I Hope This Helps8 Dec 2025

Firefighter, Business Owner, & Community Leader w/ Michael Giunta Part 2

In Part 2 on I Hope This Helps, Erick sits down with Newark Firefighters Union President and serial entrepreneur Michael Giunta to unpack his journey from towing trucks and running diners to leading one of New Jersey’s largest fire departments while building multiple successful businesses and launching a powerful veterans nonprofit.

Mike opens up about Newark politics, city contracts, and union elections, and how getting transferred to the “slowest firehouse” as punishment became the moment he quietly built his empire. Mike reflects on the tragic Newark Port ship fire that took the lives of firefighters Augusto “Augie” Acabou and Wayne Brooks, explaining how that loss sparked a push for better training, equipment, and statewide legislation—including a new $3 hotel room fee projected to generate millions for firefighter training.

Mike also shares how he launched Feeding Our Heroes with support from Guy Fieri, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, Wegmans, and Acme, serving thousands of veterans and first responders across New Jersey while tackling food insecurity and expanding community resources.

Throughout the episode, he discusses leadership, hiring smarter people, balancing family and service, giving employees ownership, and building a legacy rooted in helping others rather than titles.If you care about firefighters, veterans, Newark, New Jersey, small business, or real community leadership, this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now to “I Hope This Helps with Erick Silva – Michael Giunta Part 2” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

To find out more about Mike you can follow him at:

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BuxsGDeb6/mibextid=wwXIfr

https://www.instagram.com/baywaycatering

https://www.instagram.com/feedourheroesnow

https://www.facebook.com/share/17YGSPPjT4/?mibextid=wwXIfr

#spotify #apple #podcast #podcastclips #entrepreneur #fireman #safteyfirst #ihopethishelps #EntrepreneurStory #FirefighterLife #SmallBusinessJourney #NewarkNJ #BaywayDiner #RestaurantLife #HustleMindset #ServiceAndSuccess #CommunityLeaders#BusinessInspiration #IHopeThisHelpsPodcast#PodcastHighlights

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Avsnitt(47)

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11 Feb 52min

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