Shows
Members RoomStarting From Zero: Jean Reyes on Reselling, Live Commerce, and Building in MiamiIn this episode, we sit down with Jean Reyes, a Dominican-born entrepreneur who moved to Miami with no English and just $700. From working construction rentals with his uncle to building businesses in sneaker reselling, live commerce, and content production, Jean shares how starting from zero shaped his mindset and growth.He breaks down learning English while working, spotting early opportunities in sneaker culture, launching a paid community during COVID, and running live shopping events that generated hundreds of thousands of dollars. We also dive into his pivot into podcasting and studio ownership, how he structures pricing and upsells...
2025-12-1939 minMembers RoomFrom Blue-Collar Roots to Exponential Growth: A Sales Playbook with Gabe LulloIn this episode, we sit down with Gabe Lullo - Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Alleyoop, a premier sales development agency working with industry giants like ZoomInfo, Salesloft, and Adobe. Gabe shares his journey, beginning with a blue-collar upbringing that instilled a deep understanding of “profit versus wages” a lesson he learned at age 11 selling T-shirts. This early realization fueled his transition from a traditional career path to building a future in business development and sales leadership.From being taught the ropes by a successful entrepreneur (his best friend’s dad) to making a major life shift to be...
2025-12-0549 minMembers RoomThe Life Investor: Adebayo Kuye on Real Estate, Purpose, and Minimizing RegretIn this episode, we sit down with Adebayo Kuye—a real estate investor, licensed counselor (CADC), and professional mentor—to talk about the foundational principles that drive success in both personal development and business ventures. Adebayo shares his journey from overcoming social awkwardness using psychological theories learned online, to transitioning from a basketball path into a dual career in real estate and counseling.From establishing his first property via house hacking to feeling a calling to help youth struggling with difficult home environments, Adebayo details the...
2025-12-041h 14Members RoomThe Entrepreneur's Pivot: Darryl Torres on Leaving College, Risks, & Building DNAIn this episode, we sit down with Darryl Torres—Co-Founder of DNA Productions—to talk about building a premium media agency that specializes in cinematic corporate storytelling. Darryl shares his unexpected path from a career-ending baseball injury to becoming an entrepreneur who transforms the media presence of Fortune 500 companies.From taking high-risk leaps after dropping out of college to strategically merging corporate discipline with creative production, Darryl details the mindset and systems that fueled their rapid growth. We dig into the necessity of in-person networking, the philosophy of pricing for value, and how they leverage technology (AI) to r...
2025-11-0656 minMembers RoomAnthony Kasper: The Journey to Self-Mastery—Founding a Coaching Business on Faith and FitnessIn this episode of Members Room, host Alex Thiakos sits down with Anthony Kasper, a young entrepreneur who has launched a personal coaching business focused on Christian men's fitness and faith. Anthony shares his powerful journey from hitting rock bottom in college to finding radical life change through faith, which ultimately inspired his mission to help other men transform their lives.What to Expect:How Anthony turned a season of addiction and self-destruction into a story of faith, discipline, and redemptionThe biblical principles that guide his daily life — an...
2025-10-241h 24Members RoomCaden Vittorini: The Vitt Factor on Youth Mindset and the Power of Self-TalkIn this episode of Members Room, host Alex Thiakos sits down with Caden Vittorini, CEO of Vitt Factor and best-selling author of Becoming the One Percent. Starting his company at just 19 years old, Caden shares his journey from assisting another coach to building a successful coaching brand focused on improving the mindset and lives of youth through one-on-one coaching, workshops, and large school assemblies.Caden details how he transformed a personal truth—his grandmother's belief that he had "the it factor"—into a scalable business. He discusses the power of being "y...
2025-10-0953 minMembers RoomThe Art of the Flip: Philip Panopoulos on Buying, Scaling, and Selling a Local PizzeriaIn this episode of Members Room, host Alex Thiakos sits down with Philip Panopoulos, who, along with his brother, successfully bought, revamped, and sold a high-volume local pizzeria, Pisa Pizza, right out of college. From minimal due diligence to implementing Fortune 500-style systems in a mom-and-pop shop, Philip shares the invaluable, real-world lessons of a quick and profitable business flip.Philip details how he and his brother navigated the daunting food industry with no prior experience, transforming a local favorite into a highly scalable operation. He opens up about the crucial role of
2025-09-251h 18Members RoomThe Inspiring Story Behind Brothers Nuts: Caleb Majors on Entrepreneurship & Family BusinessIn this episode, we sit down with Caleb Majors — Co-Founder of Brothers Nuts — to talk about launching a business at just 10 years old, turning a kitchen experiment into a fast-growing CPG brand, and why legacy and health are at the heart of everything he builds.Caleb shares how his father’s battle with stage four cancer shaped both his family and the company’s mission — inspiring a focus on sprouted, seed-oil free products that are easier to digest and better for you. What to expect:- The story behind Brothers Nuts and how it started...
