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The Tootie Show, Green Bay, WI (2025)

10/28/2025

💥 “Different” Doesn’t Mean “Wrong.” It Means Revolutionary. 💥

I’m not your typical corporate business owner and that’s the point.

I didn’t come from a boardroom or a business textbook. I came from the restaurant floors, the community events, the long shifts, and real conversations with real people. I built my dream from the ground up not from titles or connections, but from grit, heart, and vision.

They say I don’t do things the “corporate way.” You’re right I don’t. I do things my way.

Think about it this way, sometimes the best leaders aren’t the ones who came up through the system. Imagine someone who never worked in government suddenly running for president no background in politics, just bold ideas, a fire for change, and the courage to step into the ring anyway.

That’s me in the business world. I didn’t climb a corporate ladder; I built my own. I’m stepping into the ring with nothing but passion, purpose, and a drive to make things better.

So don’t turn your back on people who do things differently just because they don’t “fit” the corporate mold. Sometimes different is exactly what this world needs.

Maybe it’s time we start celebrating the ones who break the pattern the ones who see things from the ground up, who refuse to quit, who still believe change starts with real people and real heart.

I’m not here to fit in.
I’m here to make an impact. 🥊🔥

Put those gloves on, step into the ring, and punch your way to the top.
Be different. Be bold. Be you.
And never quit because being different is exactly what makes you unstoppable. 💪✨

Stepping into the ring and proving that being different wins the fight.” 🔥

Different doesn’t mean wrong, it means revolutionary.

Let me be clear I’ve got nothing against corporate businesses. I’ve worked for a bunch, and I’ve enjoyed each one for what it taught me.

But here’s the truth: it’s time to do things different. It’s time to make room for the ones who don’t come from the corporate world the ones who have ideas, grit, and heart.

We need to be open to different. Because sometimes the ones who jump in the ring from the outside? They’re the ones who change everything. 🥊🔥

10/27/2025

Why Do You Always Gotta Do Things the Hard Way?” 😂 The Tape Road No Shortcuts to Strength

If I had a dollar for every time someone said that to me, I could probably buy a lifetime supply of box cutters. 😂

Seriously, lot of people told me that before and a few coworkers just joined the chorus at work the other day.

So picture this: everyone’s using box cutters to open deliveries. Quick, easy, clean. Then there’s me, peeling tape off boxes with my nails like I’m in a slow-motion wrestling match with cardboard.
They’re looking at me like, “You know there’s an easier way, right?” And I’m like, “Yeah, but at least it’s getting done!” 😂

Here’s the thing though… doing things the hard way has taught me a lot.
Life doesn’t hand you things on a silver platter. You don’t grow by always taking shortcuts or waiting for things to be handed to you. If you take the easy way out every time, you’ll freeze the moment life throws something complicated your way. But when you’ve already fought through the hard stuff, you’re ready for anything.

So yeah, maybe I take the long road sometimes but that’s how I learn, that’s how I build, and that’s how I get stronger. Nothing in life is truly easy it’s all hard work, grit, and a little bit of stubbornness wrapped in duct tape.

And honestly? That’s exactly how I’m building my business, too.
I might be doing it the hard way, one box, one hurdle, one late-night brainstorm at a time but I’d rather face the tough lessons now than later. Because when you learn through the hard way, you’re already prepared when the next challenge comes knocking.

Sure, shortcuts can be nice… but let’s be real something always goes wrong when you take them. 😅 Sometimes it’s better to just dive in, do it the hard way, and get it done right the first time.

💭 Lesson of the Day: The hard way might take longer, but it builds strength, skill, and confidence.
And when life gets tricky you’ll already know how to handle the tape without a box cutter.

Trust me I’m a professional mover. I know how to handle tape. It takes practice, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll master “the hard way” in no time.
And that’s how we roll. 🤣 (Get it? Tape roll!)

