I’m An Artist, Not A Salesman Podcast

A powerful and transparent podcast that showcases the journey of entrepreneurs and creatives, offering insight and motivation to aspiring individuals. Through candid conversations and real-world advice, listeners gain practical tips on building a brand, pricing their work, and mastering social media—all while staying true to their artistic vision. We are all artists in our own right, and this show reminds you that your artistry should be displayed for the world to see. Tune in for inspiration to help both your art and career thrive.

I’m An Artist, Not A Salesman Podcast is a business podcast hosted by Luis Guzman, with 66 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Luis Guzman hosts I’m An Artist, Not A Salesman Podcast, a business show with 66 episodes published.

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  I’m An Artist, Not A Salesman Podcast

  Building a Sports Media Career Through Hustle, Mentors, and Relationships Today – Nithin Ramachandra

  Sep 22, 20261h 8m

  What happens when you combine a love for sports, relentless hustle, networking, and the willingness to hear “no” and keep going? You get a career built around relationships, persistence, and creating opportunities. On this episode of I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman, Luis Guzman sits down with Nithin Ramachandra, the entrepreneur, sports media personality, talent agent, podcaster, and connector behind Nithin Sports, Rush, and N.R. Media. Nithin’s career didn’t follow a straight path. He originally pursued law enforcement and spent three weeks in a correctional officer academy before realizing it wasn’t the right fit. That experience pushed him toward his other passion: sports. He went back to school, studied sports communications, PR, and marketing, and started building a career in the sports industry. Then COVID hit, and Nithin saw an opportunity. With sports shut down, he started a small show on Instagram Live. What began as a hobby started growing. He invited reporters and players onto the show, built a team, moved the content to podcast platforms, and kept pushing through the difficult second year. By year three, his work led to a feature on News 12 New Jersey after he reached out with a cold email. A huge part of this conversation is networking. Nithin talks about meeting people, building genuine relationships, following up, helping others, and understanding that one connection can lead to another. He has nine mentors and shares how relationships with people such as Leonard Marshall and Lee Steinberg helped shape his path in sports media and the agency business. Nithin also gets real about rejection. His story involving Vince Young shows how a “no” does not always mean the door is permanently closed. After an earlier rejection, a mutual connection spoke highly of Nithin, leading to a reconnection and new conversations about working together. It’s a great example of why persistence and relationships matter. Throughout the episode, Luis and Nithin talk about what it takes to build a career when there isn't a perfect roadmap. From sports media and talent representation to podcasting, events, networking, and personal branding, Nithin has built his career by putting himself out there and continuing to create opportunities. Topics covered in this episode: Networking and building genuine relationships Persistence and handling rejection Finding and learning from mentors Building a career in sports media Growing a podcast and social media platform Entrepreneurship in sports and entertainment Talent representation and athlete relationships Personal branding and making connections Building your own legacy Turning opportunities into long-term relationships The conversation also gets personal when Nithin talks about his parents and the influence they have had on his life. He credits his family for helping shape his work ethic and becoming the person he is today. Later, he opens up emotionally about his mother's sacrifices and the difficult period his family experienced when he was younger. At its core, this episode is about hustle, relationships, family, and staying true to your path. Nithin’s story shows that careers can change direction, opportunities can come from unexpected places, and sometimes the most important thing you can do is simply keep showing up. Listen to the full episode of I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman and connect with the podcast for more conversations with people who are building careers on their own terms. Subscribe to I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Follow the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for clips, new episodes, and conversations. Have a story, guest suggestion, or topic you'd like Luis to cover? Reach out through the podcast's social channels and join the conversation. I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman is about giving a voice to people who hustle, create, take risks, and keep going without losing sight of why they started.

