JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS

Better with Bacon Fat Studios / Justin Bizzarro
  • 4.5 (15)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Daily

Free Podcast. No Advertisements. The stories of Food, Beverage, Farming, Hospitality, and Nutrition Entrepreneurs and how their failures led to the successes in their lives and in their business. What does the future have in store for the food, beverage, and nutrition entrepreneur?

  1. Jul 6 ·  Video

    Episode 526: Jason Wright of WILDE Brands - Boulder, CO. Turning Chicken into [PROTEIN] Chips. Inside a USDA-Certified Snack Revolution. [ANIMAL] Protein CRACKER orders for COSTCO for DAYS. CHIX SNAX.

    How do you take the humble potato chip and completely reinvent it using chicken breast? In this episode of the JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Show, Justin sits down with Jason Wright to uncover the gritty, complex, and highly regulated journey of building WILDE, a trailblazing animal-based snack brand. Jason’s entrepreneurial path is a testament to the power of pivoting, relentless problem-solving, and the willingness to take manufacturing into your own hands when the industry cannot support your vision. From his early days launching a low-sugar granola brand to navigating the intense scrutiny of the USDA, Jason shares the hard-earned lessons of scaling a first-of-its-kind protein snack. The Origins: From Granola to Chicken Chips Jason’s journey into the food industry was born out of personal necessity. During his twenties, while working as a model in New York and Europe, he adopted a low-carb diet to clear his "brain fog" and improve his health. This led him to launch his first food business in 2004: Feed, a low-sugar, nearly grain-free granola. While Feed helped blaze the trail for healthier granolas, it ultimately closed in 2010. Still craving his favorite snack—potato chips—but wanting to avoid the heavy carbohydrates, Jason had a radical idea while staring at the bottom of an empty chip bag: What if he replaced the potato with chicken breast? He took this concept to the meat science professors at Colorado State University, utilizing their labs to develop the initial prototypes for WILDE. The Power of a Marketing Pivot One of the most critical turning points for WILDE was mastering product messaging. In the early days, Jason spent countless hours doing live grocery store demos. He quickly discovered a massive hurdle: consumers associated the term "Chicken Chips" with pet food. Listening to consumer feedback, Jason pivoted the brand's packaging in 2019 to proudly highlight the ingredients—chicken breast, egg whites, and bone broth—and rebranded the product as "Protein Chips." This small but essential shift in language instantly clarified the value proposition for health-conscious shoppers and fitness enthusiasts. Additionally, by formulating the product without tahini (sesame), WILDE accidentally unlocked a massive allergen-friendly market. The USDA Challenge and Manufacturing Commercializing an animal-based snack proved to be exponentially more difficult than Jason's previous experience with FDA-regulated granola. Regulatory Scrutiny: Unlike FDA facilities which have periodic inspections, a USDA facility requires an inspector on-site every single day. Labeling is also strictly governed, requiring specific "Statements of Identity" (e.g., "Crafted from real ingredients"). The Co-Packing Struggle: Traditional co-packers could not handle the unique process of turning chicken into chips. Early attempts to split production—making the raw "WILDE potato" in Chicago and shipping it to Virginia for crisping—yielded terrible profit margins. Taking Ownership: Realizing they had to control their own destiny, Jason and his partner Philippe leased a facility in Lexington, Kentucky. They built custom, state-of-the-art production lines, eventually scaling from 25 employees to a team of 180 across multiple massive facilities. Scaling the Team and Retail Expansion To manage this rapid growth, Jason knew he had to surround himself with industry veterans. He hired a Technical Director with 30 years of meat industry experience to handle the USDA compliance and a flavor scientist from Pepsi to elevate the product profiles. By locating their plant near an existing Nestle facility, WILDE successfully recruited a workforce already highly trained in USDA manufacturing environments. This foundation set the stage for their latest triumph: the WILDE Protein Cracker. Featuring nostalgic flavors like Classic Cheddar, Buffalo Cheddar, HOT HONEY, and Smoked Gouda, the cracker was an immediate smash hit, securing permanent shelf space at Costco within weeks of its launch, alongside distribution in Target, Sprouts, and Whole Foods. Key Takeaways for Food Entrepreneurs Control Your Manufacturing: If your product requires highly unique processing, relying on co-packers can crush your margins and limit your scalability. Taking ownership of your facility gives you the freedom to innovate. Listen to the Market: If consumers are confused by your product's name (e.g., mistaking it for pet food), do not force it. Pivot your messaging to clearly communicate what the product is and why it benefits them. Hire Your Weaknesses: Scaling a highly regulated CPG brand requires deep expertise. Bring in seasoned professionals for compliance, food science, and financial structuring so you can focus on brand vision and sales. Build an Arsenal of Flavors: Retailers constantly look for exclusives and seasonal offerings. Having a deep bench of fully developed flavors allows you to capitalize on lucrative end-cap opportunities when they arise.   IG: @wildechips Address: www.wildebrands.com   Entrepreneur interested in being on the show: https://calendly.com/justin-bizzarro/podcast   Hosted By: Justin Ryan Bizzarro (IG: @justinbizzarro and LinkedIn: FOLLOW ME )   Who is Justin Ryan Bizzarro? Justin Ryan Bizzarro is a multi-dimensional entrepreneur, mentor, and strategist whose career is defined by the intersection of legacy, leadership, and human growth. With a journey that began in his family’s basement in 1998, Justin helped scale a 24-year-old ecosystem of food and technology enterprises into a global benchmark for vertical integration and lean manufacturing. While his professional foundation is built on complex supply chains, restaurant development, and brand acceleration, Justin’s true north is development—whether it’s a startup, an elite athlete, or a community. As the founder of GorillaBrave, he has transitioned from building businesses to building humans, utilizing his "Troop" philosophy to empower the next generation of culinary and agricultural entrepreneurs. Justin is a sought-after voice on free markets, food diversity, and high-performance culture. His influence extends from the boardroom to the soccer pitch, where he coaches with the same tactical precision and "warrior" mindset he applies to his corporate ventures. Whether he is hosting a global podcast that reaches millions or developing curriculum for youth athletes, his mission remains constant: accelerating human potential. A lifelong student of leadership and service, Justin holds a BA from Dickinson College and an MBA from UNC-Chapel Hill, and deepen his perspective through taking classes towards a  Master of Divinity in Leadership at Denver Seminary. Based in Colorado, he is a dedicated father, a steward of his family’s legacy, and a persistent advocate for those brave enough to capitalize on their own opportunities.   Our [ELITE] Food, Farming, Hospitality, Nutrition, and Beverage Entrepreneurs Community: Under [NEW] Construction Blog Anyone?: GorillaBrave Blog On Instagram: GorillaBrave on Instagram GorillaBrave Group on Whoop: COMM-473D96   Free Podcast.  No Advertisements.  The stories of Food, Beverage, Farming, Hospitality, and Nutrition Entrepreneurs and how their failures led to the successes in their lives and in their business.  What does the future have in store for the food, beverage, and nutrition entrepreneur?   JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Email: justin.bizzarro@gmail.com Instagram: @justinandthefoodentrepreneurs ( #foodentrepreneurs )   All music is scored by host or royalty free.