2025-09-121h 03Members RoomConsistency, Content & Coaching: The SalaarFit StoryIn this episode, we sit down with @SalaarFit — Online Fitness Coach and Entrepreneur — to talk about building a thriving coaching business, navigating the ever-changing digital world, and what it really takes to stand out in today’s crowded fitness marketplace.From growing a personal brand and training clients worldwide to sharing the habits, discipline, and mindset that drive results, Salaar opens up about the strategies that have fueled his journey. We dig into the intersection of fitness, content creation, and entrepreneurship — and why authenticity and consistency matter more than ever.Whether you’re launching your first coaching p...
2025-08-221h 21Members RoomThe Founder’s Guide to Growth: Lorenzo Costa on Adaptability, Creativity & ConnectionIn this episode, we sit down with Lorenzo Costa — Founder & CEO of Link Creative and The Link Label — to talk about building two growing companies, navigating a fast-changing digital world, and what it really takes to stand out in today’s crowded marketplace.From launching a creative agency and media production company to helping 40+ businesses strengthen their brands, scale their presence, and connect more deeply with their audiences, Lorenzo shares the strategies that have fueled his growth. We dig into the intersection of marketing, creativity, and technology — and why adaptability and relationships matter more than ever.Whet...
2025-08-0142 minMembers RoomStarting Over and Scaling Fast: Parker Smith on Winning in Home ServicesIn this episode, we sit down with Parker Smith—former pro athlete turned home service entrepreneur—to talk about the mindset and moves that took him from crypto highs and athletic success to complete rock bottom… and back again.From DoorDashing at night and going back to school, to building a 7-figure cleaning business in Miami, Parker shares the full story. We dive into the realities of starting over, the challenges of scaling a “boring” business, and why mindset, speed, and reviews matter more than people think.Whether you're building a service business, launching a side hustl...
2025-07-171h 27Members RoomKnocking Doors and Winning Claims: Inside the Roofing Business with Jake PileggiIn this episode, we sit down with Jake Pileggi, Founder of Pointview Roofing and licensed public adjuster, to talk about how he built a roofing and insurance claim business rooted in grit, trust, and relentless work ethic. From knocking doors in college to managing projects across Illinois, Jake shares what it takes to grow a company in one of the most competitive industries.Whether you’re in construction, insurance restoration, or thinking about starting your own business, this conversation offers a firsthand look at the mindset, strategy, and lessons behind Point View Roofing.What to ex...
2025-07-0634 minMembers RoomThe Power of Trust & Strategy in Real Estate | JT AcquisitionsWelcome to Members Room – hosted by Alex ThiakosIn this episode, we sit down with Tedi Nati, President, and Jaynish Patel, Founder and President, of JT Acquisitions, to talk about how they built a multifamily real estate investment company rooted in trust, strategy, and long-term vision. From their early beginnings to managing millions in real estate assets, they walk us through how they started, what sets their process apart, and how they’re helping everyday investors build generational wealth.Whether you're new to real estate investment or looking for insight on building stronger investor relationships, this...
2025-06-211h 06Members RoomThe Power of Trust & Strategy in Real Estate | JT AcquisitionsWelcome to Members Room – hosted by Alex ThiakosIn this episode, we sit down with Tedi Nati, President, and Jaynish Patel, Founder and President, of JT Acquisitions, to talk about how they built a multifamily real estate investment company rooted in trust, strategy, and long-term vision. From their early beginnings to managing millions in real estate assets, they walk us through how they started, what sets their process apart, and how they’re helping everyday investors build generational wealth.Whether you're new to real estate investment or looking for insight on building stronger investor relationships, this...
2025-06-191h 06Members RoomFrom T-Shirts to Bowling Alleys: Building A Business from the Ground UpWelcome to Members Room – hosted by Alex Thiakos In this episode, we sit down with entrepreneur Yanni Mavrakis for a raw and inspiring conversation about building a brand from the ground up.From launching his first clothing line in high school to navigating the realities of entrepreneurship, Yanni shares the highs, lows, and lessons that shaped his journey.Whether you’re an aspiring founder or just love hearing real stories from real builders, this episode dives deep into the hustle behind the scenes.What...
