Founder2Founder with Aaron Spivak

How AI Is Reshaping Careers, Salaries, and Hiring with Mateo Polic

Wed, 20 May 2026 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Mateo Polic, founder of one of Canada’s leading recruitment firms, to unpack what is really happening in today’s hiring market. From AI-generated resumes and shrinking salaries, to the growing gap between senior talent and younger operators, Mateo shares what he’s seeing from thousands of job applications and placements across sales, tech, marketing, and executive leadership.

Mateo also opens up about his journey from Croatia to Canada, the lessons he learned from playing professional basketball, and why persistence, adaptability, and human connection matter more than ever in the AI era. Together, Aaron and Mateo explore entrepreneurship, hiring, leadership, sports, and the future of work in a rapidly changing economy.

Chapters:
01:38 – How AI Changed Job Applications and Recruiting
03:43 – Why Most Applicants Struggle to Stand Out Today
05:57 – The Human Skills That Still Win in Hiring
08:49 – The Highest Paying Jobs in 2026
10:15 – Which Roles Are Losing Salary Value Fast
12:14 – The Truth About High Paying Sales Careers
15:05 – How Employees Are Feeling About AI and Work
16:07 – Why Morale in Canada Is Rapidly Declining
19:28 – Mateo’s First Experience Moving to Canada
21:29 – Why Top Canadian Founders Are Leaving
25:57 – AI, Global Talent, and the Future of Competition
27:26 – The Jobs AI Is Already Replacing
29:00 – Why Senior Employees Are Under Pressure
31:54 – The Growing Age Gap in the Workforce
34:04 – How AI Is Changing Career Longevity
36:47 – Why More People Are Becoming Entrepreneurs
38:17 – The Rise of Fractional Executives and Gig Work
40:53 – The Hidden Cost of a Bad Hire
42:29 – How Great Companies Actually Hire Talent
45:32 – The Recruiting Lessons Founders Need to Learn
48:13 – Building Teams Through Trusted Relationships
52:35 – Sports, Discipline, and Success in Business
54:41 – What Team Sports Teach You About Leadership
56:10 – Why Effort and Consistency Matter More Than Talent

Guest Links:
LinkedIn: Mateo Polic
Instagram: @mp21cro

If you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaron

Stay Connected!
Aaron Spivak:
IG: @‌Spivak
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The Founders Club
IG: @‌TheFoundersClub
Website www.foundersclubofficial.com

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How Amanda Marino Helps Founders Heal Trauma and Build Emotional Resilience

Wed, 13 May 2026 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Amanda Marino, certified Life and Empowerment Coach, TEDx speaker, Emmy-nominated TV personality, and founder of Next Level Wellness and Behavioral Health. Amanda shares her journey from surviving childhood abuse, family trauma, and years of self-destruction, to building a life rooted in healing, service, and resilience.

Amanda opens up about the realities of trauma, addiction, mental health, and reinvention, while sharing the work she now does helping individuals, families, and entrepreneurs navigate their own healing journeys. This conversation explores emotional resilience, the importance of environment and community, and why giving people the space to be heard can completely change the trajectory of their lives.

Chapters:
01:02 – Amanda Marino’s Journey Through Trauma and Resilience
02:40 – Childhood Abuse, Survival, and Early Trauma
05:53 – The Lasting Impact of Feeling “Not Good Enough”
08:07 – Self-Destruction, Rebellion, and Seeking Escape
09:30 – Turning Pain Into Purpose and Helping Others Heal
11:52 – Mental Health, Addiction, and Eating Disorders Today
13:32 – Where the Healing Process Actually Begins
16:59 – Amanda’s Approach to Family Interventions and Recovery
19:43 – The Power of Listening and Holding Space
22:58 – Lessons Learned From High-Stakes Interventions
24:39 – Similarities Between Wealth, Trauma, and Addiction
27:46 – The Importance of Ongoing Self-Work and Therapy
29:26 – Gratitude, Healing, and Breaking Generational Cycles
31:29 – Resilience, Reinvention, and Creating a New Life
32:42 – The Mentors and Relationships That Changed Amanda’s Life
35:44 – Why Some People Struggle With Other People’s Success
38:10 – Learning Discernment in Relationships and Friendships
41:46 – Seasons of Life, Growth, and Personal Evolution
42:42 – Manifestation, Belief, and Creating Bigger Opportunities
46:31 – Parenting, Emotional Intelligence, and Giving Kids Space
49:39 – Why Community and Support Systems Matter
52:00 – Vulnerability, Masculinity, and Emotional Growth
53:22 – Amanda’s Message to Her Younger Self
55:02 – Amanda’s Mission to Help Others Heal and Rebuild

Guest Links:
Website: https://amandamarinospeaks.com/
https://www.nextlevelwellnessbh.com/
Instagram: @amandamarinoofficial
TikTok: @amandamarinoofficial
LinkedIn: Amanda Marino

Founder2Founder:
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How Men Can Process Emotions and Become Better Leaders with Nachman Forer

Wed, 06 May 2026 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Nachman Forer, co-founder of Anochi, a transformational community helping men step into deeper connection, emotional awareness, and aligned leadership. Nachman shares his journey from a challenging upbringing and years of internal struggle to building a thriving marriage, raising 11 children, and guiding thousands of men through personal growth.

This conversation explores what it really means to take responsibility as a man, from navigating relationships and emotional triggers to redefining strength through vulnerability. Nachman breaks down the tools that changed his life, including breathwork, men’s groups, and daily self-check-ins, while offering a grounded perspective on parenting, anxiety, and breaking generational patterns.

Chapters:
01:52 – Early Life, Rebellion, and Searching for Meaning
04:30 – Struggles in Marriage and Emotional Triggers
06:54 – The Workshop That Changed Everything
07:52 – Transforming Marriage and Family Life
09:53 – Message to Men Feeling Stuck or Lost
12:14 – Why Men Need Space, Not Solutions
13:35 – The Role of Masculinity and Responsibility
16:42 – The Power of Men’s Groups and Sharing
18:39 – Breaking Free from Parental Conditioning
20:03 – Turning Pain Into Power
22:58 – Healing Family Dynamics and Inclusion
25:25 – Letting Go of Resentment and Control
27:06 – Introduction to Breathwork
30:35 – Using Breathwork as a Daily Tool
32:00 – Overcoming Severe Anxiety Without Medication
35:30 – Why Anxiety Can Be Your Greatest Teacher
39:30 – The Problem Is the Solution Mindset
42:09 – Applying Emotional Work to Business Challenges
44:41 – Slowing Down to Scale Effectively
47:50 – Personal Growth and Relationship with Money
49:58 – Parenting, Growth, and Self-Awareness
52:27 – Learning from Your Children
55:56 – Letting Kids Fail and Build Resilience
59:04 – Final Thoughts on Growth and Masculinity

Guest Links:
YouTube
Instagram: @findinganochi

Founder2Founder:
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How Founders Can Use AI to Boost Efficiency and Scale with Mo Moahid

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Mo Moahid, a seasoned entrepreneur and AI expert, to explore the power of artificial intelligence in scaling businesses. Mo shares his unique journey from competing as part of Team Canada in equine sport to building and exiting multiple businesses. His deep understanding of discipline, scale, and technology has shaped his approach to business and AI, culminating in the launch of Zero-to-Agent, where he helps businesses implement AI solutions that actually stick.

Mo's story is a masterclass in leveraging technology for practical solutions. He dives into how AI can remove friction from business processes and the importance of creating systems that thrive at speed. With over $100 million in ad spend experience and a background in both e-commerce and events, Mo explains how to effectively integrate AI into your business for real impact, not just novelty. If you’re a founder looking to make AI work for your company, this episode is filled with actionable insights and strategies.

Chapters:
02:45 – From Horseback Archery to AI: Mo’s Unique Path
04:10 – Why Every Business Should Have a Chief Agent Officer
06:30 – The Power of AI Agents in Scaling Your Business
08:05 – Overcoming the Overwhelm of AI Models: Choosing the Right Tools
10:20 – The Three Types of AI Models Every Business Needs to Know
12:00 – The Importance of Organizing Your Data for Effective AI Use
15:45 – The Role of AI in Simplifying Business Operations
18:00 – Building with AI: From Small Data to Big Impact
20:20 – The Challenge of Managing Employees’ Fear of AI
22:30 – How AI Can Help Automate Marketing and Sales Tasks
26:00 – Understanding AI’s Impact on Jobs and Workforce Evolution
28:00 – How Founders Can Harness AI for Dynamic Pricing and Advertising
30:00 – The Future of AI in Business: What Founders Should Prepare For
32:30 – Optimizing Ad Spend with AI and Tools like Microsoft Clarity
34:50 – Self-Optimization Loops: AI’s Role in Continuous Business Growth
37:05 – How to Implement AI for Strategic Decision Making
41:00 – Why You Need a Strategy for AI Implementation, Not Just Tools
44:30 – Mo’s Final Thoughts on Adapting to AI’s Fast-Paced Evolution
46:10 – How Founders Can Stay Ahead and Lead in the Age of AI

Guest Links:
Linkedin
Instagram: @killxmo

Founder2Founder:
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Canadian Founder Exodus: Mena Maimone on Leaving Canada, Building in the U.S. and Visa Strategies

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with immigration attorney and founder Mena Maimone for a direct conversation about why so many Canadian entrepreneurs are exploring a move to the United States. Originally from Canada, Mena moved to South Florida nearly a decade ago, earned her J.D. from Nova Southeastern University, and built Maimone Legal with her mother into a fast-growing firm helping clients navigate the move to the U.S.

Together, Aaron and Mena unpack the fears, misconceptions, and real opportunities behind relocating as a founder. From visa pathways and taxes to safety, lifestyle, and long-term freedom, this episode offers a clear look at why more entrepreneurs are making the move and what it actually takes to do it well.

Chapters:
01:30 – Why Aaron Believes Canada’s Builders Are Leaving
01:32 – Mena Explains What She’s Seeing With Canadian Business Owners
03:15 – The Main Reasons Canadians Are Looking to Leave
04:41 – What a Government-Heavy Economy Means for Entrepreneurs
05:11 – The Importance of Environment, Energy, and the “Miami Effect”
06:09 – The Biggest Hurdles Canadians Think They Face
06:12 – Why Mena Says the Process Is Easier Than Most People Think
07:47 – Advice for Founders Who Want to Leave but Feel Stuck
09:04 – The Fear-Based Mindset That Keeps People From Making the Move
10:23 – The Most Common Objections Mena Hears
11:09 – Debunking the Healthcare Cost Myth
13:42 – Why the Quality of Life in Florida Feels So Different
16:47 – Why Mena Believes Canada Is Trying to Slow the Exodus
18:02 – Choosing Your Environment and What That Says About Your Future
19:31 – Aaron Shares the Home Invasion That Changed Everything
25:07 – What Founders Need to Know About the So-Called Exit Tax
28:12 – What It Typically Costs To Make the Move Properly
29:05 – How Mena’s Business Has Doubled and What Markets She’s Watching
30:00 – Why Asset Protection Matters More in the U.S.
31:10 – Tax Advantages Business Owners Often Overlook
34:41 – Building a Business With Family and Creating a Legacy
38:40 – Why the E2 Visa Is One of the Most Popular Paths
39:52 – How Long E1 and E2 Visas Last and What Renewal Looks Like
42:38 – Green Card Options for Founders Who Want a Long-Term Path

Guest Links:

Founder2Founder:
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Scaling a Billion-Dollar Brand: George Heaton on Represent’s Growth, Community, and Fitness Integration

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Founder2Founder, live from a Founders Club conference, Aaron Spivak and Chris Meade sit down with George Heaton, the co-founder of Represent, a globally recognized fashion brand that fuses style, fitness, and community. With over 15 years of entrepreneurship under his belt, George shares the highs and lows of building a multi-million-dollar business. From maintaining brand authenticity to navigating international expansion, George opens up about how he scaled Represent without losing sight of the core values that made the brand successful.

George reveals how he built Represent into a dominant force in fashion while staying true to the brand’s roots. This conversation is packed with actionable advice for entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey, covering everything from leadership and team dynamics to navigating tough times and embracing the future of fashion.

Chapters:
02:10 – How George’s Background Shaped Represent’s Vision
05:30 – The Key to Building a Fashion Brand with Authenticity
07:20 – Expanding Beyond Fashion: The Fitness Integration
10:15 – Building a Global Brand: The Challenges of International Growth
13:45 – Maintaining Momentum: How George Keeps the Brand Fresh
17:00 – Why Attention to Detail Is Essential for Success
20:10 – The Power of Community in Scaling a Brand
22:30 – Going Global: The Reality of Expanding into New Markets
26:05 – Overcoming Doubts and Fears During Growth Phases
29:30 – The Importance of Flexibility and Adapting to Change
32:00 – When to Delegate: The Role of CEOs and Leaders in Scaling
34:40 – The Work-Life Balance: How to Navigate Personal and Business Challenges
38:00 – Leading a Brand with Heart and Purpose
41:30 – The Value of Staying Creative and Visionary as a Founder
43:50 – The Role of Content and Social Media in Building Your Brand
47:15 – Overcoming Setbacks: What Every Entrepreneur Needs to Know
50:30 – How to Stay Motivated Through Tough Times
53:00 – The Importance of Relationships: Finding Your Tribe
55:20 – George’s Advice to Entrepreneurs: Focus on Long-Term Success
58:00 – Looking to the Future: The Next Big Moves for Represent
59:30 – The Power of Resilience and Staying True to Your Roots
1:02:10 – George’s Final Thoughts: Building a Legacy, Not Just a Brand
1:05:00 – How George Sees the Future of Entrepreneurship
1:07:30 – Closing Remarks: Stay Committed and Keep Pushing Forward

Guest Links:
Website: https://georgeheaton.com/ https://ca.representclo.com/
Instagram: @georgeheaton @representclo

Founder2Founder:
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How Kevin Gould Navigated Rapid Growth and Setbacks to Build a $100M Brand

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Kevin Gould, a seasoned entrepreneur and the founder of Kombo Ventures, to explore the raw and unfiltered journey behind building successful brands. Kevin is also the co-founder of Glamnetic, a leading beauty brand known for its press-on nails and INH Hair, a hair extension company. With extensive experience in talent management and brand-building, Kevin shares powerful insights about entrepreneurship, resilience, and the mental toughness required to navigate business challenges.

Kevin takes us through the rollercoaster of scaling companies, navigating tough decisions, and the pivotal moments that shaped his journey. This episode is a must-listen for any entrepreneur who’s looking to understand the mindset that goes into growing a business from zero to nine figures.

Chapters:

01:19 – Kevin’s Early Life and First Hustles
03:01 – The Turning Point That Sparked Kevin’s Entrepreneurial Drive
04:00 – Leaving Corporate Life and Taking the Leap Into Entrepreneurship
06:10 – The Challenges of Starting Kombo Ventures and Navigating the Talent Industry
08:39 – Kevin’s Experience Working with Influencers and YouTubers
10:12 – Mental Toughness and Resilience in High-Stakes Environments
11:40 – Learning from Industry Giants and Developing a Strong Work Ethic
15:19 – The Power of Visualization and Manifestation in Entrepreneurship
17:34 – The Critical Role of Mental Toughness in Business Success
20:18 – Lessons Learned from Working with Jake Paul and Other Influencers
22:22 – Shifting from Talent Management to Building Consumer Brands
24:15 – The Rapid Growth of Glamnetic and Navigating its Challenges
26:33 – The Pain and Lessons Learned During the Three-Year Pivot at Glamnetic
28:16 – Why Confidence and Self-Awareness Are Crucial in Business
30:50 – Maintaining Momentum Through Times of Uncertainty
33:19 – The Dangers of Over-ambition and the Importance of Patience
39:00 – Ego and Leadership: How to Balance Confidence and Humility
41:55 – Understanding What Your Business Needs at Each Stage of Growth
44:33 – Leading Through Crisis: Lessons from Difficult Business Times
47:09 – How Private Equity Shaped Kevin’s Perspective on Business Growth
50:01 – The Power of Curiosity and Continual Learning for Entrepreneurs
52:10 – Kevin’s Long-Term Vision and the Importance of Enjoying the Journey
54:40 – Why Embracing the Unknown is Crucial for Business Growth
56:21 – Kevin’s Final Thoughts: Focus on Long-Term Success, Not Quick Wins
1:00:45 – Kevin’s Advice to His Younger Self: Patience and Perspective

Guest Links:
Instagram: @keving

Founder2Founder:
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Founder Burnout: Why Building a Business Can Break You and How to Fix It with Garrett Peters

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Garrett Peters, co-founder of Duncan & Stone Paper Co., a brand focused on helping families capture meaningful memories through intentional stationery. Before launching the company in 2020, Garrett spent over a decade working with Walmart and Sam’s Club, gaining experience in scaling brands and building businesses.

