As we head into this next run of episodes, the energy around I Hope This Helps feels stronger than ever. Every conversation, every lesson, and every behind-the-scenes moment has helped shape what this podcast has become.

I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who’s been part of this journey — from those who have listened since day one to those who discovered the show more recently. Your support, feedback, shares, and messages are what keep this moving forward and growing.Before diving into what’s next, here’s a look back at some of the guests who helped make this podcast possible.

Each of them brought their own story, perspective, and experience to the table, helping create real conversations around business, community, growth, health, and the challenges that come with building something meaningful.

With new episodes ahead, the focus remains the same: honest conversations with real people and lessons you can actually take with you. I’m excited for what’s coming next and thankful to continue this journey with all of you.

We’ll now be releasing new episodes every Wednesday at 9:00 AM.

Make sure to follow the podcast to stay up to date on everything happening And if nothing else… I hope this helps.

#podcast #ihopethishelps #tiktok #youtube #entrepreneurship #spotify #entrepreneur #newarknj

Part 2 of our conversation with Tom Birks, we get practical about what “good insurance” really looks like — because if you don’t get home and auto coverage right, it can be financially devastating. Tom explains why there’s no one-size-fits-all policy and how underwriting factors like zip code, roof age, siding, and distance to the fire department can change everything.

We also dive into the coverages most people overlook: liability and umbrella policies. Tom breaks down why umbrella coverage can be one of the smartest, most cost-effective ways to protect your income and assets, and how pushing too hard on price can lead to dangerous gaps — especially with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage that many people don’t even realize was reduced.

If you’ve ever said “just give me the cheapest,” this episode will change how you think about insurance.

If this episode raised questions about your own insurance coverage or made you realize it’s time for a review, you can reach out directly to Tom Birks at Allstate Insurance.

📞 973-420-2427📧 ⁠tombirks@allstate.com⁠

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts and YouTube — and if nothing else… I Hope This Helps.

#AutoInsurance #HomeInsurance #LiabilityCoverage#UmbrellaPolicy #InsuranceTips #Podcast #BusinessPodcast#FinancePodcast #IHopeThisHelps

In this episode of I Hope This Helps, we sit down with Tom Birks — an Allstate Insurance Agency Owner with offices in Bloomfield, NJ and the Poconos (PA) — to break down the side of insurance most people never think about until it’s too late: coverage, liability, and protecting what you’ve worked for.

Tom shares his journey from serving in the U.S. Air Force during the first Gulf War to working on Wall Street, building a career in financial services, and eventually becoming an Allstate agency owner in 2017.

Today, his agency serves clients across New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland, and he’s on a mission to help people understand that insurance isn’t about the cheapest payment — it’s about the right protection. We talk about why “full coverage” is often misunderstood, why liability coverage is the most important part of an auto policy, how an accident can put your income, home, and assets at risk, and why an umbrella policy might be one of the smartest moves you can make.

Tom also explains why so many homeowners are underinsured after inflation and rising rebuild costs, and how to think like a pro using the “wise use of premium” approach — putting your money where it matters most. If you’ve ever shopped insurance online just to find the lowest price, this episode will change the way you look at auto, home, life, and umbrella coverage — especially if you own a home, have a family, run a business, or are building wealth.

If this episode raised questions about your own insurance coverage or made you realize it’s time for a review, you can reach out directly to Tom Birks at Allstate Insurance.

📞 973-420-2427
📧 tombirks@allstate.com

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube — and if nothing else… I Hope This Helps

#AutoInsurance #HomeInsurance #LiabilityCoverage
#UmbrellaPolicy #InsuranceTips #Podcast #BusinessPodcast
#FinancePodcast #IHopeThisHelps

In this episode of I Hope This Helps, we sit down with Jack Denelsbeck, co-owner of Pet Wants South Orange (SOMA), for an honest conversation about entrepreneurship, community, and why pet nutrition matters more than most people realize.

Jack shares his journey from nonprofit work in HIV/AIDS education and corporate diversity training to building a thriving, community-focused pet nutrition business with his husband, Jonathan. Together, they’ve spent nearly a decade growing Pet Wants into a trusted local brand centered on fresh, slow-cooked dog and cat food, clean ingredients, and education—offering a thoughtful alternative to big-box pet stores and mass-produced pet food.

We dive into the realities of small business ownership, including transitioning careers, opening a brick-and-mortar store, learning when to say no, and balancing growth with personal well-being. Jack also opens up about confidence, resilience, and navigating entrepreneurship while staying deeply connected to the local South Orange and Maplewood community.

The conversation breaks down common misconceptions around pet food, what to look for on ingredient labels, and how quality nutrition impacts long-term pet health, energy, digestion, and overall wellness. Jack explains why fresh, small-batch food, clean treats, and thoughtful supplements can make a noticeable difference for both dogs and cats.

Whether you’re a pet parent, small business owner, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode delivers real-world insight, practical advice, and honest lessons learned from building something meaningful.

To find out about Pet Wants SOMA visit Jack

www.petwantssouthorange.com

www.instagram.com/petwantssoma

Subscribe to I Hope This Helps for more conversations on business, community, and life experiences that—hopefully—help.

#pets #food #podcast #business #smallbusiness #ihopethishelps #dogs #cats #newjersey

In Part 2 on I Hope This Helps, Erick sits down with Newark Firefighters Union President and serial entrepreneur Michael Giunta to unpack his journey from towing trucks and running diners to leading one of New Jersey’s largest fire departments while building multiple successful businesses and launching a powerful veterans nonprofit.

