Unchained:: The Raw Truth About Entrepreneurship, Family Business and Life Balance

by Bobby Mascia, Robert J. Mascia

Chronicling my personal story while imparting crucial business lessons, Rewriting the rules of business, family business, and culture shares how I left a Wall Street job behind to work for my family's Dunkin' Donuts franchise. Years later, I became an entrepreneur and set out on my own path, only to ultimately do the one thing I swore I'd never come back to the family business. It is a journey of twists and turns, highs and lows, one that has taught me lessons for how to build wealth, bootstrap a company, and find your way. Now, I wish to share those lessons with others.
I come from a family of entrepreneurs, exemplified by my father who ran a string of successful food service franchises. But while they were financially successful, they were plagued by capricious management and a toxic culture. When the rising tension between me and my father reached a breaking point, I opted to pivot into the unknown, putting everything on the line to become an independent financial advisor (and later open my own firm) and answer what I knew was my true running my own business. Unchained recounts the challenges of building a new company, including the dark days of COVID which almost derailed the fledgling firm. Then, when my father got cancer, he asked me to do the return again to the family business and take the reins. Crackling with humor and packed with valuable lessons from the entrepreneurial trenches, Unchained is a refreshingly honest and heartfelt contribution to the genre.
I am the founder and CEO of Green Ridge Wealth Planning and Mascia Capital Group, through which I own and operate several successful businesses. I was recognized as the NJBIZ Leader in Finance in 2024, and as a financial planner and business coach, I've helped countless families realize their own dreams of financial independence and entrepreneurial success.

204 pages, Paperback

Published December 23, 2025

About the author

Bobby Mascia is the founder and CEO of Green Ridge Wealth Planning and Mascia Capital Group, where he owns and operates multiple successful businesses. A 2024 NJBIZ Leader in Finance, he helps entrepreneurs build financial independence, stronger companies, and clearer paths forward.

Reviews

[Brandon Sisk]

This book was a great read from the start to the finish. Bobby gifted me this book and I couldn’t wait to dive into it to understand more about the complexities of his family business, how he was able to navigate them, and most importantly the lessons he has learned throughout his career! You can tell the honesty through the words written and the thoughtfulness of each chapter to help and guide others as you read through this book.

[Sean Cole]

This book was both inspirational and eye opening. As someone who knows Bobby, it was so interesting to take a look behind the curtain and see the life experiences and stories that shaped how Bobby approaches running his businesses and structuring his life. The book is very well written as it takes a refreshing and effective tone that keeps you engaged throughout, and does not get repetitive or mundane.

[Wendy]

Watching how a business is made can be a bit like watching sausage, but not this time. Bobby Mascia's sometimes messy, often funny, and always honest and inspiring discussion of his journey as an entrepreneur is refreshing. Although some lessons seem obvious, they are explained in a manner that allows the reader to learn and remember and realize the value in the lesson. Definite read for those in the throes of family businesses or considering jumping in with both feet.

[Jenny]

If you are in a family business, especially the 2nd generation or the next generation of owners, this is a must read for you! Bobby writes about his story of entrepreneurship and family business in a way that is relatable to everyone. He uses real life examples to illustrate the lessons he has learned along the way which made the book that more enjoyable to read. I will definitely be using this book as a resource for my business planning!