Garrett shares his transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship, driven by a desire for more freedom, alignment, and time with his family. From building the business as a side hustle to navigating burnout and redefining success, this conversation offers a grounded look at what it really takes to build a business that supports your life.

Chapters
01:01 – Garrett’s Background and Joining Founders Club
03:45 – The Moment That Sparked His Entrepreneurial Journey
06:10 – Realizing the Lack of Freedom in Corporate Life
09:34 – The Decision to Start a Business With Friends
11:50 – Building Duncan & Stone as a Side Hustle
12:22 – Late Nights, Family Life, and Early Startup Grind
14:06 – The Realities of Manufacturing and Early Challenges
16:10 – When the Business Started Feeling Real
17:24 – First Holiday Sales and Early Momentum
18:30 – The Breaking Point That Led to Quitting His Job
20:52 – Going All-In Without Financial Security
21:37 – The Chaos of Year One as a Full-Time Founder
22:33 – Losing Identity and Burning Out in the Business
23:44 – The Impact on Marriage and Personal Life
25:50 – Learning to Outsource and Build a Team
26:48 – Understanding Alignment vs. Burnout
28:29 – Finding Product Focus and Building a Brand
30:43 – Creating the Legacy Journal and Defining Their Niche
34:13 – Why Amazon Became a Key Growth Channel
36:57 – Selling a Product Customers Didn’t Know They Needed
38:17 – Navigating Business With Friends and Family
40:20 – Setting Boundaries Between Work and Life
43:13 – The Role of Personal Health in Business Success
45:09 – Defining “Enough” and Building a Lifestyle Business
48:44 – Balancing Ambition With Contentment
50:10 – The Danger of Comparison and External Validation
53:47 – Creating Your Own Version of Success
59:33 – Advice to His Younger Self: Control What You Can

Guest Links:
Website: https://www.duncanandstone.com/
Instagram: @duncanandstone
LinkedIn: Garrett Peters

Founder2Founder:
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How Founders Can Use Personal Branding to Grow a Business with Addison LaBonte

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Addison LaBonte, founder of Sweet Addison’s, a fast-growing better-for-you bakery shipping gluten-free, dairy-free desserts nationwide. A former Division 1 athlete, Addison has channeled her discipline and resilience into building a brand rooted in authenticity and quality.

After a life-changing health diagnosis, Addison turned to gluten-free living, what started as a personal journey quickly evolved into a thriving business and loyal online community. Her story highlights the power of betting on yourself, building with intention, and creating products that truly serve people.

Chapters
01:16 – Addison’s Background and Unexpected Path to Entrepreneurship
03:42 – How Division 1 Athletics Shaped Her Discipline and Mindset
05:41 – The Power of Delayed Gratification in Business
07:44 – Health Diagnosis That Changed Everything
08:35 – Discovering Gluten-Free Living and a New Passion
09:49 – Starting an Instagram Account That Led to a Business
11:03 – Early Doubts and Getting Laid Off Before Launch
12:33 – Building Sweet Addison’s From a Small Apartment
13:25 – 26 Recipe Iterations to Perfect the Product
14:10 – Transitioning From Home Baking to a Commercial Kitchen
15:13 – Listening to Customers and Building for Demand
17:53 – Launch Strategy: Influencers and Word-of-Mouth Growth
18:44 – Understanding the Gluten-Free Consumer Market
20:08 – Product Innovation: High-Protein, Better-For-You Desserts
21:31 – Challenges of Selling Perishable Products Online
23:13 – Vision for Scaling Into National Retail
25:34 – Why Personal Branding Was a Game-Changer
27:37 – Discipline, Consistency, and Social Media Growth
29:59 – Evolving Her Personal Brand Over Time
31:26 – Viral Content and Learning From Audience Feedback
36:32 – Pushing Limits: From Marathons to Ultra Running
38:17 – The “Deathbed Mentality” and Living Without Regret
40:43 – Training the Mind Through Physical Challenges
42:55 – Childhood Lessons That Built Independence and Resilience
47:16 – Taking a Leap of Faith and Moving to Dallas
50:45 – Advice to Her Younger Self

Guest Links:
Website: www.sweetaddisons.com
Instagram: @sweet.addisons
@organicallyaddison

Founder2Founder:
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Jamie Maltabes on Addiction, Recovery and Building Infinite Medical Group

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Jamie Maltabes, Founder and CEO of Infinite Medical Group, a rapidly growing wellness and regenerative medicine company. Jamie’s journey to entrepreneurship was shaped by years of personal struggle, addiction, recovery, and a relentless commitment to rebuilding her life and helping others do the same.

Jamie shares how hitting rock bottom in her twenties forced her to completely transform her life, ultimately leading her to build a business rooted in real impact. From navigating addiction and high-stakes poker to launching a wellness company from a basement side hustle, her story is a powerful reminder that some of the strongest founders are forged through adversity and reinvention.

Chapters

01:20 – Jamie’s Earliest Memory of Leadership and Truth-Telling
04:00 – Struggling With Food, Body Image, and Early Eating Disorders
06:38 – Addiction to Alcohol, Drugs, and the Cycle of Self-Destruction
09:48 – The Moment That Led Jamie to Alcoholics Anonymous
10:21 – Rebuilding Life Through Recovery and Personal Discipline
12:13 – Channeling Addiction Into AA and New Obsessions
13:12 – Discovering Poker and Entering the High-Stakes Card World
16:07 – Running Private Poker Games During COVID
17:09 – The Realization That Forced Jamie to Walk Away From Poker
18:42 – The Power of Environment and Finding the Right Circles
20:25 – Divorce, Leaving Poker, and Career Transition
21:10 – Building Leadership Experience at HairClub
22:27 – Losing Money in a Business Dispute and the Push to Start Over
23:00 – The Birth of Infinite Medical Group
26:37 – Discovering Ozempic and Its Impact on Weight Management
28:37 – Launching a Wellness Side Hustle From Her Basement
29:05 – Turning a Side Hustle Into a Scalable Medical Business
30:12 – The Unexpected Challenges of Launching a Medical Clinic
31:16 – Why Speed and Execution Drive Infinite’s Growth
32:57 – Expansion Plans and Balancing Business With Family
34:46 – Psychedelic Therapy, Healing, and Personal Growth
41:14 – Entrepreneurship as a Personal Development Journey
43:04 – Leading With Purpose and Building a Positive Team Culture
44:10 – Advice Jamie Would Give Her 24-Year-Old Self
46:54 – The Power of Pivots and Never Quitting the Game

Guest Links:
|Website: https://infinitemedicalgroup.com
Instagram: @infinitemedicalgroup @jamiemaltabes

Founder2Founder:
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Gaurav Hundal on How Young Entrepreneurs Can Start Successful Businesses Before Age 20

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Gaurav “Gord” Hundal, a 19-year-old real estate developer who has already flipped multiple homes and recently completed a luxury property listed for over $5 million in Fort Lauderdale. After experimenting with businesses like event promotion and clothing at a young age, Gaurav eventually found his passion in real estate development and house flipping.

Gaurav shares how discipline, strong family values, and relentless curiosity helped him transition from small renovation projects into the luxury real estate market. From navigating contractor mistakes to building trust in an industry dominated by older professionals, this conversation explores the mindset required to build credibility, take calculated risks, and stay committed to long-term growth.

Chapters:
02:10 – Growing Up Around Entrepreneurship and His First Business
03:10 – Throwing Underage Events and Early Hustle
04:25 – Launching a Clothing Brand as a Teenager
05:17 – Searching for Purpose Through Entrepreneurship
07:24 – Why Gaurav Still Attends College While Building Businesses
09:42 – The Social Value of School for Young Entrepreneurs
11:32 – Discovering Real Estate and His First House Flip
12:42 – How House Flipping Actually Works
14:38 – The Profit Potential of Real Estate Development
15:29 – Why Gaurav Transitioned Into Luxury Homes
17:29 – The $3.6M Luxury Property Investment
18:51 – Closing the Deal and Navigating Market Changes
19:49 – The Hard Lesson: Never Blindly Trust Contractors
21:06 – Systems Gaurav Uses to Avoid Getting Burned
22:28 – Why Honouring Deals Builds Long-Term Success
24:37 – The Role of Integrity and Karma in Business
26:33 – Overcoming Age Bias as a Young Entrepreneur
28:23 – Managing Real Estate Projects for Other Investors
29:46 – Why Reputation Is Everything in Real Estate
32:22 – Lessons Learned From Growing Up With Four Older Brothers
36:18 – The Discipline That Drives His Work Ethic
38:13 – Gaurav’s Daily Routine and Work Schedule
41:50 – The Importance of Obsession in Early Entrepreneurship
44:56 – Advice Gaurav Would Give His 14-Year-Old Self
47:38 – Handling Criticism, Doubt, and External Judgment
50:14 – Final Thoughts on Environment, Family, and Success

Guest Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gauravhundalll/

Founder2Founder:
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How CEOs Can Navigate Mental Health, Incentives, and Investor Alignment with David Balinski

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with David Balinski, Founder & CEO of Wire Health. With a background spanning risk management, pharmaceutical lobbying, national benefits consulting, and health plan M&A, David has built nine companies and dedicated his career to fixing one of the biggest failures in American healthcare: mental health access.

David shares the hard lessons he learned about partnerships, equity, incentives and culture, alongside a deep dive into the realities of mental health in entrepreneurship. From bipolar disorder among founders, to the limitations of SSRIs, emerging therapies like ketamine, and alternative healthcare strategies that have saved his family over $150,000. This conversation challenges how leaders think about responsibility, performance, and the systems supporting their teams.

Chapters:
01:08 – Why David Focused on Fixing Healthcare
02:42 – The Mental Health Gap in American Insurance
03:38 – Early Entrepreneurial Instincts and Lemonade Stands
05:20 – From Screenwriting Dreams to Health Insurance Underwriting
06:04 – The Hardest Lessons From Building Nine Companies
08:20 – The Cost of Trusting the Wrong People
09:11 – Why Giving Equity Too Early Is a Founder Mistake
12:43 – What to Do When a Key Employee Asks for Equity
14:30 – Building Advisory Boards That Protect You From Yourself
16:50 – Profit Share vs. Equity: A Smarter Alternative
18:47 – Incentives, Commission Structures, and Performance Culture
22:16 – Why Culture Is a Founder’s Real Job
25:26 – Blameless Problem Solving and Avoiding Toxic Behavior
28:02 – The Mental Health Reality Founders Don’t Talk About
30:01 – Bipolar Disorder in Entrepreneurs (4x the General Population)
32:02 – MDMA, PTSD, and Emerging Treatment Conversations
40:43 – Why Wire Health Sends Patients to Ketamine Treatment
45:37 – The 30% Problem With SSRIs
49:10 – Why David and His Family Don’t Use Traditional Health Insurance
55:21 – How Medical Sharing and Direct Primary Care Work
59:45 – Wire Health’s Employer-Focused Mental Health Model
1:01:30 – Choosing Investors Who Align With Your Mission
1:04:03 – The Recovery Friendly Workplace Movement
1:06:48 – Creating Psychological Safety at Work
1:10:16 – Final Reflections on Purpose, Impact, and Responsibility

Guest Links:
Website: https://wire.health/
LinkedIn: David Balinski
Wire Health

Founder2Founder:
TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcast
Youtube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

How Founders Can Stop Losing A-Players and Start Building Ownership Culture with Michael C. Bertoni

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Michael C. Bertoni, Founder and CEO of SaaS Talent, the global talent and growth engine behind hundreds of high-performing SaaS and tech companies. With over 25 years of experience helping founders scale revenue, build elite go-to-market teams, and turn hiring into a competitive advantage, Michael operates at the intersection of SaaS growth, recruiting, AI, and leadership.

Michael shares his journey from being a high-performing sales leader working for others to taking the leap into entrepreneurship at 39. He opens up about early mistakes, the mindset shifts that shaped his evolution, and why he believes every business challenge traces back to one core issue: talent. This conversation is a practical and honest look at what it really takes to scale a company through people, systems, and energy.

Chapters:
01:35 - The Origin of “The Rainmaker”
03:37 - Taking the Leap Into Entrepreneurship at 39
05:54 - Starting as a Solopreneur Without a Playbook
07:36 - Early Mistakes and Getting Kicked Out of Co-Working Spaces
10:25 - Self-Awareness and Evolving as a Founder
13:27 - Building a Personal Board of Advisors
18:01 - Inside SaaS Talent: Talent Acquisition and GTM Growth Coaching
19:48 - “Every Problem Is a Talent Problem” Explained
22:22 - How to Know If You Have the Right Person in the Right Seat
24:00 - Locking In A-Players Through Growth and Ownership
26:40 - The Founder’s Role: Bringing the Energy and Vision
30:09 - What Young Founders Should Look for in Talent
34:27 - Creating “Wow” Moments and Hiring Through Community
41:11 - Lessons from 20+ Years in SaaS and Tech
46:07 - Why You Need an Operating System to Scale
49:26 - Advice to His 13-Year-Old Self
52:07 - The Morning Routine That Changed His Leadership
55:13 - Gratitude, Manifestation, and Long-Term Growth
1:00:21 - Using LinkedIn as a Growth Engine
1:04:00 - Final Reflections and Building With Energy

Guest Links:
Website: https://www.saas-talent.com/
LinkedIn: Michael C. Bertoni

Founder2Founder:
TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcast
Youtube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

How High-Performing Founders Can Rewire Trauma and Unlock Growth with Dr. Lisa Palmer

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Dr. Lisa C. Palmer, PhD, LMFT, CHT, Program and Clinical Director of The Renew Center of Florida in Boca Raton, ranked #1 in the U.S. for PTSD treatment in 2017 by Newsmax. A nationally recognized psychotherapist featured on major networks including ABC, FOX, CNN, NBC, and CBS, Dr. Palmer works with celebrities, high-profile athletes, entrepreneurs, and public figures navigating trauma and high performance.

Dr. Palmer shares her journey from a traditional upbringing in Rhode Island to becoming one of Hollywood’s most trusted therapists. She opens up about early identity struggles, walking away from a promising television career, and the discipline that shaped her path. Together, Aaron and Dr. Palmer unpack how childhood experiences shape founders, how trauma impacts performance, and how re-scripting memories can unlock meaningful change.

Chapters:
01:27 - Dr. Lisa’s Early Life in Rhode Island
02:35 - Feeling Different and Early Identity Struggles
04:49 - Turning “Not Enough” Into Discipline and Drive
08:05 - The Influence of Rocky and Resilience
11:42 - Discovering Her Purpose to Make a Difference
12:40 - Working With High-Profile Clients and Trauma
14:37 - From Pre-Med to Miss USA Competitor
15:35 - Losing 60 Pounds and Winning by One Point
16:18 - Walking Away From a Promising TV Career
19:26 - Going Back to School and Pursuing Her Doctorate
22:22 - Realizing She Was Exactly Where She Belonged
23:27 - Re-Scripting Memories Explained
26:47 - How Trauma Gets Imprinted in the Brain
28:52 - Transforming Limiting Beliefs at the Root
31:39 - Why You Can’t Do This Work Alone
33:44 - Where Entrepreneurs Should Start With Inner Work
37:11 - Embracing Stillness and Self-Observation
41:07 - Handling the Emotional Weight of Clients
43:30 - Personal Reset Practices and Balance
47:26 - On Love, Growth, and What’s Still Unwritten
49:17 - What She Would Tell Her 5-Year-Old Self

Guest Links:

Website: www.myrenewme.com
https://www.therenewcenter.com
Instagram: @drlisapalmer
@myrenewme

Founder2Founder:
TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcast
Youtube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

Adrian Aidid on Building a $100M Acquisition Machine and a Life You’re Proud Of

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Founder2Founder, host Aaron Spivak sits down with Adrian Aidid, Founder and CEO of LDX Digital, a top Google and YouTube Ads agency that manages over $11 million in monthly ad spend. Adrian is no stranger to scaling brands, he’s helped grow eight companies to over $100K/day in spend and engineered acquisition systems responsible for hundreds of millions in revenue. But before becoming one of the most respected operators in the performance marketing space, Adrian’s journey began in government housing in Bristol, England.