Mike opens up about Newark politics, city contracts, and union elections, and how getting transferred to the “slowest firehouse” as punishment became the moment he quietly built his empire. Mike reflects on the tragic Newark Port ship fire that took the lives of firefighters Augusto “Augie” Acabou and Wayne Brooks, explaining how that loss sparked a push for better training, equipment, and statewide legislation—including a new $3 hotel room fee projected to generate millions for firefighter training.

Mike also shares how he launched Feeding Our Heroes with support from Guy Fieri, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, Wegmans, and Acme, serving thousands of veterans and first responders across New Jersey while tackling food insecurity and expanding community resources.

Throughout the episode, he discusses leadership, hiring smarter people, balancing family and service, giving employees ownership, and building a legacy rooted in helping others rather than titles.If you care about firefighters, veterans, Newark, New Jersey, small business, or real community leadership, this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now to “I Hope This Helps with Erick Silva – Michael Giunta Part 2” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

To find out more about Mike you can follow him at:

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BuxsGDeb6/mibextid=wwXIfr

https://www.instagram.com/baywaycatering

https://www.instagram.com/feedourheroesnow

https://www.facebook.com/share/17YGSPPjT4/?mibextid=wwXIfr

#spotify #apple #podcast #podcastclips #entrepreneur #fireman #safteyfirst #ihopethishelps #EntrepreneurStory #FirefighterLife #SmallBusinessJourney #NewarkNJ #BaywayDiner #RestaurantLife #HustleMindset #ServiceAndSuccess #CommunityLeaders#BusinessInspiration #IHopeThisHelpsPodcast#PodcastHighlights

In this episode of I Hope This Helps, firefighter, business owner, and community leader Mike Giunta shares a wild, very Jersey journey of grit, risk, and service — from taking on the City of Newark in his early 20s and running a towing company, to rescuing a rundown diner that became the iconic Bayway Diner and the pilot episode of Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

Mike breaks down what it was like to start over at 32 as a firefighter, build multiple businesses while working 24-hour shifts, and grow from a nine-stool diner to operating high-volume corporate cafeterias across New Jersey. He opens up about navigating politics, surviving COVID as a small operator, and leading with humility by trusting his team and always choosing the long game over the quick dollar.

If you’re into entrepreneurship, public service, food culture, or real stories about betting on yourself and building something that lasts, you’ll get a ton of value out of this conversation.

To find out more about Mike you can follow him at:

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BuxsGDeb6/?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://www.instagram.com/baywaycatering

https://www.instagram.com/feedourheroesnow

https://www.facebook.com/share/17YGSPPjT4/?mibextid=wwXIfr

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube — and don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and leave a review to support the show.

#EntrepreneurStory #FirefighterLife #SmallBusinessJourney #NewarkNJ #BaywayDiner #RestaurantLife #HustleMindset #ServiceAndSuccess #CommunityLeaders #BusinessInspiration #IHopeThisHelpsPodcast #PodcastHighlights #spotify #podcast

In Part 2 of our conversation, TikTok Shop creator and former realtor @vivianadoestiktok pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build a profitable creator business from home.

Viv breaks down how creators are using AI-generated videos to scale content, why AI-driven accounts can still convert, and how consistency, strategy, and smart hooks matter more than follower count. She shares the reality behind her rapid growth — posting daily, chasing new viral products, studying trends, and treating TikTok like a full-time business while raising her daughter.

We dive into how follower count doesn’t equal sales, why some creators with 100K followers make $0, and how disciplined creators can out-earn traditional careers. Viv also touches on brand communication, TikTok events, and why many realtors and business owners are winning on social media by showcasing experience rather than just selling.

Whether you’re a creator, a parent, or someone looking for a path out of the traditional 9–5, Viv’s story is packed with insight, honesty, and practical tips you can apply today.

For more information on Viviana follow her on:

TikTok: @vivianadoestiktok

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube — and if nothing else… I Hope This Helps.

#IHopeThisHelpsPodcast #VivianaPerperas #MompreneurLife #ContentCreatorLife #TikTokShopCreator #WomenInBusiness #CreatorEconomy #MomsWhoCreate #DigitalEntrepreneur #InspiringStories #tiktok

In this episode of I Hope This Helps, we sit down with Viviana Perperas — better known as @vivianadoestiktok — for Part 1 of our conversation about how she went from realtor and stay-at-home mom to a top-earning TikTok Shop creator. Viviana shares how a tough pregnancy, nearly taking a federal 9–5, and a leap of faith led her to TikTok, where she now earns serious income from home while raising her daughter.

We break down how TikTok Shop actually works — followers, commissions, viral products, consistency, and strategy — and why everyday people (not just influencers) can succeed. Viv opens up about the psychology behind sales, going viral, dealing with trolls, balancing motherhood, and treating content creation like a real business. She also shares how Spanish-language content helped her explode her audience and income.

Whether you’re a creator, a parent, or someone looking for a path out of the traditional 9–5, Viv’s story is inspiring, raw, and packed with practical gems.

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube — and if nothing else… I Hope This Helps.

#IHopeThisHelpsPodcast #VivianaPerperas #MompreneurLife #ContentCreatorLife #TikTokShopCreator #WomenInBusiness #CreatorEconomy #MomsWhoCreate #DigitalEntrepreneur #InspiringStories #tiktok