Business Class

This week on Business class My good friend Dee Murphy takes me through his incredible business pivot post pandemic and talks about how the work he has done in "building his social  community" played a vital role in his new businesses.   There are few people I respect more than Dee when it comes to business and in this episode you will learn why.  He has built and maintained a few big fashion brands that shockingly haven't taken a hit post pandemic, and has now pivoted into making masks and hand sanitized in a post covid world.  

This week on Business Class, we have the James Beard Award-winning celebrity chef and restaurateur, Dan Kluger. Dan's career has brought him everywhere from Danny Meyer's Union Square Cafe to Tom Colicchio's CORE Club, as well as most recently, his long-awaited first restaurant, Loring Place. Not only does Dan have some insane stories about the ever-changing beast that is the New York City restaurant scene, but also a ton of valuable tips about how to climb the ranks of your industry and get yourself a seat at the table. And yes, Dan actually does share some legit industry secrets about how to literally get yourself a seat at the table, a.k.a reservations at some of the world’s hottest restaurants. I enjoyed this one a lot. Check it out!

This week on Business Class, we have an entrepreneur and founder who's as fast on the road as he is cooking up crazy content. After finding his need for speed as a teen, Rob Ferretti started Super Speeders, a cult DVD series that he turned into one of YouTube's early and much-loved channels with a simple vision: Wild videos of people driving cars very fast. Rob's success online helped him discover that people are fascinated with exotic cars so much that they're willing to shell out big money to rent them for a short amount of time. This discovery led to Rob and his partner's founding of Gotham Dream Cars, a very successful global exotic car rental service. Rob came on the show to talk about goal setting, the challenges of content creation in a pre-YouTube world, why people pay big bucks to rent cars, and much more. Buckle up.

Italian royalty in the house! This week on Business Class we have Gian Luca Passi de Preposulo, who hails from one of the oldest families in Italy, and a historic estate that produces its own prosecco brand, Prosecco di Villa Tiepolo Passi. Gian Luca took over running the brand in recent years and is helping preserve their legacy while introducing them to a new audience. He also happens to be the husband of Hollywood actress Jessica Chastain! Gian Luca currently holds the title of PR director of events & entertainment at French fashion brand Moncler, and formally was the director of public relations at Armani. In our convo, he talks about how to keep old brands alive, his career in fashion, how to build teamwork in your company, his entry into Hollywood, and much more.

How do you turn a passion for brunch into a business? Jeremy Jacobowitz, the founder of the viral Brunch Boys Instagram account, made it a reality. After a stint assisting celebrity chef Bobby Flay behind the scenes, Jacobowitz learned the ins and outs of how to turn delicious food into internet-breaking content that both informs the mind and stimulates the appetite. It wasn’t long before he turned his growing side hustle into a full time job. Jeremy’s bottomless feed of brunch photos now entertains an audience of nearly half a million followers, and has established Brunch Boys as one of social media's top food accounts. He came on Business Class to take us through his deliciously entertaining story, sharing insight about the global brunch scene, how to photograph food for Instagram, and much more.

How do you break into the ever-crowded fashion industry with one really great idea? Ask Andres Izquieta, co-founder of FiveFour Group, the holding company of red-hot monthly subscription box, MenLo House. Along with fellow entrepreneur, Dee Murthy, Andres grew the company from a two store brick and mortar into an empire with hundreds of thousands of members and deals with some of the hottest brands on earth. Andres came on Business Class to talk about fashion trends, what’s hot in LA culture, WhatsApp, and how to get your brand noticed.   

PR executive Maha Gaber knows more than most about how to connect to consumers in different markets to get across a message, a brand, or an idea. Maha has a unique understanding of how to help companies strategize about making an impact through storytelling and strong messaging techniques.  As the former Head of Communication in the Middle East for Google, and a current advisor to executives like VaynerX founder, Gary Vaynerchuk, Maha helps instruct brands and people about how to leverage new trends in digital media to win over consumers. Maha also hosts SavvyTalk, a weekly podcast about communication strategies for businesses with a focus on the MENA (Middle East/North Africa) region. We caught up over some coffee to talk about tips for startups, the top places to travel in the Middle East, how to use PR to your advantage, and more.

This week on Business Class, we have one of the most successful entrepreneurs from Australia, the world-renowned business coach and speaker, Brad Sugars. As the author of 16 business books and counting, Brad is also the founder behind ActionCoach, a unique coaching platform that helps companies and individuals multiply their potential through simple yet powerful growth techniques.  Brad came on the podcast to talk about not if, but why, you need a coach, the eternal power of Apple, and how to multiply your revenue FAST. His straight-forward and impactful advice will make you wonder why you’ve never thought of this stuff before. Get into it. 

