In this powerful episode of Not An Option Podcast, Rick Alaimo (author Frank Antonio) opens up like never before. From growing up in Chicago and facing tragedy in his family, to overcoming poverty, hustling for survival, and building a life in construction and business, Rick shares raw stories of resilience, mistakes, and redemption.

You’ll hear about:

- The loss of his baby sister and how it changed his family forever
- Moving from a wealthy neighborhood to one of Chicago’s toughest areas
- Working construction at 13 and running crews by 17
- Hustling, managing music groups, and organizing fundraisers as a teen
- Becoming a young father, beating an attempted murder case, and turning his life around
- Meeting his wife, raising kids—including his son Frankie, who has autism—and building a blended family
- Surviving a near-fatal neck injury and later Covid-19, plus how medication and mindset kept him going
- Lessons on fatherhood, entrepreneurship, perseverance, and the importance of never giving up

This episode is a testament to the fact that failure, quitting, and giving up are not an option.

🔔 New episodes drop every Wednesday at 2:00 PM EST (1:00 PM CST). Subscribe so you don’t miss it!

👉 If you connect with this story, please like, share, and comment—let’s grow together.

'Not an Option' book sold on AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/Not-Option-Frank-Antonio/dp/1966924429?adgrpid=182243957727&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=748008426885&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6891421688385342727&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9197459&hvtargid=dsa-2414841787126&hydadcr=&mcid=&hvocijid=6891421688385342727--&hvexpln=67&tag=googhydr-20&hvsb=Mystery_d&hvcampaign=dsadesk

Follow Us!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notanoptionpodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notanoptionpodcast?lang=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Not-An-Option-Podcast/61579397547071/#

#NotAnOptionPodcast #RickAlaimo #LifeLessons #Mindset #Adversity #Motivation #SelfDiscipline #ChicagoStories #Grit #Resilience #InvestInYourself #NoExcuses

In this episode of the Not an Option Podcast, Rick takes us back to his teenage years growing up in one of the toughest neighborhoods in Chicago. From ages 13 to 19, he faced challenges that would break most people, but instead, they shaped the foundation of his grit, discipline, and resilience. Rick shares raw life stories, the mistakes he made, and the lessons he learned that still guide him today.

This isn’t just about construction, it’s about survival, mindset, and proving that no matter where you start, success is always possible if giving up is not an option.

New Episode every Wednesday at 2:00 P.M EST

'Not an Option' book sold on AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/Not-Option-Frank-Antonio/dp/1966924429?adgrpid=182243957727&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=748008426885&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6891421688385342727&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9197459&hvtargid=dsa-2414841787126&hydadcr=&mcid=&hvocijid=6891421688385342727--&hvexpln=67&tag=googhydr-20&hvsb=Mystery_d&hvcampaign=dsadesk

Follow Us!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notanoptionpodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notanoptionpodcast?lang=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Not-An-Option-Podcast/61579397547071/#

#NotAnOptionPodcast #RickAlaimo #LifeLessons #Mindset #Adversity #Motivation #SelfDiscipline #ChicagoStories #Grit #Resilience #InvestInYourself #NoExcuses

When quitting isn’t an option, you find a way to win.
Welcome to the Not An Option Podcast. Real talk from Rick Alaimo about life, business, and surviving when the odds are stacked against you. From growing up on the West Side of Chicago to building multiple companies, Rick shares the raw, unfiltered lessons on hustle, integrity, and what it really takes to succeed. Expect stories about blue collar grit, white collar strategy, and “gray collar” business ownership. No fluff. No fake Lambos. Just hard-earned truths, wins, losses, and the game as it’s really played.

-New Episode every Wednesday at 2:00 P.M EST-

Follow Us!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notanoptionpodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notanoptionpodcast?lang=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579397547071