The Jon Schultz Podcast: The Myth of Overnight Success

Hosted by Jon Schultz

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May 2026

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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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May 28, 202652 min

How One Impossible Decision Changed Gretchen Wilcox’s Entire Life

Some guests walk into a conversation and quietly rewrite everything you thought you knew about grit, timing, and what it really means to bet on yourself. Gretchen Wilcox is one of those guests.I have known Gretchen Wilcox for decades, and she is a true trailblazer in our industry. She is the first, and to this day, the only female-founded commercial real estate mortgage banking firm in the United States. Think about that. In one of the largest industries in the world, she is still standing alone at that distinction more than thirty years later. On the surface, this is a story about business, growth, and long-term success. But underneath all of that, it is really a story about pressure, belief, family, loss, and the choices that define who we become when life forces us to act.What makes this conversation so powerful is the honesty. Gretchen doesn't sugarcoat the moments that nearly broke her. There's the raw reality of launching her company with six months of runway, a second mortgage on her home, a husband battling a terminal illness, and two young kids depending on her. She didn't start her company chasing glory; she started it to survive, and what she built from that moment of pure necessity is nothing short of extraordinary.This episode covers a lot of ground, building a business from nothing, surviving COVID, and now watching her own children carry the company forward.Tune in to hear one of the most honest and hard-earned stories I have had on this podcast. Gretchen’s story will stay with you. Whether you are building a business, leading a team, or standing at a moment in your own life where the safe choice is not the right one, there is real value in this episode.Chapters: 00:00 – The Biggest Risk of Gretchen’s Career02:00 – Building a Business Out of Survival02:55 – Small Town Roots & Family Values05:35 – Gretchen’s First Entrepreneurial Venture at Age 907:45 – Leaving Home for Boarding School12:05 – Babson, Graduation & Taking Big Chances16:45 – Merrill Lynch & Learning Commercial Real Estate19:20 – Mentors, Networking & Industry Organizations22:45 – Being Told “Women Can’t Do This”26:50 – Charity Work Led to Everything Changing30:00 – Taking the Leap & Starting G.S. Wilcox32:00 – Becoming the First Female Founder in CRE Mortgage Banking35:20 – COVID: The Darkest Moment in Business40:00 – Building a Family Legacy46:20 – Would She Do It All Again?49:25 – Final Thoughts: Leadership, Family & SuccessGretchen on Socials:IG: @gretchenswilcoxX: @GSWilco1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gretchen-wilcox-19453922/Jon on Socials:IG: @thejonschultzpodcastX: @JonSchultzPodLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-jon-schultz-podcastwww.jonschultz.com

April 2, 202651 min

George Gellert on Why Starting From The Bottom Is The Only Way To The Top

If there is one person who truly embodies the theme of this podcast, it is George Gellert. We talk a lot about the myth of the overnight success, and George is the living, breathing proof that the "top" is built on decades of grit, early mornings, and a level of drive that most people just aren't ready for.George is an absolute titan in the food industry, but his story starts way before the global boardrooms. We dive into his childhood in upstate New York, where he was already a seasoned entrepreneur by age eight. You’ll hear about the wild lengths a twelve-year-old George went to to gain a competitive edge in track, and how milking cows before sunrise shaped the relentless work ethic that he still carries today.We also get into his legendary time at Cornell, where he wasn't just a student; he was running multiple businesses and making more money than he did in his first "real" job as a lawyer for the SEC. George opens up about the friction of working in a family business, the intense risks of being one of the first Americans to trade with China during the Cold War, and the mindset required to navigate massive setbacks, from being hacked for millions to surviving a battle with B-cell lymphoma.But the real magic in this episode isn't just about the money or the scale; it is about the loyalty. George shares how he built a massive empire in food, real estate, and finance through relationships that have lasted over fifty years. Whether you are a young entrepreneur starting in the mailroom or a veteran leader looking to build a multi-generational legacy, George’s wisdom on why you must "start from the bottom" is something you cannot afford to miss.00:00 – Intro: The Reality Behind “Overnight Success”00:45 – Early Hustle & Work Ethic (From Age 8 to Farm Life)05:45 – Cornell Years: Entrepreneurship, Athletics & Education10:00 – Early Career: SEC, Army & Global Exposure12:00 – Joining the Family Business (And Taking a Different Path)18:30 – Leadership Challenges & Taking Over the Business22:00 – Scaling the Business: Risks, Politics & Major Obstacles25:00 – Building Culture: Loyalty, Family & Long-Term Success28:00 – Taking Big Risks: China & Global Expansion30:00 – Personal Adversity: Battling Cancer & Staying Strong33:30 – Sustaining a Family Business Across Generations41:00 – Final Advice: Start at the Bottom & Outwork Everyone44:00 – OutroJon on Socials: IG: @thejonschultzpodcastX: @JonSchultzPodLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-jon-schultz-podcastwww.jonschultz.com

