I’m An Artist, Not A Salesman Podcast

Hosted by Luis Guzman

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Oct 2026

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About the show

A powerful and transparent podcast that showcases the journey of entrepreneurs and creatives, offering insight and motivation to aspiring individuals. Through candid conversations and real-world advice, listeners gain practical tips on building a brand, pricing their work, and mastering social media—all while staying true to their artistic vision. We are all artists in our own right, and this show reminds you that your artistry should be displayed for the world to see. Tune in for inspiration to help both your art and career thrive.

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October 27, 20261 hr 12 min

Jared Abrahamson on The Penguin, MMA Discipline, and Chasing an Acting Dream Without Losing Himself

On I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman , host Luis Guzman sits down with actor Jared Abrahamson to talk about chasing a creative dream, handling setbacks, and building a life beyond a job title. You may know Jared as Squid from HBO’s The Penguin , or from Diary of a Wimpy Kid and the Venom franchise. Before film sets and auditions, Jared worked in the oil fields and trained in mixed martial arts and Muay Thai kickboxing . A friend suggested acting, so Jared saved money, headed to Vancouver Film School, and stepped into a world he didn’t always feel he belonged in. Training and fighting helped him find his footing while facing the fear of starting over. Jared shares the less glamorous side of an acting career. Early bookings made it seem like things were moving fast, then the work dried up and the money disappeared. He went from feeling on a roll to wondering what came next. He kept going, worked when he needed to, auditioned, and created opportunities—including filming self-tapes that could reach people anywhere. One of the biggest ideas from this conversation is Jared’s way of looking at uncertainty: “I’m rich in opportunity.” A slow season doesn’t mean the dream is dead. You may not control when a door opens, but you can keep learning, keep showing up, and be ready when the next chance arrives. For artists, actors, and entrepreneurs without a guaranteed paycheck, that mindset can help you keep moving. Luis and Jared also talk about the craft of acting and what makes a character feel real. Jared shares how he approaches roles and brings his instincts to a character. When they discuss The Penguin , they explore the choices that helped Jared shape Squid . It’s a look at the work behind a performance—and how a supporting role can leave a mark when an actor brings honesty and imagination to it. Away from the set, Jared is a husband and father who wants to be an example for his family. He talks about taking care of himself, keeping his ego in check, trusting God’s timing, and surrounding himself with people who know him beyond his career. His ties to home and friends outside entertainment help him stay grounded. Success means more when you can enjoy it without losing yourself. In this episode, we get into: From oil fields to Hollywood: Jared’s leap from blue-collar work to acting. MMA, Muay Thai, and discipline: using training to face fear and stay centered. The reality of acting: early wins, financial stress, auditions, and starting again. Playing Squid in The Penguin : making a supporting role memorable. Faith, humility, and fatherhood: staying grounded through changing seasons. “I’m rich in opportunity”: why a setback doesn’t have to end the story. Community and growth: keeping honest people close and focusing on your path. Whether you’re an artist trying to make a living, an actor waiting for the next audition, or an entrepreneur wondering if the long road is worth it, Jared’s story is a reminder that progress rarely follows a straight line. You can work hard and still face rejection. You can have a breakthrough and still need to start over. You can’t control every outcome, but you can keep learning and stay open to opportunity. That’s what I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman is about: honest conversations with creatives and entrepreneurs about the work behind the work, the hard seasons no one sees, and building a career without losing yourself. Keep the conversation going. Follow I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok under the name I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman for episodes, clips, and updates. If this conversation hit home, follow or subscribe, share it with a creative who needs the reminder, and leave a comment telling us what stood out. Connect with Jared on Instagram at Jared Abrahamson Official . Keep creating, keep showing up, and remember: your next opportunity may be closer than you think.