Adrian opens up about how growing up with a single refugee mother shaped his relentless drive, how a failed job transfer became the catalyst for his entrepreneurial breakthrough, and the exact steps he took to go from running Facebook ads for local shops to building one of the most trusted agencies for global e-commerce brands. He also shares the importance of giving without expectations and the unique infrastructure LDX builds to turn traffic into scalable, profitable growth. This is an unfiltered look at grit, clarity, and scaling with precision.

Chapters:
02:10 - Growing Up in Government Housing in Bristol
03:46 - Lessons from Watching His Mother Work 3 Jobs
05:10 - The “Death Ground” Mindset that Fueled Adrian’s Drive
06:32 - Getting Into Party Promotions and Sales in London
08:04 - The First Exposure to Marketing and Ad Agencies
09:25 - How The Alchemist Inspired a Move to NYC
11:14 - Entering Wall Street with No Network and High Stakes
15:15 - Environment Over Willpower: Why New York Changed Everything
16:54 - The “Come to Jesus” Moment After Getting Sent Back to the UK
20:58 - Starting From Scratch: Door-to-Door Sales for Local Businesses
23:26 - Getting His First Client and Making the Move to London
24:50 - Transitioning from Local to Ecomm and Making Real Money
26:18 - Pivoting Early to Google Ads Before iOS Updates Hit
28:45 - Scaling a Brand from Zero to $38M in 2 Years
30:22 - How LDX Builds Funnels, Pages, and Upsell Structures for Scale
32:07 - Google Compliance, Cold Traffic Mastery, and Platform Relationships
34:40 - Balancing Data and Intuition in Big Growth Decisions
38:36 - Giving Without Expectation and Why It Works
41:59 - Building Relationships Without ROI Expectations
44:16 - Miami, Culture, and Creating the Right Environment to Thrive
46:59 - How Community Shapes Outcomes and Reduces Isolation
48:40 - The Power of Proximity and Being Around the Right People
50:13 - What Adrian Would Tell His 19-Year-Old Self
52:44 - Why Founders Need to Prioritize Character, Not Just Skills
55:08 - The Ultimate Test: Would You Grab a Beer With Them?
56:27 - Why Vibes and Energy Matter More Than Credentials

Guest Links:
Website: https://www.ldxdigital.com
LinkedIn: Adrian Aidid

Founder2Founder:
TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcast
Youtube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

Customer-Centric Leadership Lessons for Founders with Karen Quintos, Former Dell CMO

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Founder2Founder, host Aaron Spivak sits down with Karen Quintos, former Chief Customer Officer and Chief Marketing Officer at Dell Technologies. Karen’s career spans multiple industries and decades of leadership at the highest levels, including Merck, Citibank, and Dell, where she led through some of the company’s most pivotal transformations. Known for her rare blend of operational rigor and soulful leadership, Karen opens up about navigating billion-dollar decisions while staying anchored in values, faith, and purpose.

Karen reflects on the defining moments that shaped her career, from managing 1,000+ manufacturing employees at age 30, to working directly with Michael Dell. She unpacks what it means to lead with authenticity, how she infused soul into a Fortune 500 brand, and why servant leadership, humility, and staying people-centered are her greatest assets. This episode is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t have to cost you your integrity and that leadership grounded in purpose can drive both performance and legacy.

Chapters:
02:42 – Growing Up on a Farm: Faith, Family and Hard Work
04:15 – Meeting Her Husband at Merck and Building a 40 Year Marriage
05:29 – Knowing She Wasn’t Meant to Be a Stay-at-Home Mom
07:21 – From Staff Role to Plant Manager: Learning Servant Leadership
09:48 – Early Mistakes, Union Threats and Listening to the Frontline
12:50 – Leaving Merck, Regretting Citibank and the Pivot to Dell
16:20 – How Karen Was Offered the CMO Role at Dell
18:11 – Why Michael Dell Chose Her: Customer-Centric Leadership
22:16 – Rebranding with Purpose: Tech for Good and Employee Alignment
23:15 – Internal vs. External Marketing: Why It Starts Within
27:07 – People First: Why Technology is a People Business
28:06 – Where Karen’s Soul-Driven Leadership Comes From
30:37 – Head vs. Heart: Operating with Conviction and Integrity
32:06 – Writing Her Book: You Can Be Successful Without Losing Your Soul
35:34 – Redefining Success at Every Stage of Life
37:49 – Playing the Long Game: Why Patience is Power
40:59 – The Knot in Your Stomach: Staying Curious and Grounded
42:28 – Learning from Leaders Around the Boardroom Table
45:52 – The Most Underrated Leadership Trait
47:55 – An Example of CEO Vulnerability and Transparency
51:04 – How Karen Supported Women Through Dell’s Entrepreneur Network
52:48 – Communities That Create Life-Changing Moments
55:14 – Why We Avoid the Environments That Will Help us Grow
57:52 – When the Same Knot Lingers: Making the Leap
58:44 – Advice to Her 13-Year-Old Self: Courage, Confidence Compassion
1:02:46 – Female Founders on Love, Marriage and Building Together

Guest Links:
Instagram: Karenhquintos
LinkedIn: Karen Quintos
Twitter: Karenhquintos

Founder2Founder:
TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcast
Youtube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

Where Founders Club Is Headed in 2026 and Beyond

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak returns with Chris Meade for a founder-to-founder deep dive on the biggest insights shaping business growth in 2026. After surveying over 1,000 members from inside The Founders Club, they uncovered five powerful patterns that separate the founders who are doubling their growth from those who stay stuck. The truth? It’s not about doing more, it’s about going deeper on what’s already working.

Together, they unpack the mindset shifts, tactical strategies, and daily disciplines top founders are leaning into this year. From clarity of vision to committing to one channel, empowering teams, building real founder connections, and using AI as leverage (not leadership), this episode is packed with hard-earned insights and actionable takeaways. Whether you’re scaling past $10M or just trying to get momentum back, this is the playbook for founders ready to build with purpose

Chapters:

01:03 – The Truth About Founders Who Break Through

02:08 – Why Clarity and Focus Beat Chaos

03:47 – Avoiding Shiny Object Syndrome in 2026

05:25 – The Anxiety That Comes from Lack of Vision

06:44 – Ask Yourself: Is Your Business Even Scalable?

08:30 – One Channel. One Plan. No Distractions.

09:49 – The Founders Who Are Crushing It Aren’t Multichannel

11:00 – Are You Testing a Channel or Building It?

12:51 – The Difference Between Committing vs. Experimenting

14:06 – The Real Reason Founders Don’t Go All In

17:01 – Creating Feedback Loops to Build Momentum

19:05 – Why Small Wins Shouldn’t Be Overlooked

20:01 – Founder Bottlenecks and How to Eliminate Them

22:04 – Panic Execution Is a Sign of Broken Systems

23:42 – Giving Teams Ownership of Their "Piano"

25:12 – The Power of Real-World, In-Person Connection

26:10 – Your Network is Who Picks Up the Phone When It Gets Hard

28:08 – Give First: The Foundation of True Founder Relationships

30:02 – What Real Founder Support Looks Like

33:58 – Why Your Circle Defines Your Trajectory

35:35 – AI is Leverage, Not Leadership

42:03 – AI for Speed and Margin, Not for Connection

44:58 – Clear Strategy, Committed Team, One Goal

48:35 – Inside the Vision for Founders Club 2026

51:17 – Why Integrity is Everything as You Scale

53:24 – Designing Events That Actually Serve Founders

56:09 – The Power of Physical Spaces in a Digital World

58:10 – Are We Building Community the Right Way?

1:06:30 – Why Gender-Specific Events Are Unlocking Deeper Growth

1:08:00 – Founders Forum LA: Our Biggest Event Ever

1:11:45 – Redefining Sponsorships to Actually Add Value

1:14:06 – The New Perks Members Actually Use

1:16:22 – 2025 Was Chaos, 2026 is Clarity

Guest Links:

Instagram @chrismeade & @crossnetgame

Website: https://vivereltd.com/pages/crossnet

Founder2Founder:
TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcast
Youtube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

How Adam Wexler Bootstrapped His Way to a Multi-Billion Dollar Exit

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Adam Wexler, Founder and Executive Chairman of PrizePicks, the largest paid fantasy sports platform in North America. With a career spanning from music tech startups to influencer marketing software and now dominating the fantasy sports industry, Adam is a prime example of what it means to build with vision, grit, and resilience. Beyond PrizePicks, Adam has launched multiple ventures, served as a pioneer in fantasy sports innovation, and continues to shape the industry through his not-for-profit initiatives and leadership as an active board member.

Adam opens up about his early years experimenting with product-market fit, including his first startup GoRankem, the transition into B2B SaaS with Insightpool, and the eventual creation of PrizePicks after enduring setbacks that would have stopped most founders in their tracks. He shares battle-tested lessons on resourcefulness, hiring with culture in mind, building when no one is watching, and maintaining momentum through uncertainty. This is a masterclass in entrepreneurial durability, from scrappy beginnings to strategic exits, told with honesty, clarity, and tactical wisdom.

Chapters:
02:20 – Discovering the Startup Bug During Birthright Trip
06:23 – Finding His First Technical Co-Founder
08:13 – Building GoRankem and the Power of Crowdsourced Music Discovery
11:57 – The Harsh Reality of Monetizing B2C
14:39 – Using Kickstarter Before Crowdfunding Was a Word
18:58 – Becoming the First Tech Startup to Raise on Kickstarter
22:04 – Resourcefulness and the Art of Bootstrapping
25:00 – Lessons From Chapter One: Necessity Breeds Hustle
28:27 – The Canoe Test and Hiring With Intention
31:41 – Culture as a Defensible Advantage
34:33 – The Birth of Insightpool and Enterprise B2B SaaS
39:45 – Spinning Up Multiple Ventures at Once
44:09 – Identifying Influencers and Building the Next Chapter
47:36 – Scaling Insightpool Through Enterprise Clients
51:10 – Transitioning From CEO to Chief Strategy Officer
55:12 – How Letting Go of Ego Opens Bigger Doors
59:24 – The Origin of PrizePicks and Pursuing B2C Upside
1:03:42 – The Collapse of Fantasy Sports in 2015
1:16:25 – Founding PrizePicks Amid Regulatory Turmoil
1:20:45 – Navigating COVID and Keeping the Business Alive
1:29:41 – The Barbados Offsite and the ClearCo Connection
1:36:04 – Reflecting on Legacy and Impact Post-Exit
1:39:43 – What’s Next: Not-for-Profit, Special Projects, and Brand Stewardship
1:43:34 – Advice to His Younger Self: Let Adversity Mold You

Guest Links:
Website: https://www.prizepicks.com/
https://thehiddenjams.org/
Instagram: @thewordpainter
LinkedIn: Adam Wexler

Founder2Founder:
TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcast
Youtube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

How Jamie Crozier is Modernizing a 90-Year-Old Industry With Risk, R&D and Vision

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Jamie Crozier, owner of Thunder Bay Hydraulics and founder of Atlas Elite Autolifts. Jamie leads multiple industrial businesses based in Northern Ontario, including Custom Hydraulics, and has built a reputation for blending hands-on manufacturing with modern innovation. From hydraulic cylinder repair, to designing luxury car lift systems for high-end residential homes across North America, Jamie is reshaping what legacy manufacturing can look like today.

Jamie shares how he entered entrepreneurship later in life, stepping into a blue-collar industry with no formal business background and learning everything from the ground up. He breaks down how customer feedback led to the creation of Atlas Elite, why he’s taking bold R&D risks in a 90-year-old industry, and how family, partnership, and long-term thinking continue to shape the way he builds companies that last.

Chapters:
02:26 – Jamie’s Unexpected Path Into Entrepreneurship
03:36 – From Political Science to Sales and Industrial Supply
05:32 – The First Signals of Business Ownership
06:51 – The Role of His Wife and Business Partner
08:40 – Founding Atlas Elite Autolifts
10:07 – Identifying a Gap in the Luxury Car Lift Market
12:31 – Using Customer Feedback to Drive Design
13:24 – Early Mistakes With Construction Integration
15:36 – The Most Unique Projects They’ve Built
16:26 – Bringing a Car Lift Into a Living Room
18:24 – Engineering for High-Value Vehicles
19:17 – Growing Up in a Blue-Collar Household
21:06 – Why His Father Pushed Him Toward University
23:21 – Family, Motivation, and Staying Grounded
26:21 – Building a Business His Kids Can See
29:32 – Why Physical Businesses Still Matter
30:49 – Risk Tolerance as a Competitive Advantage
32:08 – Innovating Inside a 90-Year-Old Industry
34:10 – Designing for the Harshest Environments
37:02 – Where Hydraulics Is Headed Next
41:02 – Finding Purpose Later in the Journey
42:52 – The Power of an Outside Perspective
45:38 – Partnership, Belief, and Thinking Bigger
48:07 – Breaking Generational Limiting Beliefs
50:42 – Giving Back to the Northern Ontario Business Community
54:09 – Values, Integrity, and Choosing the Right People
56:17 – Commit Fully and Build With Intention

Guest Links:
Website: https://www.atlaselitelifts.com
LinkedIn: Jamie Crozier

Founder2Founder:
TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcast
Youtube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

From Homeless and Burnout to a 7-Figure Ops Business Owner: Rebecca Kallaus on Starting Over

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Rebecca Sunnen Kallaus, founder of Business Done Better and creator of the 5-Engine Operating System. With over a decade in business operations, Rebecca has helped companies from solo ventures to $20M+ scale with structure, clarity, and sustainability. She’s also played a direct role in shaping tools at HighLevel to better support founder-led businesses.

Rebecca shares the full story behind how she built her career, from working unpaid at a failing health clinic, to surviving financial collapse, homelessness, and personal trauma, all while launching her first business. She breaks down how she leaned into systems thinking, intuition, and self-trust to build a company that now supports some of the fastest-growing businesses in the space.

Chapters:
02:26 – Early Signs Of Entrepreneurship
03:36 – How Her Upbringing Shaped Her Drive
05:32 – Wanting Structure But Needing To Build It Herself
06:51 – Why She Wasn't Allowed To Work In School
08:40 – Choosing Psychology With No Real Plan
10:07 – Studying Holistic Health And Systems
12:31 – Saving Lives At A Wellness Clinic, But Not Getting Paid
13:24 – The First Major Financial Loss
15:36 – Moving To Hawaii And Taking Another Hit
16:26 – The Relationship That Taught Her Everything
18:24 – Losing $25k+ In One Year
19:17 – Starting Her First Business While Homeless
21:06 – Meeting A Mentor Who Saved Her Life
23:21 – The Moment Everything Began To Change
26:21 – The Power Of Reframing Good Vs Bad
29:32 – Losing Hope, And What Got Her Through
30:49 – Why A Clear “Why” Matters
32:08 – Her Deeper Purpose Behind Helping Founders
34:10 – Building Trust In Yourself
37:02 – Why Intuition Never Lies
41:02 – Breaking Down Her 5-Engine Operating System
42:52 – Why Most Founders Start Backwards
45:38 – Beating Out Major Players For Big Clients
48:07 – What She'd Tell Her Younger Self
50:42 – Finding Clarity In Silence
54:09 – Final Thoughts On Intuition, Momentum, And Rebuilding

Guest Links:
Website: https://businessdonebetter.co/
LinkedIn: Rebecca Kallaus

Founder2Founder:
TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcast
Youtube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

Why Most Founders Are Unprepared for Privacy Laws & How to Build a Business That Survives Them with Richart Ruddie

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Richart Ruddie, serial entrepreneur, art collector, and founder of CaptainCompliance.com. Richart has built and exited multiple ventures across marketing, tech, and real estate, including one of the largest ORM agencies in the U.S.

From hustling calling cards as a teen, to selling a business at 24, Richart breaks down how he built a career by spotting overlooked opportunities and outworking everyone in the room. He shares the hard lessons behind scaling, selling, hiring, and why ignoring compliance could cost your company everything.