Your ego is NOT your amigo. Public speaker, author, and performance trainer Cy Wakeman has built a career on this message. She’s helped thousands of people shed their ego to become better co-workers and human beings. Cy’s work focuses on helping employees and companies learn how to ditch the drama of their lives and jobs to restore sanity and well-being into the workplace, as well in everyday life. My friend Cy came on Business Class for a deep and diverse conversation about her background, and provided a grab bag of insightful tips about how to work and live better with people, as well as with yourself. This stuff is valuable for ANYONE, so hit play and take it all in.

This week on Business Class, we welcome a fast-rising star in the fitness game, Rumble Boxing founder, Noah Neiman. In barely two years, Rumble has become one of the most talked about workout studios on Earth. They count investors like Justin Bieber and Slyvester Stallone, and a celebrity clientele that includes David Beckham, Kendall Jenner, and Kevin Hart.  After becoming one of the top trainers at Barry’s Bootcamp in NYC and amassing a viral Instagram following, plus a stint on Bravo’s WorkOut New York show, Noah founded Rumble with Eugene Remm from Flywheel.   With eight locations, the operation is currently valued at close to $100 million, and shows no sign of slowing down. Noah came on Business Class to discuss the company’s unique digital marketing, “trickle-down swaganomics,” and how he made it from the Harvard of Hustle to founding one of the hottest fitness gyms today. Listen to find out how this entrepreneur turned his passion into a profession, and went from Barry’s Bootcamp trainer, to founder of this fitness empire.

If you’ve never scrolled through Jessica Hirsch’s @cheatdayeats page on Instagram, you’re missing out. Jessica started “CheatDayEats” and “YourRoomService” on social media as a hobby while working as a full-time math teacher. Now, her job is to post about her indulgent experiences around the world with her 426k followers & fans.Jessica is doing some amazing things in the brand space by showcasing her mouth-watering videos and photos, and on this week’s episode, she tells all about how she began this dream-come-true business. Jessica’s viral success has allowed her to work with brands such as Sony, Samsung, Pepsi, Olive Garden, Godiva, American Express, IHOP, Dunkin' Donuts, and more. She came on Business Class to open up about her two great loves that are featured throughout her Instagram accounts: cheat day worthy food, and worldwide travel adventures. Along the way she drops knowledge on some of her favorite dishes, hotels, and restaurants, as well as shares wisdom on just how important it is to maintain balance in your brand, diet, lifestyle and while on the road. If you love the culture of food and how it intersects with entrepreneurship and motivation, get your utensils ready and dig on in. 

American businessman and CEO of RSE Ventures, Matt Higgins, bet big on himself when he dropped out of high-school at 16, got his GED, and decided to go straight to work.  Today, he runs one of the world’s top investment firms, and has a resume that includes being the youngest ever NY press security for the likes of Rudy Giuliani during the wake of 9/11, as well as a high-level executive for the NY Jets and Miami Dolphins. He also makes regular appearances a guest judge on Shark Tank.  A true rags to riches story that will inspire you all the way through, Matt came on Business Class to talk about building a bridge to your future self, what he looks for in investments, and what caused him to live every day like it’s his last.   

You couldn’t go far in the mid-80s without hearing the voice of Matt Goss. As one half of the British band Bros, along with his twin British brother Luke Goss, Matt found himself surrounded by screaming fans, hits records, sold-out arenas, and the pressures that come with fame. After becoming the youngest guys ever to sell-out Wembley Stadium in 1989, Bros broke up three years later. So what came next for Matt Goss?  Today, Matt enjoys his current status as “The New King of Vegas,” with a scorching hot residency at the Mirage at MGM Resorts, where he mixes his unparalleled style and showmanship with classic crooners and a whole lot of soul. He came on Business Class to tell us what the early days of the band were really like, life in Vegas, the influence of his mom, his complicated relationship with his brother Luke, and lots more. We also touch on one of my favorite topics, ego (more to come there from the nondrama queen Cy Wakeman in a future episode). Enjoy. 

Anna Victoria is disrupting the fitness industry in a whole new way. You might know her as the face and mind behind smash hit fitness apps like Fit Body and Fit Body guides, as well as a fitness celebrity who guides a million-strong community of followers on how to live their best and healthiest lives. But Anna’s journey hasn’t always been easy. Following health issues at a young age, she was moved to rethink her entire outlook, which inspired her to build a devoted following while acquiring all sorts of new knowledge. Today, Anna is a powerful voice in body positivity and wellness, and works not only to provide people with innovative workouts and health tips, but she's always down to get real on conversations others might steer clear of.  On this week’s episode of Business Class, Anna talks about how she broke into the industry during the early days of Instagram, and overcame the many challenges associated with getting fit. Anna goes deep as she talks about her passion for connecting with her community on a deeper level, and opens up about her current health struggles.  She’s a brilliant businesswoman and early social media pioneer. If you’re looking for a way to live and feel your best, regardless of how you look, this one’s for you. 

