Matias Rojo: Why Quality Always Wins

Matias Rojo: Why Quality Always Wins

In this episode of No Quit, Jeff sits down with Matias Rojo, owner of Nola Mia Pizzeria, to hear the remarkable story behind one of Ponchatoula's favorite restaurants. Born and raised in Argentina, Matias shares how he came to the United States with little more than an opportunity, a culinary education, and a dream. From learning a new language and adapting to a new culture to rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina, his journey is a testament to perseverance, resilience, and the power of hard work. Matias opens up about his path from working in fine dining to launching a food truck before ultimately opening Nola Mia Pizzeria. He also shares the heartbreaking loss of both of his parents, how that tragedy reshaped his priorities, and why he built his business around family, quality, and creating a workplace where people genuinely enjoy coming to work. The conversation explores entrepreneurship, the immigrant mindset, leadership, employee culture, and the importance of knowing that success is not just about working harder. Sometimes it is about working smarter, staying focused, and protecting the life you are building along the way. From serving incredible food to dreaming of one day opening an Argentinian fine dining restaurant, Matias proves that with patience, purpose, and a no quit mindset, great things can be built one decision at a time.

Parker Layrisson: Building a Practice on Reputation

In this episode of No Quit, Jeff sits down with Parker Layrisson, a respected attorney from Ponchatoula with over 20 years of experience, to talk about what it really takes to build a successful business rooted in trust, consistency, and long term vision. Parker shares how he built his practice almost entirely through referrals and word of mouth, avoiding flashy marketing and focusing instead on relationships, reputation, and delivering results. He opens up about why trust is everything in business and how being approachable, authentic, and process driven has shaped his success. The conversation dives deep into mentorship, community service, goal setting, and the systems that keep a business moving forward. Parker also talks about the impact of Stephen Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective People and how “begin with the end in mind” became a guiding principle in both his personal and professional life. From building a law practice from the ground up to balancing family, leadership, and giving back to the community, Parker’s story is a reminder that success is rarely accidental. It is built with intention, discipline, and a no quit mindset.

Erika Hemphill: The Power of Accountability and Authenticity

In this episode of No Quit, Jeff sits down with Erika Hemphill, builder, designer, entrepreneur, coach, and owner of eNg Designs & Construction and Boss Babe Consulting, for an honest conversation about what it really takes to build a successful business through adversity. Erika shares her journey of growing a construction company in Hammond, Louisiana while navigating major challenges like COVID, rising interest rates, difficult seasons in business, and the pressure that comes with leading a growing team. She opens up about the importance of communication, accountability, systems, and staying committed even when things do not go according to plan. Jeff and Erika also dive into the realities of entrepreneurship that people rarely talk about openly — handling mistakes, responding to criticism, building trust with clients, and learning how to turn setbacks into opportunities for growth. The conversation highlights the value of authenticity in both business and social media and why transparency matters more than perfection. From coaching other business owners through Boss Babe Consulting to leading projects in the construction industry, Erika’s story is one rooted in resilience, leadership, and a true no quit mentality.

Ryan Barker: Creating Something Bigger Than Sports

In this episode of No Quit, Jeff sits down with Ryan Barker, a Hammond native whose passion for sports, leadership, and community impact has helped shape thousands of young lives across Tangipahoa Parish and beyond. Ryan shares his journey from coaching and education into building Chappapeela Sports Park into one of the region’s premier youth sports facilities, now serving thousands of student athletes every year. What started as a vision rooted in mentorship and opportunity has grown into something far bigger than sports. Ryan talks about the importance of creating positive environments for children, building strong teams, and using athletics as a tool to change lives and strengthen communities. The conversation also dives into the challenges behind entrepreneurship, navigating adversity after the loss of his father, and the pressure of leading growing businesses through uncertain seasons like COVID. Ryan opens up about balancing purpose, family, leadership, and expansion while staying committed to the mission that started it all. From local youth programs to international safari adventures in Tanzania, Ryan’s story is one of vision, resilience, and refusing to settle for small impact. This episode is about leadership, perseverance, and building something that leaves a lasting mark on people’s lives. From local youth programs to international safari adventures in Tanzania, Ryan’s story is one of vision, resilience, and refusing to settle for small impact. This episode is about leadership, perseverance, and building something that leaves a lasting mark on people’s lives.

Stephen Scherer: The Balance Between Adrenaline and Responsibility

In this episode of No Quit, Jeff sits down with his law partner, Stephen Scherer, for a conversation that goes far beyond business and law. Stephen shares the story of his journey from riding dirt bikes at just three years old to building a successful career in the title industry. Along the way, he experienced competitive racing, life in Jackson Hole, law school at Loyola, and career decisions that could have completely changed the direction of his life. From almost taking a job with a beer distributor to navigating the downturn of the oil and gas industry, Stephen opens up about the uncertainty, pivots, and perseverance that shaped his path. The conversation also dives into family life, fatherhood, and the importance of raising kids who stay curious, adventurous, and connected to the world beyond screens. Whether it is skiing in the mountains, building ramps in the backyard, or teaching resilience through outdoor activities, Stephen brings the same passion and intentionality to his family life that he brings to his work. This episode is about embracing challenges, staying adaptable, and building a life filled with purpose, adventure, and meaningful work. A true No Quit story rooted in grit, growth, and taking the road less expected.