Wheels, Deals and Meals

What does a global logistics strategy manager do when he buys the world’s number-one rated cigar lounge? This week on Wheels, Deals, and Meals, we set up shop in one of our absolute favorite places on the planet: Blend Bar in The Woodlands. But this isn't just another look inside the humidors—today’s show is special because we are sitting down with Blend's new owner, Sol Scott.Sol’s story is a masterclass in combining high-level corporate precision with authentic hospitality. Named after the Spanish word for the sun, Sol spent over two decades navigating global logistics and supply chain strategies for ExxonMobil. In February, he took the ultimate entrepreneurial leap by acquiring Blend Bar—a world-renowned venue previously crowned the #1 cigar lounge in the world. Sol sits down to discuss the meticulous "white-glove" process of charring and lighting a perfect stick, the unmatched power of professional networking, and his vision for creating a premium sanctuary where every guest can completely disconnect from the noise and feel instantly known.Don’t forget to Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more Good Food, Good Business, and Good Cars!#WheelsDealsAndMeals #SolScott #BlendBar #CigarLounge #ExxonMobilAlumni #SupplyChainStrategy #WoodlandsBusiness #PetraAutomotive #WDM

You don’t want to miss this episode as we sit down with Giancarlo Ferrara, the owner and Executive Chef of Amalfi Ristorante Italiano in Houston, to hear his inspiring story.From growing up in Salerno on the Amalfi Coast, to traininghands-on from age 15, Giancarlo loved finding inspiration for his cooking taking him to a two-Michelin-star restaurant in Ireland, and eventually to Houston.He opened Amalfi Ristorante Italiano 11 years ago, naming it after his home region and has been entertaining costumers with his incredible dishes and warm atmosphere. After this show, we guaranteed you’ll want to plan a trip to his restaurant where he is executive chef.

We are thrilled to welcome Jack Hollis, an automotive industry titan, Partner at Accrual Equity Partners, and the former Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President at Toyota. Join us as we explore the incredible career trajectory of one of the industry's most successful leaders.Jack's journey began with a baseball scholarship to Stanford University, which led to playing professional baseball for the Cincinnati Reds. At the age of 25, he traded his bat for the corporate world, launching what would become a remarkable 33-year career at Toyota corporate headquarters.He spent over three decades climbing the ranks, starting as a management trainee and culminating in the executive leadership role of Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President. This tenure is a testament to his dedication, having successfully steered one of the world's largest automakers through major industry cycles. Beyond his tenure at Toyota, Jack has leveraged his decades of experience and market knowledge as a leader in private equity at Accrual Equity Partners.

This episode continues our successful part 1 of some of our favorite moments from the show. Join us for inspiring stories on food, football, business, and medicine!Al Deshon | A Culinary Journey to ChurrascosWe sit down with the owner of the Houston restaurant Churrascos and hear his personal story of moving from Miami to Houston with no job and no business experience, and how he turned his family's leap of faith into a thriving restaurant empire. From his love for Nicaraguan and Italian food to the surprising journey that led him to open a successful business, Al's story is a testament to the power of family and taking a chance.Merril Hoge | From NFL to Unwavering PurposeFormer NFL player and broadcaster Merril Hoge shares his incredible journey from a sheltered life in Pocatello, Idaho, to being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago Bears. Merril opens up about the career-ending concussion that sent him on an emotional journey of depression and self-discovery. But his powerful message about finding purpose and taking ownership of your life is a testament to his indomitable spirit.Mike Terry | The Dreamer, The Doer, The DealerMike Terry is a powerhouse in the automotive industry, and he explains how he went from working at Sonic to owning seven dealerships and the exhilarating yet sometimes overwhelming experience of growing his business rapidly, and the importance of culture and consistency in achieving success. Dr. Alex Milan | A Doctor's CallingWe get a rare glimpse into the world of emergency medicine with Dr. Alex Milan. With 40 years of experience, Dr. Milan shares humorous and unforgettable stories, like the time he fixed a dislocated elbow in seconds and the creative way he helped a patient remove a bug from her ear. Is the ER like it is in the TV show? We will see what he has to say about that.

Join us for a truly special episode of Wheels, Deals, and Meals as we welcome the legendary Giuseppe Risi, founder of Risi Competizione, the most successful Ferrari GT racing team in American history.With over five decades of experience in international competition, from F1 cars to sports prototypes, Giuseppe Risi is a name synonymous with excellence. In this exclusive interview, he shares the core philosophy that has driven his success: "doing things the right way, all the time." This unyielding commitment to perfection has not only led his team to victory but also built one of the world's most esteemed Ferrari dealerships.Hear about his past, his career with Ferrari, and his relationship with Enzo Ferrari himself. Giuseppe isn't only a man who can speak 4 languages fluently, but also is a successful businessman who has a passion to share his knowledge in the racing world with the upcoming generation.This is more than just a conversation about racing; it's a deep dive into the mindset of a true visionary. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to hear from a man who has dedicated his life to the pursuit of perfection, creating a legacy that is unmatched in the world of high-performance automobiles, and the journey that it took to get there.

Join us in beautiful Baltimore, Maryland, for a candid conversation with Paul Healy, the visionary behind Dealership For Life! In this episode, Paul shares his incredible journey through the automotive industry, from growing up in a car dealership family to creating a groundbreaking customer retention program.Despite his grandfather's advice to avoid the car business, Paul's path led him to Saturn, where he learned the ropes of customer-centric sales and experienced the unique "one price" model. Discover how these early lessons shaped his commitment to customer service.Paul then delves into the origins of Dealership For Life, detailing how he collaborated with industry mentors to build a customizable, dealer-branded customer retention and marketing program. Learn how Dealership For Life helps dealerships not only boost retention rates but also foster a loyal customer base by offering tailored programs and consistent reminders through a sophisticated app and communication system. Hear how their clients, some giving away "lifetime oil changes," achieve astonishing profitability and customer loyalty.This interview is a must-watch for anyone in the automotive industry, entrepreneurs, or simply those who appreciate a story of passion, innovation, and a deep connection to roots. Oh, and don't forget a lobster roll, Connecticut style.