Angelo Gingerelli & Joe Borzotta: The Grit Behind Ugly Pancake Productions

In this candid episode of Grit Won't Quit, host Tom Mirabella sits down with Angelo Gingerelli and Joe Borzotta, co-founders of Ugly Pancake Productions, to explore the unglamorous reality of running a comedy and events business at the Jersey Shore. For 4 years, they've navigated the highs and lows of organizing comedy shows, fundraisers, and open mics—proving that even in entertainment, grit outweighs glamour. Tom, Angelo, and Joe dive into the challenges of merging their contrasting backgrounds to build a business that thrives on collaboration. They discuss the complexities of working with venues to ensure seamless customer experiences, battling the seasonal volatility of the Jersey Shore (think packed summers vs. ghost-town winters), and the uphill climb of selling tickets in a competitive market. The conversation gets real about the less flashy side of comedy: managing artists with little industry experience, balancing creative freedom with financial realities, and the pressure to keep local charities and fundraisers alive even when turnout is uncertain. But through it all, Angelo and Joe highlight their mission to elevate Jersey Shore's comedy scene, support emerging talent, and give back to their community—even when the laughs don't translate to easy profits. If you're a small business owner, creative entrepreneur, or someone who thinks the events industry is all glitz, this episode is a raw, honest look at the resilience required to turn passion into a sustainable venture.