  2. Jun 29

    Episode 525: Stephen Le of The Kroft - Anaheim, CA. The Road from Shabu Street to Poutine Boulevard. The Kroft’s Rise, Fall & Redemption. WE are GIVEN SKILLS, then BROKEN DOWN, and REBUILT FOR PURPOSE

    An 800-square-foot restaurant generating $2.5 million in its first year is every food entrepreneur’s dream—but as Stephen Le of The Kroft discovered, early success can quickly become a nightmare without discipline and operational control. In this incredibly raw and transparent episode of the JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Show, host Justin Bizzarro sits down with Stephen Le to unpack the meteoric rise, painful fall, and triumphant rebirth of his fast-casual empire. Stephen’s story is a masterclass in extreme accountability. He shares how his ego grew alongside his sales, leading him to step back from the business just when it needed him most. As standards slipped and the pandemic hit, revenues plummeted by more than 50%, and Stephen found himself spiraling into substance abuse. His decision to check into rehab in April 2022 didn't just save his life—it saved his business. By taking absolute ownership of his failures, re-establishing daily discipline, and getting back into the trenches with his staff, he rebuilt The Kroft into a highly optimized, scalable brand. The Journey of The Kroft 1990s-2000s: The Spark - As a first-generation Vietnamese American latchkey kid, Stephen discovers his passion for food by cooking for his family's weekend BBQs.   2010: First Venture of Shabu-Shabu - Opens a shabu-shabu restaurant in Irvine with friends. He learns the hospitality ropes through a concept that requires heavy prep but no traditional line chefs.   2013-2014: The Kroft Explodes - Pivots to fast-casual with The Kroft, serving artisan poutine and sandwiches. The tiny 800 sq. ft. Anaheim location does a staggering $2.5 million in year one.   2018-2021: The Decline - Success breeds ego. Stephen steps back to golf and pursue side projects. Standards slip, sales drop to $1.2 million, and pandemic stress leads to a downward spiral.   April 2022: Rehab & Rebirth - Checks into rehab, gets sober, and takes full accountability. He starts building daily habits (like making his bed) and returns to lead the business from the front lines.   Present: Optimization & Expansion - Returns to original recipes, empowers staff, dials in finances, and hires a dedicated marketing team. The Kroft scales successfully across Southern California. The 3 Spreadsheets That Saved The Business A major turning point for Stephen was moving away from "gut feeling" management to data-driven leadership. He maintains a strict 26% to 30% Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) target by relying on three core reports: Report Type Primary Purpose Impact Gross Sales Analysis Tracks MoM and YoY growth. Allows for direct performance comparisons across all locations. Bread Par Sheet Tracks exact daily usage of artisan bread. Eliminated $300/month in bread waste by adjusting pars based on product mix. COGS Tracker Monitors vendor invoices (meat, produce, supplies). Identifies location-specific waste (e.g., catching when one store uses 10% more meat than another).   Key Lessons for Scaling Entrepreneurs Extreme Ownership: You cannot fix your business until you accept that every failure—from slipping food quality to high turnover—is ultimately your fault as the owner. Invest in Your Core Team: Stephen’s turnaround relied heavily on identifying five key players at each location. By investing in them and genuinely caring about their growth, he transformed $15/hour line cooks into six-figure General Managers. Standardize Before You Market: Never pump the gas on marketing if your operations are broken. Stephen spent a full year walking the line, tasting food, and re-standardizing the original recipes before he spent a dime on new ad campaigns. The Power of Routine: Chaos in the kitchen is inevitable. Stephen manages it by ruthlessly scheduling his life—if an inventory check, vendor order, or staff lunch isn't on the Google Calendar, it doesn't exist. The episode covers practical lessons: recipe standardization, staffing and culture, financial tracking, marketing strategies, R&D, and personal recovery and discipline—straightforward advice for food entrepreneurs planning to scale.   IG: @thekroft Address: www.thekroft.com  Location: 440 S Anaheim Blvd #109, Anaheim, CA 92805   Entrepreneur interested in being on the show: https://calendly.com/justin-bizzarro/podcast   Hosted By: Justin Ryan Bizzarro (IG: @justinbizzarro and LinkedIn: FOLLOW ME )   Who is Justin Ryan Bizzarro? Justin Ryan Bizzarro is a multi-dimensional entrepreneur, mentor, and strategist whose career is defined by the intersection of legacy, leadership, and human growth. With a journey that began in his family’s basement in 1998, Justin helped scale a 24-year-old ecosystem of food and technology enterprises into a global benchmark for vertical integration and lean manufacturing. While his professional foundation is built on complex supply chains, restaurant development, and brand acceleration, Justin’s true north is development—whether it’s a startup, an elite athlete, or a community. As the founder of GorillaBrave, he has transitioned from building businesses to building humans, utilizing his "Troop" philosophy to empower the next generation of culinary and agricultural entrepreneurs. Justin is a sought-after voice on free markets, food diversity, and high-performance culture. His influence extends from the boardroom to the soccer pitch, where he coaches with the same tactical precision and "warrior" mindset he applies to his corporate ventures. Whether he is hosting a global podcast that reaches millions or developing curriculum for youth athletes, his mission remains constant: accelerating human potential. A lifelong student of leadership and service, Justin holds a BA from Dickinson College and an MBA from UNC-Chapel Hill, and deepen his perspective through taking classes towards a  Master of Divinity in Leadership at Denver Seminary. Based in Colorado, he is a dedicated father, a steward of his family’s legacy, and a persistent advocate for those brave enough to capitalize on their own opportunities.   Our [ELITE] Food, Farming, Hospitality, Nutrition, and Beverage Entrepreneurs Community: Under [NEW] Construction Blog Anyone?: GorillaBrave Blog On Instagram: GorillaBrave on Instagram GorillaBrave Group on Whoop: COMM-473D96   Free Podcast.  No Advertisements.  The stories of Food, Beverage, Farming, Hospitality, and Nutrition Entrepreneurs and how their failures led to the successes in their lives and in their business.  What does the future have in store for the food, beverage, and nutrition entrepreneur?   JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Email: justin.bizzarro@gmail.com Instagram: @justinandthefoodentrepreneurs ( #foodentrepreneurs )   All music is scored by host or royalty free.

