MAKE COOL SH*T

Zane Keyes is the owner of Keycuts Barbershop on Church Street in Montclair, NJ. He grew up in Montclair, went to Rutgers, got his cosmetology license, and came back to plant his flag in the heart of his hometown. In this episode, Drew and Zane talk about what it really takes to build a service business from scratch, why he chose to sit in the first chair instead of hiding in the back, and how he...

Adil Malik is a partner at Origin Partners , an infrastructure advisory platform at the intersection of deal flow, capital, and energy. Before that, he ran his own solar company for five years, traveled to 17 countries with his wife, and said yes to opportunities before he fully understood them. In this episode, Drew and Adil talk about how a random networking dinner led to partnerships with David...

Sam Oltmans is the founder of Core Lacrosse Events , a youth lacrosse company built on one principle: do right by the kids, every single time. After years working inside the industry, Sam saw how politics and profit were pushing out the players who deserved to be seen. He left to build something transparent. In this episode, Drew and Sam talk about what it really means to run events the right way,...

Anthony Diodore is the founder of Oak Bishop , a premium men’s skincare line built on quality ingredients, standout design, and a refusal to blend in with the boring black and white packaging that dominates the industry. In this episode, Drew and Anthony talk about what it really takes to build a business while working a full time job. They get into rock bottom moments, the discipline required to...

Genea Barnes is the founder of Be The Wolf , a coaching and mentoring practice built on nearly two decades of personal transformation and hard-earned clarity. Her work centers on helping entrepreneurs heal from trauma so they can make decisions from freedom, not fear. In this episode, Drew and Genea talk about what it really looks like to build a business when you’re operating from unprocessed emo...

Darren Magarro is the founder of DSM , an independent agency built through nearly two decades of growth, hard lessons, and real relationships. His work centers on leadership, trust, and building teams that last beyond any single phase of a business. In this episode, Drew and Darren talk about what it looks like to grow up as a leader. They get into mentorship, imposter syndrome, learning when to s...

Mike Ham is a New Jersey–based storyteller and the creator of Local Originals , a project dedicated to documenting the people and places that still mean something. His work focuses on real conversations captured on location, in the spaces where culture is actually built. In this episode, Drew and Mike talk about why the best stories do not happen in studios, the importance of showing up where real...

Alexandra Cimino is the founder of SōlMedia , a social media agency built around community, integrity, and long-term growth. Her work focuses on helping brands build real relationships online without chasing trends, virality, or empty metrics. In this episode, Drew and Alexandra unpack what it actually takes to build a sustainable business in the social media space. They talk about consistency ove...

Leia Gaccione is a chef and partner at The Saint Clair , where she leads the kitchen while helping shape the vision, culture, and long-term direction of the restaurant. Her work sits at the intersection of hospitality, leadership, and creative discipline, balancing craft, consistency, and ownership in an industry that demands everything. In this episode, Drew and Leia talk about what it actually t...

Andrew Stadelberger is the Managing Director at Player Coach Advertising Agency , where he focuses on building long-term partnerships, strategic collaboration, and relationship-driven growth. His work sits at the intersection of agency leadership, trust, and navigating risk inside the creative industry. In this episode, Drew and Andrew talk about what it actually takes to build a career without ch...

Eric Maury is an entrepreneur and the owner of Marcel Bakery & Kitchen , Drip Coffee , and Aligned Creative. He is a creative director turned operator who has built multiple businesses out of pure conviction, strategy, and an ability to see opportunity before everyone else. His work spans hospitality, branding, catering, and systems design, and he brings a unique perspective on what it takes t...

Ryan Mack is the founder of Kill The Headlights , a creative agency built on an anti-agency philosophy. Make Cool Sh*t collaborates with KTH on select projects, and Ryan is someone Drew turns to for honest, grounded conversations about the industry and the future of creative work. In this episode, Ryan and Drew talk about meaningful work, fulfillment, identity, and the uncomfortable truth that mos...

Jamie Knott is a chef entrepreneur and one of the sharpest creative minds in New Jersey hospitality. He is the owner and partner behind The Saddle River Inn, Saddle River Cafe, Cellar 335 and MADAME. He is also a partner with host Drew O"Brien in their luxury streetwear brand Sunday Sauce. In this first episode we get into what it really takes to build a brand that people remember. Jamie opens up...