Members Room

Building a Personal Brand in 2026: Copywriting, AI, and the Power of Connection

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we sit down with Mia Meltzer - Social Content Manager for F1 Arcade and a seasoned voice in digital marketing to discuss the evolution of storytelling in a tech-driven world. Mia shares her journey from a college PR major to managing organic social strategy for one of the most exciting hospitality brands in the country.

Mia explains how the role of a copywriter has shifted from simply writing descriptions to becoming a "human filter" in an AI-saturated market. From the psychological impact of parental encouragement to the strategic use of AI as a "glorified assistant," we explore how staying authentic is the only way to win the battle for attention.

We dive deep into the reality of content creation for the "built environment" of hospitality, why personal branding is essential for founders, and the life lessons Mia learned from her father, entrepreneur David Meltzer. Mia’s insights prove that while technology can make us more efficient, the most successful brands are those that lean into human emotion, humor, and community engagement.

What to Expect:

The "Human" Element of Copywriting: Why AI can write text but can’t replicate the "flirty, out-of-pocket" personality that makes modern consumers stop scrolling.
AI as a Supplement, Not a Replacement: How Mia uses AI platforms to break through creative blocks and save hundreds of hours without losing her unique voice.
The F1 Arcade Strategy: A behind-the-scenes look at why "Lo-Fi" iPhone content often outperforms high-production video by making the guest experience feel attainable and real.
The "Bud Light" Approach to Branding: Why putting a face to a company is the ultimate way to build trust, and how founders can leverage personal brands to attract investors.
Gratitude and Accountability: Life lessons from David Meltzer on why waking up with "thank you" can fundamentally shift your business trajectory and personal happiness.

The Members Room is a space for founders, creators, and business owners to share their journey—hosted by Alex Thiakos.

Guest – Mia Meltzer

INSTAGRAM: /@miameltzer
LINKEDIN: /in/mia-meltzer

Host – Alex Thiakos

INSTAGRAM: /@alexthiakos

Members Room

INSTAGRAM: /@membersroom

Real Estate is a Rich Man’s Game - Blockchain is About to Unlock It

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 16:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we sit down with Matthew A. Schneider—Founder and CEO of Building, Inc. and a leading voice in PropTech—to discuss the radical modernization of the "built environment." Matthew shares his journey from day trading and fiction writing to identifying the massive data fragmentation that makes real estate a "rich man's game."

Matthew explains how Building, Inc. is creating a "Carfax for buildings," replacing archaic paper boxes with a secure data platform anchored by blockchain. From the shifting geopolitical power of the BRICS nations to the urgent need for Gen-Z to embrace "boring" but essential careers like civil engineering, we explore how verifying the truth about our properties can move civilization forward.

We dive deep into the reality of tokenization, why "Building Certified" assets will drive the next wave of institutional capital, and how to stay competitive in an era where infrastructure and energy are the ultimate currencies. Matthew’s insights prove that the most successful founders are those who ground disruptive tech in the hard reality of bricks, mortar, and verifiable data.

What to Expect:
The "Carfax for Buildings": How Matthew is using blockchain as a digital notary to create a "golden copy" of property data that banks, insurers, and developers can finally trust.

Tokenization vs. Hype: Why tokenization isn't just about crypto—it's about the ultimate verification of real-world assets (RWAs) like deeds, contracts, and private equity.

Global Wealth Transfer: A look at why Saudi Arabia and Dubai are leading the race in digital deeds, and what the weakening of American hegemony means for the next 20 years.

The Infrastructure Gap: Why the AI race isn't limited by software, but by energy—and how China is quietly outpacing the U.S. in producing the engineers and power needed to win.

Building as a Verb: A call to action for Gen-Z to pivot from "sensationalist" careers toward the architects and engineers who will build the next century of infrastructure.

The Members Room is a space for founders, creators, and business owners to share their journey—hosted by Alex Thiakos.

Guest – Matthew A. Schneider

INSTAGRAM: /@realmattschneider

X (TWITTER): /@mattschneid3r

YOUTUBE: @building-inc

WEBSITE: building.inc

Host – Alex Thiakos

INSTAGRAM: /@alexthiakos

Members Room

INSTAGRAM: /@membersroom

TIKTOK: /@membersroom

From the NFL to Recovery: Rebuilding Identity, Purpose & Sobriety

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 16:00:00 -0500

In this powerful episode, we sit down with former Glenn Derby as he shares his raw and honest journey through life in the NFL, the battles that followed, and the work it took to rebuild his life. Glenn opens up about his struggles with addiction, the anger and trauma that shaped many of his early years, and the turning point that ultimately led him to sobriety.

