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  • How Christian Giordano Rebuilt Architecture with Innovation
    2025/01/03
    How does someone go from humble beginnings to shaping the future of architecture? In this episode of my podcast, I talk with Christian Giordano, the president and co-owner of Mancini Duffy, a firm that’s worked with Netflix, Disney, HBO, and other global brands. Christian’s achievements are nothing short of remarkable.

    Christian shares how his struggles with dyslexia and learning difficulties as a child shaped his work ethic and drive to succeed. Encouraged by parents who never doubted his potential, Christian worked harder than most, eventually earning degrees in architecture and overcoming every obstacle in his path.


    As the driving force behind Mancini Duffy, he has transformed the firm into a leader in cutting-edge design by embracing technology like VR, AR, and AI. These tools are not only changing how buildings are designed but also speeding up the entire process, making projects more efficient and accurate. Under Christian’s leadership, the firm has grown significantly, taking on some of the most exciting and large-scale projects in the industry, including the new Netflix campus in New Jersey.


    Beyond his work, Christian is the host of the Anti-Architect Podcast, where he takes an honest look at the industry, celebrating what works and tackling what doesn’t. His story is proof that with hard work, bold decisions, and a clear purpose, it’s possible to achieve extraordinary things. Tune in to hear how Christian’s drive and vision are leaving a lasting mark on architecture.



    00:00 - The Journey to Success
    03:02 - Overcoming Early Challenges
    05:55 - The Path to Leadership
    09:13 - The Courage to Take Risks
    12:02 - Building a Successful Firm
    15:10 - Defining Success and Leadership
    18:04 - Embracing Mistakes as Lessons
    26:20 - The Importance of Personal Growth Through Challenges
    27:43 - Innovations in Architecture and Construction Technology
    31:18 - The Future of Architectural Design with AI
    34:35 - The Role of AI in Quality Assurance and Efficiency
    38:37 - Fostering a Culture of Innovation in Architecture
    43:47 - The Birth of the Anti-Architect Podcast
    48:25 - Transformational Projects and Community Impact


    Christian on Socials:
    IG: @christiangiordano
    X: @cgantiarchitect
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdgiordano/
    Youtube: @theantiarchitect https://theantiarchitect.com/


    Jon on Socials:
    IG: @streetschultz
    FB: Jon Schultz
    X: @JonSchultz_Onyx
    LinkedIn: jonschultz1
    www.jonschultz.com

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    52 分
  • Small Town Dreamer to Real Estate Visionary - Simon Ziff
    2024/12/13
    What does it take to go from a small-town kid with big dreams to running a firm that’s handled over $100 billion in real estate deals? Find out as I sit down with Simon Ziff, president of Ackman-Ziff Real Estate Group.

    Simon’s story isn’t just about success; it’s about the hustle, the relationships, and the decisions that shaped a career spanning decades. From mastering the art of building trust on the golf course as a kid to navigating billion-dollar real estate deals, Simon shares how he turned curiosity and persistence into a lifelong advantage.

    We talk about the highs and lows—from navigating career-defining moments like moving to New York City with just a dream, to his decision to keep his firm independent while competitors sold out to corporate giants. Simon’s approach to life and work is refreshingly honest, blending old-school values with forward-thinking strategies to stay ahead in an unpredictable market.

    But this episode isn’t just about business. Simon lets us in on the other sides of his life—his love for genealogy, passion for tech, designing apps to pruning trees at dawn, Simon’s zest for life is as compelling as his career.If you’re looking for inspiration, real talk, and a fresh perspective on what it means to succeed while staying true to yourself, you won’t want to miss this. Click play—you’ll walk away with more than a few lessons worth keeping.

