic pivots, and hard-earned victories that defined...

This week I had the honor of hearing some great stories from Frank Luna's work and life experiences. From police dispatcher in college and then transitioning into politics, later enlisting in the Army National Guard, and then on to public affairs and events.  The conversation flows as we reminisce about chance encounters, charity work, and business insights through social media, and so much more! ...

Dive into the incredible journey of 'The Property Brothers in Law,' Ryan P and Michael J. R, as they share the transformative leap from their corporate confines to conquering the real estate world. Discover the power of vision, ambition, and the symbolic $100K bill that set the stage for their astounding first-year success. Whether you're dreaming of leaving the 9-5 grind, scaling new heights in r...

Join us on Fireside America as Ryan Robbins engages in a riveting conversation with Jamie Giovinazzo, the visionary founder of Eat Clean Bro. In this revealing interview, Jamie shares the compelling story of his ascent from initial setbacks to creating a leading healthy meal delivery service. Learn about the blend of passion, grit, and innovative thinking that propelled a simple idea into a flouri...

Join us on Fireside America as Ryan Robbins sits down with rising racing star Thomas "Tommy" Annunziata to delve into the heart of his racing career. In this candid interview, Tommy shares the raw and inspiring story of his early days in racing, marked by the challenges of securing sponsorships and scholarships, and the personal and financial hurdles he overcame to chase his dream.   From his humb...

Tune in to Fireside America as host Ryan Robbins engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Abiola of AV Luxury Design. Delve into the mind of a visionary entrepreneur and explore the philosophies and strategies that drive success in the modern business world. Gain unique insights and inspiration from this compelling dialogue, perfect for anyone passionate about innovation and entrepreneursh...

Had a great time sitting down with Dan Culmone, founder of The Handsome Devil Barber Shop based out of Belmar, New Jersey.  We dove into the inner workings of running and scaling a successful barbershop, the pursuit of financial freedom and opportunities beyond being behind the chair.  Dan is an insightful guy with a ton of potential and it was a pleasure to have him come sit fireside!   ⬇️ SOCIAL...

Ankur Garg is CEO of AKG Creative and former co-founder of Shredz.  Ankur helped build Shredz to nine-figures in revenue prior to his departure, yet during his tenure was influential in the creation of what is now known as “influencer marketing.”  This was a fascinating conversation that went deep on marketing, fitness startups and the complexities of business partnerships. Enjoy!   ⬇️ SOCIALS AND...

My most special guest to date!  My wife, Kelly, stepped outside to site fireside as we often do, this time with cameras rolling.  She shared her story from childhood to present, going deep on her father’s motorcycle accident that changed her family forever, pursuing her master’s degree, our first date, a general outlook on motherhood, marriage and more.  She has been my rock since day one and the...

Brandon Nicastro is the founder of Grand Canyon State Glass (GCS Glass), an elite supply and installation company that has grown to service California, New York, Colorado, Texas, and Arizona and exceeds revenues of $10 Million. Built from humble beginnings, Brandon started his career as a glazer before a very brief stint as an EMT, before returning to the glass industry before launching GCS Glass....

Jason Bitzer is a New Jersey native turned Hawaii transplant who competed as a professional bodyboarder on the historic North Shore.  Jason is the founder of “Never Off Duty”, a non-profit that offers underprivileged, at-risk kids a pathway to emergency services such as lifeguarding, fire sciences, EMT and other civil servant career opportunities.  Now back in New Jersey, his most important missio...

Tony Chowdhury is the founder and CEO of Fusion Gyms, one of the most popular fitness factories in all of America.  Tony is a    relentless entrepreneur born in Bangladesh, who started his career as a personal trainer before creatively building an empire of equipment manufacturing, which he continues to scale today in conjunction with Fusion Gyms.  With two current locations and one on the way, Fu...

Pat Grippaldi is the owner/operator of Gripp’s Stitches, an upholstery shop based out of Manahawkin, New Jersey specializing in marine and automotive upholstery, awnings and more.  Pat and I go way back, but reconnected over the past few years when he caught onto Fireside America and told me of his entrepreneurial aspirations.  After sending some encouragement mixed with classic Bricktown trash ta...

David LaTempa is the owner/operator of Sonny’s Grille in Belmar, New Jersey.  A north Jersey native, David chased his father’s dream of owning a simple hot dog business and has built one of the Jersey Shore’s top joints.  He is a true testament to the American Dream – starting a business on your own terms, and not always chasing down a grand plan or “sexy” business.  For most people, the American...

Ron Wesley Nussbaum is the founder and CEO of BuilderComs, an online portal and mobile app that helps contractors give their clients access to projects and communication. Ron is a Marine Corp veteran who spent a decade in the construction industry before identifying that lack of communication among projects was the #1 cause of failure. This was a super insightful conversation around data, construc...

James Volpe is a partner at MTS Transport, a carrier working with large entities to build and deliver high end office furniture.  James has lived out his own hero's journey, from foster care to freedom, and to this day holds the value of true relationships close to his heart.  His ability to walk away from profitable deals because of unhealthy dynamics is admirable, as his sights stay set on deepe...