Driven: Unscripted Success

What happens when discipline meets grit and direction? In this episode, Anthony Phillips, Director of Attorney Recruiting at one of the fastest-growing litigation firms in the country, joins Mike Mannino for a raw and honest conversation about the road to professional success—and how it rarely follows a straight line. From his early days in healthcare to building a career in legal recruiting, Anthony shares how stepping into discomfort, betting on yourself, and staying committed to growth can lead to major breakthroughs. He dives into how martial arts shaped his mindset, what it really means to “focus on focusing,” and why talent alone doesn’t win the fight—grit does. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up, Anthony’s story will remind you that it's never too late to build something powerful.   -------------------------------------------------------- Be a Guest: Are you a successful Naples-area business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at Driven: Unscripted Success and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you.

What does it really take to build a global business? Sarah Martin shares the raw, real, and refreshing truth about entrepreneurship — there are no shortcuts. From building a boutique destination events empire to navigating cash flow challenges, Sarah opens up about what it means to grow something meaningful, step by step. Key Takeaways: Why in-person events still matter—and how they create powerful bonds How Epic Events crafts one-of-a-kind luxury experiences with creativity and care Sarah’s top advice for entrepreneurs: be patient, expect the grind, and skip the victim mindset The biggest lessons learned from building a business through COVID, cash flow swings, and industry shifts Real talk about passive income (and why it’s never truly passive)   -------------------------------------------------------- Be a Guest: Are you a successful Naples-area business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at Driven: Unscripted Success and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you.

If you've ever had an idea and wondered how to take it from concept to action, Dillon's journey will inspire you. He walks us through the scrappy early days, grant wins, and the real R&D challenges of building something the world hasn’t seen before—recycled pickleballs. From chasing down cryogenic milling companies to managing international logistics and navigating the manufacturing realities of the U.S. vs. China, Dillon lays it all out. What you'll learn: How Dillon turned a college project into a startup with national potential The environmental impact of pickleballs—and what can be done How Bounce Back Pickleball is pioneering remanufacturing in this space The role of consistency, action-taking, and failure in entrepreneurship What happens when you mix youthful hustle with global vision -------------------------------------------------------- Be a Guest: Are you a successful Naples-area business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at Driven: Unscripted Success and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you.

Joseph Copley’s journey isn’t your typical real estate success story. After spending much of his career in insurance—covering everything from claims to litigation—Joseph pivoted to real estate investment later in life. From early experiences in mortgages to his deep roots in construction through his father, Joseph opens up about what it took to transition careers, the power of experimentation, and how important it is to learn by doing. In this candid conversation with Mike Mannino, Joseph talks about lessons from past business missteps, including launching an agency during the pandemic, and how he’s bounced back through perseverance and smart relationships. The duo also dive deep into why the Southeast is exploding with opportunity, how legacy industries like textiles are evolving into advanced manufacturing hubs, and what ROI really means when you invest wisely.   -------------------------------------------------------- Be a Guest: Are you a successful Naples-area business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at Driven: Unscripted Success and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you.

Joe Goldstein joins the show to unpack how he turned career uncertainty into a thriving IT business that now serves ENT practices across the country. From wiping viruses off PCs to becoming a sought-after speaker on AI and cybersecurity, Joe’s story is one of grit, trust, and leadership. In this powerful episode, Joe shares his journey from working as a CIO for a Fortune 500 healthcare system to launching OCSIT during the 2008 downturn. He dives into the habits that fueled his growth, how AI is reshaping healthcare, and how customer service—not tech—sets his company apart. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a tech leader, or someone navigating career uncertainty, Joe’s unscripted insights on business, leadership, and legacy will leave you inspired.   -------------------------------------------------------- Be a Guest: Are you a successful Naples-area business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at Driven: Unscripted Success and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you.

Thomas St. John didn’t start with a fund, a team, or a fancy investor pitch—he started by reading books and buying one single-family home. In this candid conversation, Thomas walks us through his journey from self-managing properties to building a syndication business that prioritizes investor trust above all. He opens up about lessons learned during the 2008 crash, the risks he took (and wouldn’t recommend), and why being conservative in underwriting has earned him long-term success. You’ll hear about his decision to focus on team growth, market exploration beyond the Midwest, and how being a girl dad drives his entrepreneurial fire. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, this episode offers relatable insights on risk, mentorship, reading habits, and doing business with integrity.   -------------------------------------------------------- Be a Guest: Are you a successful Naples-area business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at Driven: Unscripted Success and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you.

In this episode, Jason Cherry shares his unconventional path from aspiring forensic psychologist to leading IT infrastructure in healthcare. From dropping out of college to landing a pivotal internship, Jason’s story is about grit, learning from mistakes, and adapting with purpose. He talks about the culture shock of moving from urban Chicago to West Columbia, the mission-critical nature of hospital IT systems, and how staying calm during emergencies sets the tone for success. Jason also opens up about embracing AI in healthcare, leading teams with empathy, and why he believes extreme ownership is key to being an effective leader. Whether you're in tech, leadership, or just navigating your career path, this episode is packed with inspiration, practical wisdom, and a few laughs along the way.   -------------------------------------------------------- Be a Guest: Are you a successful Naples-area business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at Driven: Unscripted Success and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you.

What happens when a frustrated pet parent decides there has to be a better way to care for our furry friends? You get Maya Shaposhnik, the passionate founder behind Vetted, a mobile app that's transforming the way we approach pet health. In this episode, Maya shares how her experience as a French Bulldog mom—feeling rushed at vet visits and left with more questions than answers—inspired her to flip the script. Instead of pet parents feeling powerless and overwhelmed, Vetted puts them in charge using gamification, habit-building, and vet-designed tools like “Dr. Poop” and “Dr. Weight.” She talks about the highs, the pivots, the crashes (literally), and the grind of startup life—plus the lessons she's learning as she leads her company through a major growth phase in the U.S. market.   -------------------------------------------------------- Be a Guest: Are you a successful Naples-area business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at Driven: Unscripted Success and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you.

In this inspiring and eye-opening episode, Stanley Adwell—serial entrepreneur and founder of IntelliSteel Group—joins Nareman Hamdan to share how cold-formed steel frames are revolutionizing construction by replacing traditional lumber. Broadcasting from his Texas facility, Stanley discusses how his company uses cutting-edge technology to manufacture precision-engineered steel frames that are faster, stronger, lighter, and more affordable than wood. Stanley takes us through his journey from startup struggles and near-closure to leading the largest cold-formed steel framing company in the U.S. He shares stories of risk, resilience, and his servant-leadership approach that’s empowered employees—many from unlikely backgrounds—to become key players in a construction movement.   -------------------------------------------------------- Be a Guest: Are you a successful Naples-area business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at Driven: Unscripted Success and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you.

Josh opens up about the unexpected path that led him into business ownership, sharing how he went from civil engineering graduate to buying into the very company where he worked. He discusses the highs, the uncertainties of making payroll in the early days, and how his introverted nature shaped — and challenged — his leadership style. Listeners will hear insights into site civil engineering, the importance of being a problem solver, and how Josh leverages continuous learning to grow both professionally and personally. He also touches on financial literacy, personal growth, and his evolving role as a mentor and father.   -------------------------------------------------------- Be a Guest: Are you a successful Naples-area business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at Driven: Unscripted Success and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you.