    00:00 - The Journey to Success
    02:03 - Childhood Influences and Early Leadership
    10:04 - Transitioning from Retail to Real Estate
    19:57 - Building a Career in Real Estate
    30:04 - Maintaining Ethics and Team Dynamics
    37:13 - Navigating Economic Uncertainty
    43:02 - Advice for Young Professionals
    45:55 - Exploring Other Interests and Hobbies


    Simon on Socials:
    IG: @ackmanziff
    X: @simonZiff_AZ or @ackmanziff
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonziff/ or https://www.linkedin.com/company/ackman-ziff/
    https://www.ackmanziff.com/


    Jon on Socials:
    IG: @streetschultz
    FB: Jon Schultz
    X: @JonSchultz_Onyx
    LinkedIn: jonschultz1
    www.jonschultz.com
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    48 分
  • From Sneaker-head to Luxury Brand: The John Buscemi Story
    2024/11/15
    What drives a kid from Long Island to turn his sneaker obsession into a global luxury brand? In this episode, I sit down with Jon Buscemi, the creative mind who turned his love for sneakers and street culture into iconic brands that push the limits of style.

    Jon opens up about his unique path—from customizing sneakers as a kid to working on Wall Street to fund his sneaker obsession and then breaking into the high-end sneaker market with bold designs like the Buscemi 100mm, known for its flashy details and signature gold lock.


    He shares how his time on Wall Street gave him a thick skin and a drive that carried over into the fashion world, where rejection is common and the need to stand out is constant. He also talks about how he finds inspiration, making every new project a mix of art and practicality, whether it's a hot sauce brand like Truff or a local deli chain like Uncle Paulie's. For him, each brand is a way to blend his passions for design, culture, and quality while staying true to his roots in street style.


    If you're curious about the hustle behind building a lasting brand or the story of someone who turned a personal love into a powerful business, this episode with Jon Buscemi is packed with insight.


    Buscemi's story is a powerful reminder that success isn't about instant achievements but about persistent passion, learning from every experience, and staying true to your creative instincts.


    Buscemi on Socials:

    IG: @jonbuscemi
    X: @JonBuscemi
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buscemi%C2%AE/
    https://buscemi.com/

    Jon on Socials:
    IG: @streetschultz
    FB: Jon Schultz
    X: @JonSchultz_Onyx
    LinkedIn: jonschultz1
    www.jonschultz.com
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    1 時間
  • Turning Grilled Cheese into Gold: How Stephen Cusato Cooked Up a Hit Show
    2024/10/24
    In this episode, I chat with Stephen Cusato, the creative mind behind "Not Another Cooking Show." Stephen shares his story about how his love for cooking started early, inspired by watching cooking shows and working his first job in a kitchen. His journey took him from running a food truck to becoming a popular YouTub influencer with millions of followers, teaching people how to cook in a fun and simple way.

    Stephen opens up about his early struggles, including being dyslexic and feeling out of place in traditional school environments. These difficulties helped him develop a deep sense of grit and resilience. He shares how his passion for food started at a young age, from watching Japanese-dubbed cooking shows to working at a golf course's 19th hole. Stephen discusses the reality of running a food truck in New York, the challenges of making ends meet, and how that experience sharpened his cooking and business skills.


    We also talk about the shift to creating content for his cooking show, and how he used platforms like Reddit to build his audience. Stephen explains his focus on making cooking approachable for everyone, especially those who feel intimidated in the kitchen. His goal is to bridge the gap between wanting to cook and actually having the skills to do so.


    Throughout the conversation, Stephen highlights the importance of staying true to what you believe in, even when it's tempting to follow trends. This episode is perfect for anyone interested in food, making content, or starting something new. Tune in to hear Stephen’s story and gain a better understanding of what goes into building something meaningful.



    00:00 - Introduction and Background
    02:41 - Childhood and Love for Food
    07:42 - Overcoming Challenges: Dyslexia and ADHD
    10:53 - First Job and Experience in the Restaurant Business
    16:30 - Transitioning to Food Content Creation
    23:12 - Challenges and Success in the Food Truck Business
    25:09 - Pursuing Photography and Videography
    27:35 - Building a Client Base and Offering Unique Angles
    29:32 - Overcoming Setbacks and Starting Not Another Cooking Show
    31:41 - Discovering Personal Growth and Clarity
    36:31 - The Journey to Success and the Importance of Perseverance
    43:01 - Balancing Entertainment and Education in Content Creation
    46:45 - Navigating Algorithms and Trends While Maintaining Authenticity

    Stephen On Socials:
    IG: @thefoodfreakk
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephencusato
    X: @thefoodfreak
    Youtube: @NOTANOTHERCOOKINGSHOW
    notanothercookingshow.tv

