Grit Won't Quit

Hosted by Tom Mirabella

Business EntrepreneurshipInterviews guests

Website RSS feed LinkedIn Facebook Instagram YouTube

Episodes

253

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Meet Tom Mirabella, the visionary owner of Wingman Planning, as he takes center stage on Grit Won't Quit. Embark on a journey through his experiences as an entrepreneur and digital marketing specialist. Tom extends his valuable insights to aspiring business owners, providing guidance gleaned from his journey. Tune in for engaging interviews with entrepreneurs and exclusive insights from Tom's diverse business ventures. Discover the knowledge and inspiration essential for your success in the dynamic business world.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 17, 202619 min

Building Connection and Community with Bella Zemel of Match Beyond Labels

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit , Tom sits down with Bella Zemel, founder of Match Beyond Labels, an organization helping neurodivergent adults build friendships, confidence, and meaningful connections in a safe and supportive environment. Bella shares how her background in education and special needs support inspired her to create a friendship-first community where adults can connect without the pressure of traditional dating. Tom and Bella discuss how Match Beyond Labels uses interest-based matching, group conversations, and one-on-one support to help members build trust and confidence. They also talk about powerful success stories, the importance of community and belonging, and Bella's vision to expand Match Beyond Labels across the U.S., Canada, and beyond.

August 10, 202625 min

Starting Over After Losing Everything with Joshua Markell

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom sits down with Joshua Markell for a raw conversation about losing nearly everything and finding the strength to rebuild. After more than a decade in Amazon sales, Yosh's life changed dramatically when a supplier he trusted became connected to a stolen-goods investigation. His home was raided, his accounts were frozen, and he spent 12 days in jail before facing years of strict restrictions and a lengthy legal battle. Yosh opens up about the impact it had on his family, business, and identity, and how faith, therapy, and community helped him keep moving forward. Tom and Yosh also discuss rebuilding from what Yosh calls "negative zero" and refusing to let one chapter define the rest of your life. This is a powerful conversation about resilience, family, faith, and finding a way forward when everything changes overnight. 🎙🔥

August 3, 202630 min

Building Better Leaders with Lindsay White of High Voltage Leadership

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom sits down with Lindsay White, founder of High Voltage Leadership, to discuss what it really takes to grow a business without burning out. After walking away from a corporate HR career at her breaking point, Lindsay built a business dedicated to helping founders and small business owners become stronger leaders. She shares why sustainable growth isn't about working more hours. It's about developing your team, delegating effectively, and creating a culture built on accountability and shared values. Tom and Lindsay dive into the challenges many entrepreneurs face as they transition from doing everything themselves to leading a growing organization. They discuss defining success on your own terms, investing in coaching, building leadership within your team, and why the best businesses are built by people who empower others to succeed. This episode is packed with practical leadership advice for entrepreneurs looking to scale their business while building a stronger team and a healthier culture.

July 27, 202635 min

The Future of AI and Innovation with Peter Humphreys of Blacklion Consulting

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom sits down with Peter Humphreys of Blacklion Consulting for a thought-provoking conversation about innovation, artificial intelligence, and the future of work. Peter shares his unique career path, from growing up in Queens with a passion for animals to spending seven months in Africa and eventually helping organizations secure grant funding through programs like Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR). He explains how his work supports small businesses, conservation initiatives, and organizations developing innovative technologies. Tom and Peter dive into one of today's biggest topics: artificial intelligence. They discuss the rapid race toward automation, the concerns surrounding AI's impact on jobs and energy consumption, and why continuous learning will become one of the most valuable skills for future generations. The conversation also explores how workplace expectations have changed, the challenges younger professionals face today, and why businesses must continue adapting as technology evolves. This episode is all about embracing innovation, staying curious, and preparing for a future that is changing faster than ever.

July 20, 202628 min

Turning Creativity into a Business with Cortney McKenzie of Cozy Croissant Embroidery

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom sits down with Cortney McKenzie, founder of Cozy Croissant Embroidery, to talk about the journey of building a creative business from the ground up. After years working in high-pressure environments, Cortney took the leap into entrepreneurship in her 30s and built a woman-owned, small-batch embroidery studio centered around craftsmanship, creativity, and intentional design. From custom gifts to branded merchandise, every piece reflects her passion for thoughtful details and helping others bring their ideas to life. Tom and Cortney discuss the realities of being a solopreneur, how she came up with the name Cozy Croissant, the value of learning from mentors, and the importance of continuously growing both personally and professionally. They also talk about the relationships she's built with fellow small business owners and why authenticity has been a driving force behind her brand. This episode is all about creativity, taking chances, and proving it's never too late to build something meaningful.