2025-06-051h 04
Members RoomChildhood Friends. One Idea. Zero Guarantees — How They Built Breaking & Entering MediaWelcome to the first episode of Member’s Room – where real stories from entrepreneurs, founders, and creators take center stage.Hosted by Alex Thiakos, this show dives deep into the journeys of business leaders who have faced the ups, downs, and everything in between on their path to success.In our debut episode, Alex sits down with college friends Geno Schellenberger and Jack Westerkamp, the dynamic duo behind Breaking and Entering Media. What began as a simple podcast five years ago has evolved into one of the most forward-thinking media groups in the advertising space—giving...
2025-05-2148 min
The Road To Real EstateFuture of Industrial w/ Alex KrittAlex Kritt is an associate real estate broker at Colliers International. In this episode, we talk about his early interest in real estate, as well as what he focuses on today.
2022-06-0828 minThe Road To Real EstateZoning Law & West Loop Development w/ Michael EzgurMichael Ezgur is a partner at Acosta Ezgur LLC. In this episode, we talk about real estate law, zoning, and development.
2022-05-0446 minThe Road To Real Estate#16 West Loop Development w/ Regina StilpRegina Stilp is a founding principal of Farpoint Development. In this episode, we discuss early on in her career at Sterling Bay and the development of the West Loop. We also talk about her current company Farpoint, and her expertise in design and ground up construction.
2022-04-0835 minThe Road To Real Estate#15 Starting A Brokerage & Airbnb Business w/ Dionne CliftonDionne Clifton is the owner of LIVE Real estate group. In this episode, we discuss how she started her brokerage company, teaching sales at the university, and Airbnb Investments.
2022-04-0328 minThe Road To Real Estate#14 Important Tips for Up-And-Coming Brokers w/ Susie SilverSusie Sliver is an Executive Vice President at Millennium Properties. In this episode, we discuss how she transitioned from tax to real estate, some advice she received on how to be a good broker, and much more.
2022-03-1727 minThe Road To Real Estate#3 Real Estate Investing 101 Part 2: How to Automate your first investment property w/ Jack WeiThis episode is a continuation off our first real estate investing episode with Jack Wei, so I would check it out if you haven’t already. He has had a few months under his belt after closing on his property, finding tenants, and using contractors remotely, and we learn the secrets to automating your investment properties, so I would stick around.
2022-03-0420 minThe Road To Real Estate#13 How Businesses Develop in Cities w/ Rob KowalskiRob Kowalski is a Planning and Developing director for the city of Champaign, Illinois. In this episode, we discuss how and why Costco decided to develop in Champaign, as well as why some companies such as Trader Joes do not want to develop in the city. We also discuss how the over saturation of campus town apartments affects the rent market, and much more.
2022-02-2543 minThe Road To Real Estate#12 From Jail to Millions w/ Mike MorawskiMike Morawski is the founder and owner of My Core Intentions. Mike has one of the greatest comeback story I have heard and I really enjoyed this conversation. We discuss multifamily investing, his time in jail, his books, and his discovery of faith.
2022-02-1737 minThe Road To Real Estate#11 Development in New Markets w/ Alan LevAlan Lev is a chairman at Belgravia group. In this episode, he talks about how he had no early real estate interest, after graduating Illinois with an accounting degree and going to law school shortly after. We discuss the good and the bad of real estate development, and about the risk required to be a partner at a development firm. We also dive into the Ted Talk Alan has coming up and get a little sneak peak of what he will be talking about.
2022-02-0341 minThe Road To Real Estate#10 NBA Draft to Real Estate Entrepreneur w/ Joe NiegoJoe Neigo is a residential and multifamily broker who owns Niego Real Estate. In this episode, we discuss his transition from being drafted in the NBA, to starting his own real estate company. We talked about how he used an FHA loan to get his first property, and how he added many more properties to his portfolio through his career. We also talk about the keys to being a successful real estate broker.
2022-01-2846 minThe Road To Real Estate#2 Real Estate Investing 101: Real estate investing with partners w/ Peter KritikosOn our second episode on Real Estate investing 101, we spoke with Peter Kritikos who is a first-time real estate investor. In this episode, we discuss the good and the bad of investing with partners, building your team through your network, creating an LLC, managing real estate, and much more. I really enjoyed this conversation and I hope you do as well.
