Sittin' With Steve
Authentic Conversations with Local Business Owners
Real Stories from Real People Making a Difference in Our Community
Welcome to Sittin' with Steve, where I sit down with local business owners to uncover the authentic stories behind their entrepreneurial journeys. As a 20-year Wall Street veteran and proud Staten Islander, I believe everyone deserves a platform to share their experiences—both personal and professional.
Recent Episodes
Why Sittin' with Steve?
In a world dominated by corporate voices and polished marketing, Sittin' with Steve brings you unfiltered conversations with the backbone of our community: small business owners who wake up every day to serve their neighbors. These aren't just interviews; they're genuine conversations revealing the triumphs, struggles, and wisdom that come from building something meaningful.
What Makes These Conversations Special
Unlike traditional business interviews focusing only on success stories, Sittin' with Steve dives deeper.
We explore:
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The personal journeys that led entrepreneurs to their businesses
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Honest discussions about challenges and how they've overcome them
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The impact of economic shifts, including post-pandemic realities
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The vital relationship between local businesses and community
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Behind-the-scenes insights that customers rarely get to see
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Family legacies and what it means to serve multiple generations
Featured Episodes
Episode 1: Mike Moudatsos Jr. - Staten Island's Diner Legend
Mike Moudatsos Jr., owner of two Staten Island dining institutions—Mike Jr's Oakwood Diner (3161 Amboy Rd) and Mike Jr's Richmond Diner (3954 Richmond Ave)—kicked off our series with candid reflections on the evolving restaurant landscape.
In our conversation, Mike shares how the COVID-19 pandemic transformed dining habits, with more customers turning to delivery services and resulting in declining foot traffic. He discusses navigating economic challenges including rising operational costs and the dramatic fluctuations in food prices that directly impact his business.
Despite these hurdles, Mike's gratitude for his family and loyal customer base shines through, revealing the true heart of a community-focused business owner who continues to adapt while honoring diner traditions.
Watch Episode 1 with Mike Moudatsos Jr.
Episode 2: Brandon Rocchio - Pizza, Persistence & Community
Brandon Rocchio brings 35+ years of pizza-making wisdom from Classic Pizza (3201 Richmond Road) to our second episode. What began as childhood work in his family's pizzeria evolved into a lifelong passion and commitment to quality that spans generations.
Brandon opens up about the complex love-hate relationship many food business owners experience—the grinding operational challenges balanced against the deep satisfaction of feeding the community. His stories range from creating special off-menu items (including the infamous "Steve Special") to Classic Pizza's appearance in the Staten Island Anthem music video "Orange Boat."
Our conversation explores how family support—from his brothers to his dedicated staff—creates the foundation for business longevity, especially when navigating post-COVID economic pressures. Brandon's commitment to freshness, including their made-daily dough, exemplifies the attention to detail that keeps customers coming back decade after decade.
More Than Just Interviews
Sittin' with Steve is about more than business stories—it's about preserving the rich tapestry of our community's history through personal narratives. Each episode celebrates the people who make our neighborhoods special while documenting their contributions for future generations.
These conversations reveal:
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How local businesses adapt to changing neighborhoods and economies
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The unique relationship between Staten Islanders and their favorite establishments
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Wisdom passed down through generations of family businesses
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The real human stories behind the storefronts we pass every day
Join the Conversation
New episodes of Sittin' with Steve are released regularly on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. Subscribe to never miss a conversation and discover the extraordinary stories of ordinary people building our community one business at a time.
Where to Find Us
Nominate a Business Owner
Do you know a Staten Island business owner with a story that deserves to be heard? I'm always looking for interesting people doing important work in our community. Send your suggestions to J@creativepostures.com and help me showcase the diverse entrepreneurs who make our borough special.
About Steve Thomas
As someone who spent two decades navigating Wall Street before returning to my creative roots, I understand both the corporate and entrepreneurial perspectives. Born and raised in Staten Island, I'm passionate about giving voice to the people who create the character and foundation of our community.
Sittin' with Steve emerged from my belief that healing happens through authentic expression and that everyone's journey contains wisdom worth sharing. Through Creative Postures, I'm committed to creating platforms where real stories can inspire, educate, and connect us.