October 20, 20261 hr 42 min

Building Barcode: A Blueprint for Creating a Nightlife Empire Without Selling Artists' Dreams Short

What does it take to turn a dream into a business empire without losing sight of the people you want to help along the way? On this episode of I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman (IAANAS Podcast) , host Luis Guzman sits down with returning guest Eddie G , the entrepreneur and visionary behind Barcode, to talk about building a successful business, adapting to change, creating opportunities for artists, and learning from the hard moments that shape who we become. Eddie's story didn't start with millions of dollars, a college degree, or a perfect business plan. He started by selling empanadas on the street, throwing house parties as a teenager, and finding his way into DJing and nightlife. By the time he was around 17 or 18, he had opened his first club. Years of hard work, setbacks, lessons, and calculated risks eventually helped him build a portfolio of more than ten businesses and turn Barcode in Elizabeth, New Jersey , into a major nightlife and entertainment destination. But Eddie isn't interested in simply keeping a successful business running. He's thinking about what comes next. As he explains to Luis, success doesn't mean you've reached the finish line. It means you've earned the chance to build something bigger, make smarter decisions, and create opportunities for people who might not otherwise get a shot. One of the biggest conversations in this episode centers on the music industry and artist ownership . Eddie sees how traditional record deals, especially 360 deals, can leave artists giving up control of their careers before they've had a real chance to grow. As an artist himself, he understands why that matters. His goal is to build a model that gives emerging talent access to the resources, stages, promotion, and audiences they need while allowing them to retain 100% ownership of their work and careers . Through Barcode Music Factory and a new app concept discussed in the episode, Eddie lays out his vision for connecting nightlife with music discovery. Imagine attending an event and discovering an emerging artist's music as part of the experience. Instead of waiting for a radio station, label executive, or industry gatekeeper to give them a chance, artists could connect directly with audiences and build a following through live entertainment. It's a different way to think about artist development, marketing, and making money from music. In this conversation, you'll hear about: Building a business from the ground up: How Eddie went from selling empanadas and DJing to developing Barcode and more than ten businesses. Artist independence and 360 deals: Why ownership matters and how artists can pursue growth without signing away control of their careers. Barcode Music Factory: Eddie's vision for helping DJs and emerging musicians become artists with their own music, audiences, and opportunities to perform. Brand building and knowing your audience: Why businesses must understand changing generations instead of trying to recreate the past. Entrepreneurship and calculated risks: Lessons from losing opportunities, learning from mistakes, and taking things one step at a time. Community growth in Elizabeth, New Jersey: Eddie's ideas about bringing entertainment, investment, jobs, and new business opportunities into the city. Personal growth and humility: Why difficult experiences can prepare you for the next chapter rather than define you by your lowest point. Join the conversation: What do you think artists need most to build sustainable careers: ownership, better marketing, access to performance opportunities, or the right people in their corner? Follow IAANAS Podcast for more conversations with artists, entrepreneurs, and creatives figuring out how to build successful careers without losing their artistic integrity. Like the episode, subscribe or follow on your favorite podcast platform, share it with a creative who needs to hear this conversation, and connect with the show on social media to keep the discussion going.

October 6, 20261 hr 45 min

Life Through Hip Hop – How Danny James Turned Doubt, Loss, and Hardship Into Fuel to Build His Life