December 8, 202553 min

Legacy in Motion: Mike Tepedino’s Mission to Develop Tomorrow’s Talent

What turns a kid from Brooklyn into a leader who builds and rebuilds big businesses, then starts over again by choice? Meet Mike Tepedino, Founder and Managing Partner of Blue Light Capital, whose path runs from six gritty years in loan workouts on the “what can go wrong” side of real estate became the foundation for everything that followed.We get into the leap to brokerage, the Chinese-restaurant meeting that set up HFF’s rise, and the 2019 sale to JLL for about $2 billion, where scale brought new tools and reach but also a fresh look at purpose and timing.Now Mike is building again with Blue Light Capital, stepping into an underserved middle-market bridge space in the roughly $15 to $50 million range, and pairing that with BLNext, a nonprofit that trains college and pro athletes for real estate careers with 150 hours of Excel and Argus plus one-to-one mentors who have walked the path.If you care about discipline, people, and timing, this conversation delivers hard lessons and practical wisdom with zero fluff. Watch the full episode to hear how Mike thinks about focus, why small habits like handwritten notes still matter, and what it takes to start again when everyone thinks you are done. 00:00 – Welcome to the Show00:44 – Who Was “Little Mike”? Early Life & Personality01:38 – Two Defining Moments That Changed His Life03:01 – Discovering Discipline at 1903:48 – Being Forced Out of His Comfort Zone05:41 – Fear of Failure & The Shoebox of Quotes08:15 – Falling in Love With Real Estate as a Kid09:54 – The Mentor Who Changed Everything12:18 – Lessons in Marketing, Relationships & Handwritten Notes16:30 – The Dark Side of Real Estate: Learning From Bad Loans20:51 – Becoming a Broker & Betting on Himself23:02 – The Life-Changing Dinner With Mark Gibson28:53 – Scaling From 50 People to 1,000+30:51 – Surviving the 2008–2009 Financial Crisis33:59 – Joining JLL & Operating at Global Scale35:56 – Knowing When It’s Time to Walk Away39:41 – Launching Blue Light Capital45:11 – BLNext: Mentoring the Next Generation of Leaders49:47 – Giving Back, Purpose & Legacy51:57 – How to Connect With Mike & Final ThoughtsMike Tepedino on Socials: IG: @blnextLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-tepedino-bluelight/Blue Lights LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-light-re/?viewAsMember=trueBL Next LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bl-next/?viewAsMember=trueBlue Lights Website: https://bluelightre.com/BL Next Website: https://blnext.org/Jon on Socials: IG: @thejonschultzpodcastX: @JonSchultzPodLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-jon-schultz-podcastwww.jonschultz.com