Chapters:

02:26 – Growing Up in Baltimore & Entrepreneurial Roots
03:35 – First Job Punching Calling Cards at Age 12
05:39 – Why “$10M” Isn’t the End Goal
07:19 – How College Shaped His Hustle
09:41 – Graduating Debt-Free Through Work Ethic
11:01 – Grit vs. Moats: Why Outworking Wins
12:06 – Giving First: A Foundational Principle
14:16 – Books That Changed His Life
19:44 – The First Business Exit: Dumpster Rentals at 24
21:13 – Breaking Into SEO & Internet Arbitrage
23:32 – How He Scaled a Boring Business Fast
25:39 – Selling Leads in a Non-Tech Industry
26:46 – Exit Strategy: When to Sell and Why
28:06 – Building Profile Defenders From a Craigslist Ad
29:25 – Scaling to $90K/Month in Under a Year
31:00 – Private Equity Exit in 2023: How It Went Down
32:11 – Systems vs. Team: What Buyers Really Look For
33:49 – Why He Left 7x Revenue Growth on the Table
37:48 – The Compliance Opportunity Most Founders Miss
40:07 – From Removal Services to Privacy Software
41:54 – Understanding Regulatory Risk in Scaling
44:31 – Real Lawsuits: The Wake-Up Call for Founders
46:55 – How $500/Month Could Have Saved a $5M Lawsuit
49:08 – Hiring Strategy: Culture, Grit & Technical Testing
50:46 – The One Interview Question That Says It All
53:44 – Building & Exiting in a Hyper-Competitive Market
55:19 – Advice to His 15-Year-Old Self
58:08 – Why Going Deep, Not Wide, Builds Real Advantage

Guest Links:
Website: https://captaincompliance.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richartruddie/

Founder2Founder:
TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcast
Youtube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

How Armstrong Williams Became One of America’s Most Powerful Minority Media Owners

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with media entrepreneur, author, and political commentator Armstrong Williams. From growing up on a tobacco farm in South Carolina as one of 10 siblings, to becoming one of the most influential minority-owned media executives in the country, Armstrong shares how discipline, faith, and preparation shaped every stage of his journey. He is the founder of Howard Stirk Holdings, co-owner of The Baltimore Sun, and host of multiple nationally syndicated TV and radio shows.

Armstrong breaks down how early lessons in personal finance, responsibility, and character led him to build long-term wealth and credibility. He reflects on the people and decisions that shaped his career, including his relationship with Senator Strom Thurmond, investing in real estate before 30, and why he refuses to compromise on principle, even when it costs him. His approach to relationships, leadership, and legacy is a blueprint for staying grounded while building big.

Chapters
02:42 – Growing Up on a Farm & Learning Discipline from His Parents
05:56 – Meeting Senator Strom Thurmond: A Life-Altering Moment
06:32 – Interning in DC & Discovering His Calling
08:43 – Naivety, Risk & Being Ready When Opportunity Arrives
11:42 – The Story of His Father Buying Their Family Farm
14:56 – Early Lessons on Judging Character as Individuals, Not Groups
17:29 – How His Upbringing Influenced the Naming of His Company
19:12 – Getting Cut Off Financially & Learning He Was an Entrepreneur
21:46 – His Father's Rule: Always Squirrel Away 20%
23:09 – The $200 Check That Turned Into $42K: His First Business Win
26:31 – Convincing Richard Pryor to Speak for Black History Month
28:16 – Meeting His First Business Mentor Through This Event
29:36 – Investing $25K That Turned Into $7M by Age 27
30:35 – The Power of Long-Term Wealth & Strategic Investing
34:53 – The Importance of Giving Back & Empowering Others
36:25 – Why Most Young Entrepreneurs Don’t Understand Morality
39:05 – Managing Hundreds of Relationships with Intention
44:13 – Creating & Scaling Howard Stirk Holdings
49:56 – Buying His First Network TV Stations
51:12 – The Power of Local Media and Deciding Elections
54:03 – Why He’ll Never Be Compromised by Advertisers
57:20 – Why Revenge Is a Dangerous Game in Business & Politics
59:33 – On Mistakes, Regret, and Taking Full Responsibility
1:03:39 – Why He Personally Signs Every Check in His Business
1:05:45 – The Power of Hard Conversations and Emotional Maturity
1:10:35 – Intuition, Spiritual Currency & Reading Energy
1:15:56 – Why Soul > Strategy for Long-Term Success
1:23:28 – The One Thing Young Founders Need to Start Doing
1:35:26 – Advice to His 17-Year-Old Self

Guest Links:
Website: armstrongwilliams.com
Instagram: @realarmstrongwilliams
X: @arightside

Founder2Founder:
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Youtube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

How Brandon Pourmorady Built a $20M Creator Economy Business by Age 25

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Brandon Pourmorady, founder of Adhesive Media, a powerhouse influencer marketing agency that’s brokered over $20M in YouTube sponsorships to date. Based in Miami and representing over 200 creators monthly, Brandon is at the forefront of the creator economy, matching performance-driven YouTube channels with leading consumer brands. But his journey didn’t start in luxury, it began with bar mitzvah money, garage storage startups, and cold emails sent from a college dorm.

Brandon opens up about the formative failures that built his grit, how selling loans at 19 gave him confidence to sell anything, and why taking an underpaid internship taught him more than college ever could. This is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and showing up every day even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed.

Chapters:
01:17 – Brandon’s Early Drive and Childhood Goals
02:16 – Discovering “Think and Grow Rich” at 15
04:42 – Visualizing Success Before School Every Day
05:47 – Brandon’s First Business Attempt: Amazon FBA
07:31 – Launching Airbnb for Storage and Failing Fast
08:42 – Building a Party App in College That Didn’t Scale
09:20 – Why College Slowed Him Down
12:49 – Advice for Teens: Don’t Trade Learning for “Cool”
14:00 – Taking a Sales Internship at 19
17:22 – Cold Email That Got Him the Job
18:20 – Running 40% of a Pipeline at 19
19:36 – Losing Momentum After Failing at Mask Sales
21:45 – Cold Emailing a Founder and Working for Free
22:50 – Selling Sponsorships for Magic Mind’s Podcast
23:37 – First Six-Figure Deal With Miller Lite
25:00 – Quitting His Job to Go All-In on Adhesive
26:51 – How to Learn While Getting Paid
28:16 – The Real Timeline to $1M in Deals
30:31 – The Power of Apprenticeship Over Courses
31:30 – Why His Age Was an Advantage
32:24 – Using Honest Cold Emails to Land Clients
36:51 – Training Like an Athlete to Compete in Music
38:52 – Being Driven by Integrity Over Approval
40:10 – The Version of Himself He’s Avoiding
43:55 – Rejecting Who He Was at 18
45:50 – Why Reaching Your Potential Matters
47:26 – What He Wants to Be Remembered For
50:02 – Finding Deep Community at Founders Club
52:30 – The ROI of Showing Up
54:35 – Accountability and Environment Fueling Growth
56:02 – Advice to His 16-Year-Old Self
1:00:15 – What Founders Miss Most After the Exit

Guest Links:
https://www.adhesivemedia.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonpourmorady
https://www.instagram.com/brandonpomo

The Founders Club: The premier community for founders pursuing excellence in the mind, body, and business.

Founder2Founder:
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How Oleg Lee Built a $60M Manufacturing Business From a Family Garage

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Oleg Lee, a serial entrepreneur, Guinness World Record holder, father of three, and founder of All About Vibe, a custom pillow company that scaled from a garage operation to generating over $60 million in revenue. Known for turning people’s favorite moments into pillows, Oleg has created products for celebrities like Snoop Dogg, Gary Vee, and Paris Hilton, and partnered with brands like Netflix and Paramount.

Oleg breaks down the raw, behind-the-scenes reality of building a physical product business from scratch, how a Groupon deal triggered massive demand, working with family, and why he eventually stepped back from daily operations. He shares his goal of a $100 million exit, how he handles adversity and why focusing on health, values, and energy has been his ultimate growth strategy. This conversation is a must-listen for any founder scaling a team or navigating the chaos of entrepreneurship.

Chapters:
01:17 – The Dog Pillow That Sparked the Business
02:22 – From Israel to the U.S.: Oleg’s Early Work Ethic
04:05 – The First Custom Pillow: A Tribute to His Dog
05:13 – Building the Business in His Dad’s Garage
07:41 – The Groupon Deal That Created Instant Chaos
08:51 – Fulfilling 20,000 Orders With Family Support
09:59 – From Pre-Made to Fully Custom Designs
11:59 – Transitioning From Wholesale to DTC
12:49 – Working With His Dad: The Challenges and Lessons
14:07 – How Bringing His Wife Into the Business Saved Their Marriage
16:26 – Navigating Family Boundaries in Business
17:13 – Oleg’s Vision for a $100M Exit
19:02 – What He Would Do Differently: No Manufacturing
20:01 – The Problem With Business Advice From Non-Operators
21:30 – Pillows at VCon and Understanding Brand Psychology
23:36 – Creating a Safe and Empowering Culture for Employees
25:15 – Hiring a CEO and Fully Stepping Back
26:28 – Why He Hates Numbers but Still Leads
27:20 – Growing Up in Survival Mode in Beersheba
29:04 – Fixing Machines Himself and Leading by Example
30:22 – What It Took to Build a Self-Sustaining Business
31:37 – The Cost of Listening to the Wrong People
33:13 – Setting a Clear Target for the Exit
36:07 – Aaron’s Story of Selling Hush and Knowing When to Sell
40:34 – Why Oleg Doesn’t Share Product Ideas, He Just Builds
41:31 – Managing Remote Leadership and Scaling From Boca
43:37 – Projected Revenue and the Roadmap to $50M
44:15 – When Summer Outsold Christmas and Production Broke
46:31 – Advice to His 30-Year-Old Self: Prioritize Physical and Mental Health
49:56 – Why Health, Wealth, and Family Are Tattooed Into His Values
51:00 – Surrounding Yourself With the Right Energy

Guest Links:
Website: www.allaboutvibe.com
Instagram: @thatpillowguy

Founder2Founder:
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Youtube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

Building a Company That Runs Without You: Kyle Matthews on Scaling Leadership at Matthews™

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Kyle Matthews, the Founder and CEO of Matthews™, one of the fastest-growing and now largest privately held commercial real estate brokerages in the U.S. Since launching the firm in 2015, Kyle has scaled the company to nearly 30 offices and over 1,000 employees, closing more than $66 billion in transaction volume. Before his rise in business, Kyle played college football at USC under Pete Carroll, learning firsthand what it meant to be part of a high-performance team, lessons that deeply shaped his leadership style and company culture.

Kyle opens up about the long, uncertain road of early entrepreneurship, including the 17 months he went without earning a single dollar in commission. He shares how the pain of regret from his football days shaped a new personal standard of work ethic and intensity in business. Kyle gets honest about what it really takes to succeed as a founder, the role of a supportive partner, why he front-loaded his life for freedom later, and how he's intentionally designed both business and family life to thrive. This conversation is packed with insights on scaling, sacrifice, and staying grounded.

Chapters:
03:51 – From Football Benchwarmer to Business Beast
05:24 – Lessons From Team Sports That Shaped Leadership
06:45 – The Regret That Still Fuels Kyle Today
08:32 – Building a Career With No Plan B
10:02 – How Waking Up at 4:45 Became a Competitive Advantage
12:41 – 14-Hour Workdays for 10 Years Straight
14:21 – 17 Months Without a Paycheck and Why He Didn't Quit
18:33 – When Hard Work Didn’t Translate to Results, Yet
20:15 – How Early Struggles Made His Boss's Job Harder
21:10 – The Real Impact of Marrying Young
24:48 – The Secret to Aligned Relationships While Scaling
27:01 – Would He Be as Successful Without His Wife?
31:41 – Designing His Life to Be Fully Present for His Kids
33:17 – How NFL Players Actually Spend Their Time
34:45 – His Dad's Role Model Blueprint for Fatherhood
36:59 – Coaching His Son’s Football Team While Running a Company
38:30 – Why Your 20s Shouldn’t Be Spent “Enjoying Life”
40:00 – The Myth of Work-Life Balance
42:02 – How Matthews™ Scaled From 15 People to 1,000+
45:23 – Why Kyle Left a Public Company to Start His Own
46:45 – The Business Model That Made Matthews™ Explode
52:47 – Scaling as a CEO: From Founder to Strategic Leader
54:36 – The Intuition Trap: When Founders Need to Let Go
59:08 – What Kyle Would Tell His 33-Year-Old Self
1:03:29 – Buying Matthews.com From a Basement-Dwelling Domain Squatter
1:06:13 – Why You Must Choose Your Hard in Life

Links:
https://www.matthews.com
IG: @kylematthewsceo
LinkedIn: Kyle Matthews
YouTube: Kyle Matthews
Podcast: The Matthews Mentality Podcast

Founder2Founder:
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Quitting a 17-Year Corporate Career to Launch a Brand: Natia Ramishvili on Rebuilding From Zero

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Natia Ramishvili, entrepreneur, empowerment coach, and founder of NR Active. Born in the country of Georgia, Natia immigrated to the U.S. as a teenager and built a thriving 17-year career in finance, ultimately overseeing more than 1,000 employees. But after experiencing deep personal loss, a divorce, and a powerful shift in purpose, she left her executive role, moved to Miami, and launched a brand rooted in authenticity and empowerment.

Natia shares how the pain of losing her parents shaped her drive, what it really took to walk away from stability, and how she’s now helping women reconnect with their strength through fashion, mindset, and community. She opens up about creating NR Active, building a fearless brand from scratch, and why confidence is something you create, not something you wait to find. From single motherhood to brand building, Natia’s story is a testament to resilience, intentional living, and owning your worth.

Chapters
02:17 – Losing Both Parents and Finding New Purpose
04:22 – Dreaming Bigger at Macy’s and Building a Career in Finance
05:48 – The Role of Authenticity in Rebuilding a Life
06:36 – Defining Fearlessness Through Action
07:40 – The Catalyst: Losing Her Mother to Cancer
09:55 – Leaving Marriage and Career to Start Fresh
10:55 – Embracing the Unknown and Trusting Intuition
12:09 – From People Pleasing to Self-Prioritization
13:33 – Funding NR Active with Her Life Savings
14:32 – “Burn the Boats” and Commit All In
16:25 – Building a Brand With Vision and Discipline
18:57 – Why Chemical-Free Activewear Matters
20:42 – The Message Behind the Apparel: Wear Your Strength
22:45 – The Birth of Born For More Coaching
25:49 – The Reality of Doing It All as a Single Mom
27:44 – Staying Grounded With Routine and Self-Work
28:21 – Book Recommendations That Changed Her Thinking
29:45 – A Lesson From Her Parents: You Can Do Anything
31:18 – Overcoming Doubt With Relentless Action
33:13 – Being Called “Crazy” for Choosing Reinvention
36:32 – The Truth About Rejection and Redirection
38:53 – The Power of a Supportive Partner|
39:58 – The Long-Term Vision for NR Active
42:19 – Money Buys Freedom, Not Fulfillment
47:05 – Advice for Single Mothers Building a Business
49:18 – What She’d Tell Her 5-Year-Old Self

Guest Links:
Website: www.nractivewear.com
Instagram: @nractivefounder
https://wikigenius.org/wiki/Natia_Ramishvili

The Founders Club: The premier community for founders pursuing excellence in the mind, body, and business.

Founder2Founder:
TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcast
Youtube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

Investing in Your Body for Business Longevity: Hector Maradiaga on Why Vitality is an Asset

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Hector Maradiaga, founder and CEO of Infinity Delta. Hector has spent over a decade optimizing human performance for NFL athletes, Fortune 500 executives, and high-performing founders through data, science, and AI. Now, he's on a mission to make vitality the world’s most valuable asset.

Hector shares how his journey started by helping his immigrant father build a business from scratch, why he walked away from taking it over, and how that decision led to years of internal conflict. He opens up about the real cost of trying to prove people wrong, losing millions, and ultimately finding clarity through faith and a renewed sense of purpose. For founders pushing to scale while trying to stay grounded, this conversation gets into what actually sustains long-term performance.