In this episode of I Am Not a Salesman , the hosts sit down with Danny James , the Brooklyn rapper formerly known as Lil D , for a conversation about music, identity, resilience, family, loss, ambition, and what it means to keep chasing a dream when people tell you that you cannot make it. Danny’s story is about turning difficult experiences into motivation. Danny started rapping at 12 years old, dropping 16-bar verses through online cyphers. That passion eventually led to opportunities including working with the Knicks, collaborating with Fat Joe and Lil Wayne , and opening for Jadakiss . He also shares how hip hop became a source of companionship during a lonely childhood. One of the most revealing parts of the conversation is Danny’s transition from Lil D to Danny James . He describes Lil D as the kid rapper who wanted to represent the true essence of old-school hip hop. Danny James represents an evolution: an adult artist with more life experience, more stories to tell, and a larger purpose. The name change is not simply branding; it reflects his belief that he can use his experiences to encourage other people to pursue their own goals. The conversation also explores doubt, jealousy, broken trust, and people who did not believe in him. Rather than allowing those experiences to stop him, Danny explains how they became fuel. His journey is a reminder that success is rarely a straight line and that setbacks can become motivation. A particularly emotional section focuses on the loss of Danny’s No-No , one of the hardest experiences he has faced. He connects that loss to his resilience and the lessons he carried forward. His No-No wanted to become a singer and guitar player and worked hard to provide for his family. Danny explains how that example, along with the work ethic he learned from his father, shaped the way he approaches his own dreams. Music is at the center of that story, but so is legacy. Danny talks about carrying forward the lessons he received from the people who shaped him and honoring them through his own work. His perspective on resilience is not about pretending that loss does not hurt; it is about finding a way to continue when life changes. The hosts and Danny also explore: Growing up with hip hop as a source of comfort and companionship. Discovering his passion for performing through a fourth-grade musical. Evolving from Lil D into Danny James and redefining his identity as an artist. Turning doubt, hate, jealousy, and setbacks into motivation. Processing loss while carrying forward his family’s work ethic and resilience. The episode also takes an entertaining turn as Danny and the hosts discuss The Sopranos , including the famous final scene, theories surrounding Tony Soprano’s fate, and clues hidden throughout the series. At its core, this episode is about becoming who you are . Danny James is not presenting success as something that happened overnight. His story is built around persistence: starting young, learning from hardship, surviving loss, developing as an artist, and continuing to believe in a future that other people may not be able to see yet. Whether you are an aspiring musician, entrepreneur, creative, or simply pushing through a difficult chapter, there is something relatable in his message. If you follow independent hip hop, artist interviews, music industry conversations, personal growth, or New York culture, this episode offers a candid look at the person behind the artist name. It is a conversation about resilience, family, ambition, identity, grief, music, and purpose , with plenty of laughs. Listen to the full episode to hear Danny James tell his story in his own words, from Lil D to the artist he is today. Follow I Am Not a Salesman for more conversations with artists, entrepreneurs, and creators, share this episode with someone who needs encouragement, and leave a review or comment to tell the hosts what you want to hear next.

September 29, 20262 hr 30 min

Family, Food, Football and Legacy: Inside the Bar's Story of Service, Community and Tradition Here

What happens when a podcast leaves the studio, walks into a packed sports bar, and lets the day unfold in real time? You get IAANAS Podcast Episode 73 , recorded live at The Bar in Sayreville, New Jersey , during the first Football Sunday of the NFL season. No polished studio walls. No carefully controlled environment. No waiting for the perfect moment. Just conversations, food, football, family, business, and the people who make a local business feel like home. Hosted by Luis Guzman , this episode of I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman takes you inside The Bar and gives you an unfiltered look at what it takes to build a business around more than just a product. Throughout the day, Luis sits down with members of the team, family, employees, customers, and friends to talk about what makes this place special and what entrepreneurs can learn from the way they operate. At the center of the conversation is Anthony Cardinale , one of the people behind The Bar. Luis talks with Anthony about building the business, getting your hands dirty, staying connected to the day-to-day work, and understanding that ownership means more than simply having your name on the door. The conversation gets into family, legacy, community, growth, service, and staying true to your roots while continuing to move forward. One of the biggest themes throughout the episode is the idea that you have to get your hands dirty . Luis highlights Anthony for stepping away from the role of simply being the owner and actually jumping into the work, including preparing food and cutting cheese downstairs. For Luis, that kind of involvement says something powerful about entrepreneurship: when you care about what you're building, you cannot be afraid to get involved in the work that keeps it moving. Then Amanda Cardinale joins the conversation, bringing a completely different perspective on family business and hospitality. Luis digs into the way Amanda treats customers, the lessons she learned from her family, and why making people feel welcome can become one of the most valuable parts of a business. Their conversation goes far beyond food and drinks. It gets into human connection, kindness, family, work ethic, customer experience, and the responsibility that comes with creating a place where people feel like they belong. Amanda also shares a powerful perspective on material things and personal fulfillment when Luis asks one of his recurring questions: what is the last thing you purchased that changed your life? Her answer leads to a deeper conversation about self-worth, personal growth, and why buying something cannot fix what needs to be worked on internally. Anthony Cardinale talks entrepreneurship, ownership, family, growth, and building The Bar. Amanda Cardinale discusses hospitality, family, service, work ethic, and caring for people. Luis explores why customer experience can turn a first-time visitor into someone who keeps coming back. The episode dives into family business, legacy, community, and staying connected to your roots . The Bar's food, pizza, drinks, Italian and Sicilian influences, and attention to detail all become part of the conversation. Football Sunday provides the backdrop, with live sports, customers, staff, and plenty of unpredictable moments happening around the microphones. The episode also brings in members of The Bar's team and people from the local community, creating the kind of spontaneous conversations that only happen when you put a microphone in the middle of a real environment. Follow Luis Guzman and the IAANAS Podcast for more conversations with artists, entrepreneurs, creatives, and business owners about the real stories behind what they build. Subscribe to the podcast, follow the show on social media, share the episode with someone building something of their own, and join the conversation. If you're a creative or entrepreneur with a story worth telling, connect with I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman and become part of the community.

