I’m An Artist, Not A Salesman Podcast

What happens when you outgrow the cubicle, outdream the 9-to-5, and finally pick up the camera that’s been calling your name? You get Ludwig Araujo — photographer, brand builder, storyteller, and living proof that you don’t have to sell out to level up.In this episode of I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman, host Luis Guzman chops it up with Ludwig about his journey from working at Verizon to becoming the Chief Brand Officer at Youngry, a disruptive marketing agency that’s creating a home for creatives who’ve been overlooked, underestimated, or straight-up ignored.Ludwig’s story hits hard: from shooting in packed gyms at midnight, to getting flown across the country to capture transformation stories, to redefining what “branding” even means in today’s world. You’ll hear what it’s like to leave corporate security behind and build something with real impact and real soul.Whether you're a photographer, designer, podcaster, or just trying to figure out how to turn your creativity into something that pays the bills without killing your spirit, this one’s for you.What We Get Into:Why Ludwig walked away from a 17-year corporate careerHow photographing his daughter led to a six-figure creative pathLessons from the Shreds era and the fitness photography boomThe difference between working for a brand vs. creating with oneMaking art inside restrictions (and knowing when to walk away)What it takes to be a Chief Brand Officer in a creative agencyWhy artists need to stop doubting themselves and start owning roomsHow Youngry and FlexWork are giving creatives the space to winImposter syndrome, fatherhood, and legacy-buildingMemorable Lines:"I'm not a photographer. I'm an artist with a camera.""The best shoots happen when clients get out of the way and let you be creative.""You’re paying me because I’m the guy—so why am I the one doubting that?""This isn’t about selling out. It’s about showing up—for yourself and your art."Follow Ludwig Araujo:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ludwigaraujoTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ludwigaraujoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ludwigaraujoListen now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.Subscribe and follow the podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imanartistnotasalesmanIf this episode hit you in the feels, share it, tag us, and leave a review—it helps more artists like you find their tribe.

This episode is what happens when raw honesty, side-splitting stories, and years of hustle walk into a podcast studio. In Episode 34 of I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman, host Luis Guzman chops it up with Vinnie Brand — stand-up comic, family man, and the mastermind behind The Stress Factory Comedy Club (aka New Jersey’s most laughter-infused landmark since forever).If you think this is gonna be just another “I started a business and now I’m crushing it” convo — buckle up. This one’s got plot twists, pizza with Robin Williams, emotional gut punches, and a few too many jokes about skinny jeans and U-Haul sweatpants.Vinnie takes us way back — like back-to-the-80s back — when he was juggling a failing marriage, a flower shop, a construction company, and the wild idea to jump on a comedy stage with zero prep. What happened next? He killed… then bombed… then got blackballed… then built a full-blown comedy empire from a basement in Jersey.Oh, and he once got kicked off stage for Robin Williams. And Robin apologized to him. (Yeah. That part.)We talk: 🔸 Why being called “just a club owner” used to piss Vinnie off — and how he owned it. 🔸 Building the Stress Factory from nothing — literally, dude was living in a boarding house with no car and no phone. 🔸 How one miserable flower shop led to the name “Stress Factory.” (Spoiler: it wasn’t from a branding agency.) 🔸 The art of the prank call… and why Bill Burr hates it. 🔸 What every young comic should know before stepping on a stage — and why “cutting the line” on social media isn’t the real flex. 🔸 Dealing with grief through laughter — including a funeral story that ends with a priest awkwardly backing out of a chapel. 🔸 His personal “Book of Days” philosophy that’ll change how you think about anger, joy, and everything in between. 🔸 Why running a club isn’t just about selling drinks — it’s about curating nights people never forget (yes, even the ones with a check spot). 🔸 And how comedy, when done with heart, isn’t just entertainment — it’s survival.Vinnie also drops gems about fatherhood, faith, being of service, and how real joy often shows up disguised as chaos. If you’re someone who’s building something — a career, a brand, a life you actually like — and you want to do it without selling your soul, this episode is your blueprint and your permission slip.Because at the end of the day, what matters more than laughs per minute or ticket sales is the answer to one big question: “Who are you really?”And Vinnie answers that with more heart, humility, and hilarity than we ever expected.If this episode moves you, inspires you, makes you laugh, cry, or finally call that open mic — do us a solid and hit that like, subscribe, and share it with someone who’s chasing their dream with shaky hands and a big-ass heart.🧠 Want more conversations like this?👉 Subscribe to the pod on Apple, Spotify & YouTube by searching: Luis Guzman - I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman📲 Follow the journey on Instagram: @imananartistnotasalesman🎟️ Check out Vinnie’s iconic Stress Factory Comedy Club: stressfactory.comThanks for listening. Be blessed, not stressed.

