Members Room

In this episode, we sit down with Mia Meltzer -  Social Content Manager for F1 Arcade and a seasoned voice in digital marketing to discuss the evolution of storytelling in a tech-driven world. Mia shares her journey from a college PR major to managing organic social strategy for one of the most exciting hospitality brands in the country. Mia explains how the role of a copywriter has shifted from s...

In this episode, we sit down with Matthew A. Schneider—Founder and CEO of Building, Inc. and a leading voice in PropTech—to discuss the radical modernization of the "built environment." Matthew shares his journey from day trading and fiction writing to identifying the massive data fragmentation that makes real estate a "rich man's game." Matthew explains how Building, Inc....

In this powerful episode, we sit down with former Glenn Derby as he shares his raw and honest journey through life in the NFL, the battles that followed, and the work it took to rebuild his life. Glenn opens up about his struggles with addiction, the anger and trauma that shaped many of his early years, and the turning point that ultimately led him to sobriety. Throughout the conversation, Glenn r...

In this episode, we sit down with Pedro Avila Jr, a Chicago-born, Miami-based podcaster and content creator, to discuss the relentless pursuit of growth in your 20s. From his transition from a psychology major to a full-time interviewer, Pedro explores the "speed kills" mentality of the Miami networking scene and the discipline required to build a digital brand from scratch. We dive deep...

In this episode, we sit down with Jesse Hoffman, a performance psychologist and mental coach for C-suite executives, to discuss upgrading your "internal operating system" for elite success. From his roots in sports psychology to mentoring high-ticket entrepreneurs, Jesse explores how identity-based growth and the "Being to Become" framework can bridge the gap between your curre...

In this episode, we sit down with Aurelio Licata , a strategic real estate entrepreneur and property management expert, to break down the formula for scaling a short-term rental empire. Aurelio shares how he moved beyond the "side-hustle" mentality to build a business rooted in high-level automation and data-driven property selection. Aurelio walks us through the mechanics of modern Airb...

In this episode, we sit down with Jonnie Parsons —entrepreneur, construction executive, podcast host, and faith-driven leader—to unpack a life defined by redemption, discipline, and purpose. Jonnie opens up about his journey from addiction, homelessness, jail, and losing custody of his son, to rebuilding his life through faith, family, fitness, and focused leadership. Jonnie walks us through his c...

In this episode, we sit down with Stefanos Spiliotis—a Greek-American content creator, FIU student, and aspiring online personal trainer—to discuss the cultural shift of moving from Athens to Miami and building a lifestyle around discipline. Stefanos shares his journey from working in his father’s water sports business in Greece to finding his obsession with fitness and entrepreneurship in the U.S...

In this episode, we sit down with Jean Reyes, a Dominican-born entrepreneur who moved to Miami with no English and just $700. From working construction rentals with his uncle to building businesses in sneaker reselling, live commerce, and content production, Jean shares how starting from zero shaped his mindset and growth. He breaks down learning English while working, spotting early opportunities...

In this episode, we sit down with Gabe Lullo - Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Alleyoop, a premier sales development agency working with industry giants like ZoomInfo, Salesloft, and Adobe. Gabe shares his journey, beginning with a blue-collar upbringing that instilled a deep understanding of “profit versus wages” a lesson he learned at age 11 selling T-shirts. This early realization fueled his t...

In this episode, we sit down with Adebayo Kuye —a real estate investor , licensed counselor (CADC) , and professional mentor —to talk about the foundational principles that drive success in both personal development and business ventures. Adebayo shares his journey from overcoming social awkwardness using psychological theories learned online, to transitioning from a basketball path into a dual ca...

In this episode, we sit down with Darryl Torres—Co-Founder of DNA Productions—to talk about building a premium media agency that specializes in cinematic corporate storytelling. Darryl shares his unexpected path from a career-ending baseball injury to becoming an entrepreneur who transforms the media presence of Fortune 500 companies. From taking high-risk leaps after dropping out of college to st...

In this episode of Members Room , host Alex Thiakos sits down with Anthony Kasper , a young entrepreneur who has launched a personal coaching business focused on Christian men's fitness and faith. Anthony shares his powerful journey from hitting rock bottom in college to finding radical life change through faith, which ultimately inspired his mission to help other men transform their lives. W...

In this episode of Members Room , host Alex Thiakos sits down with Caden Vittorini , CEO of Vitt Factor and best-selling author of Becoming the One Percent . Starting his company at just 19 years old, Caden shares his journey from assisting another coach to building a successful coaching brand focused on improving the mindset and lives of youth through one-on-one coaching, workshops, and large sch...

In this episode of Members Room, host Alex Thiakos sits down with Philip Panopoulos , who, along with his brother, successfully bought, revamped, and sold a high-volume local pizzeria, Pisa Pizza, right out of college. From minimal due diligence to implementing Fortune 500-style systems in a mom-and-pop shop, Philip shares the invaluable, real-world lessons of a quick and profitable business flip....

In this episode, we sit down with Caleb Majors — Co-Founder of Brothers Nuts — to talk about launching a business at just 10 years old, turning a kitchen experiment into a fast-growing CPG brand, and why legacy and health are at the heart of everything he builds. Caleb shares how his father’s battle with stage four cancer shaped both his family and the company’s mission — inspiring a focus on spro...

In this episode, we sit down with @SalaarFit — Online Fitness Coach and Entrepreneur — to talk about building a thriving coaching business, navigating the ever-changing digital world, and what it really takes to stand out in today’s crowded fitness marketplace. From growing a personal brand and training clients worldwide to sharing the habits, discipline, and mindset that drive results, Salaar ope...

In this episode, we sit down with Lorenzo Costa — Founder & CEO of Link Creative and The Link Label — to talk about building two growing companies, navigating a fast-changing digital world, and what it really takes to stand out in today’s crowded marketplace. From launching a creative agency and media production company to helping 40+ businesses strengthen their brands, scale their presence, a...

In this episode, we sit down with Parker Smith—former pro athlete turned home service entrepreneur—to talk about the mindset and moves that took him from crypto highs and athletic success to complete rock bottom… and back again. From DoorDashing at night and going back to school, to building a 7-figure cleaning business in Miami, Parker shares the full story. We dive into the realities of starting...

In this episode, we sit down with Jake Pileggi, Founder of Pointview Roofing and licensed public adjuster, to talk about how he built a roofing and insurance claim business rooted in grit, trust, and relentless work ethic. From knocking doors in college to managing projects across Illinois, Jake shares what it takes to grow a company in one of the most competitive industries. Whether you’re in con...

Welcome to Members Room – hosted by Alex Thiakos In this episode, we sit down with Tedi Nati, President, and Jaynish Patel, Founder and President, of JT Acquisitions, to talk about how they built a multifamily real estate investment company rooted in trust, strategy, and long-term vision. From their early beginnings to managing millions in real estate assets, they walk us through how they started,...

Welcome to Members Room – hosted by Alex Thiakos In this episode, we sit down with entrepreneur Yanni Mavrakis for a raw and inspiring conversation about building a brand from the ground up. From launching his first clothing line in high school to navigating the realities of entrepreneurship, Yanni shares the highs, lows, and lessons that shaped his journey. Whether you’re an aspiring founder or j...

Welcome to the first episode of Member’s Room – where real stories from entrepreneurs, founders, and creators take center stage. Hosted by Alex Thiakos, this show dives deep into the journeys of business leaders who have faced the ups, downs, and everything in between on their path to success. In our debut episode, Alex sits down with college friends Geno Schellenberger and Jack Westerkamp, the dy...