  3. Jun 22

    Episode 524: Chris Wheeler of Mealz on Wheelz - Lewes, DE. An Amazon Exec RESURRECTED into Food Trailer Founder. Using AI and Grit to Launch the FOOD Dream. GOD Gives Us TOOLS Over TIME to GIVE WITH.

    How does a Navy veteran go from turning wrenches on F-18 Hornets and managing thousand-person teams at Amazon to slinging double-smashed "Jedi Jammer" burgers out of a 16-foot trailer in Delaware? In this powerhouse episode of the JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Show, Justin sits down with Chris Wheeler to unpack the raw, unfiltered reality of leaving the corporate safety net to launch Mealz on Wheelz. Chris breaks down his incredibly fast-paced startup journey, including a grueling 26-hour round trip to secure his trailer and how he utilized AI—specifically his custom digital assistant, "Phyllis"—to design his branding, map out his equipment flow, and execute his menu in a fraction of the usual time. The mental toughness required to pivot when things go wrong is a major theme in this conversation. Pushing through adversity and teaching resilience through tough losses on the pitch with GorillaBrave FC perfectly parallels the exact perseverance Chris needed to transition into the high-stakes chaos of food entrepreneurship. Justin and Chris dive deep into the mindset required to survive 16-hour days, the importance of finding the right mentors, and why true leadership means getting behind the scenes to clean up the mess rather than just leading from the front. Whether you are looking to break out of the corporate grind, want to learn how to leverage AI to shortcut your startup phase, or just need a masterclass in relentless execution, this episode delivers.   IG: @mealzonwheelzde Address: www.mealzonwheelzde.com  Location: 17603 Shady Road, Lewes, DE 19958   Entrepreneur interested in being on the show: https://calendly.com/justin-bizzarro/podcast   Hosted By: Justin Ryan Bizzarro (IG: @justinbizzarro and LinkedIn: FOLLOW ME )   Who is Justin Ryan Bizzarro? Justin Ryan Bizzarro is a multi-dimensional entrepreneur, mentor, and strategist whose career is defined by the intersection of legacy, leadership, and human growth. With a journey that began in his family’s basement in 1998, Justin helped scale a 24-year-old ecosystem of food and technology enterprises into a global benchmark for vertical integration and lean manufacturing. While his professional foundation is built on complex supply chains, restaurant development, and brand acceleration, Justin’s true north is development—whether it’s a startup, an elite athlete, or a community. As the founder of GorillaBrave, he has transitioned from building businesses to building humans, utilizing his "Troop" philosophy to empower the next generation of culinary and agricultural entrepreneurs. Justin is a sought-after voice on free markets, food diversity, and high-performance culture. His influence extends from the boardroom to the soccer pitch, where he coaches with the same tactical precision and "warrior" mindset he applies to his corporate ventures. Whether he is hosting a global podcast that reaches millions or developing curriculum for youth athletes, his mission remains constant: accelerating human potential. A lifelong student of leadership and service, Justin holds a BA from Dickinson College and an MBA from UNC-Chapel Hill, and deepen his perspective through taking classes towards a  Master of Divinity in Leadership at Denver Seminary. Based in Colorado, he is a dedicated father, a steward of his family’s legacy, and a persistent advocate for those brave enough to capitalize on their own opportunities.   Our [ELITE] Food, Farming, Hospitality, Nutrition, and Beverage Entrepreneurs Community: Under [NEW] Construction Blog Anyone?: GorillaBrave Blog On Instagram: GorillaBrave on Instagram GorillaBrave Group on Whoop: COMM-473D96   Free Podcast.  No Advertisements.  The stories of Food, Beverage, Farming, Hospitality, and Nutrition Entrepreneurs and how their failures led to the successes in their lives and in their business.  What does the future have in store for the food, beverage, and nutrition entrepreneur?   JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Email: justin.bizzarro@gmail.com Instagram: @justinandthefoodentrepreneurs ( #foodentrepreneurs )   All music is scored by host or royalty free.