September 22, 20261 hr 8 min

Building a Sports Media Career Through Hustle, Mentors, and Relationships Today – Nithin Ramachandra

What happens when you combine a love for sports, relentless hustle, networking, and the willingness to hear “no” and keep going? You get a career built around relationships, persistence, and creating opportunities. On this episode of I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman, Luis Guzman sits down with Nithin Ramachandra, the entrepreneur, sports media personality, talent agent, podcaster, and connector behind Nithin Sports, Rush, and N.R. Media. Nithin’s career didn’t follow a straight path. He originally pursued law enforcement and spent three weeks in a correctional officer academy before realizing it wasn’t the right fit. That experience pushed him toward his other passion: sports. He went back to school, studied sports communications, PR, and marketing, and started building a career in the sports industry. Then COVID hit, and Nithin saw an opportunity. With sports shut down, he started a small show on Instagram Live. What began as a hobby started growing. He invited reporters and players onto the show, built a team, moved the content to podcast platforms, and kept pushing through the difficult second year. By year three, his work led to a feature on News 12 New Jersey after he reached out with a cold email. A huge part of this conversation is networking. Nithin talks about meeting people, building genuine relationships, following up, helping others, and understanding that one connection can lead to another. He has nine mentors and shares how relationships with people such as Leonard Marshall and Lee Steinberg helped shape his path in sports media and the agency business. Nithin also gets real about rejection. His story involving Vince Young shows how a “no” does not always mean the door is permanently closed. After an earlier rejection, a mutual connection spoke highly of Nithin, leading to a reconnection and new conversations about working together. It’s a great example of why persistence and relationships matter. Throughout the episode, Luis and Nithin talk about what it takes to build a career when there isn't a perfect roadmap. From sports media and talent representation to podcasting, events, networking, and personal branding, Nithin has built his career by putting himself out there and continuing to create opportunities. Topics covered in this episode: Networking and building genuine relationships Persistence and handling rejection Finding and learning from mentors Building a career in sports media Growing a podcast and social media platform Entrepreneurship in sports and entertainment Talent representation and athlete relationships Personal branding and making connections Building your own legacy Turning opportunities into long-term relationships The conversation also gets personal when Nithin talks about his parents and the influence they have had on his life. He credits his family for helping shape his work ethic and becoming the person he is today. Later, he opens up emotionally about his mother's sacrifices and the difficult period his family experienced when he was younger. At its core, this episode is about hustle, relationships, family, and staying true to your path. Nithin’s story shows that careers can change direction, opportunities can come from unexpected places, and sometimes the most important thing you can do is simply keep showing up. Listen to the full episode of I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman and connect with the podcast for more conversations with people who are building careers on their own terms. Subscribe to I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Follow the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for clips, new episodes, and conversations. Have a story, guest suggestion, or topic you'd like Luis to cover? Reach out through the podcast's social channels and join the conversation. I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman is about giving a voice to people who hustle, create, take risks, and keep going without losing sight of why they started.