Throughout the conversation, Glenn reflects on the highs and lows of his football career, what life looked like behind the scenes during and after the NFL, and how confronting his past became the first step toward lasting change. Today, he channels those experiences into helping others—mentoring young people and supporting individuals who are searching for sobriety, direction, and purpose.

This episode is a candid look at resilience, accountability, and the power of transformation. Glenn’s story is a reminder that no matter how difficult the road becomes, it’s always possible to rebuild, heal, and use your experiences to lift others up.

The Members Room is a space for founders, creators, and business owners to share their journey, hosted by Alex Thiakos.

Guest – Glenn Derby

INSTAGRAM: @gderby794

WEBSITE: Glennderby@mac.com

FACEBOOK: From the Line to the Light

Host – Alex Thiakos

INSTAGRAM: @alexthiakos

Members Room

INSTAGRAM: @membersroom

TIKTOK: @membersroom

"Speed Kills": How to Network with the Top 1% in Miami

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 16:00:00 -0600

In this episode, we sit down with Pedro Avila Jr, a Chicago-born, Miami-based podcaster and content creator, to discuss the relentless pursuit of growth in your 20s. From his transition from a psychology major to a full-time interviewer, Pedro explores the "speed kills" mentality of the Miami networking scene and the discipline required to build a digital brand from scratch. We dive deep into the mechanics of viral clipping, the monetization of bilingual content, and why the biggest risk in your youth is playing it safe.

What to Expect:

- The "Speed Kills" Networking Strategy: How Pedro landed a podcast with Cousin Jay (Nelk Boys) within 10 minutes of a TikTok Live interaction by being authentic and fast.

- The Quantity vs. Quality Debate: Why Pedro advocates for a "quantity first" approach for new creators to build consistency and find their voice before obsessing over production value.

- Monetizing the Niche: Insights into the lucrative bilingual market, the reality of TikTok's Creativity Program payouts, and how to scale a clipping business.

- The Psychology of the "Inner Circle": A breakdown of the Miami mindset vs. Chicago's "quiet money" and why your energy level is more valuable than your bank account at 25.

The Members Room is a space for founders, creators, and business owners to share their journey, hosted by Alex Thiakos.

Guest – Pedro

INSTAGRAM: @inyour20sofficial & @vote_4pedrooo

YOUTUBE: In Your 20s Show

TIKTOK: @inyour20s_

Host – Alex Thiakos

INSTAGRAM: @alexthiakos

Members Room

INSTAGRAM: @membersroom

TIKTOK: @membersroom

The Internal Operating System: Mastering Identity & High-Performance Psychology

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 17:00:00 -0600

In this episode, we sit down with Jesse Hoffman, a performance psychologist and mental coach for C-suite executives, to discuss upgrading your "internal operating system" for elite success. From his roots in sports psychology to mentoring high-ticket entrepreneurs, Jesse explores how identity-based growth and the "Being to Become" framework can bridge the gap between your current reality and your idealized self. We dive deep into the biological power of visualization and why the fear of success is often more paralyzing than the fear of failure.

What to Expect:

The "Being to Become" Framework: Why you must exist as the person you want to be in the present tense to wire your brain for future achievements.

The Science of High-Ticket Sales: Mastering the 90% of non-verbal communication,including tone, silence, and posture, to convert through clarity and conviction rather than pressure.

Energy Management vs. Burnout: A breakdown of the four quadrants of energy (Physical, Emotional, Cognitive, and Social) and why "burnout" is often just stagnant energy that needs to flow.

The Motivation Loop: Why dopamine-driven motivation is more powerful than raw discipline, and how to use operant conditioning to spark massive action in your daily routine.

The Members Room is a space for founders, creators, and business owners to share their journey, hosted by Alex Thiakos.

Guest – Jesse Hoffman

INSTAGRAM: @jessehhoffman

YOUTUBE: Jesse Hoffman

Host – Alex Thiakos

INSTAGRAM: @alexthiakos

Members Room

INSTAGRAM: @membersroom

TIKTOK: @membersroom

The Logic of Scale: Automation, Arbitrage, and the Airbnb Blueprint

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 16:00:00 -0600

In this episode, we sit down with Aurelio Licata, a strategic real estate entrepreneur and property management expert, to break down the formula for scaling a short-term rental empire. Aurelio shares how he moved beyond the "side-hustle" mentality to build a business rooted in high-level automation and data-driven property selection.

