Episode 103

Unboxing Business Success with Dean Caravelis

Published on: 13th August, 2025

On today’s Performance Mindset, Amy and guest Dean Caravelis discuss the importance of building an experience for clients that makes a lasting impression. Dean Caravelis is the founder and CEO of Blezoo, a marketing firm with a unique approach to helping businesses differentiate themselves. Blezoo was founded in 2008 and offers a single point of contact that delivers white-glove service for busy marketing, sales, and human resources professionals. Dean is the author of the new book “The Experience-in-a-Box Playbook,” which teaches readers how to captivate prospects, elevate events, and deliver unforgettable brand moments to customers.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

  1. Dean Caravelis’s new book, “The Experience-in-a-Box Playbook,” and what you can expect to learn from it.
  2. What it means to be a shrimp boat captain versus a spear fisher.
  3. The importance of curating your client base to create trusting relationships with them.
  4. A Kentucky Derby horse no one ever heard about, and why it’s a lesson in changing your business approach.
  5. Dean’s initial spark to start a marketing business and become a spear fisher.
  6. The story behind Blezoo’s, Dean’s company, name.
  7. Payless Shoes and the marketing experiment with Palessi.
  8. The Merch Impact Matrix and using high-quality products to elicit a high brand connection.
  9. Some of the most important business lessons Dean wants to share with others.
  10. Being impulsive and making time for people who mean something to you.

Connect with Amy Calandrino here:

Beyond Commercial - beyondcommercial.com/amy-calandrino-ccim

Amy Calandrino - linktr.ee/amycalandrino

Connect with Dean Caravelis:

Blezoo website - blezoo.com

Personal website - deancaravelis.com

“The Experience-in-a-Box Playbook” by Dean Caravelis - www.amazon.com/Experience-Box-Playbook-Touchpoints-Change/dp/B0FBKKNLG9

“The Dip” by Seth Godin - www.amazon.com/Dip-Little-Book-Teaches-Stick/dp/1591841666

The Palessi Experiment - youtu.be/gJdBNYWG4a0?si=yY3-ytCbCfXCmKTO

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About the Podcast

The Performance Mindset Show
Insights for high performers in business, leadership, and real estate.
The Performance Mindset Show is where high achievers come to grow. Hosted by commercial real estate advisor, entrepreneur, and author Amy Calandrino, each episode dives into the habits, strategies, and stories that help leaders think bigger, perform better, and build meaningful success in business and life.

Amy sits down with trailblazers across commercial real estate, entrepreneurship, investing, health, and personal development to uncover how they overcame obstacles, scaled their impact, and created lives built on intention. These conversations are honest, inspiring, and filled with practical insights you can apply immediately.

Whether you're a business owner, creator, investor, or someone who wants to operate at a higher level, this show will help you strengthen your mindset, sharpen your skills, and stay focused on what matters most.

If you want to grow, you’re in the right place.

About your host

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Amy Calandrino

Amy Calandrino, SIOR, CCIM, is a Director at Cushman & Wakefield with deep experience representing small and mid-sized businesses, family enterprises, and private investors throughout Central Florida and beyond. She is known for being a thoughtful listener, a creative problem-solver, and a strategic advisor who helps clients make informed decisions that support both their business goals and long-term wealth creation.

With a career rooted in guiding entrepreneurs and families through pivotal real estate moments, Amy brings clarity, structure, and actionable strategy to every assignment. She has completed hundreds of transactions across office, flex, and retail properties, and clients rely on her strong command of market trends, valuations, and space needs particularly within Winter Park and Greater Orlando. Her experience is backed by the SIOR and CCIM designations, reflecting her commitment to expertise and excellence in the industry.

In addition to her advisory work, Amy is the author of From Perfect to Real: Ditch Perfection, Shift Your Mindset, and Thrive on Your Terms, where she shares her SPORT Success System® for high performance. She is also the host of The Performance Mindset Show, a podcast featuring candid conversations with leaders in business, real estate, and entrepreneurship.

Committed to strengthening her community, Amy co-founded the Calandrino Foundation with her husband, Phil, to equip youth with the skills and mindset needed for entrepreneurship and financial empowerment. She also serves on the Park Avenue District Board in Winter Park.

Amy lives in Central Florida with her family. Outside of work, she enjoys golf, running, and staying active with her two children. Her faith, family, and dedication to helping others grow continue to guide her both personally and professionally.