September 15, 20261 hr 42 min

Control the Controllable: Mayor Raymond Giacobbe on Leadership, Resilience, and Serving Rahway Today

In this episode of I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman , Luis Guzman sits down with returning guest Mayor Raymond Giacobbe of Rahway, New Jersey for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, pressure, family, community, creativity, resilience, and building a city with purpose . Since his last appearance, Luis has watched Rahway continue to grow, and this conversation takes a look at what is happening behind that growth. Mayor Giacobbe is quick to give credit to his council, staff, directors, and the people around him. For him, leadership isn't about taking all the credit. It's about building a strong team, listening to different opinions, earning buy-in, and making decisions that serve the residents of Rahway. One of the biggest lessons in the conversation is “control the controllable.” Giacobbe talks about dealing with the pressure that comes with being mayor, a husband, and a father by focusing on what is directly in front of him instead of getting overwhelmed by everything that could happen tomorrow. One step, one priority, one day at a time. Preparation is another major theme. Giacobbe explains why being prepared gives you a better chance to succeed, while Luis connects that idea to one of his favorite athletes, Derek Jeter . When you're prepared, the game slows down. That lesson applies whether you're leading a city, running a business, creating art, or trying to build a career. The conversation gets personal when Giacobbe talks about his family, the loss of his daughter Anabella , and the His Bella Kind Foundation , which has helped turn grief into positive work supporting young women in Rahway. The episode shows the person behind the title and the experiences that have shaped the way he leads. A major part of the episode focuses on arts and culture in Rahway . Giacobbe explains why supporting artists isn't just about entertainment. The arts bring people together, create access for young artists, attract visitors, and help local businesses by bringing people into the city. Rahway's growing arts district is a major part of that vision. Some of the projects and topics discussed include: Rahway's arts district , including the UC PAC, Hamilton Stage, and local art galleries. The planned outdoor amphitheater , river walk, open fields, and rain gardens. Public art , including murals, the MLK Park renovation, Veterans Park, and the Harriet Tubman statue. Support for local businesses , redevelopment, and creating more daytime foot traffic downtown. The importance of community inclusion , making residents feel seen, heard, and respected. How preparation, reflection, accountability, and learning from mistakes can make you a better leader. The conversation gets into small business, economic development, redevelopment, public safety, politics, diversity, LGBTQ+ inclusion, antisemitism, and community responsibility . Giacobbe explains why transparency matters and why leaders need to communicate the “why” behind their decisions. For him, earning the trust of residents means being honest, accountable, and willing to explain the choices being made. Luis and Giacobbe also talk about his vision for Rahway's next chapter. His “North Star” is creating more daytime foot traffic so residents and visitors support local businesses while bringing more industry and jobs into the city. The goal is a stronger local economy where businesses, residents, artists, and the community all benefit. At the heart of this episode is a simple idea: leadership is about people . Giacobbe talks about being born and raised in Rahway and wanting to leave the city better for the next generation. He wants residents to feel proud of where they live and confident that their voices matter. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman , follow the podcast, and share it with an artist, entrepreneur, business owner, or community leader who could get something from the conversation.