Aurelio walks us through the mechanics of modern Airbnb hosting, replacing guesswork with his core blueprint: The Right Property + The Right System. From identifying high-demand markets to implementing "hands-off" management, he reveals how founders can achieve real success and operational freedom.

We dive deep into market arbitrage, leveraging technology to maximize revenue, and professionalizing the guest experience. Aurelio’s insights prove that the most successful entrepreneurs are those who build systems that work while they sleep.

What to Expect

The Success Formula: A deep dive into Aurelio’s guiding principle: why the intersection of the right asset and a rigorous system is the only way to scale.
Market Arbitrage: How to identify high-demand pockets and secure properties that guarantee consistent cash flow.
The Automation Stack: The specific tools and software Aurelio uses to handle guest communication, cleaning schedules, and dynamic pricing.
Professionalized Hospitality: Moving from "amateur host" to a high-end property manager, and why professional standards drive five-star reviews.
Scalability vs. Self-Employment: How to stop trading time for money by building SOPs that allow your business to function as a turnkey asset.
Relationship Capital: The art of pitching landlords and developers to secure long-term partnerships and multiple units.

The Members Room is a space for founders, creators, and business owners to share their journey—hosted by Alex Thiakos. Subscribe for more real conversations with people making it happen.

Guest – Aurelio Licata

INSTAGRAM: /aureliolicataa

Host – Alex Thiakos

INSTAGRAM: /alexthiakos

Members Room

INSTAGRAM: /membersroom

FACEBOOK: /membersroom

TIKTOK: /membersroom

Faith Over Fear: How Jonnie Parsons Rebuilt His Life from Rock Bottom

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 16:00:00 -0600

In this episode, we sit down with Jonnie Parsons—entrepreneur, construction executive, podcast host, and faith-driven leader—to unpack a life defined by redemption, discipline, and purpose. Jonnie opens up about his journey from addiction, homelessness, jail, and losing custody of his son, to rebuilding his life through faith, family, fitness, and focused leadership.

Jonnie walks us through his childhood in South Florida, his early exposure to partying and drugs, and the pivotal moments where he hit rock bottom—and chose to surrender control. From getting clean at 21, relapsing years later, and ultimately finding lasting transformation through faith while incarcerated at 33, Jonnie’s story is a raw and honest look at what real change requires.

Now a 50/50 partner in a growing land development business, a husband, father, coach, and host of the Discipline & Legacy podcast, Jonnie shares the principles that helped him rebuild his life from the inside out. We dive into entrepreneurship, leadership, construction, personal development, and why faith—not motivation—is the foundation for lasting success.

Whether you’re battling addiction, building a business, trying to become a better leader, or searching for meaning beyond material success, this episode delivers hard-earned wisdom and a real blueprint for what it means to show up every day.

What to Expect

- Redemption & Reality: Jonnie’s path through addiction, relapse, jail, and the turning point that changed everything.

- Faith Over Fear: Why Jonnie says faith is the #1 driver of his personal development—and how he sees fear as “lack of faith.”

- Discipline & Legacy: The mindset shift from surviving day-to-day to living with long-term purpose, impact, and accountability.

- From Rock Bottom to Leadership: How rebuilding his life made him a better husband, father, and leader—and why serving others is real leadership.

- Fitness as a Reset Button: Losing nearly 80 pounds, overcoming sleep apnea and high blood pressure, and why physical health became part of his transformation.

- Entrepreneurship & Construction: How Jonnie grew from hands-on heavy equipment work to estimating, business development, and partnership—plus why relationships matter more than being the lowest bidder.

The Members Room is a space for founders, creators, and business owners to share their journey—hosted by Alex Thiakos. Subscribe for more real conversations with people making it happen.

Guest – Jonnie Parsons

INSTAGRAM: /jonnie_parsons_official

TIKTOK: /@jonnie_parsons_official

PODCAST: Discipline & Legacy

Host – Alex Thiakos

INSTAGRAM: /alexthiakos

Members Room

INSTAGRAM: /membersroom

TIKTOK: /membersroom

The Hybrid Mindset: Stefanos Spiliotis on Greek Culture, Miami Fitness, and the Art of Consistency

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 16:00:00 -0600

In this episode, we sit down with Stefanos Spiliotis—a Greek-American content creator, FIU student, and aspiring online personal trainer—to discuss the cultural shift of moving from Athens to Miami and building a lifestyle around discipline. Stefanos shares his journey from working in his father’s water sports business in Greece to finding his obsession with fitness and entrepreneurship in the U.S.