Sometimes the shortcut looks smoother but trust me, it’s the one that sticks you in place. The hard way? It’s messy, sticky, and takes longer, but that’s where the real strength (and the best stories) come from. Life’s like a roll of tape you gotta peel through the tough spots to hold it all together. 😉

Building a dream isn’t always smooth sometimes it’s sticky, messy, and takes forever to unroll. But hey, I’d rather peel through the tough parts now than take a shortcut and fall through later. Every struggle is another layer of strength. 💪

10/26/2025

💬“Let’s Talk About LLCs”

Does anybody actually know what an LLC is and what it really means? 🤔

I was recently told by a “business professional” that having an LLC doesn’t count that it doesn’t make up a real business.

Well, here’s my take. 💚

An LLC (Limited Liability Company) might not be the entire business, but it is the backbone of it. It’s what separates your personal life from your business finances. It’s your legal protection. It’s your proof to the state that you are officially recognized that you’re taking the right steps to build something real.

No, it doesn’t mean you’re instantly turning profit or fully operating yet. But it does mean you’ve started. It’s the foundation. The beginning. The blueprint that shows you’re serious about your dream.

So don’t tell me an LLC isn’t part of a business because to me, it absolutely is. 💪 That paperwork didn’t file itself. It took time, effort, and heart to make it official. People like me work hard to reach that milestone, and I’m proud to say my name and my business are on it.

You can call it “just paperwork” if you want but to me, it’s proof of progress, dedication, and belief. It’s not just a piece of paper. It’s a step toward everything I’m building.

So when someone says, “That’s not a real business,” my answer is simple:
➡️ It’s the start of something real.

Because every empire begins with a single step and for me, that step is my LLC. 💚

10/25/2025

💭 Question for the Dreamers & Believers

If you could only pick one, what would you want to see come alive first? 👇
🍽️ A new restaurant with real flavor?
🍸 A bar with heart and energy?
🎶 A live music & event venue?
🎧 A live podcast where the community connects?

People tell me all the time — “Start small. Focus on one thing. Be realistic.”
And sure, I get it. Finances matter. Growth takes time. That’s why I’m doing fundraisers, rebuilding my podcast, and laying the groundwork step by step.

But here’s what they don’t see, this dream came from survival.

When I was battling cancer, music saved me. It gave me strength, hope, and purpose. It reminded me to live life fully, to laugh, to dance, to connect, and to love hard.

That’s what brought me here. That’s why I do what I do.

I fell in love with all of it:
💫 Cooking and serving great food.
💫 Hosting and bringing people together.
💫 Taking photos that capture real memories.
💫 Creating and sharing music that heals.
💫 Laughing, connecting, and seeing the community come alive.

So tell me, why can’t I build one special place that holds all of that under one roof? A place where you can eat, drink, laugh, listen to live music or a podcast, and truly belong.

You can’t feed a dream halfway.

During a recent meeting, I was asked:

“What makes you different? What can you bring to the table that will make people come back every day?”

I said: My flavors. My personality. My passion for people. But the response I got was — “That’s not what’s going to draw people in.”

And that hit me. Because it felt like being back in high school, when I was told I could never be a writer because of my disability. When people said my dream wasn’t realistic. That same energy “You can’t.”

But here I am, still proving that I can.

So, when someone says a full community hub is “too much,” I hear the same thing: “Stay in your lane.”
But I don’t have just one lane, I built a whole highway.

Some say it’s not realistic, that it’s too hard, too much, too big. But maybe they’ve never met someone like me.

Because I’ve already fought battles most people can’t imagine. I let people crush my dreams once before, but I’m not letting that happen again.

I’m not stopping this time. My dream is real, and it’s worth fighting for.

Yes, it’ll take time. Yes, it’ll take money. But it’s doable. And I believe the community will help make it happen, because this isn’t just my dream; it’s our space to come alive together.

They say dreams should start small and grow later. But I believe dreams can’t be built halfway. You don’t grow something powerful by playing small, you build it by putting your heart in all the way.

And the heart of my dream is people.
That’s the attraction. That’s what will make Tootie’s Social House different — where people come alive, it’s where locals come alive.

It’s not just food or drinks or music, it’s the energy of respect, love, and belonging. It’s about treating my employees and my customers the way people used to, with kindness, care, and community and respect.

I was told recently that people miss the old-school days when folks showed up for each other, when workplaces felt like families, when respect actually meant something. And I said, “That’s exactly what I’m bringing back.”

He laughed and said, “Good luck, people don’t believe in that anymore.” And I said, “Well, they will when I open my doors.”

