My Journey with Gary Vee
November 1, 2023
It was back in the nexus of 2012 and 2013 when the world of marketing began to captivate my professional curiosity.
At that time, I was part of Slagle Roofing, where I contributed to scaling the business into the bustling residential market. As serendipity would have it, Gary Vaynerchuk's spirited
clips
on YouTube caught my eye, infusing a blend of innovative marketing tactics and an invigorating sense of self-confidence into my approach.
This marked the beginning of what would become a decade-long odyssey, a period where learning about brand dynamics and marketing strategies became as routine as morning coffee. The creation of The Big Fish Contracting Co in 2015 was a decisive leap, driven by an ambition to craft a brand that transcended the typical expectations of a trade-focused enterprise. It was imperative that our brand resonated with memorability and that our commitment to customer satisfaction was unparalleled.
Navigating through the digital deluge of Gary's extensive content became a challenge, yet his philosophies resonated with me, echoing in the corridors of my mind, encouraging me to press forward. His discourse on the burgeoning field of cryptocurrency prompted me to take a calculated risk, leading to my initial investment in Bitcoin. This financial foray rekindled another passion of mine: the art of trading baseball cards, a hobby that not only reconnected me with my childhood joy but also allowed me to forge connections with fellow enthusiasts across the nation.
My rendezvous with Gary in 2019 at The National was nothing short of momentous. In Chicago, I willingly paid a premium for a Michael Jordan autographed rookie card, not as a mere transaction but as a passport to express my gratitude for the inspiration his content had granted me. The exchange culminated in a treasured selfie and my Gary Vee KSwiss shoes, emblazoned with his signature, became a cherished memento.
2021 was a pivotal juncture for my entrepreneurial journey. I was self aware of the fact I needed to find an integrator that could complement my vision and I partnered up with Rob Tokay. His financial endorsement was a tangible vote of confidence in the vision I held for Big Fish And of myself. It was with this bolstered support that I ventured into Gary's NFT venture, VeeFriends , where the spirit of camaraderie and community further fueled my desire to empower others.
In response, I launched The Big Fish Cares podcast , a platform designed to rally the entrepreneurial spirit in others, showcasing that perseverance paired with belief is a potent formula for success. VeeCon in 2022 was a testament to this philosophy, an event that exemplified the collective power of a community bonded by shared aspirations. At VeeCon 2023, I had the honor of initiating a CEO panel, a moment that crystallized my belief in the power of dreams. My recent exchange with Gary at this year's National Sports Card Convention was yet another landmark, I traded him a stack of Veefriends cards so I could interview him in his iconic office in NYC.
This podcast episode is not just another installment; it is the essence of my entrepreneurial journey, and I invite you to be a part of it. Your subscription, comments, and emails are not just appreciated—they are the lifeblood of a community that thrives on mutual support and encouragement. As much as you are there for me, know that I am unequivocally in your corner, cheering you on every step of the way.
This marked the beginning of what would become a decade-long odyssey, a period where learning about brand dynamics and marketing strategies became as routine as morning coffee. The creation of The Big Fish Contracting Co in 2015 was a decisive leap, driven by an ambition to craft a brand that transcended the typical expectations of a trade-focused enterprise. It was imperative that our brand resonated with memorability and that our commitment to customer satisfaction was unparalleled.
Navigating through the digital deluge of Gary's extensive content became a challenge, yet his philosophies resonated with me, echoing in the corridors of my mind, encouraging me to press forward. His discourse on the burgeoning field of cryptocurrency prompted me to take a calculated risk, leading to my initial investment in Bitcoin. This financial foray rekindled another passion of mine: the art of trading baseball cards, a hobby that not only reconnected me with my childhood joy but also allowed me to forge connections with fellow enthusiasts across the nation.
My rendezvous with Gary in 2019 at The National was nothing short of momentous. In Chicago, I willingly paid a premium for a Michael Jordan autographed rookie card, not as a mere transaction but as a passport to express my gratitude for the inspiration his content had granted me. The exchange culminated in a treasured selfie and my Gary Vee KSwiss shoes, emblazoned with his signature, became a cherished memento.
2021 was a pivotal juncture for my entrepreneurial journey. I was self aware of the fact I needed to find an integrator that could complement my vision and I partnered up with Rob Tokay. His financial endorsement was a tangible vote of confidence in the vision I held for Big Fish And of myself. It was with this bolstered support that I ventured into Gary's NFT venture, VeeFriends , where the spirit of camaraderie and community further fueled my desire to empower others.
In response, I launched The Big Fish Cares podcast , a platform designed to rally the entrepreneurial spirit in others, showcasing that perseverance paired with belief is a potent formula for success. VeeCon in 2022 was a testament to this philosophy, an event that exemplified the collective power of a community bonded by shared aspirations. At VeeCon 2023, I had the honor of initiating a CEO panel, a moment that crystallized my belief in the power of dreams. My recent exchange with Gary at this year's National Sports Card Convention was yet another landmark, I traded him a stack of Veefriends cards so I could interview him in his iconic office in NYC.
This podcast episode is not just another installment; it is the essence of my entrepreneurial journey, and I invite you to be a part of it. Your subscription, comments, and emails are not just appreciated—they are the lifeblood of a community that thrives on mutual support and encouragement. As much as you are there for me, know that I am unequivocally in your corner, cheering you on every step of the way.
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September 11, 2025
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September 11, 2025
Charlie Kirk — a young man who built one of the most powerful youth movements in America — was assassinated in front of thousands at a rally. A sniper, 200 yards away, silenced a voice mid-sentence. And in an instant, we were reminded of the fragility of life, the cost of vision, and the high price of freedom.