August 26, 202555 min

Resilience, Risk & Reinvention – Lessons from Michael Johnson’s Startup Story

What if one phone call could completely change the trajectory of your life? In this episode, I sit down with Michael Johnson, a scientist turned entrepreneur, president of the New Jersey Innovation Institute, and now author of 1% Dad. His story is one of relentless work ethic, fearless curiosity, and the ability to seize opportunity when it knocks, even if you don’t recognize it at first. From a childhood shaped by devoted parents and early struggles in school and sports, Michael shares how discovering the power of hard work in high school football set him on a path of discipline that has driven every chapter of his journey.We dive into the unlikely twists that brought him from building rockets in the driveway with his science-teacher dad to a NASA internship he almost ignored, to launching a biotech company out of a basement.Michael takes us inside the grit behind building Visikol, from hustling for early funding to convincing pharma giants to trust two twenty-somethings with their most guarded research, and the gut-wrenching challenges of keeping a startup alive through crises, including COVID, when business evaporated overnight. His decision to sell the company at its peak was equal parts strategic foresight and personal necessity, a move that proved wise when the market collapsed shortly after.Today, as President of the New Jersey Innovation Institute, he’s focused on helping founders get their ideas into the world and inspiring fathers to excel in both their personal and professional lives through his newly released book, 1% Dad. His book serves as a call to action for men to reconnect with their health, purpose, and presence at home, and Michael gets honest about the isolation, self-doubt, and quiet struggles many fathers face. He also opens up about the moments of vulnerability behind his successes, the mentors who shaped him, and the practical mindset shifts that have carried him forward.This episode is packed with stories, lessons, and insights that hit well beyond business. If you’ve ever wondered how to navigate the unknown, protect your energy, and keep pushing forward when things get messy, this one is for you.00:00 – Introduction & Early Life 02:36 – Discovering Discipline Through Sports 07:29 – Mentors & Lifelong Lessons 11:14 – From Science Enthusiast to NASA 17:46 – Early Entrepreneurial Spirit 20:25 – Founding Visikol 23:36 – Securing First Funding 26:54 – Surviving the Startup Struggle29:09 – The COVID Crisis & Pivot 30:56 – Deciding to Sell 33:41 – Leading NJII 39:15 – Writing 1% Dad 42:09 – Vulnerability & Honesty in the Book 45:19 – Silencing Self-Doubt 48:20 – Advice to His Younger Self 51:34 – Final Thoughts & Where to Find the BookMichael on Socials: IG: mjohnson_phd X: @MichaelJoh82712LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-johnson-njii/ Youtube: @1percentdad Jon on Socials: IG: @thejonschultzpodcast X: @JonSchultzPod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-jon-schultz-podcast www.jonschultz.com

July 29, 202558 min

Failing Forward: How Setbacks Paved the Way for a University President

What happens when you put a university president who's weathered pandemics, launched massive campaigns, and chairs the Bruce Springsteen Archives in a room with great questions? Pure gold. In this episode, I sit down with Patrick Leahy, President of Monmouth University, for one of those conversations that reminds you why leadership stories matter.Patrick takes us through his incredible journey from being the youngest of six kids outside Baltimore to running a $200 million university. We dive into the mentor who changed everything by pushing him to apply to Georgetown (spoiler: he thought he'd never get in), the poetry class with the university president that shifted his entire career path, and those messy years when he tried business and finance before finding his true calling in higher education.But here's where it gets really interesting. Patrick shares what it was actually like stepping into the president's role just months before the pandemic hit, how he kept an entire campus community connected through weekly Zoom calls that people still don't want him to stop and the bold moves he's made to position Monmouth for the future. We're talking about partnerships with Hackensack Meridian for healthcare programs, building out film and TV production right as Netflix constructs their massive studio two miles away, and chairing the Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music.The conversation gets into the real stuff too. How AI is going to reshape education, why being someone others want to work with might be the most critical skill you can develop, and what it means to lead through uncertainty while staying true to your values. Patrick's energy is infectious when he discusses servant leadership, the importance of asking better questions, and how every twist in your career path ultimately serves you later.Patrick's story reminds us that the most successful leaders aren't those who follow predetermined paths, but those who remain open to possibility and aren't afraid to bet on themselves and others. It's a conversation that will leave you thinking differently about what's possible when you combine authentic leadership with strategic vision and the courage to act on both.00:00 – Welcome & Introduction 01:00 – Childhood & Early Leadership 05:45 – The Georgetown Pivot 10:30 – From Business to English Lit 14:00 – The Nonlinear Journey to Education 20:45 – First Presidency at Wilkes 26:30 – Leading Through a Pandemic 32:00 – Vision for Monmouth 37:00 – Netflix, Sports & Strategic Growth 41:30 – The Role of AI in Higher Ed 48:30 – Emotional Intelligence & Employability 50:00 – The Springsteen Archives 55:00 – Closing ReflectionsPatrick on Socials: IG: monmouthuniversity X: @PatrickFLeahy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-patrick-f-leahy-ab873620 Youtube: @monmouthuniversity⁩Jon on Socials: IG: @thejonschultzpodcast X: @JonSchultzPod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-jon-schultz-podcast www.jonschultz.com