    Jon on Socials:
    IG: @streetschultz
    FB: Jon Schultz
    X: @JonSchultz_Onyx
    LinkedIn: jonschultz1
    www.jonschultz.com
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    52 分
  • The Power of Presence: Why Showing Up Matters in Business With Kim Taikina of Onyx Equities
    2024/10/10
    This episode marks a significant milestone: Kimberly Taikina's 23 years at Onyx Equities.
    Kimberly opens up about her journey from her initial role to becoming pivotal in managing our operations. She reflects on the early days, the evolution of her responsibilities, and how she has influenced our company culture.


    Throughout the discussion, Kimberly underscores the profound impact of her upbringing, rooted in strong family values and a steadfast work ethic, on her professional life. She illustrates how these principles have guided her through various challenges and opportunities within the company.


    We explore the essential role of teamwork in our success. She points out how working well together has been crucial to our success and why talking openly with each other helps solve many work problems.We also discuss how we've adapted to new technology while keeping strong personal ties at work.


    Kimberly gives her views on the future of work, stressing the need to stay in touch with coworkers in a world where many work from home. She believes that keeping these relationships strong is not just good for getting the job done but also makes work more enjoyable and meaningful.


    This conversation goes beyond commemorating an anniversary; it digs deep into the lessons learned and the values propelling Onyx Equities forward. It's a reflection on the past and a thoughtful look at shaping a connected and responsive workplace for the future. You wouldn't want to miss this.


    Kim On Socials:
    IG: @ktaik31
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-taikina-15a776101/

    Jon on Socials:

    IG: @streetschultz
    FB: Jon Schultz
    X: @JonSchultz_Onyx
    LinkedIn: jonschultz1
    www.jonschultz.com
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    33 分
  • Winning Cultures: What Business and Sports Taught Doug Cifu
    2024/09/26
    In this episode, I had a great conversation with my good friend and golf buddy, Doug Cifu, CEO of Virtu Financial and co-owner of the Florida Panthers.

    Doug's journey from a hardworking kid in Syosset, Long Island, to a successful lawyer and eventually an entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring. We dive deep into his experiences, from his early days landscaping and working at Carvel to his 18-year tenure at a prestigious law firm and, finally, his leap into the world of high-frequency trading and sports team ownership.


    Doug shares the emotional rollercoaster of winning the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers, offering a rare glimpse into the world of professional sports ownership. We explore the challenges and triumphs of building Virtu Financial from the ground up, including the memorable moment of assembling office furniture with his partner Vinny Viola. Doug's insights on leadership, risk-taking, and maintaining an entrepreneurial spirit in a growing company are invaluable for anyone in business.


    Throughout our conversation, Doug's passion for his work, his commitment to continuous learning, and his unique approach to balancing the demands of running a public company and owning a sports team shine through. From discussing the intricacies of market-making to the thrill of being a hands-on sports team owner, this episode offers a fascinating look at the intersection of finance, technology, and sports.


    This episode is full of insights, funny stories, and honest moments. Whether you're into business, sports, or personal growth, there's something here for everyone.



    00:00 - The Journey to Success
    02:09 - Winning the Stanley Cup: An Emotional Experience
    08:13 - The Passion for Hockey and Community Engagement
    10:59 - Challenges of Team Ownership
    16:08 - From Law to Entrepreneurship
    25:00 - Building Virtu Financial: The Entrepreneurial Journey
    39:04 - The Culture of Virtu and Lessons Learned
    45:12 - Navigating Growth and Challenges as a Public Company
    49:06 - Balancing Life, Work, and Passion



    Doug Cifu On Socials:
    IG: @dougcifu
    X:@dougielarge
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglas-cifu-74902828/
    https://www.virtu.com

    Jon on Socials:
    IG: @streetschultz
    FB: Jon Schultz
    X: @JonSchultz_Onyx
    LinkedIn: jonschultz1
    www.jonschultz.com
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    53 分
  • Acai, Authenticity, and Ambition: Robert Giuliani’s Playa Bowls Journey
    2024/09/04
    In this episode, I sit down with Rob Giuliani, the visionary co-founder behind Playa Bowls. Rob's story is a masterclass in entrepreneurship, revealing how a small idea sparked on the Jersey Shore evolved into a nationwide brand with over 280 locations.

