Imagine putting every dollar you've saved on the line for your very first business deal at just 24 years old. Could you handle that pressure? Ed Russo did, and it turned out to be the best decision he ever made.

On this episode of my podcast, I’m with Ed Russo, my good friend and CEO of Russo Development, one of New Jersey's top real estate firms. Ed shares behind-the-scenes stories packed with valuable lessons, starting with the unexpected ways childhood chores shaped his business mindset.

Ed talks about how Russo Development accidentally discovered the huge potential in data centers, a lucky twist that skyrocketed their business. He also reveals why the company chose to build apartment communities in overlooked neighborhoods, transforming them and bringing new life to these areas.
Get ready for some raw honesty as Ed walks us through a challenging project that nearly made him back down. Instead, facing his doubts head-on changed his entire approach to business and risk.

But it’s not all serious. Ed’s love for fishing and family adventures on the water highlights how keeping life fun and balanced makes success even sweeter.
Don’t miss Ed's practical, no-nonsense advice for anyone wanting to dive into real estate: focus on one thing, master it, and build step by step.

If you’re curious how big decisions get made, how people stay grounded while chasing big goals, and what it really takes to build something that lasts, this episode is worth your time.


Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to Ed Russo and Russo Development
03:03 - The Influence of Family on Work Ethic
05:49 - Early Career Decisions and Family Business Dynamics
08:53 - Lessons from Early Deals and Risk Taking
12:04 - Transitioning into Data Centers and New Opportunities
17:54 - Pivoting to Residential Development
24:09 - Building a Diverse and Skilled Team
30:01 - Challenges in Residential Development
30:21 - Building in Underserved Communities
32:42 - The Vermella Brand and Community Impact
35:40 - Overcoming Challenges in Development
38:59 - The Importance of Mentorship
46:31 - Finding Balance: Fishing and Life
50:12 - Opportunities in Real Estate for Young Professionals


Ed on Socials:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-russo-9ba77b36/

Jon on Socials:
IG: @thejonschultzpodcast
X: @JonSchultzPod
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-jon-schultz-podcast
www.jonschultz.com

What does it take to go from a small-town kid with big dreams to running a firm that’s handled over $100 billion in real estate deals? Find out as I sit down with Simon Ziff, president of Ackman-Ziff Real Estate Group.

Simon’s story isn’t just about success; it’s about the hustle, the relationships, and the decisions that shaped a career spanning decades. From mastering the art of building trust on the golf course as a kid to navigating billion-dollar real estate deals, Simon shares how he turned curiosity and persistence into a lifelong advantage.

We talk about the highs and lows—from navigating career-defining moments like moving to New York City with just a dream, to his decision to keep his firm independent while competitors sold out to corporate giants. Simon’s approach to life and work is refreshingly honest, blending old-school values with forward-thinking strategies to stay ahead in an unpredictable market.

But this episode isn’t just about business. Simon lets us in on the other sides of his life—his love for genealogy, passion for tech, designing apps to pruning trees at dawn, Simon’s zest for life is as compelling as his career.If you’re looking for inspiration, real talk, and a fresh perspective on what it means to succeed while staying true to yourself, you won’t want to miss this. Click play—you’ll walk away with more than a few lessons worth keeping.

00:00 - The Journey to Success
02:03 - Childhood Influences and Early Leadership
10:04 - Transitioning from Retail to Real Estate
19:57 - Building a Career in Real Estate
30:04 - Maintaining Ethics and Team Dynamics
37:13 - Navigating Economic Uncertainty
43:02 - Advice for Young Professionals
45:55 - Exploring Other Interests and Hobbies


Simon on Socials:
IG: @ackmanziff
X: @simonZiff_AZ or @ackmanziff
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonziff/ or https://www.linkedin.com/company/ackman-ziff/
https://www.ackmanziff.com/

 
Jon on Socials:
IG: @streetschultz
FB: Jon Schultz
X: @JonSchultz_Onyx
LinkedIn: jonschultz1
www.jonschultz.com

In this captivating episode, Leon Cooperman, a veteran in investment and philanthropy, shares the intriguing story of his professional life. From his early days at Goldman Sachs to founding Omega Advisors and later managing his wealth through a family office, Lee provides a comprehensive overview of his journey. 