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  I’m An Artist, Not A Salesman Podcast

  Control the Controllable: Mayor Raymond Giacobbe on Leadership, Resilience, and Serving Rahway Today

  Sep 15, 20261h 42m

  In this episode of I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman , Luis Guzman sits down with returning guest Mayor Raymond Giacobbe of Rahway, New Jersey for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, pressure, family, community, creativity, resilience, and building a city with purpose . Since his last appearance, Luis has watched Rahway continue to grow, and this conversation takes a look at what is happening behind that growth. Mayor Giacobbe is quick to give credit to his council, staff, directors, and the people around him. For him, leadership isn't about taking all the credit. It's about building a strong team, listening to different opinions, earning buy-in, and making decisions that serve the residents of Rahway. One of the biggest lessons in the conversation is “control the controllable.” Giacobbe talks about dealing with the pressure that comes with being mayor, a husband, and a father by focusing on what is directly in front of him instead of getting overwhelmed by everything that could happen tomorrow. One step, one priority, one day at a time. Preparation is another major theme. Giacobbe explains why being prepared gives you a better chance to succeed, while Luis connects that idea to one of his favorite athletes, Derek Jeter . When you're prepared, the game slows down. That lesson applies whether you're leading a city, running a business, creating art, or trying to build a career. The conversation gets personal when Giacobbe talks about his family, the loss of his daughter Anabella , and the His Bella Kind Foundation , which has helped turn grief into positive work supporting young women in Rahway. The episode shows the person behind the title and the experiences that have shaped the way he leads. A major part of the episode focuses on arts and culture in Rahway . Giacobbe explains why supporting artists isn't just about entertainment. The arts bring people together, create access for young artists, attract visitors, and help local businesses by bringing people into the city. Rahway's growing arts district is a major part of that vision. Some of the projects and topics discussed include: Rahway's arts district , including the UC PAC, Hamilton Stage, and local art galleries. The planned outdoor amphitheater , river walk, open fields, and rain gardens. Public art , including murals, the MLK Park renovation, Veterans Park, and the Harriet Tubman statue. Support for local businesses , redevelopment, and creating more daytime foot traffic downtown. The importance of community inclusion , making residents feel seen, heard, and respected. How preparation, reflection, accountability, and learning from mistakes can make you a better leader. The conversation gets into small business, economic development, redevelopment, public safety, politics, diversity, LGBTQ+ inclusion, antisemitism, and community responsibility . Giacobbe explains why transparency matters and why leaders need to communicate the “why” behind their decisions. For him, earning the trust of residents means being honest, accountable, and willing to explain the choices being made. Luis and Giacobbe also talk about his vision for Rahway's next chapter. His “North Star” is creating more daytime foot traffic so residents and visitors support local businesses while bringing more industry and jobs into the city. The goal is a stronger local economy where businesses, residents, artists, and the community all benefit. At the heart of this episode is a simple idea: leadership is about people . Giacobbe talks about being born and raised in Rahway and wanting to leave the city better for the next generation. He wants residents to feel proud of where they live and confident that their voices matter. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman , follow the podcast, and share it with an artist, entrepreneur, business owner, or community leader who could get something from the conversation.

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  I’m An Artist, Not A Salesman Podcast

  Dupré Kelly on Tupac, Lords of the Underground, Newark & the Journey to Becoming a Community Leader