From navigating the differences between the Greek and American education systems to the reality of building a following by "nicheing down," Stefanos details the mindset required to stay consistent in a fast-paced world. We dive into the "Blue Zones" of Greece, the importance of faith in personal development, and why hybrid training (balancing lifting with endurance) is the key to long-term health.

Whether you are looking to improve your physical health, start your own content journey, or understand the power of cultural adaptability, this episode provides a fresh perspective on what it means to show up every day.

What to Expect:
- Cultural Crossroads: The transition from the capital of Greece to Miami at 16, and how the American "extracurricular" system sparked his entrepreneurial drive.

- The Hybrid Athlete: Why Stefanos is pivotting to a Half Ironman split and his philosophy on "Hybrid Physics"—balancing muscle mass with cardiovascular health and flexibility.

- The Content Niche: Why he chose to target a Greek-speaking audience while living in Miami, and the "Million View" lesson on why consistency beats quality in the early stages.

- Discipline & Fasting: Insights from his 36-hour fast and the 75 Hard challenge, and how keeping promises to yourself is the ultimate foundation for self-confidence.

The Members Room is a space for founders, creators, and business owners to share their journey—hosted by Alex Thiakos. Subscribe for more real conversations with people making it happen.

Guest – Stefanos Spiliotis
INSTAGRAM: /@stefano_spiliotis
TIKTOK: /@stefano_spiliotis

Host – Alex Thiakos
INSTAGRAM: /alexthiakos

Members Room
INSTAGRAM: /membersroom
TIKTOK: /membersroom

Starting From Zero: Jean Reyes on Reselling, Live Commerce, and Building in Miami

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 16:00:00 -0600

In 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, and why recurring revenue is the foundation of his long-term vision in the creator economy.

What to Expect

- Starting From Zero: Moving from the Dominican Republic to Miami with no English, $700, and the pressure to rebuild from scratch.
- Learning While Earning: How working while learning English shaped Jean’s discipline, adaptability, and entrepreneurial mindset in the U.S.
- Sneakers Before the Boom: Spotting early opportunities in sneaker reselling, building trust online, and developing a sharp eye for market shifts and fakes.
- The Membership Breakthrough: Why launching a paid sneaker community during COVID generated $20K in a single day—and changed how he thinks about recurring revenue.
- Live Commerce at Scale: From early Whatnot streams to nearly $300K in hourly sales, and why live shopping is becoming the future of retail.
- From Reselling to Content: The pivot into podcasting and opening a Brickell-based studio built for creators, brands, and scalable content.
- Pricing, Upsells & Lean Operations: How Jean structures affordable entry points, profitable add-ons, and commission-based staffing to scale sustainably.
- The Creator Economy Vision: Building toward a creator lounge designed for podcasts, livestream shopping, and the next wave of digital commerce.

The Members Room is a space for founders, creators, and business owners to share their journey — hosted by Alex Thiakos.

Guest – Jean Reyes

INSTAGRAM: / solebyjc

Host – Alex Thiakos

INSTAGRAM: / alexthiakos

Members Room

INSTAGRAM: / membersroom

TIKTOK: /membersroom

From Blue-Collar Roots to Exponential Growth: A Sales Playbook with Gabe Lullo

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0600

In 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 home with his newborn daughter, Gabe walks through the pivotal decisions that shaped his trajectory. We dig into how he left companies on such strong terms that he was eventually re-recruited back to Alleyoop as CEO, along with his framework for high-volume, human-centric sales, his philosophy on content as a revenue driver, and his method for training high-grit, high-output sales teams.