Throughout the episode, Leon shares the pillars of his success, focusing on the blend of hard work, good fortune, and a keen sense of intuition. His stories not only highlight his professional milestones but also shed light on the wisdom he's gathered along the way. 

Leon opens up about his motivations behind wealth accumulation, which, interestingly, have little to do with personal gain. Instead, he finds fulfillment in using his resources to support causes close to his heart, with a special emphasis on education and healthcare.

Listeners are treated to exclusive insights into Leon’s cautious views of current economic conditions and his conservative stance on technology and innovation in investing. His stories and advice paint a picture of how strategic thinking and a commitment to higher causes can blend to create a fulfilling and influential life.

Tune in to gain a rare glimpse into the mind of one of the finance industry's most influential figures, understanding his perspective on the intertwining of success, responsibility, and the potential impact of future economic challenges.


00:00 - Introduction and Background
00:58 - Core Principles of Success
05:48 - Balancing Intuition and Data
07:14 - Influence of Parents and Upbringing
09:17 - Defining Moments and Career Changes
12:00 - Philanthropy and Giving Back
14:37 - Enjoying Making Money and Giving It Away
19:23 - Lessons for Success
26:06 - Giving Back and Philanthropy
29:07 - Concerns about the Economy
30:06 - Financial Crisis and Government Spending
32:05 - Investing Strategy and Technology
34:34 - Dealing with Setbacks in Investing
35:28 - Opinions on Bitcoin
36:28 - Personal Hobbies and Interests



Leon on Socials:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leon-cooperman-8ab35024/


Jon on Socials:
IG: @streetschultz
FB: Jon Schultz
LinkedIn: jonschultz1
www.jonschultz.com

Meet Garett Goodman, the visionary founder behind the sensational pizza brand "How Ya Dough'n."

Born out of a pandemic hobby and fueled by an unyielding entrepreneurial spirit, Garett shares the inception story of his unique pizza venture, which began with a Kickstarter-funded pizza oven and a simple yet passionate idea to create something remarkable.

Alongside his incredibly supportive wife, Gabby, in Boca Raton, they turned a simple act of making pizzas for friends and family into a thriving business that challenges conventional pizza-making with innovative recipes and a commitment to quality. From the humble beginnings in his backyard, facing challenges such as navigating business operations during a pandemic, to the cease and desist that propelled him into the commercial space, Garett's story is one of resilience and the power of community.

This episode touches on the critical transition from a home-based operation to opening brick-and-mortar locations, the hurdles of scaling up, and the pivotal moments that have defined the brand's success, including an unexpected but game-changing visit from Dave Portnoy of Barstool Sports, which skyrocketed the business's popularity overnight.

With a focus on premium ingredients, unique flavor combinations, and a sourdough base that sets his pizza apart, Garett discusses How Ya Dough'n's philosophy and vision for the future. Now expanding with multiple locations and even considering ventures into new culinary avenues, Garett's journey exemplifies the essence of entrepreneurial grit and the passion that drives the culinary world forward.

Tune in to this episode for an inspiring tale of how a simple question, "How ya doin'?" evolved into a gastronomic quest that's redefining the pizza landscape, one dough at a time. This episode is a testament to the idea that with hard work, creativity, and a bit of resilience, dreams really can come true.