2022-01-2030 minThe Road To Real Estate#1 Real Estate Investing 101: How to get your first property with an FHA loan w/ Jack WeiWelcome to the first edition of the Real estate investing 101 where we learn different ways and tricks to invest in real estate. On this episode we have Jack Wei who is a first-time real estate investor, who is about to close on his first property. We discuss what an FHA loan is, and he takes us through all the key steps before closing on his property. I really learned a lot from this conversation, and I hope you do as well. Thank you for driving down the road to real estate and enjoy the show
2022-01-1344 minThe Road To Real Estate#9 Investment Sales & Net Leases w/ Adam LevyAdam Levy is a Senior Director of Investment Sales at KW Commercial. In this episode, we discuss his transition from working for United Arline’s into commercial brokerage. We also learn about Commercial investing, Net leases, 1031 exchange, and much more.
2022-01-0538 minThe Road To Real Estate#8 Private Equity in Real Estate w/ Aana TsakirisAana Tsakiris is an Acquisitions Associate at Heitman. In this episode, we discuss her early interest into brokerage through her father, as well as Rho Epsilon Real Estate Club at Illinois. We also discuss her company Heitman, a real estate investment management firm, as well as go into detail about private equity within real estate.
2021-12-2334 minThe Road To Real Estate#7 Sales & Leasing w/ Lucas StoneLucas Stone is a Sales and Leasing agent at ICM Properties. In this episode, we learn what it takes to be a great salesman, dive into elevator pitches, as well as many different tips and tricks on how to retain client’s long term. We also discuss the process of getting a brokerage license and go through the from start to finish on how to lease an apartment. Lucas also gives some very valuable life advice, so make sure to stick around to the end of the episode.
2021-12-1540 minThe Road To Real Estate#6 Commercial Lending w/ Matthew KappasMatthew Kappas is a Real estate debt originations analyst at Corevest finance. In this episode we discuss Matthews time at Boston University, and his transition moving to New York. We talk about how he was able to attain his internships and why connection are key to gaining more opportunities in the real estate world. We also dive into his company Corevest, which primarily deals in private lending, as well as what Matthew does for the company.
2021-12-0830 minThe Road To Real Estate#5 Market Research & Development w/ Patrick CoughlinPatrick Coughlin is a real estate manager at Insite real estate, and it is very interesting because right out of college, Patrick would have never thought he would be working in the real estate world just a few years later. One summer after working as a special education teacher, he sought out a mentor of his who worked for Insight and asked for a mentorship. Fast-forward three years, Patrick works with clients to help find land for their company to build on. In this episode, we discuss what his position entails, relationships with brokers and locals in his area...
2021-12-0138 minThe Road To Real Estate#4 Development & Mentorships w/ Logan WalkerLogan Walker is a Jr. Manager at the Onni Group. In this episode, we discuss the importance of mentors within rho epsilon as well as the Eisenberg foundation. We also dive into the development side of real estate and talk about the Seattle market where he currently works. He also updates us on the market of development, and what asset classes are being built.
2021-11-2452 minThe Road To Real Estate#3 Industrial Brokerage & Sales Strategies w/ Adam HaefnerAdam Haefner is a Principal at Avison Young in the Des Plains Illinois. He is a commercial real estate broker who specializes in industrial sales, leasing, development, and much more. We discuss his interest in real estate through college, as well as starting out in the industry cold calling as a first-time broker. We discuss his current position at Avison Young, the industrial real estate market, as well as the important characteristics necessary to be a good salesman are.
2021-11-1736 minThe Road To Real Estate#2 Multifamily Brokerage & Networking w/ Ben GoldmanBen Goldman is an investment sales associate at Kiser Group. He has been a good friend of mine, as we served on the executive board of the University of Illinois real estate club, Rho Epsilon. Having recently graduated, Ben and I talked a lot about his experience in the real estate recruiting process, as well why networking is extremely important throughout college. Ben will also talk about his position at Kiser, working heavily with multifamily real estate brokerage,. As a Broker, Ben reiterates the importance of “following through” and how critical integrity is when dealing with buyers and sellers. Thank you for d...
2021-11-1047 minThe Road To Real Estate#1 Commercial Management & Entrepreneurship w/ Al KlairmontAl Klairmont is the owner of Imperial Realty, based out of Chicago, Illinois. Right out of college, he had to make a pivotal career decision: whether to get a job or work for his father’s real-estate company. Al was thrown into the fire, as he had to quickly learn everything about managing properties. Fast forward, over 40 years later, Al has built an enormous real estate portfolio. The bulk of his properties consists mainly of class C office buildings, as well as many other property types. He has also spent a good portion of his time giving back to various organiz...
2021-11-0450 min