September 8, 20261 hr 36 min

Dupré Kelly on Tupac, Lords of the Underground, Newark & the Journey to Becoming a Community Leader

In this episode, we sit down with Newark hometown hero Dupre Kelly and author Kyrie Williams for a powerful conversation about music, family, community, perseverance, and the journey behind everything Dupre has become.Best known as one-third of platinum-selling hip-hop group Lords of the Underground, Dupre has built a life that extends far beyond music. From Newark to community work and children’s literature, his story is one of growth, resilience, and giving back.His work in Newark is also a major part of the discussion, including his efforts through 211 Community Impact and his commitment to serving families and strengthening the community. The conversation explores what it means to keep moving forward when life does not go according to plan, why the journey can be just as important as the destination, and how experiences from earlier in life can shape the person you become.The conversation takes a deeply personal turn as Dupré discusses the loss of a close friend and the promise they made to look after each other’s children. After his friend passed away, leaving behind a young daughter, Dupré helped raise her as his own. He speaks about seeing his friend in her, the memories they shared, and the people who became a second family. These reflections provide an honest look at loyalty, family, grief, and responsibility.Dupré and Khairi also discuss their children’s book, You Can Do It All, which was inspired by Dupré’s journey of failing, succeeding, getting back up, and refusing to give up. The book reminds both children and parents that it is never too late to get back up and pursue a goal. Its message connects directly to the larger themes of the episode: perseverance, self-belief, growth, and the importance of continuing to move forward.Khairi explains why he believes Dupré’s story deserves to be shared on an even larger scale. While Lords of the Underground is an important part of his legacy, there is a much bigger story involving personal experiences, setbacks, relationships, family, community, and the lessons learned along the way. The idea of a memoir becomes part of the conversation and raises the question of how many more stories from Dupré’s life could inspire others.In this episode, expect:• Dupré Kelly’s journey from Newark to platinum-selling hip-hop artist and community leader• An unforgettable Tupac Shakur story from the 1992 tour• Honest reflections on success, failure, growth, and perseverance• The story behind You Can Do It All and its message for children and parents• A moving conversation about family, friendship, loss, and loyalty• A look at Newark, the West Ward, and community impact• Why a Dupré Kelly memoir could be so importantThis is a conversation about more than a career. It is about taking the experiences life gives you and turning them into something that can help other people. Dupré’s story connects music and community, ambition and responsibility, personal loss and purpose, while Kyrie brings another perspective on why those experiences matter and how they can be shared with the next generation.Whether you know Dupré from Lords of the Underground or his work in Newark, this episode offers a closer look at the person behind the accomplishments.Thank you for listening and supporting the podcast. If you enjoyed this episode with Dupré Kelly and Khairi Williams, share it with someone who would appreciate their story, leave a review, and follow the podcast so you do not miss future episodes.Tell us your favorite moment from the conversation and which story, guest, or topic you would like the hosts to explore next. Your comments, questions, and support help shape the show and keep these conversations going.

August 25, 20261 hr 41 min

The Real Business of Restaurants: Jamie Knott on Pressure, Purpose, Sobriety, and Staying Hungry