What to Expect

- Profit Over Wages: How early lessons in profit and a strong mentor redirected Gabe from a blue-collar mindset into sales training and business development.
- The Professional Exit: His strategy for leaving companies the right way—leading to being re-recruited as CEO and shaping Alleyoop’s “Allup Alumni” culture.
- Manager to CEO: How he scaled through finance, operations, and his “train the trainers” philosophy to build repeatable, high-performing teams.
- Content That Sells: Why he became the face of the company, how 400+ podcasts built authority, and how content now drives 40% of new business.
- The 90-Day System: His 4-step training model and why hiring for grit creates independent, high-output reps.
- High-Volume, Human Outreach: Why Alleyoop prioritizes 250–850 calls a day and leans into calls, voice notes, and video as AI floods email and LinkedIn.
- Handling the 10 Objections: His go-to responses for the most common objections, including the “email me” deflection and the “bad steak” analogy.

The Members Room is a space for founders, creators, and business owners to share their journey—hosted by Alex Thiakos.

Guest – Gabe Lullo

INSTAGRAM: / @gabelullo

LINKEDIN: / @Gabe Lullo

Host – Alex Thiakos

INSTAGRAM: /alexthiakos

Members Room

INSTAGRAM: /membersroom

TIKTOK: /membersroom

The Life Investor: Adebayo Kuye on Real Estate, Purpose, and Minimizing Regret

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0600

In 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 crucial role of finding real-life mentors and the need to prioritize life for minimal regret. We dig into the philosophy of why selfishness is the root of all evil (not money), and the strategy of providing value first to secure life-changing opportunities.

What to Expect:

Pivot to Purpose: Overcoming social isolation by learning charisma online, leading to his mission of mentoring youth in confidence and communication.
Real Estate Foundation: The strategy behind house hacking his first multi-family property and why in-person mentors are essential to navigating the high-risk "reach ideas" taught on YouTube.
Ethics & Growth: Why selfishness is the root of all evil, and how to optimize life for minimal regret by taking massive action and saying yes early in your career.
Coaching Resilience: His full-time calling as a counselor and the complex challenge of building resilience in youth who lack functional home support and positive community examples.

The Members Room is a space for founders, creators, and business owners to share their journey—hosted by Alex Thiakos.

Guest – Adebayo Kuye

INSTAGRAM: /@itskuye

TIKTOK: /@itskuye

Host – Alex Thiakos

INSTAGRAM: /alexthiakos

Members Room

INSTAGRAM: /membersroom

TIKTOK: /membersroom

The Entrepreneur's Pivot: Darryl Torres on Leaving College, Risks, & Building DNA

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 16:00:00 -0600

In 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 run a modern, high-ticket service business that operates across the country.

What to Expect:

Unexpected Origin & Portfolio Hustle: A career-ending injury led to learning film via "YouTube University." He built his initial portfolio through a high-risk networking trip by leveraging a temporary driving job for free shoots.
High-Value Niche: Founded DNA Productions to offer premium, cinematic "corporate media storytelling" (like 3-minute documentaries) specifically to Fortune 500 companies.
Sales & Pricing Strategy: Prioritizes in-person networking and genuine relationships over cold outreach. Prices services based on value delivered, targeting clients who can afford a premium ticket price.
Scaling & Leadership: Utilizes AI (Chat GPT-5) for efficiency while maintaining momentum through travel. Transitioned from being behind the camera to a leadership role in production management.

The Members Room is a space for founders, creators, and business owners to share their journey—hosted by Alex Thiakos.

Guest – Darryl Torres

INSTAGRAM: /dbankzfilms

Host – Alex Thiakos

INSTAGRAM: /alexthiakos

Members Room

INSTAGRAM: /membersroom

TIKTOK: /membersroom

Anthony Kasper: The Journey to Self-Mastery—Founding a Coaching Business on Faith and Fitness

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0500

In 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 redemption
The biblical principles that guide his daily life — and why surrendering to God is the ultimate act of strength
Inside his one-on-one coaching model: content strategy, community funnel, and accountability systems
Lessons in patience, consistency, and embracing setbacks as part of the entrepreneurial journey
A deeper look into his philosophy on comfort, self-control, and the pursuit of truth in a distracted world

The Members Room is a space for founders, creators, and business owners to share their journey — hosted by Alex Thiakos. Subscribe for more real conversations with people making it happen.

Guest – Anthony Kasper

INSTAGRAM: @anthonykasper

TIKTOK: @anthonyjkasper

HOST – Alex Thiakos

INSTAGRAM: @alexthiakos

Members Room

INSTAGRAM: @membersroom

TIKTOK: @membersroom

Caden Vittorini: The Vitt Factor on Youth Mindset and the Power of Self-Talk

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 16:00:00 -0500

In 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 "young, relatable, and relevant" to his target age group and the essential role his own past struggles, including hitting "rock bottom" in his freshman year of college, play in his ability to connect with and guide students.