July 13, 202620 min

Turning Personal Struggles into Purpose with Gianna Kennedy

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom sits down with Gianna Kennedy, founder of Glow with Gianna, to discuss how she turned a personal struggle into a mission to help others. At just 16 years old, Gianna shares her experience overcoming an unhealthy relationship with food during her freshman year of high school and how social media can influence the way young people view themselves. Determined to make a difference, she began growing her platform to encourage healthier mindsets and open conversations around body image, confidence, and nutrition. Tom and Gianna also talk about her work speaking in schools, advocating for young people through conversations with members of Congress about social media and teen mental health, creating affirmation cards and care packages for care centers, and hosting her own Glow Diary Podcast. They also discuss her experience as Miss New Jersey's Teen and her goal of pursuing a career in the medical field. This episode is all about resilience, self-confidence, and using your voice to create positive change at any age.

July 6, 202619 min

Supporting Small Business Success with Chris McGurk of Wingman Planning

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit , Tom sits down with Chris McGurk, franchise owner of Wingman Planning in Toms River, to discuss his journey just a few months into business ownership. Chris shares what it's been like launching a Wingman Planning franchise, the importance of being a trusted support system for small businesses, and why helping local business owners succeed is at the heart of everything he does. Tom and Chris also talk about Made in Jersey , an initiative that helps entrepreneurs get comfortable in front of the camera and tell their stories in an authentic way. The conversation highlights the value of building relationships, creating opportunities for local businesses, and making a positive impact within the community. This episode is all about supporting entrepreneurs, giving back, and helping small businesses grow together.

June 29, 202610 min

The Vision Behind Chef Mike's Legacy

In this special mini episode of Grit Won't Quit , Tom catches up with Chef Mike inside his brand-new restaurant as preparations are underway for opening day. The two discuss Chef Mike's vision for the new space, what guests can expect, the challenges that come with opening a restaurant, and the excitement of bringing a new concept to life. It's an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about the work, planning, and passion that go into building something from the ground up. Get an exclusive first look at what's ahead for Chef Mike and his newest venture. 🎙🔥

June 22, 202625 min

Authentic Conversations and Staying Grounded with Kurt Bruckmann

In this episode of Grit Won't Quit, Tom sits down with Kurt Bruckmann of The Core Energy Experience for a conversation about entrepreneurship, meaningful relationships, and staying connected to what matters most. As a fellow podcast host, Kurt recently welcomed Tom onto his own show, giving both of them a unique perspective on the power of authentic conversations with business owners. They discuss the value of speaking with entrepreneurs who understand the realities of running a business 24/7, why podcasting allows people to share their unfiltered stories, and how those conversations often reveal the real person behind the brand. Tom and Kurt also talk about the importance of face-to-face interactions in an increasingly remote world, building genuine connections, and remaining grounded in spirituality while navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. This episode is a thoughtful discussion about balancing business, relationships, and personal values while staying true to yourself along the journey.

June 18, 202619 min

Turning the Tables on Tom Mirabella with Jenna Atrashewski

In this special episode of Grit Won't Quit, the tables are turned as Jenna Atrashewski, Brand Manager at Wingman Planning, steps into the host's seat to interview Tom Mirabella about his entrepreneurial journey and the growth of the company he built. Tom shares how Wingman Planning started, how he landed his first client, and the mindset that helped him grow the business by focusing on relationships, long-term partnerships, and simply helping people solve problems. He also reflects on some of the best business advice he's received along the way and what it has meant to watch the Wingman team grow over the years. Jenna and Tom also dive into some of today's biggest marketing topics, including the importance of social media for small businesses, how AI is changing the future of media and marketing, and why staying adaptable is more important than ever. The conversation wraps up with Tom's vision for the future of Wingman Planning and the potential for expansion through franchising. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the person behind the podcast and the business, along with valuable insights for entrepreneurs, marketers, and anyone focused on long-term growth. Tune in and take away something valuable. 🎙🔥