  4. Jun 15 ·  Video

    Episode 523: Brian Youngblood of Prest Hummus - Boston, MA. A Harvard Business School Side Hustle turns Hummus Business Reinvention. WHERE to GO as an ENTREPRENEUR is [OFTEN] already in YOUR HANDS.

    How does a mechanical engineer who cut his teeth at Tesla and Apple pivot to revolutionizing one of the oldest foods in the world while earning his MBA at Harvard Business School? In this fascinating episode of the JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Show, host Justin Bizzarro sits down with Brian Youngblood, the innovative founder of the hummus brand Prest. This is a conversation about the intersection of high-tech manufacturing, environmental responsibility, and the grit required to build a Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) brand from a dorm room. Brian shares his journey from a childhood spent tinkering and building on a South Carolina lake to the high-stakes, fast-paced worlds of Tesla and Apple. He reveals how a pivotal role at a food-waste reduction startup opened his eyes to the massive environmental impact of spoiled food and single-use plastics, sparking the idea for Prest. His solution? A shelf-stable, powder-based hummus that consumers mix with water and their own fresh olive oil at home—eliminating the slimy residue, rapid spoilage, and plastic waste of traditional store-bought brands. This episode is a masterclass in "scrappy" entrepreneurship. Brian details how he bootstrapped his brand while studying at Harvard, utilizing the university's network of CPG alumni while ignoring the pressure to pursue trendy tech or AI ventures. He explains the strategic decision to skip building his own manufacturing facility in favor of partnering with a co-packer, allowing him to focus on sourcing high-quality, sesame-free ingredients and perfecting the formula. Listeners will also learn how Brian navigated the expensive world of branding on a tight budget by creatively partnering with a talented graduating design student. Justin and Brian discuss the deeper philosophy of entrepreneurship—how true innovation often comes from identifying a problem right in front of you, managing resources outside of your control, and ultimately, building a legacy that betters the world. Tune in for an inspiring look at how one entrepreneur is using lessons from the tech world to solve real-world problems in the food aisle. Key Takeaways The Problem with Store-Bought Hummus: How traditional packaging and preservatives lead to massive food and plastic waste, and how Prest’s powder-based formula solves this. The "Scrappy" Startup: How Brian leveraged university networks, cold-emailed design professors, and utilized co-packers to launch a CPG brand on a student budget. Sesame-Free Accessibility: How the decision to remove tahini (due to powderization issues) unexpectedly opened the product up to a massive allergy-conscious market. Tech Lessons for Food: Applying the rapid problem-solving skills learned at Tesla and Apple to the slow, physical world of food manufacturing. The "Hero" Product: Why focusing intensely on perfecting one core item is essential before expanding a product line. IG: @presthummus Address: www.eatprest.com  Articles: https://www.entrepreneur.com/side-hustle/harvard-dorm-room-side-hustle-500000-in-sales-this-year-prest    Entrepreneur interested in being on the show: https://calendly.com/justin-bizzarro/podcast   Hosted By: Justin Ryan Bizzarro (IG: @justinbizzarro and LinkedIn: FOLLOW ME )   Who is Justin Ryan Bizzarro? Justin Ryan Bizzarro is a multi-dimensional entrepreneur, mentor, and strategist whose career is defined by the intersection of legacy, leadership, and human growth. With a journey that began in his family’s basement in 1998, Justin helped scale a 24-year-old ecosystem of food and technology enterprises into a global benchmark for vertical integration and lean manufacturing. While his professional foundation is built on complex supply chains, restaurant development, and brand acceleration, Justin’s true north is development—whether it’s a startup, an elite athlete, or a community. As the founder of GorillaBrave, he has transitioned from building businesses to building humans, utilizing his "Troop" philosophy to empower the next generation of culinary and agricultural entrepreneurs. Justin is a sought-after voice on free markets, food diversity, and high-performance culture. His influence extends from the boardroom to the soccer pitch, where he coaches with the same tactical precision and "warrior" mindset he applies to his corporate ventures. Whether he is hosting a global podcast that reaches millions or developing curriculum for youth athletes, his mission remains constant: accelerating human potential. A lifelong student of leadership and service, Justin holds a BA from Dickinson College and an MBA from UNC-Chapel Hill, and deepen his perspective through taking classes towards a  Master of Divinity in Leadership at Denver Seminary. Based in Colorado, he is a dedicated father, a steward of his family’s legacy, and a persistent advocate for those brave enough to capitalize on their own opportunities.   Our [ELITE] Food, Farming, Hospitality, Nutrition, and Beverage Entrepreneurs Community: Under [NEW] Construction Blog Anyone?: GorillaBrave Blog On Instagram: GorillaBrave on Instagram GorillaBrave Group on Whoop: COMM-473D96   Free Podcast.  No Advertisements.  The stories of Food, Beverage, Farming, Hospitality, and Nutrition Entrepreneurs and how their failures led to the successes in their lives and in their business.  What does the future have in store for the food, beverage, and nutrition entrepreneur?   JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Email: justin.bizzarro@gmail.com Instagram: @justinandthefoodentrepreneurs ( #foodentrepreneurs )   All music is scored by host or royalty free.