00:00 - Introduction 
02:10 - Garrett's Background and Early Years
04:01 - Turning Point: From Being a 'Loser' to an 'Ass Kicker'
06:20 - Transition to the Logistics Business
16:21 - Starting How Ya Dough'n During the Pandemic
36:21 - Impact of Dave Portnoy's Review
39:31 - Future Plans and Expansion
45:29 - Conclusion

Garett Goodman Links:
https://www.howyadoughn.com/
IG: howyadoughn 

Jon on Socials:
IG: streetschultz
FB: Jon Schultz
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonschultz1/

Dive deep into the world of real estate and personal growth with the dynamic and inspiring Bess Freedman, CEO of Brown Harris Stevens.   Known for her sharp intellect, compassionate leadership, and unwavering dedication to excellence, Bess shares her remarkable journey from a young girl inspired by the power of advocacy and justice to leading one of the most prestigious real estate firms in the United States.
From her early experiences of connecting with neighbors and learning the value of love and generosity from her parents to her days as a determined lawyer fighting for justice, and eventually stepping into the world of real estate, where she found her true calling. Bess discusses the challenges and triumphs of merging companies, managing thousands of agents, and navigating the industry's complexities, especially in the face of the pandemic.
Bess shares her unique perspective on leadership, emphasizing the profound impact of interpersonal relationships in driving business success. Her story is not just about numbers and deals; it's a testament to the power of human connection, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence in the face of adversity.
Beyond her professional achievements, Bess reveals her personal side, sharing her love for Mahjong, cold plunges, and the simple joy of walking the streets of New York City. She reflects on the importance of being present, listening deeply, and the power of showing up as your true self in every aspect of life.
This episode is more than just a conversation; it's an exploration of what it means to lead with integrity, challenge the status quo, and find fulfillment in making a difference. Join us as Bess Freedman inspires, educates, and reminds us of the endless possibilities that come with embracing change, pursuing your passions, and connecting with others on a deeper level.
0:00 - Introduction 2:06 - Early Life and Influences 4:26 - Challenges and Growth 8:14 - Transition to Real Estate 12:20 - Favorite Aspects of Real Estate 17:57 - Challenges as CEO 28:29 Importance of Listening and Attention 31:08 - Hobbies and Personal Life 34:00 - Overcoming Challenges and Staying Positive

In this episode, we welcome Chris Giammo, the Executive Vice President of TD Bank Group and Head of Commercial Banking. Chris shares his remarkable journey from his humble beginnings in North Jersey, through the pivotal moments that shaped his career in banking, to his current role leading TD Bank's commercial banking ventures across the United States. Throughout the episode, Chris offers insights into his leadership philosophy, emphasizing the importance of hard work, integrity, and the ability to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success. He recounts his early years of manual labor, which instilled in him a strong work ethic and a foundation for his future achievements. Chris's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, intellectual curiosity, and the willingness to adapt and learn from every situation. Listeners will also gain an understanding of how Chris navigated through various career transitions, from significant mergers and acquisitions to spearheading TD Bank's commercial banking sector. His journey underscores the importance of authentic leadership, teamwork, and the role of technology in the evolving banking landscape. Chris also passionately discusses his involvement with TD Bank's Individual with Diverse Abilities Initiative, highlighting his commitment to diversity and inclusion within the workplace. His advocacy for recognizing and harnessing the unique talents of individuals with disabilities is a powerful reminder of the value of inclusivity in fostering a thriving and adaptive work environment. Join us for a captivating conversation with Chris Giammo, whose journey inspires those in the banking sector and anyone striving to make a meaningful impact in their professional life. This episode is a powerful reminder of the value of staying true to oneself, embracing change, and the difference one individual can make through leadership and compassion.
00:00 - Introduction and Background 1:23 - Early Life and Influences 3:23 - Role Models and Challenges 8:34 - Career Aspirations and Journey 19:06 - Transition to Commerce Bank 25:20 - Acquisition by TD Bank 32;11 - Growth and Challenges at TD Bank 44:28 Impact of Technology Trends on Banking 47:13 - TD Bank’s Individual with Diversability Initiative