Because I’m bringing back the old ways, the ones that built loyalty, connection, and love and mixing them with a new-school spark that celebrates creativity, diversity, and passion.

Some want me to only focus on my podcast and I love my podcast, it’s my heartbeat but I can’t survive on that alone. The podcast needs the restaurant. The restaurant needs the music. The music needs the people.
It all connects. It’s all part of the same dream.

So no — I’m not thinking too big.
I’m just thinking beyond limits.
Because sometimes, to make the impossible happen…
✨ You’ve gotta hop on that rocket ship and go all the way up.

Now tell me, if you could choose,
🔥 What would YOU want to see first — and why?

10/24/2025

💚 Lessons I’ve Learned 💚

The last few week taught me some lessons that hit deep. I had business meetings and no, it wasn’t everything I wanted to hear. Some of it was full of things that were hard to swallow and even a little discouraging. But sometimes life gives us those moments to remind us: growth isn’t always comfortable.

I’m an emotional person. I always have been. When I get overwhelmed or frustrated, I tend to shut down, I get quiet, maybe tear up, trying to process and understand. But I’ve gotten so much better through the years, and I’m proud of that progress. I still have work to do, and that’s okay.

I’m also not someone who likes to argue or fight, it shuts me down completely. But I’ve learned that sometimes, healthy debates and disagreements are necessary. Whether it’s in business, friendships, family, or love — there’s no such thing as perfect harmony. Disagreements don’t mean the relationship is broken; they mean you both care enough to speak your truth.

I had to be reminded of that the last few weeks both in my meetings and by someone very close to me. Sometimes tough love comes from the people who believe in us the most. They push us, not to hurt us, but to make sure we truly listen and understand.

Yes, I said a few things out of frustration things I didn’t really mean. But sometimes that’s just how I fire myself up to keep going. Because when I was told my dream was “too much” or “unrealistic,” it fueled me even more.

I know my dream isn’t going to happen overnight. It might take a couple of years, and that’s okay. I’m not giving up. I’m building it step by step, through fundraisers, my podcast, and staying focused on my goals.

And here’s the biggest lesson of all: disagreements, debates, and tough conversations don’t mean the love or respect is gone. They mean there’s something worth fighting for.

So no — I’m not going anywhere. I’m still here. I’m still learning. And I’m still moving forward — emotional, passionate, and determined as ever. 💚

If others chose to walk away because of disagreements, debates, or couldn’t handle a few rough conversations, then that’s on them, it simply wasn’t meant to be. But me? I’m not running. I’m staying right here, learning, growing, and doing my best to understand. Because real connection isn’t about perfection, it’s about showing up, even through the messy parts. 💚

I’m still going with my vision. I’m still fighting, still moving forward, and I’m not giving up. This dream means everything to me, and I know it’s going to take hard work, patience, and time.

Growth isn’t always comfortable — but it’s always worth it.

So even when it feels tough, even when things don’t go as planned, I’m staying the course. And if you’re willing — grow with me. Let’s learn together, build together, and rise together. Because the best kind of success is the kind we share. 🌱

10/23/2025

💊 The Pill Choice – A Life Reflection by Tootie

If you were given two pills — one red, one blue — which would you choose?

The red pill lets you restart your life at six years old, but with all the knowledge and wisdom you have now.
The blue pill gives you ten million dollars in cash, right here, right now.

At first, I’ll admit — the thought of ten million dollars sounds amazing. I could finally open Tootie’s Social House, help my family, take care of bills, invest in the community, and bring my vision to life. That kind of money could change everything.

But then I thought about the red pill. What if I could go back to being six — little me, full of energy and dreams — but this time, I’d know everything I know now?
Maybe I’d start my business earlier.
Maybe I’d find love or be in relationship
Maybe I’d have kids before cancer entered my story.
Maybe I’d make more friends, avoid some heartbreaks, and build confidence long before I did in this life.

But then again… if I went back, would I erase everything I have now?
Would I lose the memories, the laughter, the music, the friendships, and the moments that shaped me?
Sure, my past had drama and pain, but it also had beauty — moments that built my strength, taught me resilience, and showed me who I am.
If I erase all that, do I erase me?

