Lorri Love & Gelato Master Mike talk ice cream, business, community & breaking barriers

The Lorri Love Show

In this episode, Lorri Love and Michael Guerriero, America’s #1 ice cream chef, discuss how we thrive in community, the importance of staying positive through hard times, and not letting race or stereo types define us and how we view others. Gelotti’s is a world famous hand made ice cream shop located in Paterson, NJ since 1984. Michael Guerriero has appeared on ESPN and Food Network after winning several awards at the International Gelato Festival representing Gelotti’s. In this episode he shares how he became the First American Born chef to win At The Gelato Festival, and the First American Born Chef to win the Finals at the Gelato Festival. He will be representing the USA in Italy in 2021. He is partnering with Gelotti’s to open a location in NYC, this summer of 2019, and has many more plans on expansion. Michael Guerriero shares his story on how started working for Gelotti’s in high school behind the counter and was able to work himself up to a business partner, and now owner of two locations including Caldwell, and Montclair, alongside his wife Brie. He shares his story on how he overcame being homeless, having no parents, getting kicked out of high school, and that staying positive and believing in himself is what allowed him to push through the challenges. Michael shares how being honest about his background allowed him to create honest relationships in the community and opened doors for him in business as well. He is passionate about giving back to the community and giving opportunity to anyone who is willing to put in the work. Michael employs over 40 people who he cherishes and considers his family and army. Being classmates since 5th grade up until senior year of high school. We discussed the challenges of growing up in Paterson which is a high poverty, crime infested city, and moving to a neighboring town Woodland Park, where we felt stereotyped and racially profiled from middle school until high school. We discussed how the school system can affect a child’s self esteem and overall sense of belonging and how important it is to not let feeling excluded impact how you view yourself. Amongst many other topics, Michael shared his insight on what’s going on in Paterson, NJ with the school system, and his plans to run for Mayor of Paterson in the future. Tune in to the episode to listen to this smart, dedicated, and strong individual speak up about important matters during our times. The Lorri Love Show stands behind Gelotti’s and Michael Guerriero’s mission to bring sense of community and togetherness back into neighborhoods. Please visit Gelotti’s and see what all the hype is about in either Paterson, Caldwell, or Montclair NJ. And stayed Tuned in by following Michael on Instagram @gelato_master_mike on the opening of their NYC location ! Theme music for the show was provided by Live4beats.net a dear friend to The Lorri Love Show who hosts hundreds of beats for sale at affordable prices. Also can be followed on Instagram @live4beatss Recording of the Show was done at @braverystudiosnj and edited by creative director/owner @gnarlymarv