In this episode of I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman, Luis Guzman sits down with chef, restaurateur, entrepreneur, and hospitality personality Jamie Knott for a raw conversation about building a career, building a brand, facing personal struggles, and continuing to move forward when life gets complicated. Jamie Knott started working in restaurants at just 13 years old as a busboy. What began as a first job quickly became a passion for the energy, pressure, creativity, and camaraderie of the kitchen. After graduating from the New York Restaurant School and working under chefs including Clifford Crooks, Jamie went on to become an executive chef and eventually a restaurant owner. From the Saddle River Inn to Cellar 335 and Madame, Jamie has spent decades building restaurants and learning what it really takes to survive in the hospitality business. He gets real about the rising costs of food and labor, the pressure of keeping restaurants open, taking financial risks, and why success rarely happens overnight. This conversation goes far beyond food and restaurants. Jamie opens up about sobriety, addiction, childhood experiences, self-doubt, fatherhood, and the pressure that comes with being responsible for businesses, employees, and family. He shares his experience staying sober for 14 years, returning to drinking, and learning that recovery is not always a straight line. Jamie also explains how cooking became a way to focus his energy and deal with challenges in his life. For him, the kitchen was more than a career. It became a place where he could completely immerse himself in the work, stay focused, and turn difficult experiences into something productive. Luis and Jamie also talk about entrepreneurship, social media, and personal branding. Jamie explains how putting his personality on camera has helped grow his restaurants and why people want to connect with the person behind the business. His restaurant videos have reached hundreds of thousands of views, proving that in today's world, the person telling the story can be just as important as the product. A major theme throughout the episode is hospitality and human connection. Jamie believes restaurants are about much more than food. They are about making people feel welcome, appreciated, and taken care of. He shares why his approach with customers and staff is simple: if he can do something for a guest, the answer should be yes. Topics covered in this episode: Jamie Knott's journey from busboy to chef and restaurant owner The reality of running restaurants in today's economy Building the Saddle River Inn, Cellar 335, and Madame Sobriety, addiction, relapse, and recovery Childhood experiences and turning adversity into motivation Fatherhood, financial freedom, and responsibility Social media and building a personal brand Imposter syndrome and the pressure to succeed Hospitality, customer service, and creating memorable experiences Jamie's work with Table to Table and giving back to the community Why staying in motion can help you overcome difficult periods Jamie shares a philosophy that runs through the entire conversation: keep moving forward. There is no perfect balance, no finish line, and no point where everything suddenly becomes easy. You keep learning, keep working, keep creating, and keep finding ways to turn challenges into momentum. Luis and Jamie have the kind of conversation that feels less like a traditional interview and more like two friends sitting down and talking honestly about life. There are plenty of laughs, restaurant stories, business lessons, uncomfortable truths, and vulnerable moments throughout the episode. If you're a chef, artist, entrepreneur, restaurant owner, creative, or business owner trying to build something without losing yourself along the way, this episode is packed with lessons about resilience, authenticity, personal growth, and the realities behind success. Follow I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman and join the conversation.

August 11, 20261 hr 48 min

Steve Ruiz on Betting on Yourself, Puerto Rican Food, Family, and Building a Business That Lasts

What happens when you spend 27 years building a career in healthcare , then decide to bet on yourself and build something of your own? For Steve Ruiz , it meant leaving the comfort of a long career, trusting his instincts, and turning a passion for Puerto Rican food into a growing family business. On this episode of I'm An Artist, Not A Salesman , host Luis Guzman sits down with Steve Ruiz, co-owner of Mama D's Empanadas , to talk about entrepreneurship, Puerto Rican culture, family, risk, resilience, and what it really takes to build a business from the ground up. Steve's journey is anything but predictable. Growing up in Bushwick, Brooklyn , he dreamed of playing professional baseball and even had an opportunity to try out with the Minnesota Twins. After suffering a serious knee injury and experiencing a heart attack at just 18 years old, his path took a completely different direction. He eventually found his way into the medical field, where he spent 27 years working at Hospital for Special Surgery. But while Steve had a stable career, he and his wife, Diana, were building something on the side. What started as a food truck grew over six or seven years, introducing customers throughout New Jersey to authentic Puerto Rican empanadas and cuisine. Eventually, people kept asking the same question: Where can we get your food all the time? That question helped push Steve and his family toward opening Mama D's Empanadas , a brick-and-mortar restaurant in New Jersey. Making that leap wasn't easy. Leaving a 27-year career meant giving up security, taking on risk, learning an entirely new industry, and figuring out how to run everything from food preparation to equipment repairs and customer service. Steve explains why he believes failing is easier than succeeding . Failure can teach you what went wrong and give you another chance to improve. Success brings a different challenge: figuring out how to repeat it and keep moving forward. That mindset has helped Steve approach entrepreneurship with patience, accountability, consistency, and a willingness to learn. A major part of the conversation is the importance of Puerto Rican culture and storytelling through food . Steve isn't simply selling empanadas. He's sharing the food, traditions, memories, and family stories behind them. Mama D's is designed to make people feel at home, whether they're Puerto Rican, Latino, or someone experiencing Puerto Rican cuisine for the first time. Puerto Rican food and culture as a foundation for building a business Leaving a 27-year healthcare career to pursue entrepreneurship Growing from a food truck into a brick-and-mortar restaurant Why consistency and quality matter more than gimmicks Learning from customers and constantly developing new empanada flavors The importance of research before taking a major financial risk Why Steve chose to buy the building instead of simply signing a commercial lease Building a business that can become part of the family's long-term legacy The conversation also gets personal. Steve talks openly about fatherhood, raising his children, and the lessons he shared with his daughter before she entered the U.S. Space Force . His daughter went on to become a cybersecurity expert working with satellites, while his son built his own career in Connecticut. Steve's approach is simple: give your children the tools and guidance they need, but don't force them into the family business. Let them create their own path. Listen to IAANAS Podcast: I'm An Artist, Not A Salesman , hosted by Luis Guzman , for real conversations about creativity, business, culture, personal growth, and the messy road to building a life on your own terms.