  Sep 8, 20261h 37m

  In this episode, we sit down with Newark hometown hero Dupre Kelly and author Kyrie Williams for a powerful conversation about music, family, community, perseverance, and the journey behind everything Dupre has become.Best known as one-third of platinum-selling hip-hop group Lords of the Underground, Dupre has built a life that extends far beyond music. From Newark to community work and children’s literature, his story is one of growth, resilience, and giving back.His work in Newark is also a major part of the discussion, including his efforts through 211 Community Impact and his commitment to serving families and strengthening the community. The conversation explores what it means to keep moving forward when life does not go according to plan, why the journey can be just as important as the destination, and how experiences from earlier in life can shape the person you become.The conversation takes a deeply personal turn as Dupré discusses the loss of a close friend and the promise they made to look after each other’s children. After his friend passed away, leaving behind a young daughter, Dupré helped raise her as his own. He speaks about seeing his friend in her, the memories they shared, and the people who became a second family. These reflections provide an honest look at loyalty, family, grief, and responsibility.Dupré and Khairi also discuss their children’s book, You Can Do It All, which was inspired by Dupré’s journey of failing, succeeding, getting back up, and refusing to give up. The book reminds both children and parents that it is never too late to get back up and pursue a goal. Its message connects directly to the larger themes of the episode: perseverance, self-belief, growth, and the importance of continuing to move forward.Khairi explains why he believes Dupré’s story deserves to be shared on an even larger scale. While Lords of the Underground is an important part of his legacy, there is a much bigger story involving personal experiences, setbacks, relationships, family, community, and the lessons learned along the way. The idea of a memoir becomes part of the conversation and raises the question of how many more stories from Dupré’s life could inspire others.In this episode, expect:• Dupré Kelly’s journey from Newark to platinum-selling hip-hop artist and community leader• An unforgettable Tupac Shakur story from the 1992 tour• Honest reflections on success, failure, growth, and perseverance• The story behind You Can Do It All and its message for children and parents• A moving conversation about family, friendship, loss, and loyalty• A look at Newark, the West Ward, and community impact• Why a Dupré Kelly memoir could be so importantThis is a conversation about more than a career. It is about taking the experiences life gives you and turning them into something that can help other people. Dupré’s story connects music and community, ambition and responsibility, personal loss and purpose, while Kyrie brings another perspective on why those experiences matter and how they can be shared with the next generation.Whether you know Dupré from Lords of the Underground or his work in Newark, this episode offers a closer look at the person behind the accomplishments.Thank you for listening and supporting the podcast. If you enjoyed this episode with Dupré Kelly and Khairi Williams, share it with someone who would appreciate their story, leave a review, and follow the podcast so you do not miss future episodes.Tell us your favorite moment from the conversation and which story, guest, or topic you would like the hosts to explore next. Your comments, questions, and support help shape the show and keep these conversations going.

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  I’m An Artist, Not A Salesman Podcast

  The Real Business of Restaurants: Jamie Knott on Pressure, Purpose, Sobriety, and Staying Hungry

  Aug 25, 20261h 42m

  In this episode of I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman, Luis Guzman sits down with chef, restaurateur, entrepreneur, and hospitality personality Jamie Knott for a raw conversation about building a career, building a brand, facing personal struggles, and continuing to move forward when life gets complicated. Jamie Knott started working in restaurants at just 13 years old as a busboy. What began as a first job quickly became a passion for the energy, pressure, creativity, and camaraderie of the kitchen. After graduating from the New York Restaurant School and working under chefs including Clifford Crooks, Jamie went on to become an executive chef and eventually a restaurant owner. From the Saddle River Inn to Cellar 335 and Madame, Jamie has spent decades building restaurants and learning what it really takes to survive in the hospitality business. He gets real about the rising costs of food and labor, the pressure of keeping restaurants open, taking financial risks, and why success rarely happens overnight. This conversation goes far beyond food and restaurants. Jamie opens up about sobriety, addiction, childhood experiences, self-doubt, fatherhood, and the pressure that comes with being responsible for businesses, employees, and family. He shares his experience staying sober for 14 years, returning to drinking, and learning that recovery is not always a straight line. Jamie also explains how cooking became a way to focus his energy and deal with challenges in his life. For him, the kitchen was more than a career. It became a place where he could completely immerse himself in the work, stay focused, and turn difficult experiences into something productive. Luis and Jamie also talk about entrepreneurship, social media, and personal branding. Jamie explains how putting his personality on camera has helped grow his restaurants and why people want to connect with the person behind the business. His restaurant videos have reached hundreds of thousands of views, proving that in today's world, the person telling the story can be just as important as the product. A major theme throughout the episode is hospitality and human connection. Jamie believes restaurants are about much more than food. They are about making people feel welcome, appreciated, and taken care of. He shares why his approach with customers and staff is simple: if he can do something for a guest, the answer should be yes. Topics covered in this episode: Jamie Knott's journey from busboy to chef and restaurant owner The reality of running restaurants in today's economy Building the Saddle River Inn, Cellar 335, and Madame Sobriety, addiction, relapse, and recovery Childhood experiences and turning adversity into motivation Fatherhood, financial freedom, and responsibility Social media and building a personal brand Imposter syndrome and the pressure to succeed Hospitality, customer service, and creating memorable experiences Jamie's work with Table to Table and giving back to the community Why staying in motion can help you overcome difficult periods Jamie shares a philosophy that runs through the entire conversation: keep moving forward. There is no perfect balance, no finish line, and no point where everything suddenly becomes easy. You keep learning, keep working, keep creating, and keep finding ways to turn challenges into momentum. Luis and Jamie have the kind of conversation that feels less like a traditional interview and more like two friends sitting down and talking honestly about life. There are plenty of laughs, restaurant stories, business lessons, uncomfortable truths, and vulnerable moments throughout the episode. If you're a chef, artist, entrepreneur, restaurant owner, creative, or business owner trying to build something without losing yourself along the way, this episode is packed with lessons about resilience, authenticity, personal growth, and the realities behind success. Follow I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman and join the conversation.