Money might seem like the easy answer, but money doesn’t fix everything. It doesn’t fill loneliness or heal the heart. It doesn’t guarantee happiness. It can make life more comfortable, sure — but not more meaningful.

And that’s when I realized something deeper:
What is life if we don’t actually have to work for it?
That’s not life. Life is about effort, dedication, and growth. It’s messy, hard, painful — but it’s also loving, beautiful, and rewarding. You can’t expect everything to be handed to you on a silver platter. You have to earn it — the pride, the lessons, the peace.

As much as I’d love to go back and change a few things, and as much as I’d love to take that $10 million right now, there’s no easy path. Either way, you face challenges.
Some people get things handed to them and never truly feel proud because they didn’t build it themselves. But those of us who’ve struggled, fallen, gotten back up — we know the meaning of strength, because we earned it.

Sometimes the answer isn’t in starting over or taking the shortcut.
Sometimes it’s about moving forward, one step at a time, carrying every lesson we’ve learned and every scar we’ve earned with pride.

Because in the end — our past is what makes us who we are today. 💫

10/21/2025

Hey everyone, I wanted to share an important update — the commercial filming event originally planned for this Saturday will need to be postponed.

Unfortunately, a few important matters have come up that I need to focus on right now, so this project will be rescheduled for a later date once things settle down. In addition, several participants weren’t available this weekend, so it made sense to hold off until we can have a stronger turnout.

Thank you all for your understanding and cooperation — I truly appreciate your support and enthusiasm. I’ll post the new date soon once everything is lined up.

10/19/2025

🔥 You Counted Me Out Before I Even Got Started

Before I go any further, let me be clear this message isn’t about one person.
It’s for anyone who’s ever doubted me, spoken behind my back, or looked at my dreams and laughed. If it hits close to home, maybe that’s because deep down, you know you’ve said it.

It’s wild how people will call themselves family or faithful but forget what those words really mean. You’re supposed to believe in your loved ones not talk behind their backs or predict their failure.

Hearing that someone in my own family someone who’s supposed to be rooting for me said I’m going to “fall on my face,” “go bankrupt,” and “never make it” hit harder than I expected. You say those words, and yet you call yourself a Christian? Tell me where in the Bible does it say to tear down someone’s dream before it’s even started?

Christianity is about faith, love, and believing in others, even when the road isn’t clear. You’re supposed to pray for people’s success, not predict their failure.

But here’s the thing, I wasn’t always who I am today. Years ago, I lived quiet. I stayed in my shell. I was on government assistance because I was told I couldn’t do much with my disability. I had no real direction, no confidence and very few people believed in me.

Then cancer came into my life and music came into my life and as strange as it sounds, it became the turning point.
It woke me up. It reminded me that life is too short to keep hiding. I decided to prove to the world and to myself that I can do something.

Since then, I’ve worked my butt off. I’ve pushed through pain, fear, and doubt.
I’m working, learning, building, and creating. I’m not just talking about change I became the change.

And yet, for some people, that’s still not good enough. First, they looked down on me for having nothing. Now, they doubt me for reaching for something.

But that’s fine because I’m not doing this for their approval. I’m doing this to show what’s possible when you rise up from rock bottom and choose to fight for your dreams.

I’m just getting started. I haven’t even had the chance to show the world or my community what I can really do.
You’re judging the first chapter of a story that hasn’t even been written yet.

And if you truly walked by faith, you’d know this: Every business starts from the ground up. It takes time, work, dedication, and heart.

No one wakes up one day with a million-dollar business. It takes faith, community, long nights, and a whole lot of heart.

I’m doing it the right way connecting with the City of Green Bay Committee, UW–Green Bay SBDC, and WWBIC.
I’m working with specialists, mentors, and professionals — learning, growing, and building real relationships to bring this dream to life.

And yes, I’ve got a team forming around me.Because that’s what real business is: teamwork and community.

You keep asking, “Where’s the money coming from?” That’s nobody’s business but mine and the people I’m working with financially.

What you don’t see are the countless hours I’ve spent working, saving, planning, networking, and showing up.
Maybe just maybe I’ve got more planned than you think.