May 2, 202557 min

Building More Than Buildings: Ed Russo on Vision, Risk, and Legacy

Imagine putting every dollar you've saved on the line for your very first business deal at just 24 years old. Could you handle that pressure? Ed Russo did, and it turned out to be the best decision he ever made.On this episode of my podcast, I’m with Ed Russo, my good friend and CEO of Russo Development, one of New Jersey's top real estate firms. Ed shares behind-the-scenes stories packed with valuable lessons, starting with the unexpected ways childhood chores shaped his business mindset.Ed talks about how Russo Development accidentally discovered the huge potential in data centers, a lucky twist that skyrocketed their business. He also reveals why the company chose to build apartment communities in overlooked neighborhoods, transforming them and bringing new life to these areas.Get ready for some raw honesty as Ed walks us through a challenging project that nearly made him back down. Instead, facing his doubts head-on changed his entire approach to business and risk.But it’s not all serious. Ed’s love for fishing and family adventures on the water highlights how keeping life fun and balanced makes success even sweeter.Don’t miss Ed's practical, no-nonsense advice for anyone wanting to dive into real estate: focus on one thing, master it, and build step by step.If you’re curious how big decisions get made, how people stay grounded while chasing big goals, and what it really takes to build something that lasts, this episode is worth your time.Chapters00:00 - Introduction to Ed Russo and Russo Development03:03 - The Influence of Family on Work Ethic05:49 - Early Career Decisions and Family Business Dynamics08:53 - Lessons from Early Deals and Risk Taking12:04 - Transitioning into Data Centers and New Opportunities17:54 - Pivoting to Residential Development24:09 - Building a Diverse and Skilled Team30:01 - Challenges in Residential Development30:21 - Building in Underserved Communities32:42 - The Vermella Brand and Community Impact35:40 - Overcoming Challenges in Development38:59 - The Importance of Mentorship46:31 - Finding Balance: Fishing and Life50:12 - Opportunities in Real Estate for Young ProfessionalsEd on Socials:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-russo-9ba77b36/Jon on Socials: IG: @thejonschultzpodcast X: @JonSchultzPod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-jon-schultz-podcast www.jonschultz.com