August 4, 20261 hr 48 min

Tim Gillen on Surviving a Near-Death Health Scare While Building Jersey Jungle Juice and His Legacy

On this episode of I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman , host Luis Guzman sits down with entrepreneur, nightlife promoter, and Jersey Jungle Juice founder Tim Gillen for one of the most personal conversations ever featured on the podcast. While many people know Tim as the guy behind packed venues, successful promotions, and one of New Jersey's fastest-growing spirits brands, very few know the story behind everything that happened when his life changed almost overnight. Tim shares how an unexpected and life-threatening health crisis forced him to stop moving at full speed and completely rethink what success, purpose, and resilience really mean. After years of building relationships, creating unforgettable nightlife experiences, and growing his business, he suddenly found himself fighting for something much bigger than sales, marketing, or expansion. He was fighting for his life. Throughout the conversation, Tim Gillen opens up about discovering he had a severely restricted airway, the frightening moments that led to emergency surgery, flatlining in the hospital, and waking up to a completely different reality. He explains what it has been like living with a tracheostomy, adapting to major lifestyle changes, and continuing to run a business while facing challenges most people never see. Beyond the health journey, this episode dives into the mindset that helped Tim refuse to quit. From his early days working in New Jersey nightlife to helping build legendary events alongside longtime collaborators, he explains why relationships, trust, consistency, and showing up for people have always mattered more than shortcuts. His philosophy of surrounding himself with people he genuinely believes in has shaped every chapter of his career. Luis Guzman and Tim also discuss the realities of entrepreneurship, building a recognizable brand, earning trust with customers, creating authentic partnerships, and why personal integrity still matters in business. They explore the difference between chasing money and creating lasting value, along with the importance of staying true to yourself even when opportunities tempt you to compromise your principles. The conversation naturally shifts into topics that every creative entrepreneur can relate to, including burnout, discipline, fitness, confidence, handling criticism, and learning to slow down without giving up on ambitious goals. Tim's story serves as a reminder that setbacks don't always signal the end of the journey. Sometimes they become the reason you discover a stronger version of yourself. In this episode, you'll hear about: Tim Gillen's journey from New Jersey nightlife into entrepreneurship. Building the Jersey Jungle Juice brand from the ground up. Surviving a near-death health scare and adjusting to life after emergency surgery. Why networking, honesty, and long-term relationships create lasting business success. The mental side of entrepreneurship, resilience, fitness, and personal growth. Lessons on leadership, perseverance, branding, and never giving up when life changes unexpectedly. If you've been looking for motivation without empty clichés, you'll appreciate how open both Luis Guzman and Tim Gillen are throughout this conversation. Their discussion highlights the value of authenticity, hard work, loyalty, and finding reasons to keep moving forward, even when circumstances seem impossible. If you enjoyed this episode of I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman , be sure to subscribe so you never miss future conversations with artists, entrepreneurs, and creative professionals who are building meaningful careers without sacrificing who they are. Leave a review, share this episode with someone who needs to hear Tim's story, and join the conversation by following the podcast and connecting with Luis Guzman on social media. Your support helps the show reach more creatives who are chasing big goals while staying true to themselves.