In this episode, Luis sits down with Michael Griz, founder of Fly Three Activewear, to discuss the powerful story behind his family-run apparel brand. What started as a creative project during a snowstorm blackout in late 2023 turned into a thriving business — and a meaningful way for Michael to connect with his two sons, Aiden and Khalib.As a single dad, Michael wanted to teach his boys more than just how to make money — he wanted to prepare them for life. He believed in showing them the value of hard work, discipline, and taking risks. That’s exactly what Fly Three became: a way to instill those lessons through hands-on experience.From creating custom socks for local football teams to building a full activewear line, Michael shares how they turned a simple idea into a growing brand. He opens up about the challenges of balancing his finance career, raising his sons, and growing Fly Three. Whether it’s convincing his boys to help load the truck for a pop-up shop or teaching them to handle rejection in sales, Michael makes it clear that success comes from consistency and effort — even when you don’t feel like it.Beyond business, Michael gets personal about the struggles he's faced along the way. He talks about overcoming challenges as a single dad, dealing with the sudden loss of his mother, and confronting his past struggles with alcohol. His honesty offers powerful insight for anyone going through tough times, showing that growth is possible when you commit to change.Michael also shares how his finance background helped him manage the business side of Fly Three, but admits that learning retail and fashion was a whole new challenge. Interestingly, while they originally targeted teenage boys and young men, they discovered their biggest customer base was actually suburban women — which led to expanding their product line to better serve that audience.As Fly Three continues to grow, Michael is focused on building more than just a business — he’s building a community. Their slogan, “Welcome to the Family,” reflects his commitment to creating a brand that’s positive, encouraging, and supportive.Whether you're an artist trying to build your brand, a parent navigating the challenges of raising kids, or an entrepreneur looking for motivation, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration.Check out Fly Three Activewear online at flythreeonline.com.Follow them on Instagram for updates, new product drops, and behind-the-scenes content: @flythree_activewear.Listeners who DM Fly Three with the word "Podcast" can grab a special discount code as a thank you for tuning in!Where to Learn More About Michael Griz and Fly Three

Food content creator Joshua Berman joins host Luis Guzman to share how he turned career uncertainty and personal struggles into a thriving New Jersey food review brand. Joshua opens up about mental health, therapy, and rediscovering passion, while spotlighting local small businesses through his popular Josh’s Food and Stuff platform.Discover how letting go, mindfulness, and embracing creativity can lead to purpose and success.Tune in for real talk on food, resilience, and finding your path!

Master barber and CEO Michael "Checo" Checo shares his journey from growing up in his father's bodega to building Stache, a thriving barbershop brand in Union, NJ with his partner Chaz Hazlitt. He dives into business growth, balancing fatherhood, creating a nonprofit foundation, and giving back through free haircuts for kids. Tune in for insights on leadership, scaling a barbershop, and staying humble while building a legacy.

Discover how Juan Alzate turned his passion for videography into a thriving business while overcoming life’s toughest challenges. From filming nightlife events to working with top artists like Bad Bunny and 50 Cent, Juan’s journey is one of resilience, self-discovery, and success. Tune in for a conversation on creativity, mental health, and what it takes to achieve your dreams. Don’t miss this inspiring episode!

Meet Chef Antonino “Nino” LoCascio, a professionally trained executive chef and the creative force behind Grano Pizzeria and Tavern in Scotch Plains, NJ. In this episode of I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman, host Luis Guzman dives into Chef Nino’s incredible journey—from his beginnings in a family-run bakery to crafting innovative culinary experiences in some of New Jersey’s top establishments. Discover how a spur-of-the-moment leap into culinary school turned into a 25-year career filled with lessons in leadership, perseverance, and passion. Chef Nino shares his story of transforming Grano into a hub for community, creativity, and unforgettable meals. Along the way, he dishes on the realities of running a restaurant, the power of adaptability, and the art of building connections through food. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation—subscribe now and be sure to visit Grano Pizzeria to experience the magic for yourself.

In this episode of I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman, host Luis Guzman sits down with Steve Griggs, the founder of Steve Griggs Design, an award-winning landscape design firm. Known for crafting luxurious outdoor spaces, Steve shares his journey from humble beginnings working alongside his father to becoming a celebrated entrepreneur featured in Forbes, Business Insider, and on Bravo. Steve opens up about the lessons learned in sales, his resourceful approach to business, and how his passion for creating stunning backyard experiences translates into his broader vision for success. From the challenges of managing a business to the thrill of delivering exceptional results, this episode is packed with advice and stories for creatives and entrepreneurs looking to elevate their craft. Tune in to discover how Steve balances artistry with business acumen and why his motto is all about pushing boundaries and delivering excellence.

In this episode of I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman, host Luis Guzman sits down with Josh Pele, a celebrity magician, mentalist, and the founder of Josh Pele Magic. Josh shares his inspiring journey from discovering magic at 21 during a trip to Milan to performing for some of the biggest names, including Travis Kelce, Mike Tyson, J Balvin, and more. From his philosophy of continual growth and optimization to the art of reading people, Josh explains how he’s mastered the business side of magic while staying true to his craft. Listen in as he discusses the lessons he’s learned, the challenges of scaling his business, and the importance of creating memorable experiences for his audience—whether they’re children at a birthday party or celebrities at exclusive events. Don’t miss Josh’s mind-blowing magic trick at the end! 🔗 Follow Josh Pele Magic:Instagram: @JoshPeleMagicWebsite: JoshPeleMagic.com 📌 Subscribe for more episodes highlighting entrepreneurial journeys and artistry!

Brian Walter, a Michelin-star executive chef with over 20 years of experience, shares his journey of dedication, artistry, and mastery in the culinary world. In this episode of I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman, host Luis Guzman explores Brian’s rise through the ranks, from his time at prestigious NYC kitchens to shaping the dining experience at 87 Sussex in Jersey City. Learn about Brian’s inspirations, his approach to blending tradition with innovation, and the invaluable lessons he’s gained from decades in the fast-paced restaurant industry. This is a story of passion, discipline, and creating unforgettable moments through food.