  5. Jun 8

    Episode 522: Zhamilya Koshmambetova of Azaya Fruit Design Studio - Overland Park, KS. From Kazakhstan to Kansas. The Fruit Artist Reinventing [HEALTHY FOOD] Celebrations. Being Powered By Self Belief.

    How does a young girl from Kazakhstan, whose mother encouraged her to wear high heels and oversized belts at age eight, eventually become a high-end fruit carving artist in Overland Park, Kansas? In this fascinating episode of the JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Show, host Justin Bizzarro sits down with Zhamilya Koshmambetova, the founder and creative force behind Azaya Fruit Design Studio. This is a conversation about the power of creativity, the immigrant journey, and how a simple act of bringing fruit to a party blossomed into a unique and thriving business. Zhamilya shares her incredible international story. Born in Kazakhstan to an artistic family that championed self-expression, she traveled to Moscow for her education in advertising. It was there she met her husband, leading them on a global journey to Australia, Canada, and eventually Denver, before finally putting down roots in the welcoming community of Overland Park. This episode delves into the unexpected origin of her business. As a mother of three, Zhamilya was searching for a creative outlet when she noticed a recurring issue at social gatherings: many friends couldn't eat traditional sugary desserts due to health or dietary restrictions. Her solution? Bringing beautifully arranged fruit platters. What started as a thoughtful gesture for friends quickly escalated into a demand for her stunning, hand-carved fruit displays at weddings and major events. Zhamilya opens up about the realities of being a self-taught artist, learning intricate carving techniques from Russian masters on YouTube, and the constant drive to elevate her craft from simple platters to grand, architectural fruit table installations. She also discusses the importance of community support, leaning on her faith during challenging times, and her commitment to giving back through local charities like KC for Refugees. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on finding your niche, the beauty of building a business that aligns with your values, and why true entrepreneurial success is about more than just profit—it's about bringing joy, health, and a touch of art to your community. Key Takeaways The Power of the Pivot: How Zhamilya transitioned from a background in ballroom dancing and advertising to becoming a self-taught fruit carving artist. Solving a Problem: The origin of Azaya Fruit Design Studio, born from a desire to provide beautiful, healthy dessert alternatives for friends with dietary restrictions. The "Free" Marketing Strategy: How Zhamilya built her brand and portfolio by initially offering her elaborate fruit displays for free at large community weddings. The Importance of Community: The role of the supportive vendor community in Kansas and the necessity of asking questions and learning from peers. Faith-Driven Business: How Zhamilya’s faith shapes her approach to business, emphasizing the importance of giving back (Zakat/Sadaqah) and trusting the journey during difficult times.   IG: @azayafruits Address: https://www.facebook.com/azayafruits/    Entrepreneur interested in being on the show: https://calendly.com/justin-bizzarro/podcast   Hosted By: Justin Ryan Bizzarro (IG: @justinbizzarro and LinkedIn: FOLLOW ME )   Who is Justin Ryan Bizzarro? Justin Ryan Bizzarro is a multi-dimensional entrepreneur, mentor, and strategist whose career is defined by the intersection of legacy, leadership, and human growth. With a journey that began in his family’s basement in 1998, Justin helped scale a 24-year-old ecosystem of food and technology enterprises into a global benchmark for vertical integration and lean manufacturing. While his professional foundation is built on complex supply chains, restaurant development, and brand acceleration, Justin’s true north is development—whether it’s a startup, an elite athlete, or a community. As the founder of GorillaBrave, he has transitioned from building businesses to building humans, utilizing his "Troop" philosophy to empower the next generation of culinary and agricultural entrepreneurs. Justin is a sought-after voice on free markets, food diversity, and high-performance culture. His influence extends from the boardroom to the soccer pitch, where he coaches with the same tactical precision and "warrior" mindset he applies to his corporate ventures. Whether he is hosting a global podcast that reaches millions or developing curriculum for youth athletes, his mission remains constant: accelerating human potential. A lifelong student of leadership and service, Justin holds a BA from Dickinson College and an MBA from UNC-Chapel Hill, and and deepen his perspective through taking classes towards a Master of Divinity in Leadership at Denver Seminary. Based in Colorado, he is a dedicated father, a steward of his family’s legacy, and a persistent advocate for those brave enough to capitalize on their own opportunities.   Our [ELITE] Food, Farming, Hospitality, Nutrition, and Beverage Entrepreneurs Community: Under [NEW] Construction Blog Anyone?: GorillaBrave Blog On Instagram: GorillaBrave on Instagram GorillaBrave Group on Whoop: COMM-473D96   Free Podcast.  No Advertisements.  The stories of Food, Beverage, Farming, Hospitality, and Nutrition Entrepreneurs and how their failures led to the successes in their lives and in their business.  What does the future have in store for the food, beverage, and nutrition entrepreneur?   JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Email: justin.bizzarro@gmail.com Instagram: @justinandthefoodentrepreneurs ( #foodentrepreneurs )   All music is scored by host or royalty free.

