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:
Michael W. Gray
Michael W. Gray is an accomplished film producer, writer, and director under his Relentless Filmz banner. He burst onto the scene with the acclaimed mixed martial arts documentary FIGHTVILLE, which premiered at the 2011 SXSW Film Festival and gained worldwide distribution, including a celebrated SHOWTIME deal. Following this, Michael produced A Birder’s Guide to Everything (2013), starring Sir Ben Kingsley, and numerous other critically acclaimed films like Jamie Marks Is Dead (Liv Tyler / Sundance 2014) and What Breaks the Ice (Madelyn Cline / Global Release 2021).
Known for his passion for telling meaningful but marketable stories, Michael has an eye for talent, and a track record of major festival favorites turned global successes. Beyond filmmaking, he enjoys movies & music, wrestling & Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and time with his family. Michael’s journey reflects a relentless pursuit of creativity and connection.
Reference Links:
Michael Gray Social Media
Episode Highlights:
Imagine walking away from the stability of a corporate job, the comfort of a predictable paycheck, and the well-worn path society expects you to follow. You take the leap into the unknown to chase a vision that’s uniquely yours. Now picture this: even if it doesn’t work out, you’re unshaken, knowing your skills and confidence will land you back on your feet. That’s not just risk-taking; it’s the essence of what defines real entrepreneurs.
In the latest episode of Business Unchained, host Bobby Mascia chats with Michael Gray about his unique journey from reality TV contestant to entrepreneurship. Michael opens up about his early days on MTV’s Remote Control and how that experience led to opportunities in entertainment. He also shares his transition to the business world, including how a creative poem helped him land important meetings. The conversation delves into Michael’s movie career, from the early success of Fightville to his latest project, American Summer.
(12:06) “I do not want to be this middle manager guy ten years from now. Forget it. I’m going to open my own company. If it fails, I know tons of people. I’m very capable. Someone will hire me back to do something. And if it works, it works.”-Michael Gray
Michael’s path began in college when he appeared on MTV’s Remote Control, which sparked a series of career opportunities, including an audition for CNBC. He reflects on the camaraderie of college life, the challenges of stand-up comedy, and his early career in public relations, where he learned the power of networking and relationship-building.
(23:26) “I am never fearful of who I need to talk to. I will go and make that happen. I mean, I’ve talked to film studio heads. They’re like, ‘How did you get this meeting?.”- Michael Gray
At a key turning point, Michael realized he didn’t want to stay in a corporate job. With emotional support from his then-girlfriend, he started his own marketing and sales promotion agency, driven by the freedom of entrepreneurship and the confidence that he could always find work if it didn’t succeed.
One of Michael’s standout traits is his creative problem-solving. For example, in 1993 he mailed a poem to Barbara Breivik at McCarter & English, which led to a pitch meeting and subsequent successful business relationship. He attributes his relentless drive to his mother, a career educator who had the innate gift of persuasion.
(16:47) “I wrote a poem, and I mailed it in a letter to Barbara Breivik. And Barbara called, she goes, ‘All right, I got your poem in the mail. You deserve to have a meeting here.”- Michael Gray
As years went by, Michael was inspired by Michael Ovitz, the founder of CAA, one of Hollywood’s powerhouse talent agencies. Michael explored investments in startups and media, including ventures in water scarcity and anti-terrorism efforts post-9/11. Ultimately his filmmaking career took off with Fightville, a documentary about young fighters from Louisiana who were trying to become UFC fighters, which premiered at South by Southwest. After that, he shifted to scripted films, producing A Birders Guide to Everything, which premiered at Tribeca and earned international acclaim and a slew of other hits.
(01:01:20)”We retained full ownership of the intellectual property because I wanted to retain it all for control, creative control, and financial control.”- Michael Gray
Michael’s current focus is American Summer, a family film with a nostalgic, humorous twist. Despite challenges like the pandemic and industry strikes, the film has secured major actors and corporate sponsorship from Dunkin’ Donuts. The project is moving forward with a solid financial structure and strategic casting.
This episode offers valuable insights for filmmakers and entrepreneurs. It emphasizes the importance of authenticity, balance, and creative drive in business and life. Michael’s story reminds us that success comes from persistence, passion, and staying true to one’s vision.