Money comes from the same place every dreamer starts from the grind, the hustle, the community, and a whole lot of faith. Because faith means believing in something before you can see it.

Even if I stumble, at least I can say I tried. At least I’ll know I gave it my all heart and soul. That’s more than most people can say, and that’s something to be proud of.

But right now? I’m not falling — I’m rising.

✅ I’ve built my LLC.
✅ I’ve got the city and business organizations supporting me.
✅ I’ve got music, creativity, events, and fundraisers in motion.
✅ And most of all — I’ve got heart.

You don’t get to count me out before I’ve even had my shot.
You don’t get to say you’re proud to my face and then tell someone else I’m going to fail. That’s not faith. That’s not love. That’s not Christian.

So before you count me out, remember I haven’t even started my race yet.
And if you can’t believe in me, that’s fine.

While you’re busy doubting me, I’ll be busy building. Because I’ve got the city, the community, and the right people behind me. I’ve got fundraisers, music, and my LLC moving forward.
And most importantly — I’ve got faith.

Because I believe in myself. And when you build something with real love, passion, and purpose — it thrives.

Maybe that’s the difference between you and me.

🙏 Keep watching.
This is just the beginning.
I’m not just dreaming it — I’m building it.

10/17/2025

🌾 Bringing Back the Trade of Trust — One Meal, One Skill at a Time

Bartering isn’t broken we just forgot how to use it.

Once upon a time way back before dollars and debit cards ruled the world people traded what they had to survive and thrive.
A farmer brought eggs to the blacksmith in exchange for new horseshoes.
The baker swapped bread for candles.
A tailor mended clothes for baskets of vegetables from the garden.

It wasn’t called business it was called community. It was respect, value, and connection rolled into one. People didn’t just buy from each other they relied on each other. Everyone’s skill mattered because everyone brought something to the table.

Now look around today.
We work long hours, pay for meals during shifts, and watch grocery prices climb higher every week. Everyone’s working hard just to keep up.

But what if… we brought the old ways back? What if local businesses supported each other again not just with money, but with collaboration?

Imagine this:
A car shop helps keep Tootie’s Social House vehicles running and in return, they get hot meals and cold beers anytime they walk through our doors.
A sign company creates our custom designs and their crew gets a free family dinners nights A cleaning company helps us before a big event and they’re treated to full-course meals and dessert afterward.

💬 “I scratch your back, you scratch mine.” That’s not old-fashioned that’s smart, sustainable, and full of heart.

Sometimes, we need to rewrite the script and go back to what worked.
Because the truth is it’s not always about money. It’s about respect, collaboration, and love for the community.

Now, I know some people are going to argue and say,

“You can’t just give things away for free.” But that’s the thing this isn’t a handout. This is business helping business. It’s an exchange of value skill for service, product for product, time for time.

There’s a big difference between someone asking for a “freebie” and a business partnership built on mutual benefit. If it’s a family member just looking for free tickets or an event hookup, that’s not what this is.
But if one business helps another grow that’s not losing money, that’s investing in community success.

Yes, we all need to get paid I understand that. But if you really think about it, when you help your community and lift up other businesses, the word spreads.
People talk. People notice. And that word-of-mouth creates growth, trust, and steady customers. Just like back in the day when someone said,

“That blacksmith did an amazing job on my horseshoes, I brought him eggs as thanks! You should go see him.”

That’s how small acts built big success stories. Because when we help each other, we all rise together. Sometimes it’s not about holding onto every dollar it’s about building something bigger than money.

And I’ve seen it work firsthand.
When I worked at Buffalo Wild Wings a few years ago, they did exactly this a local cookie company would call in and order wings, and in exchange, they’d send boxes of cookies. No money exchanged hands just two businesses supporting each other, feeding each other’s success.

That’s what I’m talking about, exchange.
What do you have that I need, and what do I have that you need? That’s how real community thrives through connection, collaboration, and care.

Let’s bring it back, one meal, one trade, one act of kindness at a time. Community isn’t built with money alone it’s built with heart, trust, and helping hands.

The Tootie Show

10/28/2025

10/27/2025

10/26/2025

10/25/2025

10/24/2025

10/23/2025

10/21/2025

10/19/2025

10/17/2025

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