  6. Jun 1 ·  Video

    Episode 521: Matthew Kosoy of Rosalind Bakery and Jerry’s Roast Pork - San Francisco, CA. From Skate Parks to Sourdough to SAMMI STARDOM. Building a Bay Area Bakery Empire One Loaf at a Time.

    How does a kid immersed in the high-velocity, rebel culture of East Coast skateboarding and punk rock eventually become a leading figure in the San Francisco Bay Area bakery and restaurant scene? In this fascinating episode of the JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Show, host Justin Bizzarro sits down with Matthew Kosoy, the founder of Rosalind Bakery and Jerry’s Roast Pork. This is a story about the intersection of tech, art, and food, proving that the DIY ethos of a skateboarder translates perfectly into the grit required to build a culinary brand from the ground up. Matthew shares his journey from building websites for BMX and skate brands in Philadelphia to moving to the Bay Area. Seeking an escape from the repetitive grind of startup tech culture, he found a new obsession: baking sourdough bread. What started as a hobby in his kitchen quickly exploded into a sold-out farmer's market booth, pushing him to take the terrifying leap of leasing an abandoned 3,400-square-foot grocery store in the food desert of Pacifica. This episode is a masterclass in learning by doing and failing fast. Matthew details the sheer physical labor of building his bakery—literally chipping up concrete and doing the demolition with family and friends—while maxing out credit cards and learning the business side on the fly. He shares how his willingness to be vulnerable, hire experts (like attending the San Francisco Baking Institute), and embrace failure allowed him to survive the grueling early years. Discover how the pandemic turned Rosalind Bakery into an essential community hub, and how Matthew’s relentless drive led him to launch Jerry’s Roast Pork in downtown San Francisco. He explains how a single product—a custom-developed hoagie roll—became the "hero" that connected his baking expertise to his Philadelphia roots. Tune in to hear how Matthew is now bringing his journey full circle, combining his tech background with his baking experience to develop a new ERP software designed specifically to help small and medium-sized bakeries streamline their operations. It’s an inspiring look at how stacking your unique skills can lead to unexpected, community-changing success. Key Takeaways The DIY Mindset: How the independence, creativity, and resilience learned from skateboarding culture directly applied to the struggles of entrepreneurship. Failing Fast: Applying software development principles to food—being willing to make mistakes, learn quickly, and pivot without losing momentum. The "Hero" Product: How focusing intensely on perfecting one item (the sourdough loaf, and later the hoagie roll) creates a strong foundation for a brand. Community Building: The importance of choosing a location that needs your product (like a food desert) and growing deep roots in that neighborhood. Stacking Skills for the Future: How Matthew is combining his past as a web developer with his present as a baker to build software that will help the entire baking industry.   IG: @jerrysroastpork Address: https://www.jerrysroastpork.com/  Roast Pork Sammie Location: 2 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA.   IG: @ rosalindbakery Address: https://www.rosalindbakery.com/  Bakery Location: 450 Manor Plaza Pacifica, California 94044   Entrepreneur interested in being on the show: https://calendly.com/justin-bizzarro/podcast   Hosted By: Justin Ryan Bizzarro (IG: @justinbizzarro and LinkedIn: FOLLOW ME )   Who is Justin Ryan Bizzarro? – Justin Bizzarro is a serial food, restaurant, technology, media and marketing entrepreneur, who helped build a 24-year-old group of food and restaurant related businesses, he created with his father and business partners out of his family’s basement, in 1998. He is a highly desired business management, personal and athlete growth, free market, food diversity, and entrepreneurial leadership speaker. Justin’s expertise are in human growth, motivation, leadership and management development, health foods and beverages, global lean manufacturing facilities, vertically integrating businesses, food marketing and advertising, supply chain creation and management, direct to consumer fulfillment, transportation and distribution, personal brand building, restaurant development and construction, and entrepreneur acceleration. Justin received his BA in International Business and Management from Dickinson College, in 2002, and his MBA from University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, in 2014. He is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity in Leadership from Denver Seminary. His leadership and entrepreneur podcasts have positively impacted millions of people across the globe.   Our [ELITE] Food, Farming, Hospitality, Nutrition, and Beverage Entrepreneurs Community: Under [NEW] Construction Blog Anyone?: GorillaBrave Blog On Instagram: GorillaBrave on Instagram GorillaBrave Group on Whoop: COMM-473D96   Free Podcast.  No Advertisements.  The stories of Food, Beverage, Farming, Hospitality, and Nutrition Entrepreneurs and how their failures led to the successes in their lives and in their business.  What does the future have in store for the food, beverage, and nutrition entrepreneur?   JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Email: justin.bizzarro@gmail.com Instagram: @justinandthefoodentrepreneurs ( #foodentrepreneurs )   All music is scored by host or royalty free.