Chapters
00:02 – Intro to Hector and Infinity Delta
02:08 – Born in Honduras, Raised in Hustle
04:03 – Running Excel Estimates at Age 8
05:39 – Launching a Candy Business in Grade School
06:50 – Building a Team and Learning Profit Split
08:17 – Keeping Business Quiet at Home
10:16 – The Candy Empire Collapses
12:34 – Working With His Dad Every Weekend
14:03 – Struggling With Financial Discipline Early On
15:50 – Spending Tomorrow’s Money
17:24 – Business Was Sport, Until It Wasn’t
18:52 – Stepping Away From the Family Business
19:52 – The Unspoken Guilt of Changing Paths
22:31 – The Day He Dropped Out
24:49 – Going From Comfortable to Survival
26:38 – Feeding His Younger Brother During the Crash
28:26 – Hearing “I’m Proud of You” For the First Time
30:02 – Rebuilding Connection With His Father
33:26 – Planning the Costa Rica Surprise
35:23 – Shifting From Proving People Wrong to Living With Purpose
38:37 – Focused Scaling and Clear Vision
40:08 – Killing Ego to Build Longevity
42:33 – The Final Boss: Inner Conflict
44:58 – You Can’t Fix Home With Money
46:56 – Choosing the Vehicle to Your Vision
48:34 – Entrepreneurs Are Modern Day Athletes
51:28 – Why Founders Don’t Prioritize Their Health
53:18 – Know Thyself: Performance Starts With Data
56:11 – It's About Better Years, Not Longer Life
58:34 – What Founders Miss by Waiting to Focus on Health
1:01:47 – Health as an Asset, Not an Expense
1:02:59 – The Last Decade to Invest in Your Future
1:03:31 – Your Life Is Worth More Than a Billion
1:04:00 – What He’d Tell His Younger Self

Guest Links:
Website: Infinitydelta.io
sportssciencelabs.com
Instagram: @coach_hm

The Founders Club: The premier community for founders pursuing excellence in the mind, body, and business.

Founder2Founder:
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Loaning $1M to His Campaign, Then Putting It All in Bitcoin with Michael Carbonara

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with entrepreneur and now congressional candidate Michael Carbonara, committed to serving the people of Florida’s 25th District. Known for building fintech and blockchain companies that processed over $20 billion a year, Michael made headlines when he left it all behind, loaned his campaign a million dollars, and put it entirely into Bitcoin.

Michael shares how growing up in a single-parent household shaped his hunger for success, what it took to become a pioneer in crypto banking, and why he believes the American dream is fading unless people like him step up. From building global infrastructure in blockchain to running for office against a 20-year incumbent, this episode covers business, politics, family, and legacy in a way few founders ever do.

Chapters:
01:46 – Where His Entrepreneurial Spirit Started
03:19 – Dropping Out Before It Was Cool
04:47 – The Turning Point From School to Self-Education
06:14 – How Rich Dad, Poor Dad Changed His Worldview
08:16 – Starting a Payment Gateway While Holding a Day Job
09:43 – Why Working With Older Partners Changed Everything
11:13 – Becoming a Blockchain Pioneer Before the Hype
13:05 – Why He Still Believes 50% of the World Will Use Blockchain
14:38 – Web3 Is Coming Whether You Understand It or Not
16:31 – The Reality of Building in an Unproven Industry
17:42 – Pivoting Without Quitting: His Approach to "Failure"
18:41 – The Mentors Who Shaped His Entrepreneurial Mindset
20:14 – Why We All Thrive in Different Systems
22:28 – Childhood Lessons That Still Shape His Drive
24:19 – Why He Decided to Run for Office
26:09 – How a Documentary Sparked His Political Awakening
28:28 – Going Up Against a 20-Year Incumbent
30:35 – Restoring Safety, Slashing Waste, and Defunding
32:17 – What He’d Ask Under Oath
34:05 – Family, Risk, and Running With No Fear
35:16 – Why He Invested Campaign Funds Into Bitcoin
37:06 – Making Bitcoin Accessible for Real Wealth Creation
38:35 – Solving the Security and Simplicity Gap in Crypto
40:56 – Taking a Pay Cut to Serve the Country
42:44 – What Happens Without Police and Structure
44:25 – School Choice, Indoctrination, and Fixing Education
47:03 – His Vision for the Next 24 Months
48:30 – Why He Had to Become a Reluctant Social Media Influencer
50:04 – How 7 Million Views Landed Him in the White House
52:57 – How the Dream Is Still Possible, but Not Guaranteed
54:33 – Advice to His 12-Year-Old Self
56:56 – How His Wife Became His Most Trusted Advisor
59:25 – Why He Believes the Time to Act Is Now

Guest Links:
Website: https://michaelcarbonara.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mcarbonarafl
X (Twitter): https://x.com/MCarbonaraFL
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcarbonara/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578435752040

Founder2Founder:
TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcast
Youtube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

Inside The Founders Club: Vision, Vulnerability, and What’s Next with Chris Meade

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down once again with Chris Meade to talk about the evolution of Founders Club and where it's headed next. With nearly 700 members and over 120 events planned for the coming year, they share how they’re scaling intentionally while keeping the community tight and valuable.

They break down lessons from the Puerto Rico offsite, the LA chapter relaunch, and why success today means supporting founders beyond business, into relationships, parenting and personal growth. It’s a real look at what it takes to build something that lasts.

Chapters:

01:24 – Kicking off our LA Chapter
02:22 – Puerto Rico offsite and club planning
03:19 – Improving Member Quality and Filters
04:38 – Redefining Success Beyond Business
05:56 – How Money Doesn’t Solve the Hard Stuff
06:48 – The Missing Support For Personal Relationships
07:56 – A New Lens On What Makes A Founder Successful
08:58 – Member Anthony’s Shift From Brand Growth To Marriage
10:03 – Learning From Founders Ahead Of You
11:19 – What Really Got Discussed At Female Founder Day
12:15 – What Motivates Founders After Kids
12:57 – Why Peer Networks Matter More Than Ever
13:27 – 2026 Events And Picking The Right Venues
14:53 – Founders Club Is Not An Events Company
15:56 – Forums As The Foundation Of Deeper Value
16:48 – Members As Speakers, Not Hired Talent
17:28 – Booking Dream Speakers For The Community
18:28 – Keeping It Fun Or Shutting It Down
19:33 – Why This Is A 30-Year Vision
21:00 – A Goal To Be Part Of Global GDP
21:34 – The Club As The First Call When You Need Help
23:11 – Removing The Wrong Energy
24:40 – Events That Spark Action
25:25 – When The Club Drives Real Business
26:46 – Unlocking Perks And Member-Only Access
27:57 – Why Founders Need Better Tools And Support
28:50 – What FD Chat And The App Will Offer
30:18 – Creating Better Matches Through Data
30:52 – How Many Real Connections You Can Have
31:24 – Focus On 5 People A Year
32:46 – One Billionaire’s Honesty Changed The Room

Guest Links:
Instagram:@chrismeade

Kintsugi: The AI-powered tax compliance platform trusted by over 3,000 companies worldwide

Founder2Founder:
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Breaking Into Steel: Kinga Strogoff on Owning Her Place in a Man’s World

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Kinga Strogoff is the President & CEO of Second Street Iron & Metal, Chairman & Creative Director of Balmoral Defender, and a Board Member at Basalt International. She runs a third-generation scrap metal business, reshapes luxury automotive design, and drives innovation in sustainable materials, all while raising her son as a single mother.

In this episode, Kinga shares how she moved to the U.S. from Poland as an au pair, eventually took over her husband’s steel business, and led it through collapse and revival. She talks openly about loss, building resilience, and why she believes obsession, not balance, is key to building anything meaningful. Her story spans legacy, grief, and the discipline it takes to keep moving forward.

Chapters:
02:23 – From Polish Village to the American Dream
04:32 – The Power of Dreaming Beyond Logic
06:00 – When Manifestation Goes Wrong
07:44 – Leaving Home Against All Odds
08:40 – Becoming an Au Pair to Escape Limitations
09:47 – The Family That Waited a Year for Her
10:26 – Feeling Called to America at Age 6
12:28 – Entering the Workforce and Loving Money
13:24 – Childhood Hustle: Scrap Metal and Sneakers
15:31 – Her Grandfather’s Influence and Deep Bond
17:04 – The Story Behind the Name “Kinga”
19:51 – Building Kinga Steel from the Ground Up
21:42 – Visualizing Life as a Painting
22:37 – No Plan B: Betting on Herself
23:13 – Meeting Her Husband and Building a Life
25:53 – Taking Over the Business During Crisis
27:25 – 24 Months of Full Obsession
28:38 – Earning Respect in a Male-Dominated Industry
32:39 – Advice to Women in Male-Dominated Fields
34:34 – When She Knew the Business Would Thrive
35:59 – Leading Through Legacy and Empowering Her Team
36:56 – The Loss of Her Husband and the Aftermath
39:12 – Rebuilding While Raising Her Son Alone
41:44 – Jump Rope Therapy: Turning Pain Into Purpose
42:51 – Fitness, Discipline, and Mental Strength
46:06 – Obsession Over Balance: Her Success Philosophy
47:51 – What’s Next? Learning to Sit in the Unknown
49:12 – What She’d Tell Her 6-Year-Old Self
52:32 – Creating Heaven on Earth, Every Day
54:40 – The Role of Social Media and Building Brand Authentically
56:03 – Protecting Her Son and Living in Silence
56:45 – Sharing Her Story to Help Others Heal

Guest Links
Instagram: @kingasteel @ssimrecycle

Kintsugi: The AI-powered tax compliance platform trusted by over 3,000 companies worldwide

Founder2Founder:
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How Keida Dervishi Built Soulmate Customs Into A 7-Figure Brand at 19 With No Ads, and 40 Posts a Day

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Keida Dervishi, the 23-year-old founder of Soulmate Customs, a custom embroidery brand that hit $1 million in revenue in under 11 months without spending a dollar on ads. What started as a hoodie gift for her mom’s birthday quickly turned into a viral business powered by emotional storytelling and relentless content creation.

Keida shares how growing up in an immigrant household shaped her drive, how she transitioned from child star in Albania to business builder, and what it’s like leading a fast-scaling brand at such a young age. From hiring mistakes, to burnout, staying grounded, to posting 40+ times a day, this conversation is a real look at what it takes to scale with zero shortcuts.

Chapters:
02:08 – Growing Up in an Entrepreneurial Household
03:47 – From Child Star to Burnout on Stage
05:43 – Accidentally Entering Entrepreneurship
07:00 – The Hoodie Gift That Started Soulmate Custom
09:58 – Viral Launch and Selling Out Within Days
11:32 – No Strategy, Just Action: Early Days of Posting
12:37 – Moving Out of Her Bedroom to Scale Fulfillment
13:02 – First TikTok Lives and Learning to Sell
14:22 – Hiring Challenges and Missteps
15:45 – The Family Business Breakdown: Who Does What
16:37 – Discovering Her Why: The Fear That Fuels Her
18:01 – A Breakthrough Moment at Founders Club
19:04 – The Realities of Building While Your Parents Age
21:10 – Navigating Burnout, Routines, and Sleep Struggles
23:10 – Posting 40+ Times a Day: Pressure and Purpose
25:12 – Why Consistency Is Her Superpower
27:21 – Leading a Team as the Youngest in the Room
30:44 – Building Confidence and Letting Go of Limiting Beliefs
34:11 – Embracing Embarrassment to Achieve Greatness
35:27 – What Keeps Her Going: Live Calls with Customers
38:47 – Giving Credit Where It’s Due and Admiring the Work
41:38 – What’s Next for Soulmate Customs
44:45 – Learning to Let Go as the Business Grows
49:28 – Curating Her Circle and Protecting Her Environment
54:25 – Working With Her Brother and Navigating Family Tension
57:22 – What She’d Tell Her 9-Year-Old Self

Guest Links:
Website: https://soulmatecustoms.com/
Instagram: @SoulmateCustoms
@Keida02

Kintsugi: The AI-powered tax compliance platform trusted by over 3,000 companies worldwide

Founder2Founder:
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From Nightlife to Nine Figures: Heath Wolfson on Trendspotting and Building with Purpose

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Heath Wolfson, serial entrepreneur and founder of FrontCare, a creator-powered telehealth platform. With a 20-year track record of building businesses across safety, media, and health, Heath shares how he’s repeatedly turned market inefficiencies into high-growth ventures.

He opens up about navigating failure, executing without outside capital, and spotting cultural trends before they explode. From launching Tattoo Nation in shopping malls to scaling one of Facebook’s biggest publishing engines, Heath now turns his focus to reshaping healthcare access through affiliate-driven telehealth.

Chapters:
02:49 – Early Life, College, and First Entrepreneurial Sparks
03:57 – A Practical Approach to Entrepreneurship
04:58 – The First Business: Event Marketing in NYC
06:35 – Lessons from a Short-Lived Nightlife Venture
07:51 – A Quick Detour at Morgan Stanley
08:52 – Bringing Tattoo Parlors to Shopping Malls
10:35 – Navigating Regulations in Traditional Retail
12:45 – The 2008 Crash and a Failed Expansion
13:56 – Forgetting a $100M Success: Glow-in-the-Dark Safety
15:56 – Getting a Law Passed and Building a Manufacturing Deal
17:19 – How a Nightlife Job Led to a Fortune
19:22 – Partnership, Production, and Exit to a National Brand
21:49 – Real-Time Pattern Recognition and Risk
22:32 – Understanding Market Timing and Survival
24:11 – Acquiring Inked Magazine and Going Omnichannel
25:36 – The Birth of Facebook E-Commerce
27:00 – Owning and Monetizing Massive Facebook Pages
28:38 – Cambridge Analytica Fallout and Platform Risk
30:51 – Why Timing is Everything in Business
32:22 – The Dangers of Scaling Too Fast
33:42 – Zooming Out: Lessons Over Two Decades
34:46 – Transitioning from Media to Health
35:38 – Accidentally Overdosing on Ozempic
37:48 – Experiencing the Power of GLP-1s Firsthand
39:21 – Bootstrapping a Brick-and-Mortar Weight Loss Clinic
40:51 – Selling Telehealth Models to Founders and Creators
43:11 – Breaking Down the Legal Fight Between Compounders and Big Pharma
44:36 – Making Health an Empowered Conversation for Creators
45:52 – Building a Trust-Based Health Affiliate Ecosystem
47:31 – Quality Control and Compliance in Telehealth
48:45 – Inside the FrontCare “Clinic as a Service” Model
49:46 – Helping Gyms, Salons & Clinics Monetize Wellness
50:38 – Legacy Thinking and the Next Chapter
52:26 – Advice to His 17-Year-Old Self: Buy Real Estate
53:56 – Why Money is a Tool, Not a Destination
55:07 – Empowering Through Access and Ownership

Guest Links:
LinkedIn: Heath Wolfson

Kintsugi: The AI-powered tax compliance platform trusted by over 3,000 companies worldwide

Founder2Founder:
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Uncomfortable Either Way: Why Growth Requires Choosing the Hard Path with Brett Eaton

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Brett Eaton, keynote speaker, high performance coach, and author of Uncomfortable Either Way. After a life-changing back injury and the loss of his father at 16, Brett discovered a powerful truth: life is going to be uncomfortable no matter what, so choose the version that leads to growth.

He shares the frameworks behind his success, including the game-changing “Sunday Setup,” how to spot self-sabotage in real time, and why founders must upgrade their relationship with discomfort and money. This conversation is packed with raw honesty and practical takeaways for anyone serious about building a life that lasts.

