Stanley Cup Champion Craig Wolanin: On Grit, Growth, and Life in the NHL

Stanley Cup Champion Craig Wolanin: On Grit, Growth, and Life in the NHL

In this episode of Dealer Out of Office, hosts Jacob Berkal and Frank Zombo are joined by Stanley Cup Champion and former NHL defenseman Craig Wolanin. Drafted 3rd overall in 1985, Wolanin shares a candid look at his unconventional journey from the frozen ponds of Michigan to the height of professional hockey. The conversation dives deep into the mental and physical grit required for a long-term career in the NHL, the impact of mentorship, and the evolution of the game. Now a youth hockey coach, Wolanin also shares his philosophy on player development, emphasizing the importance of being a multi-sport athlete and prioritizing "will over skill". Key Topics Discussed: * The Unconventional Path: Why Wolanin quit hockey at age 15 to play baseball and how a high school coach's decision led him back to the ice. * Life as a Young Pro: Making the jump to the NHL at 18 and living with a billet family in New Jersey led by a local judge who became a lifelong mentor. * NHL’s Physical Era: Stories from the "clutching and grabbing" days, including a memorable (and nose-breaking) encounter with Clark Gillies. * The Move to Colorado: Transitioning with the Quebec Nordiques to Denver and the unique experience of winning the Stanley Cup in the Avalanche’s inaugural season. * Modern Coaching Wisdom: Advice for parents of young athletes on avoiding burnout, the value of the "late bloomer," and why character always beats talent.

The Detroit Watch Guy — John Shiha on Rolex, Watchmaking & Building a Career at Lucido Fine Jewelry

John Shiha didn't grow up planning to become one of Michigan's most respected watchmakers. He started at 14 — cleaning cigarette burns off the showcases of a mall jewelry store after his grandfather made him work 13-hour days just to take the job. From there, it was the last high school watch repair program in North America, one of the youngest acceptances ever to the Rolex watchmaking school in Lititz, Pennsylvania, and a cold call to Vince Lucido that turned into a handshake deal and a career. In this episode, Jake Berkal and Frank Zombo sit down with John, now General Manager at Lucido Fine Jewelry, for a wide-ranging conversation on the craft, the business, and the culture of luxury watches. We cover what actually happens during a full Rolex service, why Rolex is designed to be worked on a decade later, the philosophy that you don't own a Patek Philippe — you take care of it for the next generation, why fakes are a hard pass, and how to start a meaningful collection at any price point. Plus John's takeaways from Watches & Wonders: the Rolex 100-year Jubilee dial, Gerald Charles' perpetual calendar, and the value play happening at Grand Seiko. If you've ever wondered what makes a $500 Seiko worth keeping for 50 years, why 904L stainless steel matters, or how an authorized dealer relationship actually works — this one's for you. Big thanks to John for coming on. Visit the team at Lucido Fine Jewelry — Sterling Heights, Rochester, Birmingham, and beyond. www.lucidojewelry.com Follow Dealer Out of Office for new conversations with the people, brands, and craftsmen behind the automotive and luxury worlds.

What It Really Takes To Be An NFL Sports Agent with Joe Flanagan

What does it take to make it as an NFL sports agent? In this episode of Dealer Out of Office, Joe Flanagan pulls back the curtain on the NFL Draft process, undrafted free agency strategy, NIL's impact on college recruiting, and the real economics of representing professional athletes. Plus, the untold story of how Frank Zombo beat the odds as an undrafted free agent and won a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers. Episode links:  Connect with Joe Flanagan: jflan@btisports.com Free up your time—let Auto Hauler Exchange handle your vehicle logistics: https://www.autohaulerexchange.com/

Buccaneers, Birdies, and Breathalyzers with Ryan Succop

In this episode of Dealer OOO, hosts Jake and Frank welcome Ryan Succop, Super Bowl champion kicker and former NFL standout. Ryan shares his unexpected journey from multi-sport athlete to professional kicker — including the injury that nearly derailed his draft prospects and how he pushed through to reach the highest level of the game. He and the guys talk about what it was like playing alongside Tom Brady, the lessons in teamwork and professionalism that stuck with him long after the final whistle, and how that mindset carries over into life after football. These days, Ryan is channeling that same competitive drive into golf, competing on a professional athlete tour, and getting back to his roots with hunting and the brotherhood that comes with it. A great conversation about life, competition, and what comes next. Episode links:  Free up your time—let Auto Hauler Exchange handle your vehicle logistics: ⁠https://www.autohaulerexchange.com/⁠ [https://www.autohaulerexchange.com/]

Fitness essentials, the truth about fasting, and habits that keep you healthy with Brett Billings, F-NP

In this episode of Dealer OOO, hosts Jake and Frank welcome Brett Billings, F-NP, a family nurse practitioner and men's health expert. They discuss the importance of fitness, nutrition, and sleep— especially for busy men in their 30s to 60s. Brett shares insights on how to prioritize health amidst a hectic lifestyle, the significance of sleep for recovery, and the role of nutrition in overall well-being. They also chat about topics like intermittent fasting, testosterone levels, and the potential benefits of peptides and TRT. The episode focuses less on quick fixes and more on sustainable, holistic habits that stand the test of time. Episode links:  * Connect with Brett [https://risehealthdpc.com/about-us/] * Free up your time—let Auto Hauler Exchange handle your vehicle logistics: ⁠https://www.autohaulerexchange.com/⁠ [https://www.autohaulerexchange.com/]