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 Sam Tooley
Sam Tooley is a dedicated fitness entrepreneur and coach from Westfield, New Jersey. In 2017, he returned to his hometown to pursue his passion for coaching, starting with local cross country and track teams. This quickly evolved into an online coaching service where he trained endurance athletes globally. In 2018, Sam launched his first brick-and-mortar gym, The Garage Gym, which grew from a semi-private model into a 24/7 members-only fitness hub. In 2019, he founded Alpha Fit Club, a boutique group fitness concept offering circuit-style strength and conditioning classes designed to foster community and empowerment. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Alpha Fit Club has expanded to over a dozen locations across New Jersey, with plans to build a national brand and the world’s most robust fitness community.
Reference Links:
Sam Tooley’s Social Media
Alpha Fit Club
The Garage Gym
Episode Highlights:
Ever wondered how people turn their darkest moments into their greatest triumphs? In today’s episode of Business Unchained, we sit down with Sam Tooley, co-founder and CEO of Alpha Fit Club, to explore his remarkable journey—from launching his first fitness studio to selling 20 franchises before opening the doors of the first one! Sam’s story isn’t just about business triumph; it’s also about overcoming personal struggles and finding one’s true path.
[06:55] “College was the catalyst of me recognizing that I probably wasn’t meant to sit in a room and follow a script or a playbook, but rather go make my own.” – Sam Tooley
[09:05] “‘I used the track as my punching bag. My coach, with his military background, pulled me aside once and said, ‘You’re the angriest runner I’ve ever seen.’ I get emotional replaying that because it was a reflection of all the frustration I carried.” – Sam Tooley
Sam opens up about his battle with addiction, grief, and the challenges he faced within his family, sharing how fitness became both his outlet and his salvation. Through his passion for coaching and his resilience, Sam found purpose and healing, which ultimately led him to create the Alpha Fit Club.
[06:32] “Even when I was like a junior in college, I would go sweep the floors at a dump at four in the morning just to make $30 so that I had money to go out at night.” – Sam Tooley
[15:47] “I was great at leading others, but I struggled to lead myself. It wasn’t authentic. When you finally start walking the walk, everything shifts.” – Sam Tooley
Sam pushed forward despite the hurdles, including launching Alpha Fit Club right before the pandemic. He innovated by organizing outdoor workouts, keeping the community engaged when it mattered most, and showcasing his commitment to connection during isolation.
[23:31] “My dad took too much of the medication they prescribed, which caused brain swelling and ultimately shut down his ability to breathe. It completely turned my world upside down.” – Sam Tooley
Sam also reflects on the importance of therapy in his personal growth. Initially, he threw himself into work and training, avoiding deeper emotional issues. But as he began to confront his pain head-on, he found the strength to heal truly.
[36:32] “At that moment, I finally gave myself permission to live my life. When you’re operating out of anger and frustration, you’re not truly living—you’re just going through the motions.” – Sam Tooley
[48:08] “Right before opening one franchise, we sold 20. So we sold out the state of New Jersey for the most part in all of the markets that we wanted to, to members, coaches, you name it.” – Sam Tooley
Sam’s story is a powerful testament to the strength of resilience, the importance of community, and the transformative nature of personal growth. His journey from addiction and loss to building a thriving fitness franchise offers invaluable lessons for both entrepreneurs and individuals. By facing challenges, seeking help, and fostering connection, we can navigate adversity and find success on the other side.
