Calling all small business warriors who feel chained to their business! Do you run your business or does your business run you? You’ve poured your blood, sweat and tears into it and it is time to set yourself free. I’m Bobby Mascia – owner of a wealth management firm, family office, manufacturing business, 18 store Dunkin Franchise, and de facto business coach. My goal? To liberate your business— whether it be operationally, prep for a sale, a legacy handover, or self-management. The roadmap to this freedom is something we will uncover together in Business Unchained.” Join me as I learn about fellow entrepreneurs, dissecting their past, present, and future.
About Michael Fischer
J. Michael Fischer Jr. is a financial strategist and investment banker with a passion for helping business owners navigate growth, acquisition, and exit strategies. His journey is anything but traditional—starting as a college dropout pursuing a rock-and-roll dream, he worked as a janitor, a plumber, and a bank teller before climbing his way up to leadership roles in finance. Through personal challenges, career pivots, and a transformative approach to self-improvement, Fischer has developed a methodology that integrates mindset, physical fitness, and financial acumen.
Outside of work, Michael is dedicated to personal development, fitness, and helping others reach their potential. His philosophy centers around resilience, discipline, and strategic decision-making to optimize both business and personal success.
Reference Links:
Mike Fischer Social Media
Episode Highlights:
Like it or not, having a meaningful life starts with discipline, self-awareness, and the courage to evolve. In this episode of Business Unchained, host Bobby Mascia sits down with J. Michael Fischer Jr. to discuss his remarkable path from playing in a rock band to becoming an investment banker.
Michael shares how his early career was shaped by trial and error, a willingness to work from the ground up, and a powerful mindset shift following the sudden loss of his father.
[06:34] ”That Monday morning, my mom screamed for me at 5:00 in the morning. My dad was dying in his bed, and we tried to resuscitate him, but we lost him. It was the biggest mindset shift for me in my life.” — J. Michael Fischer Jr.
Michael shares his transformative journey, focusing on health, mindset, and routines. He details his morning rituals, emphasizing gratitude inspired by ”Conversations with God,” and his commitment to continuous self-improvement. Mike discusses his structured health program, stressing personal responsibility and long-term lifestyle changes.
[24:47] ”Teach me the rules of the game. Give me a few minutes to learn them, and I’ll win the game.” — J. Michael Fischer Jr.
At its core, Michael’s story is about perseverance, adaptability, and the belief that success isn’t just about financial wealth—it’s about vitality, confidence, and leading a meaningful life.
Join us as we uncover the lessons from Michael’s journey and learn how to elevate every aspect of life, from career to health to mindset. Let’s dive in!
In this episode:
About Joey Cioffi
Joey Cioffi is the founder and CEO of Salad House, a fast-casual health-focused franchise brand known for its fresh chopped salads, made to order proteins and its Create-Your-Own salad option. Coming from a family rooted in the restaurant industry, Joey expanded beyond the traditional deli business into fast-casual dining. Through perseverance, calculated risk-taking, and relentless drive, he transformed Salad House into a scalable franchise. His journey—from working in his family’s deli to overcoming financial hardships—demonstrates resilience and vision for national expansion.
Outside of work, Joey values family, faith, and fostering a team culture that promotes growth and opportunity. His leadership combines business acumen with heart, creating a company where employees can build meaningful careers.
Reference Links:
Joey Cioffi’s Social Media
Salad House Social Media
Episode Highlights:
Building a business from the ground up is never easy, and Joey Cioffi knows that better than most. In this episode of Business Unchained, we sit down with the founder of Salad House to talk about the realities of entrepreneurship, the complexities of running a family business, and the bold risks required to turn a vision into reality.
Joey shares how his immigrant parents’ relentless work ethic shaped his entrepreneurial spirit and his early career in finance—a path that never truly felt like home. Then came the turning point: a seemingly ordinary red light where inspiration struck, setting him on a course to create Salad House.
[03:35] “My passion, my driver, is always thinking about my parents coming over here at 18 years old, 11 days at sea, not knowing the language, coming here thinking the streets are paved with gold, and New York is not paved with gold.”—Joey Cioffi
[05:27] “At 2am. . .my father would get the phone call, go downstairs, make the pie, get in his car, and deliver it. Oh my God, that was the mindset. He was just so hungry for success.”—Joey Cioffi
Success didn’t come overnight. Joey details the emotional, financial, and strategic challenges of scaling his brand—facing near financial collapse, learning when to pivot, and navigating the struggles of expansion.
[24:37] “I was failing my family and my kids, and I loved them with every ounce of my being. I wanted to set the bar of a lifestyle and providing, and never ever get below that.”—Joey Cioffi
Joey has always ensured that success never comes at the cost of his loved ones. He’s also learned the hard way that not every idea is meant to succeed—and that knowing when to push forward and when to walk away is a skill every entrepreneur must master.
Entrepreneurship can be isolating, and surrounding himself with the right people—and trusting his instincts—has helped Joey push through even the toughest times.
Perhaps the most rewarding lesson of all is that success isn’t just about personal achievement—it’s about creating opportunities for others. Through franchising, Joey has helped aspiring entrepreneurs build something of their own, turning Salad House into more than just a brand, but a platform for others to thrive.
[47:27] “My father always said, ‘Don’t sit under the tree waiting for the apple to fall—climb up and get it.’ That’s how I live my life.”—Joey Cioffi
At its core, Joey’s story is a testament to resilience and adaptability—the two things every entrepreneur needs to succeed. His journey proves that big dreams require big risks, but with the right mindset and determination, anything is possible. Let’s dive in!