  7. May 25 ·  Video

    Episode 520: Barry Levine of The Law Offices of Barry R. Levine - Beverly, MA. Shielding Your Personal Assets. Avoid Bankruptcy Before It Hits. Legal Lifelines for Food Entrepreneurs. Cost Accounting.

    How do you bulletproof a food business in an industry notorious for its failure rate? You start by planning for the worst-case scenario. In this sobering but essential episode of the JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Show, Justin sits down with veteran bankruptcy attorney Barry Levine. With over 45 years of experience navigating business failures and Chapter 11 reorganizations, Barry delivers a masterclass in defensive entrepreneurship. This conversation strips away the romanticized version of owning a restaurant and tackles the harsh financial and legal realities that can sink a business—and ruin personal finances—if ignored. From the hidden traps of "trust fund taxes" to the vital importance of proper cost accounting, Justin and Barry provide an actionable roadmap for structuring your business to survive crises and pivot when necessary. Here is a breakdown of the vital legal and practical strategies discussed in the episode: 1. The Danger of Blind Optimism Entrepreneurs are natural optimists, but Barry warns that this trait becomes fatal when a business starts failing. Instead of making the hard choice to close the doors, owners often drain personal savings, take out second mortgages, or borrow from family to keep a sinking ship afloat. The Fix: Establish your "breaking point" metrics from day one. Know exactly what your absolute bottom line is, and have the discipline to cut your losses before you compromise your personal livelihood. 2. Shielding Your Assets: Entity Structure Operating a food business as a Sole Proprietorship or a DBA (Doing Business As) exposes all of your personal assets—including your home—to business liabilities. The Fix: Form a proper LLC or Corporation. Treat it as a completely separate entity with its own bank accounts and tax returns. Do not commingle funds, or you risk "piercing the corporate veil," which allows creditors to come after you personally. 3. The "Trust Fund Tax" Trap When money gets tight, struggling businesses often stop paying meals taxes, sales taxes, or employee withholding taxes to cover rent or inventory. Barry highlights that these are "trust fund taxes." The government views this money as theirs from the moment it is collected. If you fail to remit it, the corporate shield disappears, and you are held personally liable. The Fix: Outsource your HR and payroll to a third-party company or Professional Employer Organization (PEO). Let them handle the tax compliance and withholding so you never have the opportunity to repurpose those funds. 4. Navigating Personal Guarantees In today's lending environment, it is nearly impossible to secure a business loan without a personal guarantee. However, not all guarantees are created equal. The Fix: Understand the difference between secured and unsecured guarantees. An unsecured personal guarantee can often be discharged in bankruptcy. But if a lender (like the SBA) secures that guarantee with a second mortgage on your home, your house is directly on the line. 5. Cost Accounting & The "Micro-Adjust" Justin points out that businesses often fail because owners stick their heads in the sand regarding volatile ingredient prices (like wild fluctuations in dairy or beef). When costs jump, restaurants wait too long to raise prices, eventually hitting customers with massive sticker shock (e.g., a $62 lobster roll). The Fix: Run a cost analysis on your recipes monthly or quarterly. Adjust your menu prices incrementally. Customers are much more likely to accept a consistent 25-cent increase than a sudden $5 hike. 6. The "Bankruptcy First" Business Plan The most powerful piece of advice from the episode is a paradigm shift in how to start a company. Don't just plan for success; plan your business backward from bankruptcy. The Fix: Before you sign a lease or take a loan, ask yourself: If this fails in 12 months, what exactly do I lose? Structure your operating agreements, supplier contracts, and corporate entities to minimize the blast radius if the worst happens.   Address: https://bankruptcythrough.podbean.com/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1pJOOD1GCTNn3YpmqZ884j10DC_T1K3c    Entrepreneur interested in being on the show: https://calendly.com/justin-bizzarro/podcast   Hosted By: Justin Ryan Bizzarro (IG: @justinbizzarro and LinkedIn: FOLLOW ME )   Who is Justin Ryan Bizzarro? – Justin Bizzarro is a serial food, restaurant, technology, media and marketing entrepreneur, who helped build a 24-year-old group of food and restaurant related businesses, he created with his father and business partners out of his family’s basement, in 1998. He is a highly desired business management, personal and athlete growth, free market, food diversity, and entrepreneurial leadership speaker. Justin’s expertise are in human growth, motivation, leadership and management development, health foods and beverages, global lean manufacturing facilities, vertically integrating businesses, food marketing and advertising, supply chain creation and management, direct to consumer fulfillment, transportation and distribution, personal brand building, restaurant development and construction, and entrepreneur acceleration. Justin received his BA in International Business and Management from Dickinson College, in 2002, and his MBA from University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, in 2014. He is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity in Leadership from Denver Seminary. His leadership and entrepreneur podcasts have positively impacted millions of people across the globe.   Our [ELITE] Food, Farming, Hospitality, Nutrition, and Beverage Entrepreneurs Community: Under [NEW] Construction Blog Anyone?: GorillaBrave Blog On Instagram: GorillaBrave on Instagram GorillaBrave Group on Whoop: COMM-473D96   Free Podcast.  No Advertisements.  The stories of Food, Beverage, Farming, Hospitality, and Nutrition Entrepreneurs and how their failures led to the successes in their lives and in their business.  What does the future have in store for the food, beverage, and nutrition entrepreneur?   JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Email: justin.bizzarro@gmail.com Instagram: @justinandthefoodentrepreneurs ( #foodentrepreneurs )   All music is scored by host or royalty free.

