The Jon Schultz Podcast: The Myth of Overnight Success

Jon Schultz
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The Jon Schultz Podcast: The Myth of Overnight Success

The Jon Schultz Podcast unpacks the lessons from industry leaders who refused to quit. Success is a tightrope. Everyone who’s reached the top of their game has wobbled on the way up. Those losses propelled them to the bigger and better places they are today. In a curious way, it’s the upsets that lay the foundation for winning. Our guests dig into their stories; we talk about the challenges they’ve overcome, what they learned, and how they kept ongoing.

  1. Small Town Dreamer to Real Estate Visionary - Simon Ziff

    DEC 13

    Small Town Dreamer to Real Estate Visionary - Simon Ziff

    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

    48 min
  2. From Sneaker-head to Luxury Brand: The John Buscemi Story

    NOV 15

    From Sneaker-head to Luxury Brand: The John Buscemi Story

    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

    1 hr
  3. Turning Grilled Cheese into Gold: How Stephen Cusato Cooked Up a Hit Show

    OCT 24

    Turning Grilled Cheese into Gold: How Stephen Cusato Cooked Up a Hit Show

    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

    52 min
  4. The Power of Presence: Why Showing Up Matters in Business With Kim Taikina of Onyx Equities

    OCT 10

    The Power of Presence: Why Showing Up Matters in Business With Kim Taikina of Onyx Equities

    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

    33 min
  5. Winning Cultures: What Business and Sports Taught Doug Cifu

    SEP 26

    Winning Cultures: What Business and Sports Taught Doug Cifu

    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

    53 min
  6. Acai, Authenticity, and Ambition: Robert Giuliani’s Playa Bowls Journey

    SEP 4

    Acai, Authenticity, and Ambition: Robert Giuliani’s Playa Bowls Journey

    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

    40 min
  7. Scaling the Summit of Success with Borko Milosev CEO of Post Road Management

    AUG 6

    Scaling the Summit of Success with Borko Milosev CEO of Post Road Management

    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

    40 min
  8. From Bronx to Billions:Leon Cooperman's Humble Success Story

    JUL 18

    From Bronx to Billions:Leon Cooperman's Humble Success Story

    In this captivating episode, Leon Cooperman, a veteran in investment and philanthropy, shares the intriguing story of his professional life. From his early days at Goldman Sachs to founding Omega Advisors and later managing his wealth through a family office, Lee provides a comprehensive overview of his journey.  Throughout the episode, Leon shares the pillars of his success, focusing on the blend of hard work, good fortune, and a keen sense of intuition. His stories not only highlight his professional milestones but also shed light on the wisdom he's gathered along the way.  Leon opens up about his motivations behind wealth accumulation, which, interestingly, have little to do with personal gain. Instead, he finds fulfillment in using his resources to support causes close to his heart, with a special emphasis on education and healthcare. Listeners are treated to exclusive insights into Leon’s cautious views of current economic conditions and his conservative stance on technology and innovation in investing. His stories and advice paint a picture of how strategic thinking and a commitment to higher causes can blend to create a fulfilling and influential life. Tune in to gain a rare glimpse into the mind of one of the finance industry's most influential figures, understanding his perspective on the intertwining of success, responsibility, and the potential impact of future economic challenges. 00:00 - Introduction and Background 00:58 - Core Principles of Success 05:48 - Balancing Intuition and Data 07:14 - Influence of Parents and Upbringing 09:17 - Defining Moments and Career Changes 12:00 - Philanthropy and Giving Back 14:37 - Enjoying Making Money and Giving It Away 19:23 - Lessons for Success 26:06 - Giving Back and Philanthropy 29:07 - Concerns about the Economy 30:06 - Financial Crisis and Government Spending 32:05 - Investing Strategy and Technology 34:34 - Dealing with Setbacks in Investing 35:28 - Opinions on Bitcoin 36:28 - Personal Hobbies and Interests Leon on Socials: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leon-cooperman-8ab35024/ Jon on Socials: IG: @streetschultz FB: Jon Schultz LinkedIn: jonschultz1 www.jonschultz.com

    39 min
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The Jon Schultz Podcast unpacks the lessons from industry leaders who refused to quit. Success is a tightrope. Everyone who’s reached the top of their game has wobbled on the way up. Those losses propelled them to the bigger and better places they are today. In a curious way, it’s the upsets that lay the foundation for winning. Our guests dig into their stories; we talk about the challenges they’ve overcome, what they learned, and how they kept ongoing.

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