What to Expect:

The Origin Story: How his last name (Vittorini) and his grandmother's compliment ("The It Factor") combined to form the name Vitt Factor, and how parent demand prompted him to start his own coaching business at age 19.
The Big Transition: Leaving behind a college lacrosse career to go "all in on the business" during his sophomore year, and navigating pushback from peers who questioned his path.
Credibility & Marketing: The early focus on building a personal brand, including securing a TEDx Talk and becoming an author, to overcome the "you're too young" critique from parents.
Core Concepts for Youth: Invaluable lessons taught to students, including taking self-accountability, the difference between "Cool vs. Lame," and the power of becoming "1% better every single day."
The Power of Vulnerability: How sharing his personal story of hitting rock bottom in college helps him build trust and connection, enabling students to open up about their own mental health and personal struggles.
Scaling the Impact: The evolution from one-on-one coaching to impactful school assemblies (50+ schools in two years) and the creation of Mission Academy, a 24/7 video subscription platform for schools.
The Post-Pandemic Youth: Discussion on social isolation to human connection—the core topic of his TEDx Talk—and the impact of COVID-19 on the communication skills and mental health of middle and high schoolers.
Business Growth & Events: Insights into the different revenue streams (coaching, assemblies, Mission Academy, 1% Team) and the upcoming Fourth Annual Ripple Effect Gala, a large-scale networking and motivational event.

Guest – Caden Vittorini

INSTAGRAM: /vitt.factor

WEBSITE: www.vittfactor.com

BOOK: Becoming the One Percent (Amazon)

Host – Alex Thiakos

INSTAGRAM: /alexthiakos

Members Room

INSTAGRAM: /membersroom

TIKTOK: /membersroom

The Art of the Flip: Philip Panopoulos on Buying, Scaling, and Selling a Local Pizzeria

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 16:00:00 -0500

In 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 faith, partnership, and a "servant mindset" in business, and how those principles guided their journey from pizza to commercial real estate.

What to Expect:

The origin story of acquiring Pisa Pizza with minimal due diligence right after college.
How a $20,000 capital expenditure—including a new point-of-sale system and an automatic cheese shredder—saved hours and increased efficiency.
The immediate, necessary, and brutal culture change needed to improve the staff and customer experience.
Marketing tactics used to attract a new demographic, including leveraging the unique customer service benefits of a local software.
The unexpected transition and "empty nest" feeling after selling the business for a significant profit.
A peek into Philip's current venture in commercial real estate, specifically self-storage development, and the data-driven arbitrage opportunity he discovered in the Texas market.

Guest – Philip Panopoulos

INSTAGRAM: /@popanop09

Host – Alex Thiakos

INSTAGRAM: /alexthiakos

Members Room

INSTAGRAM: /membersroom

TIKTOK: /membersroom

The Inspiring Story Behind Brothers Nuts: Caleb Majors on Entrepreneurship & Family Business

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 12:00:00 -0500

In 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 in a family kitchen

- How Caleb’s father’s journey with cancer influenced the brand’s mission

- Why sprouting makes nuts healthier, easier to digest, and better tasting

- The challenges of getting into major retailers and scaling nationwide

- Lessons on legacy, entrepreneurship, and ignoring outside doubt

The Members Room is a space for founders, creators, and business owners to share their journey — hosted by Alex Thiakos. Subscribe for more real conversations with people making it happen.

Guest – Brothers Nuts

INSTAGRAM: /brothersnuts

Guest – Caleb Majors

INSTAGRAM: /caleb.majors

LINKEDIN: linkedin.com/in/calebmajors

Host – Alex Thiakos

INSTAGRAM: /alexthiakos

Members Room

INSTAGRAM: /membersroom

TIKTOK: /membersroom

Consistency, Content & Coaching: The SalaarFit Story

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 17:00:00 -0500

In 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 program, scaling an online business, or simply rethinking your own fitness and lifestyle goals, this episode offers practical insights and fresh perspective on building something sustainable.

What to expect:
Lessons from building a personal brand in the online fitness industry
How discipline, mindset, and consistency fuel long-term growth
The role of content and authenticity in connecting with clients
Turning passion for fitness into a thriving business
The Members Room is a space for founders, creators, and business owners to share their journey — hosted by Alex Thiakos. Subscribe for more real conversations with people making it happen.