Chapters:
02:14 – Brett’s Origin Story: Injury, Loss, and a New Lens
03:46 – Sports, Hustle, and Learning to Love the Grind
05:10 – When Patience Becomes an Excuse
06:34 – Living in 90-Day Sprints
08:01 – Gamifying Progress to Stay Consistent
09:38 – Who Actually Needs a Coach?
11:06 – Bad Coaching Investments & What to Watch For
12:56 – Transitioning Out of Fitness-Only Coaching
14:27 – Starting with Strengths, Not Weaknesses
15:36 – Taking a Life Inventory
17:00 – Learning While You’re Winning
19:08 – The Full Sunday Setup Breakdown
21:50 – Identifying Weekly Landmines
24:59 – If It’s Not on the Calendar, It’s Not Real
27:06 – Why Founders Must Prioritize Energy
29:27 – The “F*ck It” Button: Spotting Self-Sabotage
33:43 – The Comfort Trap
34:40 – The Cost of Coasting: Blockbuster Syndrome
37:48 – Embracing the Good Old Days While You’re In Them
39:32 – Being Young vs. Being Present
40:45 – “I’m in My Prime”: A New Morning Mantra
41:49 – What Comfort Really Signals
45:14 – Why Brett Finally Wrote the Book
47:27 – Money Mindset & Unlearning Limiting Beliefs
50:38 – Facing the Numbers & Taking Control
54:25 – Surrounding Yourself with People Who Talk About Money
1:01:31 – One Honest Question That Changed the Game
1:05:12 – Advice to His 16-Year-Old Self

Guest Links:
Website: www.bretteaton.com
Instagram: @bretteaton_
YouTube: @bretteaton_

Kintsugi: The AI-powered tax compliance platform trusted by over 3,000 companies worldwide

Founder2Founder:
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From 0 to 2,000+ Person Events: Lucy Nelles on Community, Profit, and Scale

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Founder2Founder Aaron Spivak sits down with Lucy Nelles, leading community-building expert and co-founder of Coffee & Chill Miami, the wildly popular bi-weekly sober wellness party that now draws over 1,000 guests per event. With over 100 sold-out events and collaborations with top global brands, Lucy has cracked the code on making in-person gatherings profitable, scalable, and deeply impactful.

She shares how she went from feeling isolated in a new city to building a movement, and now teaches others to do the same through her program, Community Mastery. Listen in for insights on team structure, brand partnerships, pricing strategy, and how to build meaningful connections without alcohol.

Chapters:
02:14 – Introducing Lucy: From Isolation to Community
03:46 – The Move to Miami & Early Challenges
04:34 – The First Event That Sparked It All
05:10 – Ice Baths, Stock Tanks & the Rise of a Trend
06:59 – How Coffee & Chill Was Born
08:03 – Losing $10K on One Event (and What She Learned)
09:30 – The #1 Mistake Event Hosts Make
11:00 – The First Coffee & Chill: JBL Speakers & 250 Guests
12:38 – Gradually Raising Ticket Prices & Building Trust
13:57 – Driving Repeat Attendance Every Two Weeks
16:24 – Special Collaborations: Art Basel, F1, NFL
17:18 – How Lucy and Her Co-Founder Divide and Conquer
19:39 – Keeping a Healthy Co-Founder Relationship
21:06 – Investing in Learning for Herself and Her Team
24:28 – Launching Community Mastery to Serve Others
26:09 – Balancing Two Businesses Without Burnout
27:37 – Time-Blocking, Non-Negotiables, and Systems
30:26 – Expanding Coffee & Chill Into New Cities
31:45 – How to Stand Out in a “Saturated” Market
33:31 – Rethinking Nightlife: No Booze, All Wellness
38:54 – Why Lucy Quit Drinking and What Changed
43:07 – Overcoming Imposter Syndrome Through Results
45:45 – The Bigger Mission: Building In-Person Culture

Guest Links:
Website: https://coffeeandchill.com/
Instagram: @luceilanelles & @coffeeandchillmiami

Kintsugi: The AI-powered tax compliance platform trusted by over 3,000 companies worldwide

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From a $900 Bank Account to a $50M Brand: Chris Meade on Building CROSSNET

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Chris Mead, co-founder of CROSSNET and Founders Club, for his most open and personal conversation to date. From a small Connecticut town, to building one of the fastest-growing backyard sports brands in America, Chris unpacks the highs, lows, and lessons of scaling a startup from scratch.

They dive into the origins of CROSSNET, the $1M mistake during an acquisition, the toll of leadership decisions, and how those experiences shaped the vision for Founders Club. If you’re navigating the founder journey, this episode is packed with the kind of honest insights you won’t get anywhere else.

Chapters:
02:49 – Growing Up in Small-Town Connecticut
04:40 – From Film School, to HBO, to Burnout
06:30 – Learning Amazon Dropshipping in College
08:26 – Fired, Broke, and Starting Over at Uber
12:49 – Inventing CROSSNET in a Backyard
15:06 – Quitting Jobs and Moving to Miami
17:49 – Going All-In with Marketing
19:21 – $87K to $9.8M: CROSSNET’s Hockey Stick Growth
21:30 – The Year Everything Went Wrong
25:19 – The Mistake of Not Cutting Fast Enough
28:10 – Trusting the Wrong CFO and Losing Sight
30:01 – The Acquisition That Fell Apart
33:50 – Picking the Wrong Buyer for the Wrong Reasons
35:10 – The Second Exit: Why Vivier Was the Right Fit
38:15 – What He’d Tell His Younger Self
42:04 – Why He Wouldn’t Change a Thing
42:46 – Building Founders Club from Scratch
46:41 – What Makes the Community Work
49:29 – There’s No Real Community for Founders… Until Now
51:07 – What a Great Member Looks Like
54:10 – Building a Life Beyond the Business
57:15 – Relationships Compound Like Capital
58:19 – Founders Forum and the Future of Events
1:00:51 – The Long-Term Vision for Founders Club
1:06:49 – Why This Will Never Be a Suit-and-Tie Club

Guest Links:
Instagram: @crossnetgame & @chrismeade
Website: https://vivereltd.com/pages/crossnet

Kintsugi: The AI-powered tax compliance platform trusted by over 3,000 companies worldwide

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The 3 Traits Every High-Growth Brand Shares, According to Shopify’s President Harley Finkelstein

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this special episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Harley Finkelstein, President of Shopify, for a no-fluff, behind-the-scenes conversation recorded live with over 100 Founders Club members. Harley unpacks the deep connection between personal identity and building lasting companies, while discussing how founders can grow smarter and why success demands unshakable character and long-term thinking.

This isn’t a surface-level chat, Harley dives into the psychological drivers behind great founders, how AI is changing hiring and operations, and why you should fire yourself before it’s too late. He shares tactical insights on platform strategy, what Shopify looks for in celebrity-led brands, and how to build a company that’s authentic, resilient, and scalable. From DJing at 13, to leading one of the most iconic tech companies globally, Harley’s founder journey is packed with clarity and conviction that every entrepreneur can learn from.

Chapters:
01:28 – Balancing Personal Brand vs. Business Brand
06:49 – Why Founders Must Go Direct (and Skip Legacy Media)
07:27 – 3 Traits of the Most Successful Brands
12:45 – How AI is Replacing Full-Time Roles at Shopify
14:20 – Growing Firebelly Tea with Fewer People and More Energy
15:47 – Hire Founders, Not Résumés
17:44 – Why Shopify is Run by Founders (and How That Works)
19:06 – Harley’s Grandfather & Building with Character
23:49 – Work-Life Integration & Founders in Relationships
28:11 – Daily Habits, Self-Awareness & Why Harley Meditates
31:29 – The Only Meetings Harley Never Misses
34:38 – When Shopify Builds In-House vs. Letting Apps Thrive
40:35 – What Business Are You Really In? Harley Coaches a Founder Live
46:12 – How to Stop Losing DTC Sales to Amazon
50:01 – Why It Doesn’t Matter Where the Sale Happens
50:44 – Shopify’s Celebrity Strategy (It’s Not About Fame)
55:50 – Harley’s Final Ask: Help a Founder IPO

Guest Links:
Instagram: @Harley & @Shopify
Website: https://www.shopify.com

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From $2,500 in Debt, to the World's Finest Tea Brand: Steve Schwartz on Building Art of Tea

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Steve Schwartz, Master Tea Blender, best-selling author, and founder of Art of Tea—an award-winning tea brand based in Los Angeles. After dropping out of college to care for his mother, Steve discovered Ayurvedic medicine and began a journey that would take him across the globe sourcing and blending the world’s finest teas.

Starting with $2,500 in credit card debt, Steve built a vertically integrated company that now supplies iconic restaurants and hotels. He shares how he turned tragedy into purpose, created the U.S.’s first tea sommelier role, and built a legacy-focused business with intention and heart.

Chapters:
02:32 – Losing His Mother and the Awakening of Purpose
04:11 – Discovering Ayurveda and the Art of Botanical Blending
06:23 – The Truth About Supermarket Tea
07:12 – The Power of Ritual: Why Tea Is Not Just a Beverage
08:52 – Choosing Steady Growth Over the Hockey Stick
11:03 – Building with a Multi-Generational Vision
12:35 – American Flips vs. Eastern Longevity Thinking
14:40 – Why Art of Tea Avoids Supermarkets
16:03 – Creating the First Tea Sommelier Position in the U.S.
17:22 – Expanding Art of Tea to the East Coast
19:13 – Controlling Quality Through Vertical Integration
21:16 – Coaching vs. Babysitting: Leadership Lessons
22:12 – The Daily Work of Unlearning Scarcity
25:37 – Childhood Scarcity and the Roots of Limiting Beliefs
28:08 – From Rabbi Aspirations to Global Tea Advocate
30:00 – Smiling as Strategy
33:14 – The Power of Giving Before You Receive
36:44 – Parenting, Abundance, and Entrepreneurial Mindsets
39:58 – Why Entrepreneurship Is the Best Way to Live
43:30 – Creating Safe Spaces for Founders to Be Real
45:29 – Betting on Himself With a Baby on the Way
47:09 – Filling an Org Chart by Removing Himself
50:11 – DJ Fails and the Power of Vulnerability
53:01 – The Real Reason People Join Founder’s Club
54:06 – Building Grit in the Next Generation
55:46 – One Day a Week Off: Shabbat as a Business Advantage
57:12 – What His Late Mother Would Say Now
59:14 – A Message to His 20-Year-Old Self
1:00:33 – The Power of Trust Over Fear
1:03:19 – What He Wants to Be Remembered For
1:05:53 – Getting Out of Your Own Way
1:07:20 – What’s Actually Going On With Matcha
1:11:39 – Matcha Sourcing Crisis and the Japan Trip That Changed It
1:13:55 – The Matcha Trend Explained
1:18:06 – Closing Reflections on Legacy and Leadership

Guest Links:
Website: https://www.artoftea.com/
Instagram: @artofteala @steveschwarx
LinkedIn: Art Of Tea Steve Schwartz

FERMÀT: The AI native commerce platform that optimizes shopping experiences, leading to best-in-class shopper engagement and conversion. FermatCommerce.com

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From $10 in the Bank to a $9M Beverage Brand: Megan Klein’s Unconventional Path with Little Saints

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Megan Klein, founder of Little Saints, the sugar-free, mushroom-powered non-alcoholic cocktails and spirits brand redefining the way we drink. A former environmental attorney turned two-time brand founder, Megan’s journey is one of radical pivots, personal reinvention, and unshakable self-belief. She shares how she went from shutting down her first startup to investing her last million, selling her own apartment to fund it, and scaling Little Saints to $9.6M in revenue without traditional VC backing.

Megan opens up about her lowest moments, from navigating loneliness during the pandemic, to hitting $10 in her personal bank account, and the turning point that came from trusting her own intuition over outside “expert” advice. She dives into how plant medicine shaped her leadership style, the hard lessons of Shark Tank, and why aligning brand growth with personal growth has been the foundation of her success. This is an unfiltered conversation on grit, discernment, and building a category-defining CPG brand on your own terms.

Chapters:
02:21 – From Lawyer to Rooftop Farming
04:51 – The Fog of Misalignment in Corporate Life
07:41 – Equity-Only Hustle at Farmed Here
08:22 – Building The Fresh Factory from a Failed Startup
11:42 – Fundraising Lessons from the First Business
12:35 – Investing Her Own $1M to Start Little Saints
14:37 – The Solo Founder Reality During the Pandemic
16:42 – Hemp Silk Cocktail Masks: The First Little Saints Product
18:05 – The Dry January Experiment That Sparked the Brand
21:00 – Discovering Ayahuasca and Plant Medicine’s Impact
28:55 – Quitting Alcohol for Good
32:39 – Going All-In with DTC
36:09 – Selling Assets to Save the Business
39:50 – Crisis Summer: Cancellation, Family Emergency, and Cash Shortage
41:06 – Unlearning the Need for Outside Approval
46:57 – Filming Shark Tank and Walking Away from the Deal
51:01 – Scaling from $100K to $9.6M in Three Years
53:17 – Laying the Foundation for $20M+ Growth
56:53 – Using Plant Medicine to Become a Better Leader
59:08 – Radical Feedback from the Team
1:03:26 – Little Saints Dirty Martini Demo
1:07:20 – Building in Miami and Creating the Little Saints House
1:11:32 – In-Person vs. Remote Team Dynamics
1:13:08 – What December 2020 Megan Would Be Most Proud Of
1:16:03 – Message to a 16-Year-Old Megan
1:18:39 – Blending Personal Development with Business Growth
1:21:31 – Choosing Alignment Over Short-Term Gains
1:22:23 – Where to Buy Little Saints

Guest Links:
Website: littlesaints.com
Instagram: @littlesaintsco
LinkedIn: Little Saints

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FERMÀT: The AI native commerce platform that optimizes shopping experiences, leading to best-in-class shopper engagement and conversion. FermatCommerce.com

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The Future Will Be Built by Founders Who Understand AI—Mark Cuban on How to Stay Ahead

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 11:00:00 -0400

In this special episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak brings you an unfiltered masterclass with legendary entrepreneur and investor, Mark Cuban. Recorded live for members of The Founders Club, this exclusive session covers Cuban's raw insights on building billion-dollar companies, the unglamorous truths of scaling, and how AI is rewriting the rules for modern founders. From sleeping on floors to exiting for $5.7 billion, Cuban reflects on his journey and the mindsets that separate the winners from everyone else.

Mark doesn’t hold back; he dives into why founders should stop glamorizing fundraising, how sales always win over hype, and the one habit that will leave your competition behind. He shares honest perspectives on balancing relationships and business, the brutal reality of hiring the wrong CEO, and how to futureproof your company in the age of AI. Whether you’re bootstrapping or scaling fast, this episode is packed with tactical clarity and real founder-to-founder advice.

Chapters:
01:40 – Why Personal Brands Are Overrated
03:15 – The One Trait All Successful Founders Share
05:45 – Sales First, Always
07:40 – Raising Capital Is Not an Accomplishment
09:34 – Work-Life Balance? Wait Until You're Winning
12:20 – How AI Is Changing the Game (and Why You Can’t Delegate It)
15:00 – How Founders Should Be Learning AI Right Now
17:15 – When to Sell (Even If You're Loving the Business)
20:00 – Why College Accreditation Is Fundamentally Broken
22:00 – What’s Next for Higher Education in an AI World
24:00 – Why You Should Think Twice Before Publishing Anything
25:55 – Should You Hold Back Expansion When Prepping for Exit?
27:40 – Launching Into Sports Partnerships the Smart Way
29:45 – Niche Product? Why You Should Be More Expensive
32:10 – When It’s Time to Hire an External CEO
34:30 – How Mark Leverages ChatGPT in Real Business Decisions
36:20 – Fundraising in a Tough Market: Take the Money or Bridge?
39:00 – Handling Tariffs and Scaling Beyond Local Markets
41:00 – One Simple Daily Habit That Pays Big Mental Returns
44:55 – Should You Expand Your Product Line or Focus Deeper?
47:15 – Promoting Internally vs Hiring for Scale
49:45 – Equity Strategy: What’s Too Much, What’s Too Little
52:30 – The Belief Cuban Had to Unlearn About Leadership
54:50 – "Don’t Be a-”: A Founding Principle That Pays
55:45 – What Every Founder Needs to Learn About Healthcare Costs
57:15 – Mark’s Final Word: Keep Showing Up

Guest Links:
Instagram: @mcuban
TikTok: @mcuban

Fully Accountable: Mention this ad and have your onboarding fees waived at https://fullyaccountable.com

FERMÀT: The AI native commerce platform that optimizes shopping experiences, leading to best-in-class shopper engagement and conversion. FermatCommerce.com

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Larysa Nakonecznyj: She Walked Away From Law School, Then Built a Top Global Agency

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Larysa Nakonecznyj, CEO of Nako Creative, an award-winning digital marketing agency known for driving measurable results through innovation and tailored strategy. With a background in communications and advertising, Larysa has helped global brands grow fast and grow smart. She’s been recognized with the 2024 Global Recognition Award and was nominated for the Women Empowerment Foundation’s “Rising Star” award.

Larysa unpacks the exact moment her path shifted after a single shift waiting tables, and how she walked away from law school to build something of her own. She shares the story behind her first pitch, scaling too fast, bouncing back from burnout, and the mindset work that’s kept her going. This conversation is a powerful look at what it takes to build a solo agency to seven figures while staying grounded in vision and values.

