Inside the Octagon: Building Champions at Upgraded Industries

Send us Fan MailWhen DJ Jacobucci resigned from his firefighting career and dumped his pension into opening Upgraded Industries, it wasn't just a business decision—it was a leap of faith into a lifelong passion. "That's betting on yourself," he explains on the Ride Home Rants podcast. "That's either saying I'm going to be poor or this is going to work."This all-or-nothing mentality has shaped Upgraded Industries into what DJ lovingly describes as a "dysfunctional family that you can't help but love." Starting as a personal trainer while navigating a difficult divorce, DJ gradually built his business until he could focus on his true passion—combat sports. With a background as a wrestler and fighter himself, he's created a training environment where accountability and self-motivation are non-negotiable. "I don't hold hands," he states plainly, reflecting his belief that fighters must develop discipline alongside technique.The gym's success speaks for itself, producing fighters like Tony "The Latin Assassin" and attracting talented coaches who share DJ's vision. What began as Sunday wrestling sessions with whoever would show up has evolved into an elite training facility that stays true to old-school toughness while adapting to modern training methods. Between training professional fighters, raising his identical twin sons who wrestle competitively, and managing all aspects of the business, DJ embodies the fighter's mentality in everything he does.Throughout the conversation, DJ offers candid insights on the state of combat sports, expressing concern that UFC might follow boxing's self-destructive path, while sharing stories of the tight-knit community he's built at Upgraded Industries. Whether you're a fighting enthusiast or simply appreciate stories of entrepreneurs betting on their passion, DJ's journey from firefighter to gym owner demonstrates what's possible when you commit fully to building something meaningful around what you love.• Betting everything on his dream by resigning from firefighting and investing his pension into the gym• Balancing fatherhood with running the gym, prioritizing family while maintaining high standards for his fighters• Finding talented fighters like Tony "The Latin Assassin" who began as training partners and became integral to the gym• Creating a "dysfunctional family" atmosphere where competitiveness and ball-busting are part of daily life• Following a coaching philosophy that emphasizes self-discipline over hand-holding• Growing up wrestling and watching early UFC tapes from Blockbuster that sparked his passion• Expressing concerns about the UFC following boxing's path toward self-destruction• Preparing fighters through multiple disciplines to keep them active when MMA fights fall through• Supporting underprivileged youth through fundraising efforts for wrestling tournament entries and uniformsCome check out Cage Grappling at Upgraded Industries on June 7th or join our Golf Outing on June 28th where all funds go to help underprivileged kids enter wrestling tournaments. Visit upgradedindustries.com to learn more.All music brought to you by former guest of the show SpeedoSubscribe for exclusive content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1530455/support Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREETactical BrotherhoodThe Tactical Brotherhood is a movement to support America.Deemed FitBe a part of our movement to instill confidence motivation and a willingness to keep pushing forwardBuddy's Beard CareBuddy's Beard Care provides premium men's grooming products at an affordable price.Sweet Hands SportsElevate your game with Sweet Hands Sports! Our sports gloves are designed for champions,ShankitgolfOur goal here at Shankitgolf is for everyone to have a great time on and off the golf courseDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showFollow us on all social mediaX: @mikebonocomedyInstagram: @mikebonocomedy@tiktok: @mikebono_comedianFacebook: @mikebonocomedy