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  I’m An Artist, Not A Salesman Podcast

  Steve Ruiz on Betting on Yourself, Puerto Rican Food, Family, and Building a Business That Lasts

  Aug 11, 20261h 48m

  What happens when you spend 27 years building a career in healthcare , then decide to bet on yourself and build something of your own? For Steve Ruiz , it meant leaving the comfort of a long career, trusting his instincts, and turning a passion for Puerto Rican food into a growing family business. On this episode of I'm An Artist, Not A Salesman , host Luis Guzman sits down with Steve Ruiz, co-owner of Mama D's Empanadas , to talk about entrepreneurship, Puerto Rican culture, family, risk, resilience, and what it really takes to build a business from the ground up. Steve's journey is anything but predictable. Growing up in Bushwick, Brooklyn , he dreamed of playing professional baseball and even had an opportunity to try out with the Minnesota Twins. After suffering a serious knee injury and experiencing a heart attack at just 18 years old, his path took a completely different direction. He eventually found his way into the medical field, where he spent 27 years working at Hospital for Special Surgery. But while Steve had a stable career, he and his wife, Diana, were building something on the side. What started as a food truck grew over six or seven years, introducing customers throughout New Jersey to authentic Puerto Rican empanadas and cuisine. Eventually, people kept asking the same question: Where can we get your food all the time? That question helped push Steve and his family toward opening Mama D's Empanadas , a brick-and-mortar restaurant in New Jersey. Making that leap wasn't easy. Leaving a 27-year career meant giving up security, taking on risk, learning an entirely new industry, and figuring out how to run everything from food preparation to equipment repairs and customer service. Steve explains why he believes failing is easier than succeeding . Failure can teach you what went wrong and give you another chance to improve. Success brings a different challenge: figuring out how to repeat it and keep moving forward. That mindset has helped Steve approach entrepreneurship with patience, accountability, consistency, and a willingness to learn. A major part of the conversation is the importance of Puerto Rican culture and storytelling through food . Steve isn't simply selling empanadas. He's sharing the food, traditions, memories, and family stories behind them. Mama D's is designed to make people feel at home, whether they're Puerto Rican, Latino, or someone experiencing Puerto Rican cuisine for the first time. Puerto Rican food and culture as a foundation for building a business Leaving a 27-year healthcare career to pursue entrepreneurship Growing from a food truck into a brick-and-mortar restaurant Why consistency and quality matter more than gimmicks Learning from customers and constantly developing new empanada flavors The importance of research before taking a major financial risk Why Steve chose to buy the building instead of simply signing a commercial lease Building a business that can become part of the family's long-term legacy The conversation also gets personal. Steve talks openly about fatherhood, raising his children, and the lessons he shared with his daughter before she entered the U.S. Space Force . His daughter went on to become a cybersecurity expert working with satellites, while his son built his own career in Connecticut. Steve's approach is simple: give your children the tools and guidance they need, but don't force them into the family business. Let them create their own path. Listen to IAANAS Podcast: I'm An Artist, Not A Salesman , hosted by Luis Guzman , for real conversations about creativity, business, culture, personal growth, and the messy road to building a life on your own terms.

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