In this powerful episode of Beauty & The Brain, hosts Dr. Chris Croley and Jerry Drinkard sit down with Sam Lionelli — serial entrepreneur, founder of Combat Syndicate, and owner of multiple businesses — to share his raw, unfiltered story of resilience, grit, and success.

From a childhood marked by homelessness, instability, and adversity to building thriving businesses including a jiu-jitsu & MMA gym, a 24/7 weightlifting facility, and even an ice cream shop, Sam’s journey proves that your past does not define your future.

💡 In This Episode You’ll Learn:

• How Sam overcame a turbulent upbringing to create financial and personal success
• The role martial arts and self-defense training played in transforming lives — including bullied youth at risk of self-harm
• Behind-the-scenes of The Blox reality entrepreneurship competition
• Business lessons from starting a gym, a med spa, and other ventures with no formal business background
• How mentorship, mindset, and persistence can change your life trajectory

🔗 Connect with Sam:

Instagram: @hobosam_ @combatsyndicate

Facebook: http://Facebook.com/samuel.lionelli

https://combatsyndicate.org

💬 Tell us in the comments: What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome in your journey?