    We explore the foundational values Rob brought from his military background—like precision and perseverance—and how these have been key to Playa Bowls' growth.
    Rob opens up about the early days of Playa Bowls, sharing how he and his co-founder Abby Taylor turned a humble cart into a cult favorite despite the challenges and doubts from those around them. He talks about the critical decisions that shaped the company's trajectory, including the strategic move to franchise and the importance of building a robust, culture-driven team.


    Rob’s emphasis on staying authentic in a rapidly changing industry makes this conversation genuinely insightful. He discusses the delicate balance between innovation and sticking to what you know best and how Playa Bowls has managed to keep its identity intact while scaling. Rob also reflects on the invaluable lessons he's learned from mentors and the importance of knowing when to ask for help—a trait he believes is often overlooked in the entrepreneurial world.


    This is more than just a business story—it's about perseverance, creativity, and staying true to your vision, no matter the obstacles. Join us for an inspiring conversation highlighting the grind behind what some might call "overnight success."



    00:00 - Introduction
    02:09 - Building a Brand
    07:15 - Guerrilla Marketing and Early Challenges
    10:53 - The Power of Culture
    2:59 - Overcoming Doubts and Building a Strong Brand
    19:52 - Scaling the Business and Injecting Corporization
    20:21 - Maintaining Innovation and Consistency
    25:46 - Unbelievable Challenges of Franchising
    28:15 - Staying Innovative in the Fast-Casual Industry
    30:19 - The Role of Healthy Eating in the Industry
    33:30 - Challenges of Scaling and Creating Upward Mobility
    36:04 - The Impact of Social Media and the Importance of Authenticity
    38:02 - Reflecting on Risks and Influential People

    Rob On Socials:

    IG @rgewls @ playabowls
    FB: https://www.facebook.com/PlayaBowls/
    X: @playabowls
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-giuliani

    Jon on Socials:
    IG: @streetschultz
    FB: Jon Schultz
    X: @JonSchultz_Onyx
    LinkedIn: jonschultz1
    www.jonschultz.com
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    40 分
  • Scaling the Summit of Success with Borko Milosev CEO of Post Road Management
    2024/08/06
    Join me on this captivating episode of my podcast, where I sit down with the dynamic Borko Milosev, CEO of Post Road Management, LLC. From his early days as a determined student from Serbia to becoming a prominent real estate entrepreneur and triathlete, Borko shares the trials and triumphs of his career.

    Learn about his disciplined approach to business during the economic downturns, his strategic shift from single-family homes to multifamily units, and how he scaled his operations to manage thousands of properties. Borko reflects on the challenges and triumphs of navigating market cycles, his disciplined approach to investment, and the strategic shifts that helped him grow his portfolio.

    Beyond business, Borko opens up about his passion for triathlons and mountaineering, revealing how these intense activities help balance his high-powered career and maintain his focus and energy. He also shares touching moments of family life, highlighting how he blends work and personal life to stay connected with his loved ones.

    Tune in to hear how Borko Milosev navigates the complex world of real estate investment and management and get inspired by his dedication to personal and professional growth. This episode offers valuable insights and a dose of motivation to push your limits and pursue your passions.


    00:00 - Borko Milosev's Journey in Real Estate
    04:09 - Meeting Rob Verrone and Seizing Opportunities
    08:53 - The Importance of Loyalty and Support
    12:56 - Work Ethic and Overcoming Challenges
    15:07 - Transitioning to Multifamily Properties
    22:28 - Learning from Successful People and Seeking Advice
    26:53 - Navigating Market Challenges and Seizing Opportunities
    31:11 - The Importance of Passion and Grit in Achieving Success


    Borko on Socials:
    IG: @milosevborko
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/borko-milosev-b907924/
    X: @MilosevBorko
    https://postroadmgmt.com/


    Jon on Socials:

    IG: @streetschultz
    FB: Jon Schultz
    X: @JonSchultz_Onyx
    LinkedIn: jonschultz1
    www.jonschultz.com
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    40 分