Guest – Salaarfit
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/salaarfit/
TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@salaarfit?_t=ZP-8z4Kb1qX5B9&_r=1

Host – Alex Thiakos
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/alexthiakos/

Members Room
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/membersroom/
TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@membersroom

The Founder’s Guide to Growth: Lorenzo Costa on Adaptability, Creativity & Connection

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 19:00:00 -0500

In 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.

Whether you’re building your first venture, scaling an existing brand, or rethinking your next career move, this episode offers practical insights and fresh perspective on thriving through change.

What to expect:
- Lessons from helping 40+ brands grow their digital presence
- How to harness marketing, creativity, and technology for real results
- The power of adaptability in an unpredictable business landscape
- Building relationships that drive both trust and revenue

The Members Room is a space for founders, creators, and business owners to share their journey — hosted by Alex Thiakos. Subscribe for more real conversations with people making it happen.

Guest – Link Creative
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/linkcreativeco/

Guest – Link Label
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thelinklabel/

Guest – Lorenzo Costa
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/itslorenzocosta/
TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@itslorenzocosta?_t=ZT-8yUt7q6jhyX&_r=1
LINKEDIN: linkedin.com/in/lorenzo-costa-116a53155

Host – Alex Thiakos
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/alexthiakos/

Members Room
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/membersroom/
TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@membersroom

Starting Over and Scaling Fast: Parker Smith on Winning in Home Services

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 17:00:00 -0500

In 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 hustle, or just figuring out your next chapter, this episode is packed with raw lessons and real strategy.

What to expect:

The moment Parker decided to give it one more shot — and how it paid off
What it really takes to grow a 7-figure cleaning business
Sales, systems, and scaling across 30+ U.S. locations
The mindset shift that changed everything
Shifting your mindset to see the value in overlooked industries

The Members Room is a space for founders, creators, and business owners to share their journey — hosted by Alex Thiakos. Subscribe for more real conversations with people making it happen.

Guest – Parker Jay Smith Show
INSTAGRAM: / parkerjaysmithshow

Guest – Parker Smith
INSTAGRAM: / parkerjaysmith

Host – Alex Thiakos
INSTAGRAM: / alexthiakos

Members Room
INSTAGRAM: / membersroom
TIKTOK: / membersroom

Knocking Doors and Winning Claims: Inside the Roofing Business with Jake Pileggi

Sun, 06 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0500

In 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 expect:

How Jake got started in roofing and public adjusting
The realities of storm restoration and insurance claims
Strategies for finding and serving customers in a crowded market
Why answering the phone is still one of the most powerful business practices

The Members Room is a space for founders, creators, and business owners to share their journey—hosted by Alex Thiakos. Subscribe for more real conversations with people making it happen.

The Power of Trust & Strategy in Real Estate | JT Acquisitions

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 17:00:00 -0500

Welcome to Members Room – hosted by Alex Thiakos

In 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 episode offers an inside look at the mindset, strategy, and values behind JT Acquisitions.

What to expect:

How Tedi and Jaynish got their start in real estate investment
The process they use to find, finance, and manage multifamily properties
How they build and maintain trust with their investors
The mindset it takes to grow a values-driven business

Members Room is a space for founders, creators, and business owners to share their journey—hosted by Alex Thiakos. Subscribe for more real conversations with people making it happen.

From T-Shirts to Bowling Alleys: Building A Business from the Ground Up

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 18:00:00 -0500

Welcome 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 to expect:

How Yanni started his first business
The biggest challenges he’s faced (and how he overcame them)
Advice for young entrepreneurs chasing their goals
The mindset it takes to build something that lasts

Members Room is a space for founders, creators, and business owners to share their journey—hosted by Alex Thiakos. Subscribe for more real conversations with people making it happen.

Childhood Friends. One Idea. Zero Guarantees — How They Built Breaking & Entering Media

Wed, 21 May 2025 14:00:00 -0500

Welcome 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 agencies a unique, behind-the-scenes platform to share their stories.

Now based in New York City, Jack and Geno produce content across multiple platforms daily, building a loyal and engaged audience with their authentic, energetic approach.

We're excited to bring you their unfiltered story—one of passion, persistence, and creative evolution.

Follow along and join the community:

HOST: @membersroom @alexthiakos

GUESTS: @breakingandenteringmedia @kampwesterjack @geno_schellenberger