  8. Mar 30

    Episode 519: Neata Goutier of Sabai Thai Spa - Vancouver, BC. From Thai Village to Seven Spas. The Story of Community and Franchises. A Journey of Trees, Kelp and Consistency. Building a Dynasty.

    How does a young girl from a tiny Thai village with no running water build a multi-location spa empire in Canada, all while preserving the authentic, communal spirit of her homeland? In this deeply restorative and insightful episode of the JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Show, host Justin Bizzarro welcomes Neata Goutier, the founder of Sabai Thai Spa, an established brand with seven corporate locations in Vancouver and a newly launched franchise model. This is a conversation about the intersection of hospitality, healing, and the long-game of building a legacy business. Neata’s story begins in a 200-person village in Thailand, where community support was a way of life and natural healing—through herbal remedies and massage—was a daily routine. Discover how she identified a massive cultural gap when she moved to North America: a fast-paced society that felt guilty about self-care. Neata opened her first spa 20 years ago with less than $1,000 and a vision to create a sanctuary where Westerners could experience the warmth, five-sense hospitality, and preventative health benefits of traditional Thai culture. This episode is a masterclass in slow, sustainable growth. Neata details her evolution from an exhausted owner-operator to a strategic CEO. She explains the critical importance of stepping back to work on the business rather than in it, the necessity of trusting your team, and why she spent nearly three years meticulously building out her systems and SOPs before ever offering a franchise. More than just a business playbook, this is a profound discussion on purpose. Neata and Justin delve into the difference between a money-driven "sole proprietor" and a true "entrepreneur" who seeks to elevate the world. Learn about Sabai Thai Spa’s incredible commitment to the environment—planting a tree for every massage and kelp for every product sold—and why Neata believes that the ultimate superpower in business is finding joy in the journey and leaving the world better than you found it. Key Takeaways Cultural Translation: How Neata successfully introduced the Thai philosophy of holistic, preventative self-care to a fast-paced North American market. The Power of Grassroots Marketing: Building a customer base by physically knocking on doors, introducing the business to neighbors, and sponsoring local sports teams and schools. Scaling with Systems: Why it took two and a half years to build the foundational systems (HR, accounting, training) required to support a franchise model, ensuring long-term success over rapid expansion. From Operator to CEO: The necessary, often difficult transition of handing over the keys to management and stepping back to focus on business development. Purpose-Driven Profit: How tying the business to environmental restoration (planting trees and kelp) provides deep motivation and connects the brand to a larger global mission.   IG: @sabaithaispa Address: www.sabaithai.com    Entrepreneur interested in being on the show: https://calendly.com/justin-bizzarro/podcast   Hosted By: Justin Ryan Bizzarro (IG: @justinbizzarro and LinkedIn: FOLLOW ME )   Who is Justin Ryan Bizzarro? – Justin Bizzarro is a serial food, restaurant, technology, media and marketing entrepreneur, who helped build a 24-year-old group of food and restaurant related businesses, he created with his father and business partners out of his family’s basement, in 1998. He is a highly desired business management, personal and athlete growth, free market, food diversity, and entrepreneurial leadership speaker. Justin’s expertise are in human growth, motivation, leadership and management development, health foods and beverages, global lean manufacturing facilities, vertically integrating businesses, food marketing and advertising, supply chain creation and management, direct to consumer fulfillment, transportation and distribution, personal brand building, restaurant development and construction, and entrepreneur acceleration. Justin received his BA in International Business and Management from Dickinson College, in 2002, and his MBA from University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, in 2014. He is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity in Leadership from Denver Seminary. His leadership and entrepreneur podcasts have positively impacted millions of people across the globe.   Our [ELITE] Food, Farming, Hospitality, Nutrition, and Beverage Entrepreneurs Community: Under [NEW] Construction Blog Anyone?: GorillaBrave Blog On Instagram: GorillaBrave on Instagram GorillaBrave Group on Whoop: COMM-473D96   Free Podcast.  No Advertisements.  The stories of Food, Beverage, Farming, Hospitality, and Nutrition Entrepreneurs and how their failures led to the successes in their lives and in their business.  What does the future have in store for the food, beverage, and nutrition entrepreneur?   JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Email: justin.bizzarro@gmail.com Instagram: @justinandthefoodentrepreneurs ( #foodentrepreneurs )   All music is scored by host or royalty free.

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Free Podcast. No Advertisements. The stories of Food, Beverage, Farming, Hospitality, and Nutrition Entrepreneurs and how their failures led to the successes in their lives and in their business. What does the future have in store for the food, beverage, and nutrition entrepreneur?

Information

  • Creator
    Better with Bacon Fat Studios / Justin Bizzarro
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    525
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © A Better with Bacon Fat Studios Ltd. Production. Copyright 2026. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS