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 Maria Falzo
Maria Falzo is a PR and events expert, entrepreneur, and founder of The Hip Event, a boutique agency specializing in luxury brand experiences, high-profile events, and strategic marketing. With a career rooted in retail marketing and public relations, Maria has worked with top-tier brands such as Neiman Marcus, Hugo Boss, and luxury real estate firms, connecting high-net-worth individuals with meaningful brand experiences.
Her expertise lies in crafting high-impact events, from black-tie galas to intimate brand activations, always ensuring that clients receive an ROI-driven approach. Maria's entrepreneurial journey has allowed her to balance her professional success with her role as a devoted mother, shaping a business that fits her lifestyle.
Reference Links:
The Hip Event Social Media
Maria Falzo Social Media
Episode Highlights:
What makes an event truly unforgettable? Is it the grand venue, the meticulous details, or the emotions it evokes? In a world where luxury events are becoming more extravagant, what does it take to create magic behind the scenes?
In this episode of Business Unchained, host Bobby Mascia sits down with Maria Falzo, a top event planner specializing in high-net-worth clientele, to discuss her journey from the corporate world to launching her own agency.
(29:04) ”People will spend more money on personal events than they will on corporate events. It's that emotional connection”— Maria Falzo
The conversation also explores the challenges that come with planning high-profile events, including last-minute changes, difficult clients, and the pressure to deliver perfection. Maria explains how she stays grounded and maintains balance between her demanding career and personal life.
(04:15) ”I think a lot of people have a hard time dealing with high-net-worth individuals, and I think for myself, it took me a few years of just seeing a lot of zeros and a lot of digits before numbers just really didn’t matter to me anymore.” — Maria Falzo
At its core, Maria’s story is about passion, resilience, and the ability to turn a vision into reality. Whether you're planning your own wedding, hosting a corporate event, or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration. Let’s dive in!
In this episode:
About Jahaan Ansari
Jahaan Ansari is the co-founder and CTO of Gainful, a company that personalizes nutrition to help people reach their fitness goals. Jahaan studied chemical engineering and computer science at UC Berkeley, where he co-founded Gainful as a college senior with his high school friend Eric Wu. With a passion for health and wellness, Jahaan integrates his technical expertise with innovative fitness solutions, focusing on personalization and science-backed strategies.
In addition to his work at Gainful, Jahaan advocates for mental and physical well-being. He shares his favorite tools and practices, such as personalized workout apps, group fitness classes, cold plunging, and mindfulness techniques, to inspire others to lead healthier lives.
Reference Links:
Jahaan Ansari Social Media
Episode Highlights:
What does turning a dorm room idea into a nationwide success story take? How do you balance bold ambition with the wisdom to say “no” to distractions? And what role does trust—between co-founders, experts, and customers—play in building a brand that lasts?
In the latest episode of “Business Unchained,” host Bobby Mascia sits down with Jahaan Ansari, the co-founder of Gainful, a personalized nutrition brand. Jahaan shares the journey of Gainful from its inception in a college dorm to partnering with major retailers like Target. The discussion covers the challenges and successes faced by the founders, the importance of solid partnerships, and the evolution of the business. The co-founder emphasizes the significance of scientific backing, the scrappy early days, and the critical skill of saying no. The episode also touches on the operational transition as the company scaled and the importance of building a talented, trustworthy team.
(13:49) I remember my friend saying, “You know what’s going to be really funny is when you look back, and you have a billion-dollar company, and you look back at this moment,” and I kind of got goosebumps just talking about that.”- Jahaan Ansari
Gainful’s journey began in a college dorm kitchen, where the co-founders, Jahaan and Eric Ji Sun Wu, handmade the first 50 orders. Despite the lack of FDA compliance in those early days, their determination to create a scientifically-backed product was unwavering. They hired a dietitian from the outset to ensure the nutritional value of their products, providing customers with peace of mind.
(21:00) “I’m so lucky to be working on a business that I’m passionate about, and Gainful is absolutely my baby. It will always be my baby and always be Eric’s baby.”- Jahaan Ansari
As Gainful grew, Jahaan learned the critical skill of saying no. He advises aspiring entrepreneurs that trying to do everything can lead to failure. This lesson was vital in maintaining focus and ensuring the company’s success.
(24:07)”I spent most of my 20s working on Gainful, and it felt like the perfect opportunity to step away and really focus on something else very important to me: finding that partner and someone to enjoy the rest of my life with.”- Jahaan Ansari
A pivotal moment in Gainful’s journey was its partnership with Target, which allowed it to become the first nutrition brand to offer a personalized experience in retail. This opportunity was not a pitch from Gainful but rather an invitation from Target, which recognized the British potential to innovate the supplement aisle.
This episode provides a rich exploration of the entrepreneurial experience, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, which recognizes strategic decision-making in the pursuit of success. Following Jahaan’s insights and actionable advice allows aspiring entrepreneurs to navigate their journeys with greater confidence and clarity.