Do you ever wonder what it’s like to drive race cars 200+ miles per hour, for a living? I recently had the opportunity to spend the day at the Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Coca-Cola 600. Before the race kicked off, I was granted some amazing behind-the-pit access and had the chance to meet a couple of professional drivers: 21-year old rookie William Byron and league veteran, Aric Almirola, a.k.a The Cuban Missile.   Did you know that NASCAR drivers spend nearly 40 weeks a year on the road each year, mostly living out of decked-out motor homes? I chatted with these drivers about more than just racing on the track. We also dive deep into what life is really like as a professional NASCAR driver. Tune in to hear about Will and Arics’s come-up stories, their favorite non-driving hobbies and travel destinations, family histories, crazy pre-race routines, and what it’s like to be fearless for a living. For them both, hesitation can mean serious danger. Take a listen and prepare to get closer to the track than you’ve ever been before. Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines… and keep an eye on your heart rate. 

This week on Business Class, I sit down with marketing guru and investor Bonin Bough. Bonin has quietly been behind some of the most successful brand campaigns of the last decade. One of the youngest C-suite executives in Fortune 50 history, and former Chief Media & eCommerce Office at Mondelēz International (formerly Kraft Foods), Bonin spearheaded some of the first marketing programs across early iterations of Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube. My conversation with dives deep into not only his innovative brand work, but how to creatively disrupt the marketing landscape to grab user attention. We chat about everything from creating viral tweet campaigns to remixing Oreos, to creating a TV show with LeBron James. We also chat about where consumers are focusing their attention right now, and why Bonin’s new book Text Me. A lot to unpack in this one for anyone interested in the future or marketing, and captivating consumer habits. Let’s get into it!   

Gratitude! Any successful person and leader will tell you that can’t be truly great if you’re not grateful. Hospitality and nightlife king Paul Evans has had an inspiring tale that all circles back to having appreciation and gratitude for your journey—however difficult it may be.  Before he was the Dubai-dwelling CEO of leading international hospitality group, Solution Leisure, Paul helped reshape the Egyptian nightlife and hotel scene amidst a political revolution. Along the way, Paul experienced a major health scare that nearly cost him his life, and put everything in perspective.  In 2019, Paul’s latest project is a marquee partnership with Atlantis in Dubai called The Wave House, and is a culmination of his journey through the industry. He came on Business Class to talk gratitude and reflection in your career, how to create unique hospitality experiences, and some of the hottest travel destinations popping off right now. 

New York-bred restaurateur and creative entrepreneur Michal Chernow has built a food empire from one simple concept: Meatballs. By identifying what consumers like, he figured out how to make it even better so that they can't live without it. But his secrets for success only begin there.Since his teenage years, Michael’s been working hard in the restaurant business. He sharpened his chops while working at the New York City Italian staple, Frank’s, where he and his partner had the million-dollar idea to sell meatballs to the late-night Lower East Side crowd. They now have six locations of The Meatball Shop across the city, and show no signs of slowing down.  Michael is not only the co-founder and co-owner of this hit restaurant venture, but he’s also launched the new seafood and sustainability-focused restaurant, Seamore’s.  A hospitality craftsman at heart with a flair for style, classic motorcycles and early-morning workouts, Michael’s innovative eateries are leading a new chapter of the New York culinary scene. He came on Business Class to talk about his background, how to lead passionate employees, and to give some exclusive tips on how to make it into the hearts and bellies of consumers. *Meatballs not included. 

Sara Dietschy! Rhymes with peachy. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard a thing or two about this incredible young star in the content game. If you haven’t, now is your chance.  Sara is a viral YouTuber and content creator based in New York City, whose videos about the intersection of technology and creativity have taken the internet by storm. She’s also a well-known podcast host, whose weekly show features candid conversations with some of the most exciting and disruptive personalities in art and business. Beyond that, Sara works regularly with some innovative brands like Adobe, using her tech expertise to show consumers how to get the most out of their products while crafting exciting and personal narratives.  During this Business Class convo, Sara shows us more than her down-to-earth personality and genuine humor, but she lets us in on her incredible come-up tale. Her journey from Texan audio technician to NYC-dwelling viral YouTube star is an inspiring story for anyone who’s interested in turning their passion into not only a profession, but a dream job. 

I hope you guys are hungry for episode four of Business Class because I have a real treat for you all this time around! Next up is the world-renowned Italian restaurateur, chef, and entrepreneur, Fabio Vivani.  You might recognize this guy from his time on Top Chef, where he was voted fan favorite before eventually getting his own gigs as a television host and on-air personality. Fabio knows more about the hard work and sacrifice that goes into making it than most. He started working at a local bakery in his home town of Florence, Italy at age 11 to help his family make ends meet, and by 30 was operating nearly ten restaurants and two nightclubs world-wide. Now he’s a certified legend in the food and hospitality scene. Fabio talks about how managing risk helped him cut his teeth to the grind in order to flourish in the business, as well as how to deal with what feels uncomfortable, and how to make your own limitations work to your advantage. Fabio’s not one to sugarcoat anything (except maybe a delicious dessert), so get ready to keep it real on this one!