Chapters:
01:40 – Realizing She Wasn’t Meant to Work for Anyone
03:23 – First Corporate Job & Red Flags
04:59 – The Shift at The Keg That Changed Everything
06:12 – Pitching an Agency She Hadn’t Built Yet
07:33 – The Woman Who Believed in Her First
08:33 – Faking a Florida Trip to Buy Time
09:38 – Where Her Standard for Excellence Comes From
11:29 – Walking Away From Law School
12:57 – Breaking the News to a Traditional Family
14:10 – Seeing Opportunity Everywhere
15:59 – Manifesting Confidence Before the Pod
17:44 – Prepping for the Next Hour, Always
19:15 – Discovering “The Secret” and Shifting Mindset
22:54 – When Scaling Too Fast Breaks the System
24:46 – Burnout and Questioning It All
26:14 – Almost Going Back to School
28:14 – Saying No Becomes the New Strategy
30:01 – Doing It Alone Without a Co-Founder
32:08 – From Doubting to Betting on Herself
33:47 – Building Confidence Through Results
35:29 – Curating a Circle That Believes In You
37:54 – Two Types of Friends (Choose Wisely)
39:17 – Life After Exit and the Power of Community
41:54 – The Mental Weight of Being a Young CEO
44:54 – “Move With Confidence”, The One Conversation That Shifted Everything
46:54 – Building Systems Through Mistakes
48:08 – Why Most Agencies Don’t Work Hard Enough
50:18 – The Ferrari x Art Basel Win
52:59 – The Internal Team Mentality Clients Love
55:20 – Advice to Her 20-Year-Old Self
56:13 – Designing a Business Around the Life She Wants
59:35 – Naivety Can Be a Superpower
1:01:09 – The Truth About Building a Business
1:04:31 – Retention as the Ultimate KPI
1:05:32 – Final Word: Show Up, Work Hard, Win!

Guest Links:
Website: https://nakocreative.com/
Instagram: @nako.creative
LinkedIn

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Two Exits Before 20: What Austin Copeland Knows About Building, Leading & Letting Go

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak is joined by Austin Copeland—a 21-year-old founder who’s already built and sold two companies, including COMPREADY, acquired by CosmicWire. From founding a nonprofit at 13 that delivered over 13,000 shoes to kids in Africa, to managing a 25-person team at global esports giant TSM, Austin’s journey is driven by one mission: improving people’s lives.

He unpacks how he went from gaming enthusiast to building an analytics model that led to six-figure player buyouts, what it takes to stay true to yourself in high-pressure environments, and why being surrounded by the right people can accelerate everything. Now overseeing COMPREADY under CosmicWire, Austin is focused on optimizing computer performance at scale—all while continuing to grow into the entrepreneur he was built to be.

Chapters:

02:24 – A Childhood Immersed in Business
03:40 – First Taste of Entrepreneurship: Beachside Hustles
04:51 – Flipping Burgers at 13: Real-World Lessons
06:03 – Rejecting the “Right Path” and Going His Own Way
07:51 – Selling His First Business at 19
08:03 – Gaming as Passion and Profit
09:29 – Building a Data-Driven Talent Engine
11:30 – COVID’s Influence and Seizing Opportunity
13:28 – The First Exit: Acquired at 16
14:17 – Earning $80K and Managing 25 People
15:43 – The Spark Behind COMPREADY
17:19 – Leaving a Safe Role to Build Again
18:46 – Sacrifice and Identity in the Startup Grind
20:22 – Going All In at 18
22:35 – Choosing College Amid Success
24:37 – The Moment He Knew It Was Real
25:50 – Exit #2: COMPREADY Acquired by CosmicWire
27:03 – Leadership Mistakes and Learning the Hard Way
28:40 – Not Everyone Has Your Fire
30:13 – Making Decisions Through Noise
31:27 – Becoming Unapologetically Himself
33:46 – Vision for 30 and Long-Term Fulfillment
35:45 – The Mentors Who Changed the Game
38:41 – “It’s OK”: How Reassurance Moves Founders Forward
42:44 – Experience Over Theory, Every Time
45:50 – Giving First and Building Reputation
47:11 – Manifesting the Jet and What It Represents
50:59 – Freedom, Frustration, and Fuel
52:04 – You’re Only Out When You’re Dead
54:25 – Don’t Judge What You Haven’t Tried
56:39 – Volunteering to Learn and Grow
58:22 – Advice to His 15-Year-Old Self
1:03:29 – Life in Reverse: Start From the End
1:04:49 – Your Environment Won’t Always Grow With You
1:06:28 – The Power of Being Good Energy

Guest Links:
Website: https://compready.gg/
LinkedIn: Austin Copeland

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Swan Sit on The Future of Belonging: Defining a New Era By Building Real Community in a Disconnected World

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Swan Sit, a trailblazing operator and creator at the intersection of corporate leadership, digital transformation, and consumer connection. With an impressive background as the Global Head of Digital Marketing at Nike, Revlon, and Estée Lauder, Swan now advises startups, sits on public company boards, and brings value to millions as a creator and speaker.

Swan shares her journey from a disciplined immigrant upbringing to transforming some of the world’s most iconic brands. She opens up about navigating the dot-com crash, pivoting into the creator economy through Clubhouse, and ultimately discovering her purpose: democratizing access, information, and opportunity. This is a rich conversation on resilience, relevance, and redefining success on your own terms.

Chapters:
03:06 – Immigrant Upbringing and Early Discipline
05:35 – Childhood Dreams and Retail Tech Fascination
07:37 – Going Against the Grain: Startup Over Goldman
10:57 – Dot-Com Crash, Layoffs, and Lessons Learned
12:58 – Study Abroad and Breaking From Family Influence
15:24 – Finding Self Through Distance and Travel
17:27 – Product Marketing, Emotional Branding, and Grad School
21:18 – Joining Estee Lauder and Building Early E-Com
22:05 – Leading Digital at Revlon and Nike
23:57 – Navigating Change: Why Adaptability Wins
25:49 – Making AI Useful Without Getting Lost in It
28:43 – Personalized Content and the Future of Storytelling
31:58 – Using Social Graphs to Build Digital Communities
34:52 – NFTs, Ownership, and Reframing Value
37:29 – Clubhouse Origins: Mentorship and Scale
41:44 – Creator vs. Influencer: Making Real Impact
47:19 – Defining Purpose: Access, Information, and Equity
50:39 – Family, Scarcity, and Quiet Generosity
54:14 – Rest as a Strategy: Recharging for Performance
57:36 – Public Speaking: From Corporate to Global Stages
1:00:13 – Live Speaking Tips: Energy, Feedback, and Q&A
1:02:37 – From Corporate Leader to Founder Mindset
1:05:31 – Reading the Room: Intuition and Audience Engagement
1:10:21 – Where Empathy Comes From
1:13:45 – Identity, Belonging, and Owning Your Story
1:17:49 – Advice to Her Younger Self: “Go Be Your Freak Self”
1:21:22 – Detaching Worth From Titles and Roles
1:23:13 – Legacy, Impact, and Reversing Into Purpose

Guest Links:
Website: www.swansit.com
Instagram: @swansit
Twitter/X: @swansit
LinkedIn: @swansit
TikTok: @swansit23

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The Realest Founder Story Yet: No English, No Money, and 5 Kids- Here’s How Rachel Spivak Did It

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with his own mother, Rachel Spivak, for an intimate and powerful conversation that spans generations, continents, and entrepreneurial journeys. Born in the small Israeli town of Ofakim as one of 13 siblings, Rachel shares her story of resilience, ambition, and unwavering love for her family. From leaving her home at age 13 to go off to school, to raising five boys in Canada, her life is a testament to grit, sacrifice, and entrepreneurial instinct.

Rachel recounts building a new life in Canada with no job, no English, and three kids under three, eventually launching multiple businesses, including a successful care agency and retail ventures. She opens up about losing everything overnight, rebuilding from scratch, and instilling entrepreneurial values in her children, all of whom became business owners. Rachel offers timeless wisdom on parenting, perseverance, and how to build a meaningful life from the ground up.

Chapters:
01:20 – Growing Up in Ofakim With 13 Siblings
04:13 – Childhood Lessons in Strength
05:13 – “Don’t Be Afraid of Fear” – A Life Mantra
07:12 – Leaving Home at 13 for a Different Life
14:01 – Moving to Canada With Three Young Children
15:52 – Starting Over Without English or a Job
21:03 – Building Businesses From Scratch
24:15 – Cleaning Houses and Driving a School Bus to Survive
27:56 – From House Cleaner to Care Agency Owner
30:42 – Losing a Business Overnight, Starting Again With Jewelry Sales
33:02 – Teaching Her Kids To Build and Rebuild
36:30 – Leading By Example: The Power of Silent Sacrifice
39:27 – Parenting Wisdom for the Modern Generation
41:55 – Encouraging Entrepreneurship From a Young Age
44:34 – Working Through Setbacks and Always Showing Up
46:49 – Why She’s a Mom, Not a Friend
49:11 – Raising Five Boys and Navigating Marriage, Business, and Life
53:52 – How Many Kids Should People Have Today?
56:37 – Parenting Without Complaints, Even in the Digital Age
1:00:22 – Still Working: Showing Up at Early to Lead By Example
1:03:56 – Working With Family: The Greatest Challenge
1:05:44 – Family Unity Above All: Why Fighting Was Never an Option
1:11:06 – Dealing With Distance: Moving to Miami and Family Bonds
1:20:00 – What Rachel Would Tell Her 18-Year-Old Self
1:24:47 – Her New Mission: Creating Memories With Her Grandkids

Guest Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rakelaspivak
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@immigrantmom
Revitasize: https://www.revitasize.ca

Founder2Founder:
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How Integrity, Grit, and Real Estate Deals Built Mark Shapiro's Legacy

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak speaks with Mark Shapiro, founder of Shapiro Capital, a seasoned real estate investor with over four decades of experience. Mark shares his journey from selling gum in elementary school to building a multimillion-dollar real estate empire. He offers valuable insights into the mindset, drive, and strategies that led him to success, as well as the lessons learned from both his victories and setbacks.

Mark delves into his early real estate experiences, creative financing tactics, and the importance of simplicity and discipline in both business and life. His approach to mentoring others, navigating personal struggles, and focusing on authentic relationships is a powerful example of how real success is built over time.

Chapters:
00:00 – Mark’s Entrepreneurial Spark In Elementary School
04:00 – Early Lessons From The Family Business
07:40 – Snowblowing Driveways And Learning Value
10:47 – The Influence Of Mark’s Father
13:28 – First Business Deal With His Dad At 23
18:06 – Overcoming Personal Loss And Finding Purpose
22:51 – Discovering Real Estate Through Family And Books
25:42 – Scaling Early: From College Deals To 58 Units
38:22 – Addiction To The Chase: Why Mark Loves The Game
43:20 – Taking Big Risks At 26 And The $3M Payday
49:16 – How Success Complicated Personal Life
54:20 – The Wisdom Of Grinding It Out
58:33 – Life Lessons On Margin, Simplicity, And Consistency
1:04:06 – Teaching Real Estate: Building A High-Touch Mentorship Model
1:06:42 – Lydia’s Journey: 0 To 24 Units In A Year
1:08:57 – From Scratch: Helping Beginners Get Their First Deal
1:13:48 – For Founders With Capital: How To Start In Real Estate
1:16:39 – The Power Of Community And High-Touch Guidance
1:22:00 – Reflecting On Regrets And Legacy
1:28:12 – Living With Integrity And Spiritual Anchors

Guest Links:
Website: https://mshapirocapital.com
Instagram: @themarkshapiro
Twitter X: @TheMarkShapiro
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@markshapiro1887

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FERMÀT: The AI native commerce platform that optimizes shopping experiences, leading to best-in-class shopper engagement and conversion. FermatCommerce.com

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Shelby Sapp Didn’t Just Break Into Sales, She Rebuilt It For Women Everywhere

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Shelby Sapp, the founder of She Sells Academy, the world’s largest all-women remote sales academy. After beginning her career in door-to-door pest control sales, Shelby realized traditional sales models weren’t built for women or the lifestyle they wanted. With She Sells, she’s built a community of over 3,000 women mastering high-ticket remote sales, unlocking financial independence and freedom along the way.

Shelby discusses her journey from figure skater to powerhouse sales trainer, the critical role of mindset and visualization in success, and how her mother and grandfather influenced her fiercely independent drive. She shares candid reflections on building her business, dealing with imposter syndrome and online hate, and the nuances of masculine and feminine dynamics in both sales and relationships. Shelby’s story is a powerful example of how vision, grit, and being a “calculated psychopath” can not only change your own life, but the ripple effect of others.

Chapters
00:00 – Shelby’s Sales Origin Story
02:55 – Discovering Remote Sales As A “Cheat Code”
03:26 – Mindset, Manifestation, And The Impact Of Figure Skating
06:13 – Growing Up With A Hardworking Single Mom
07:35 – Living The Life She Once Dreamed
08:53 – Proving Herself In Male-Dominated Sales Teams
10:53 – Who Joins She Sells And Why
13:09 – Selling What You Believe In
15:56 – Helping Women Find Financial Independence
17:26 – Who Supports The Leader
20:53 – Navigating Friendships During Rapid Growth
25:03 – The Early Vision That Sparked She Sells
30:14 – Balancing Masculine Energy In Business And Relationships
34:18 – Should Salespeople Seek Equity?
36:22 – Dealing With Online Hate
41:56 – Do Women Perform Better In Sales?
44:14 – The Nuances Of Women Selling To Women
45:43 – Staying Authentic As A Founder
48:34 – What Shelby Wants To Be Remembered For
51:15 – The Legacy Of Her Grandfather
56:23 – Loving Pressure And Building Through It
57:44 – Embracing Being “Delulu” As an Entrepreneur
1:01:19 – Clarity In Vision And Decision-Making
1:06:22 – Adjusting To Success And A New Lifestyle
1:09:24 – How Shelby Manages Her Money
1:11:45 – Final Message: Be A Calculated Psychopath
1:13:13 – The Power Of Belief And Presence

Guest Links:
Instagram: @shelby.sapp
@shesellsacademy
Website: https://shelbysapp.com
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@diaryofad2dsaleswoman

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From Selling Shaved Ice to Scaling a National Food Empire with Gaston Becherano

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Gaston Becherano Cohen, CEO of Smorgasburg—the largest weekly open-air food market in the U.S. Gaston shares how a solo trip to Japan reignited his entrepreneurial drive and ultimately led him from shaved ice vendor to acquiring the entire Smorgasburg brand. His journey includes launching, and losing, a café during COVID, starting over in Miami, and building markets that now draw millions of visitors.

He speaks candidly about scaling with lean teams, trusting his instincts, and launching his Japanese tea brand, Motorcycle Matcha. This conversation dives deep into the mindset, resilience, and strategic pivots behind building a cultural institution rooted in food, community, and creativity. Subscribe, share with a fellow founder, and leave a review if this episode resonated with you!

Chapters:
02:56 – Leaving IBM: Realizing He Wasn’t Built for Corporate Life|
03:54 – A Solo Trip to Japan That Changed His Trajectory
04:26 – Discovering Hospitality as His Lane
08:58 – Getting Accepted as a Shaved Ice Vendor in Brooklyn
09:49 – Launching Bonsai Café and Learning the Business
11:24 – COVID Hits: Closing the Café and Moving Back to Miami
14:00 – Starting Over with a Farmers Market in Aventura
18:48 – Seeing the Vision for Smorgasburg Miami
20:05 – Convincing the Landlords and Licensing the Brand
22:25 – The Grueling Process of Getting Permits Approved
24:56 – Opening Day in Wynwood: 15,000 Attendees and Flying Tents
27:38 – Sustaining Demand Week After Week
28:20 – Acquiring the Entire Smorgasburg Brand
30:51 – Reframing Entrepreneurship as a “Grand Adventure”
32:01 – Building Motorcycle Matcha in the Japanese Countryside
34:00 – Sourcing, Storytelling, and Building a Passion-Driven Brand
36:17 – Growing Up in a Tight-Knit, Entrepreneurial Community
38:40 – “Entrepreneurship Is Like Riding a Motorcycle”
41:15 – Gaston’s Vision for Smorgasburg as a National Incubator
43:58 – The Emotional Cost of Growth and Staying Positive
45:57 – Detaching From the Rollercoaster of Business
48:30 – Running Lean: 16 Full-Time Staff, Millions of Visitors
49:51 – Leadership Through Empowerment and Humility
51:50 – Advice to Younger Gaston: Enjoy the Ride
58:45 – The Magic of Type 2 Fun in Entrepreneurship
1:00:09 – Final Words: Start Young, Start Naive, Start Now

Guest Links:
Website: Smorgasburg.com
Instagram: @gastonbecherano
@smorgasburgmiami

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Rejection, Sexism, and 100 Investor No’s: How Rajia Abdelaziz Still Raised $500K and Changed an Industry

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Rajia Abdelaziz, Founder & CEO of invisaWear—a groundbreaking company creating discreet safety tech inside stylish jewelry. A Forbes 30 Under 30 cover honoree and a standout in the personal safety space, Rajia has built an eight-figure brand, raised over $3 million, and secured major partnerships with ADT and TELUS.