August 25, 2025
I used to think winning was about stacking more wins. Build it. Grow it. Repeat. Lately, I’m a lot more interested in how we build without breaking the people we love — including ourselves. This week on Big Fish Cares , I sat down with Jonathan D. Reynolds (CEO, Titus Talent Strategies ) to talk about purpose, fatherhood, faith, and the simple truth he keeps coming back to:“Most company problems are people problems.” The 15-year-old question At 15, Jonathan asked his parents what he was “created to do.” Their answer: live in the service of others . He didn’t love that answer then. He lives it now — helping leaders find the right people, and helping people find the work they’re built for. That turned into a business and a calling. My advice would be: if you’re still waiting for a lightning-bolt purpose, serve where you stand. Purpose shows up when your service gets specific. For-profit, for good Titus calls itself for-profit for good: build a healthy company and use the profits to help those who need it most. They set a goal to give $30M by 2030 and are already about 70% of the way there . That’s not performative — that’s operationalized generosity. What I would recommend: design comp plans and culture like a family you’d be proud of. Jonathan’s team incentive started as his kids’ allowance…and it works. Leading at work vs. leading at home We talked about the gap a lot of us feel: Compassionate at work, impatient at home. Driver in the office, bulldozer in the living room. Jonathan built a transition ritual before walking through the door — slow down, ask better questions at dinner (“What was the hardest part of your day?” “What brought you joy?”), and be there. That’s leadership too. When you can’t fix it Jonathan’s parents have been detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan . No charges. No clear path. He stood outside the White House with his daughter asking for help. Impossible to carry — and yet this line anchored him: “I can’t control that. I can control my trust. I can control my love. I can control whether I get bitter.” Stay low. Stay humble. Control what you can control. That isn’t a slogan. It’s survival for leaders getting hit by real life. Try this week One conversation: name a “people problem” you’re avoiding and address it directly. One boundary: pick a start/stop for work and keep it. One practice: give something away (time, cash, credit). Open hands move resources faster. If you’re carrying a lot right now, you’re not alone. The goal isn’t a perfect life. The goal is a grounded one. Listen to the episode: Apple Podcasts → [link] · All apps → [link] If this resonated, come do the work with us inside The Pond — founders who want growth and peace in the same breath. [Join the waitlist]

August 7, 2025
In this heartfelt episode of The Big Fish Cares Podcast, host Benny Fisher sits down with Brad Dalton, the artist and founder behind Clay and Spirit and New Creation Pottery. Brad’s mission? To handcraft deeply personal, faith-filled gifts that speak to the soul using clay as his canvas and spirit as his guide. Inspired by a calling from God and the enduring encouragement of his late friend John Ruhlin, Brad creates “living artifacts” pottery pieces that celebrate love, legacy, and personal affirmation. Each creation begins with a story, shaped by heartfelt words from the giver, and ends as a one-of-a-kind piece that becomes a treasured reminder of connection. Brad opens up about his artistic journey, how he rediscovered clay in college, and how he turned a creative spark into a ministry of healing, encouragement, and faith. From his workshop to homes across the country, Brad’s gifts are transforming hearts one vessel at a time. Key Moments: 00:00 The Big Fish Cares Intro 03:03 Brad's Early Creative Memories 06:06 The Role of Faith in Life & Art 13:40 Meeting John Ruhlin & The Artifact Mug 21:32 John Ruhlin's Legacy and Spirit 27:33 The Creative Process of the Artifact Mug 31:46 Meaningful Gifting and Emotional Impact 37:35 Clay and Spirit: Integrating Faith & Art 41:41 Being a Pure Vessel & Recovering Wonder 45:44 The Spiritual Foundations 51:00 Advice for Artists & Meaningful Giving 56:06 Leaving a Legacy of Love 01:00:06 Dreams, Loss, and RC Street Racing 01:04:11 Reflections, Gratitude, and Final Thoughts 01:11:11 Closing Remarks & Podcast Wrap Up Want to order an artifact mug for you or a love one? Get in contact with Brad Dalton: https://artifactmug.com/ 🌐 Instagram: / clay_and_spirit 👉 Facebook: / brad.dalton.56 🌐 LinkedIn: / brad-dalton-421886197 🎙️ Connect with Host Benny Fisher: 🌐 Official Website: https://www.bennyfisher.com 📸 Instagram: / bigfish.benny 👉 Facebook: / fisherbenny 🌐 LinkedIn: / fisherbenny Watch the full episode now and subscribe to The Big Fish Cares Podcast for more conversations that matter!

July 29, 2025
Benny Fisher on Visionary Leadership, the Future of Work, and Building Big Fish Contracting Benny Fisher, entrepreneur and Visionary Navigator, joins Eric McKenna on The Eric McKenna Project Podcast #386 for an in-depth conversation about the future of business, technology, and personal growth. In this episode, Benny shares his journey from building and exiting Big Fish Contracting , one of Pittsburgh’s Top 50 Fastest-Growing Companies, to guiding entrepreneurs toward alignment, creativity, and sustainable success. He and Eric dive into the big questions every business leader should be thinking about: What You’ll Learn in This Episode How AI and automation will reshape the future of work and entrepreneurship Why real human connection is becoming the most valuable currency in a digital world The role of curiosity, creativity, and free will in unlocking your potential Lessons from scaling and successfully exiting Big Fish Contracting Why transparency, emotional intelligence, and innovation are the keys to future-ready businesses Why This Episode Matters As a founder or visionary leader, navigating the future means more than just keeping up with technology—it’s about creating space to think differently, lead with purpose, and grow without losing yourself . Whether you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or someone curious about where the world is heading, this episode will inspire you to slow down, think bigger, and embrace the changes coming your way. 📺 Watch the full conversation now and explore Benny’s insights on leadership, innovation, and the future of work.