We take Uncorked: Wine-Business-Life on the road to Alpen Rose for a wide-open conversation with chef-restaurateur Michael Schulson. Michael traces his path from his Nana’s matzo ball soup on Long Island to Philly institutions like Le Bec-Fin and Susanna Foo, then to Stephen Starr openings (Buddakan, Pod) and his own breakout with Izakaya at Borgata and Sampan in Center City.

He gets real about nearly shuttering his first spot, the “Stay True” mantra that kept him going, and the operator’s rule he swears by: design first, then service, then food—because dinner is the movie now. We dive into scaling to 15+ restaurants, using analytics (down to dollars per minute per server), forecasting orders, and why his model is asses-in-seats (no ghost kitchens).

There’s plenty of Philly love, some Knicks-Sixers banter, family, YPO/forum lessons, and—of course—wine: Saddlehill Reserve, a 1999 Lafite, and a 2010 Screaming Eagle.

Highlights:

-Origin story: from Nana’s kitchen to Le Bec-Fin → Susanna Foo → Buddakan/Pod

-First ownership wins & near-misses: Sampan’s slow start and the Stay True philosophy

-The 3 pillars ranked: Design, then Service, then Food (and why)

-Scaling smarts: forecasting orders, minute-by-minute server productivity, AI-driven ops

-Why he refuses delivery/ghost kitchens: the experience can’t be boxed

-Culture and winners: how Villanova-style mindset applies beyond basketball

-Partnerships, YPO/forum value, and learning to be a better partner & leader

-Family & balance: being “the best dad” as his definition of success

-New openings: Double Knot in Wynwood (Miami), Delray Beach, and New York

In this episode of Uncorked: Wine, Business & Life, Bill Green and Jerrold Colton welcome legendary investor Ira Lubert to the Saddlehill Winery Tasting Room. Known as one of Philadelphia’s most iconic investors, Ira shares the incredible journey from winning a New Jersey state wrestling championship to becoming a contrarian investor who has raised over $17 billion and built a reputation for protecting the downside. He reflects on his deep ties to Penn State as an athlete, board chairman, and philanthropist, including his role in elevating the wrestling program to national dominance. From his early entrepreneurial days buying mobile homes to spearheading landmark investments like the Valley Forge Casino, Ira offers invaluable lessons on timing, luck, discipline, and daring to fail. A rare, candid conversation with a true heavyweight in business and life.

In Episode 18 of Uncorked: Wine, Business, and Life, hosts Bill Green and Jerrold Colton sit down with entrepreneur and investor Tom Meyer (Meyer Capital Group) to talk about how he built a career through decisive action, real-world risk-taking, and a sharp eye for opportunity.

Tom opens up about his early years, what it means to trust your gut, and why thinking fast and committing boldly has led to some of the biggest wins in his life. From lessons on momentum and resilience to mindset shifts around money and personal growth, this episode is packed with real, unfiltered insight from someone who's walked the walk.

🎙️ In this episode:

Taking fast action vs. overthinking

Why he believes the middle of the pack is the most dangerous place

How Tom evaluates risk — and what he avoids

Thoughts on wealth, parenting, and doing what others won’t

Filmed at Saddlehill Winery’s Tasting Room in Voorhees, NJ 🍷

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