February 7, 202548 min

Why “Every Day Sucks” Became Bill Greenblatt’s Mantra

If you’ve ever felt like building a business is one never-ending battle, you’re not alone. Bill Greenblatt, a pioneer in the background screening industry, gets it. He built a company from a paper route mentality into a global giant—and every step of the way, something went wrong.In this episode, Bill and I talk about what it really takes to succeed. The setbacks. The stress. The deals that almost fell apart. The moments where quitting would’ve been easier. And yet, through it all, he kept going. We get into his wild journey—how he scaled Sterling Infosystems into an industry powerhouse, why every other competitor quit (except him), and what he learned from selling, hiring, firing, and fighting for every inch.Bill also breaks down his book, Every Day Sucks—why he wrote it, why success isn’t as glamorous as people think, and why he still says every single day “sucked”... but every month was his best one yet. We cover winning, leadership, trust (or lack of it), and why hiring people smarter than you is the ultimate power move.If you want the real, unfiltered truth about what it takes to grow a business—and why you should never quit too soon—this episode is for you.Bill’s book “Every Day Sucks: Billy on Business, the Business of Life” is available on Amazon and Kindle.00:00 - Introduction to Bill Greenblatt 02:23 - Childhood Influences and Early Work Ethic 06:20 - The Journey into the Screening Business 10:17 - Lessons from Financial Struggles 17:38 - Scaling the Business and Overcoming Challenges 22:03 - The Necessity of Background Screening 26:11 - Adapting to Change and Resilience 27:21 - Embracing Failure as a Learning Opportunity 28:01 - Scaling Challenges and Personal Health Struggles 31:29 - The Myth of Overnight Success 33:06 - The Importance of Perspective in Business 39:08 - The Role of Technology in Business Growth 43:20 -The Future of AI and Its Impact on Industries 46:21 - Navigating Change and Embracing GoodnessBill on Socials: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billygreenblatt/ Jon on Socials: IG: @thejonschultzpodcast X: @JonSchultzPod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-jon-schultz-podcast www.jonschultz.com

January 3, 202552 min

How Christian Giordano Rebuilt Architecture with Innovation

How does someone go from humble beginnings to shaping the future of architecture? In this episode of my podcast, I talk with Christian Giordano, the president and co-owner of Mancini Duffy, a firm that’s worked with Netflix, Disney, HBO, and other global brands. Christian’s achievements are nothing short of remarkable.Christian shares how his struggles with dyslexia and learning difficulties as a child shaped his work ethic and drive to succeed. Encouraged by parents who never doubted his potential, Christian worked harder than most, eventually earning degrees in architecture and overcoming every obstacle in his path.As the driving force behind Mancini Duffy, he has transformed the firm into a leader in cutting-edge design by embracing technology like VR, AR, and AI. These tools are not only changing how buildings are designed but also speeding up the entire process, making projects more efficient and accurate. Under Christian’s leadership, the firm has grown significantly, taking on some of the most exciting and large-scale projects in the industry, including the new Netflix campus in New Jersey.Beyond his work, Christian is the host of the Anti-Architect Podcast, where he takes an honest look at the industry, celebrating what works and tackling what doesn’t. His story is proof that with hard work, bold decisions, and a clear purpose, it’s possible to achieve extraordinary things. Tune in to hear how Christian’s drive and vision are leaving a lasting mark on architecture.00:00 - The Journey to Success 03:02 - Overcoming Early Challenges 05:55 - The Path to Leadership 09:13 - The Courage to Take Risks 12:02 - Building a Successful Firm 15:10 - Defining Success and Leadership 18:04 - Embracing Mistakes as Lessons 26:20 - The Importance of Personal Growth Through Challenges 27:43 - Innovations in Architecture and Construction Technology 31:18 - The Future of Architectural Design with AI 34:35 - The Role of AI in Quality Assurance and Efficiency 38:37 - Fostering a Culture of Innovation in Architecture 43:47 - The Birth of the Anti-Architect Podcast 48:25 - Transformational Projects and Community Impact Christian on Socials: IG: @christiangiordano X: @cgantiarchitect LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdgiordano/ Youtube: @theantiarchitect https://theantiarchitect.com/ Jon on Socials:IG: @streetschultz FB: Jon Schultz X: @JonSchultz_Onyx LinkedIn: jonschultz1 www.jonschultz.com

December 13, 202447 min

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 Success02:03 - Childhood Influences and Early Leadership10:04 - Transitioning from Retail to Real Estate19:57 - Building a Career in Real Estate30:04 - Maintaining Ethics and Team Dynamics37:13 - Navigating Economic Uncertainty43:02 - Advice for Young Professionals45:55 - Exploring Other Interests and HobbiesSimon 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: @streetschultzFB: Jon Schultz X: @JonSchultz_Onyx LinkedIn: jonschultz1 www.jonschultz.com

November 15, 202459 min

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