DJ Avision on Building a Music Career, Pizza Business, and Brand That Stands the Test of Time

In this episode of I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman, host Luis Guzman sits down with Anthony Cardinale, better known as DJ Avision, for a conversation that goes far beyond music. While many people know Anthony as an internationally touring DJ and producer with a signature sound rooted in 90s house music, there's another side to his story that deserves just as much attention. He's also a husband, father, entrepreneur, co-owner of The Bar in South Amboy, New Jersey, and co-founder of CJ Pizza, one of the area's fastest-growing wood-fired pizza brands.What makes this conversation so interesting is how every part of Anthony's career connects together. The same creativity that fuels his music also shapes the restaurants, food concepts, branding, and customer experiences he builds. Whether he's producing a track, creating a menu, or designing a neighborhood gathering place, the goal is always the same: make people feel something.Luis and Anthony spend time talking about what it really takes to build multiple businesses while staying true to yourself. They discuss taking calculated risks, learning through failure, and making tough decisions during uncertain times. The pandemic forced Anthony and his longtime business partner to rethink everything they knew about business. What started as backyard pizza parties quickly turned into pop-up events, food trucks, and eventually a full restaurant that continues to grow.The conversation also dives into branding, hospitality, and why details matter. Anthony explains why he refuses to cut corners on ingredients, customer experience, or the atmosphere people walk into. From sourcing premium products to creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels comfortable, every decision reflects the long-term vision instead of chasing quick wins.Music fans will appreciate hearing about Anthony's journey as DJ Avision, from playing drums with his father and sneaking into clubs as a teenager to touring internationally and earning respect from some of the biggest names in electronic music. He shares how the sounds of New York house music shaped his production style and why staying authentic has always mattered more than following trends.The discussion also highlights the influence of family, mentors, and lifelong friendships. Anthony shares stories about learning from his parents, working alongside trusted partners, and surrounding himself with people who challenge him to think bigger. It's a reminder that success rarely happens alone and that great businesses are often built on even stronger relationships.If you're an artist trying to build a career, a small business owner looking for fresh ideas, or someone chasing multiple passions at once, this episode is packed with practical lessons you can apply immediately. It's an honest look at balancing creativity with business while building something that lasts.In this episode, you'll hear about:DJ Avision's path from local DJ to international touring artist.Building CJ Pizza from backyard events into a growing business.The story behind creating The Bar and its community-first atmosphere.Why branding goes far beyond logos and social media.Learning through failure, pressure, and calculated risks.Growing multiple businesses without sacrificing quality.Family influence, mentorship, and long-term partnerships.Staying creative while managing the realities of entrepreneurship.If you enjoyed this episode of I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman, be sure to subscribe so you never miss a conversation. Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform, share this episode with another creative or entrepreneur, and let us know what resonated with you most. Follow Luis Guzman and the podcast on social media for behind-the-scenes content, upcoming guests, and future episodes, and join the conversation by commenting with the biggest lesson you took away from this interview with DJ Avision.