Rajia shares how she turned down a job at Google to pursue a college project that would go on to save lives. She opens up about facing rejection, fundraising setbacks, and personal sacrifice, all while building a mission-driven brand from the ground up. From a 3D-printed prototype built by her 14-year-old brother to a product that’s now sold nationwide, this episode is a powerful look at purpose, perseverance, and building with impact. Subscribe, share with a fellow founder, and leave a review if this episode resonated with you!

Chapters:
02:11 – Rajia’s first taste of entrepreneurship at 8 years old.
04:26 – Childhood hustle and early business ideas.
06:18 – Dreaming of an ice cream empire at 16.
07:57 – Growing up in a one-bedroom apartment and chasing the American Dream.
09:58 – The pressure to be perfect and the cost of high expectations.
11:32 – Choosing engineering and learning to build apps.
13:25 – The incident that sparked the idea for invisaWear.
16:02 – Launching invisaWear as a college project.
19:29 – Turning down Google and betting on a mission.
22:12 – Convincing her family to support her startup journey.
25:05 – Building with her co-founder Ray.
27:14 – A woman at demo day validates the mission.
28:56 – Handwritten thank-you notes from survivors.
30:42 – Sacrificing her 20s to build a mission-driven brand.
34:08 – Facing sexism and ageism in early fundraising.
35:30 – 14-year-old brother’s 3D print closes their first round.
39:45 – National news story puts invisaWear on the map.
43:00 – A health scare forces a mindset reset.
48:10 – 10 years of co-founder chemistry with Ray.
59:41 – What Rajia wants to be remembered for.
1:02:37 – Advice to her 21-year-old self.
1:04:52 – Rajia’s 5-year and 10-year vision.

Guest Links:
Website: https://invisawear.com/
Instagram: @invisaWear
@RajiaXoXo

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Making 250k in 10 Days With No Product: How Jason Wong Figured "It" Out

Wed, 28 May 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Jason Wong, founder of Paking Duck, a packaging company trusted by leading DTC brands like Arrae, Quest Nutrition, and Madhappy. Jason shares his journey from a teenager running affiliate blogs and viral meme businesses, to building a powerhouse in the packaging space, blending creativity with operational excellence.

Jason dives into how packaging became his passion, why it’s one of the highest-leverage parts of the customer journey, and how investing in people has helped him scale multiple businesses. He also opens up about building confidence through action, earning trust through execution, and how one key mentor changed his entire trajectory. Tune in to hear Jason’s powerful insights on brand-building, mentorship, and executing with speed. Subscribe, share with a fellow founder, and leave a review if this episode resonated with you.

Chapters:
01:36 – Meet Jason Wong
02:53 – How Jason fell in love with packaging
03:57 – What top CPG brands get right
05:01 – Growing up: immigrant hustle and early ambition
06:19 – Starting a blog and making $30K/month in high school
08:04 – The viral launch of the Holy Meme Bible
09:25 – Transitioning to a product business
11:47 – Launching Doe Lashes with $500
13:11 – Building with friends and early team culture
14:17 – Growing up without parents and living in a garage
15:35 – Why Jason never gave up
16:36 – Raising your ceiling through community
18:18 – Sacrifices and discipline in the early years
20:16 – Entrepreneurship and relationships
22:08 – Becoming secure in your identity
24:49 – Creating your own luck through exposure
26:36 – Meeting Michelle Phan and her mentorship
29:42 – The power of sharing stories and giving back
31:07 – Jason’s philosophy on packaging and unboxing
34:09 – Most impressive packaging Jason has seen
37:44 – 3 ways packaging makes money
41:08 – Why packaging is part of the product
42:14 – Defining success and freedom
46:16 – Achieving milestones through material rewards
47:21 – Building multiple businesses through people
50:53 – Jason’s story of finding a superstar on Upwork
53:48 – A masterclass in relationship-driven leadership
56:46 – Advice to his 23-year-old self
58:00 – Just go do it — the power of action

Guest Links:
Website: www.pakingduck.com
Instagram: @pug
LinkedIn: Jason Wong

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Kevin O’Leary’s Advice on Mastering Focus and Scaling Faster

Wed, 21 May 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Chris Meade sits down with Kevin O'Leary, a successful entrepreneur and investor also known as "Mr. Wonderful”, appearing on shows such as Dragons' Den and Shark Tank. Kevin dives into the current landscape of advertising, explaining why he's pivoting his portfolio companies towards television through his new platform, WonderAds. He breaks down how TV has become a powerful yet under-utilized channel for brands looking to scale cost-effectively, offering a competitive edge over rising social media costs.

Kevin also discusses the critical components of successful brand scaling, the importance of mastering Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC), and why multi-channel strategies are essential for long-term growth. He closes with valuable insights on entrepreneurship, including how to prioritize signal over noise, the art of listening, and the necessity of knowing when to pivot. Join Chris and Kevin as they uncover the strategies behind building resilient brands, leveraging television for growth, and the key principles every entrepreneur should know. Don’t forget to subscribe, share with a fellow founder, and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.

Chapters:
01:40 – Why TV Advertising is Making a Comeback
02:48 – Introducing WonderAds: TV for Emerging Brands
03:34 – Measuring Success on TV: CAC and ROAS
04:02 – Why Brands Give Up on TV Too Early
04:27 – Television’s Cost Efficiency vs. Social Media
04:52 – Mastering Customer Acquisition Costs
05:58 – The Importance of Personal Branding for Founders
07:08 – Building for Both Retail and Direct-to-Consumer
08:19 – Retail Rollouts: How to Secure and Succeed
10:35 – Signal vs. Noise: How to Focus Your Time
13:33 – The Art of Pivoting When Things Go Wrong
14:06 – Planning Liquidity Events and Exits
15:06 – Industries Ripe for Disruption: Healthy Snacks and Beverages
15:52 – Kevin’s Background in Photography and Film
16:52 – Embracing Discomfort: Why Founders Should Take Risks
17:39 – Lessons from Kevin's Mother: Integrity and Trust

Guest Links:
Website: https://kevinoleary.com
Instagram: @kevinolearytv

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The Relentless Drive to Win: How IQBAR Was Built One Chapter at a Time with Will Nitze

Wed, 14 May 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Will Nitze, Founder & CEO of IQBAR, the leading brain-and-body nutrition startup in America. Will shares how his competitive spirit and obsession with winning drove him to build a thriving brand dedicated to brain food and cognitive nutrition. He reflects on his journey from playing competitive sports to attending Harvard, where he first realized that building something impactful was more important than just making money.

Will also discusses launching IQBAR through a successful Kickstarter campaign, scaling with major retailers, and maintaining a lean, efficient team. He opens up about running the business alongside his wife, the importance of horizontal mentorship, and how he plans to build for acquisition and legacy.

Chapters:
00:44 – The Opportunist Mindset: Learning from Sam Zell
03:06 – Building the Competitive Spirit Through Sports
08:26 – Harvard Experience and Finding Direction
12:25 – First Steps into Entrepreneurship
14:02 – Negotiating Half-Time Work for Full-Time Hustle
15:21 – Starting IQBAR: Building Brain Food from Scratch
19:31 – Kickstarter Strategies: Guerrilla Tactics and Validation
22:01 – Manufacturing at Scale and Finding Co-Packers
24:38 – The Importance of Horizontal Mentorship
27:46 – Scaling the Business with a Lean Team
30:25 – Expanding into Major Retailers and Hitting Volume
33:43 – Navigating Trends and Pivoting the Brand
36:40 – Maintaining Control While Scaling Fast
38:29 – Hiring the Right People and the Hub-and-Spoke Model
41:06 – Working In the Business, Not Just On It
46:40 – Running a Business with His Wife
49:05 – Moving to Miami and the Evolution of IQBAR
52:13 – Building for Acquisition and Legacy
1:06:01 – Overcoming Challenges: Tariffs, COVID, and Market Shifts
1:07:50 - Building a Personal Brand
1:11:04 - The ROI of Personal Branding
1:25:10 - The Emotional Impact of Exiting a Business
1:31:11 - The Role of Partnerships in Business Success
1:34:46 - Advice for Younger Entrepreneurs

Tune in to hear Will’s raw insights on scaling a consumer brand from the ground up, the sacrifices required, and the mindset needed to build something that lasts. Don't forget to subscribe, share with a fellow founder, and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.

Guest Links:
Website: www.eatiqbar.com
Instagram: @iqbar
LinkedIn: Will Nitze
Twitter: @willnitze

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Built in Her Memory: How Losing His Sister Redefined Josh Goldstein's Life, Business, and Legacy

Wed, 07 May 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Founder2Founder, host Aaron Spivak sits down with Josh Goldstein. Josh was a high-level college baseball player and MBA student when a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to appear on reality TV changed everything. After the tragic and very public loss of his sister on national television, Josh turned unimaginable grief into powerful growth. Now, just a few years later, he’s built a seven-figure online fitness business empowering thousands of women, launched a supplement brand rooted in positivity, and created a personal brand focused on mindset, transformation, and authenticity.

This episode dives deep into what it means to find clarity through pain, the strategy behind monetizing real impact, and how trusting your gut can outwork any perfect plan. Josh opens up about going all-in on business, his unique approach to brand building, and the deeper mission driving every decision. Whether you're dealing with pressure, looking to turn a setback into a launchpad, or want to build with real intention, this conversation delivers. Don’t forget to subscribe, share with a fellow founder, and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.

Chapters
02:07 – Growing Up Around Sports and Early Lessons in Discipline
09:08 – Self-Confidence Through Sports, COVID’s Impact, and Falling in Love with Sales
12:30 – Saying Yes to Love Island
17:07 – Tragedy: Losing His Sister During Filming
20:22 – Returning Home and Navigating Grief
25:10 – Starting a Business With Meaning and Honouring Her Legacy
27:17 – Serving Women in Fitness and Emotional Connection to the Mission
30:45 – The “Other 23 Hours” Philosophy in Fitness
33:28 – Josh’s Fitness Program Structure and Growth
35:46 – Personal Transformation and What He’s Still Working On
41:26 – Public Figure Pressures and Dating After Reality TV
48:05 – Business Future: Exit, Scale, or Legacy
49:20 – Starting the Supplement Company Reevyv
51:25 – Impact on Family Dynamics and Healing Through Growth
56:22 – Motivation to Repay His Parents’ Sacrifices
58:12 – Journaling, Morning Routine, and Structure
1:04:21 – Mindset as the Foundation of Transformation
1:06:13 – Avoiding Hard Conversations and Their Cost
1:11:15 – The ROI of Investing in Yourself
1:14:32 – Advice to Younger Josh: Don’t Let Others Define You
1:16:27 – Environment, Loneliness, and Finding Your Circle
1:22:38 – Final Message: Don’t Take Life Too Seriously

Guest Links:
Instagram: @_josh.goldy_ @jgoldy_fit @reevyv_strips
Website: https://reevyv.com
https://www.joshgoldyfitness.com/quiz-l

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The Unfair Founder Advantage: How Dominic Purpura Used Crypto Profits and 1 Job to Build an Empire

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Founder2Founder, host Aaron Spivak sits down with Dominic Purpura. Dominic Purpura is the founder and owner of MELA, a rapidly growing watermelon water company. After acquiring the business in 2021 following a successful cryptocurrency investment, he completely rebranded it, transforming a $25,000 monthly operation into one approaching $1 million monthly with national 7-Eleven distribution on the horizon. Influenced by his entrepreneurial father and uncle, Purpura implements a structured goal-setting system across five categories: health, wealth, wisdom, happiness, and travel. He's known for his equity-sharing leadership approach, treating employees as partners. His mission is to establish watermelon water as a major beverage category, with plans to scale MELA until, in his words "it stops being fun."

Dominic shares his journey from a young entrepreneur to achieving a major exit, breaking down the real process behind rebranding and scaling MELA. He talks about discovering MELA while building experience in the CPG industry, using cryptocurrency profits to acquire the brand, and scaling the company to an eight-figure exit. From growing up questioning traditional paths, to implementing equity-sharing leadership, to navigating life after a major acquisition, Dominic brings tactical lessons around resilience, strategic thinking, building a brand true to your values and learning to trust your gut.

Chapters:
00:43 – Introduction, Early Exposure to Entrepreneurship and Family Influence
02:05 – Growing Up Questioning Normality
03:56 – Are Entrepreneurs Born or Made?
04:33 – Learning From Father Figures and Environment
06:16 – Early Businesses, Crypto, and Falling in Love With the CPG Business Model
10:03 – Building a Beef Jerky Brand and Learning Systems
12:47 – Finding MELA and the Initial Spark
18:52 – Building Wealth Through Cardano and Crypto Strategy
22:22 – Timing the Crypto Exit and Creating Opportunity
24:08 – Acquiring MELA ,Rebranding, Restructuring, and Relaunching
29:23 – Early Wins and Rapid Product-Market Fit
30:45 – Brick-by-Brick Growth: Selling Store by Store
32:13 – Yearly Growth and the Journey From 300K to Millions
35:32 – Why MELA Worked for the Mass Market
38:15 – Building a Brand for the 99%, Not the 1%
43:29 – Losing His Father and Going All-In on Entrepreneurship
46:25 – Turning Pain Into Focus, Drive, and Daily Discipline
48:27 – Staying Focused Through Grief and Hardship
50:00 – Selling MELA and Sharing the Exit With the Team
52:31 – Navigating Identity Shifts Post-Exit
53:12 – Why Slowing Down After Success Matters
58:24 – Honouring the Journey: Reflection and Growth
1:06:12 – Building a Community: The Vision Behind Founders Club
1:14:29 – Giving First, Protecting Energy, and Scaling Smart
1:18:45 – Advice to 23-Year-Old Dominic: Trust the Journey
1:26:10 – Finding Meaning in Pain and Why It Matters

Guest Links:
Website: https://melawater.com
IG @dompurpura

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Rebuilding Purpose After a Major Exit and How The Work Doesn’t End When You Succeed with David Segal

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Founder2Founder, host Aaron Spivak sits down with serial entrepreneur David Segal, best known for building DAVIDsTEA into a $200M brand and now serving as President of Highbeam. David shares the full arc of his entrepreneurial journey, starting with the humble beginnings of DAVIDsTEA, through the grind of expansion and the thrill of going public, to the surprising emotional lows that followed a major exit. With refreshing honesty, he opens up about his feelings after selling the company, how he found renewed purpose, and the process of reshaping his identity beyond his business.

David and Aaron explore the hidden cost of scaling quickly, the emotional whiplash of sudden wealth, and the importance of defining success beyond financial freedom. The conversation is packed with invaluable takeaways for founders at every stage, from negotiating working capital terms that change your bottom line, to the mindset shifts required when stepping into a new venture. Whether you’re in the trenches or on the other side of a win, David’s story is a powerful reminder that the work never really ends, it just evolves. Don’t forget to subscribe, share with a fellow founder, and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.

Chapters:
01:10 – Starting DAVIDsTEA: The Idea Nobody Was Doing
04:32 – Early Failures and Lessons in Persistence
07:27 – From 4 Stores to 30: What Changed?
08:45 – Building for Scale: The Highs and Pitfalls
11:55 – Expansion Mistakes in the U.S. Market
14:33 – Handing Over the CEO Role: Ego and Learning
16:02 – The Power of Process (Without Bureaucracy)
20:23 – Leaving DAVIDsTEA and Losing Identity
22:15 – From Rock Bottom to Highbeam: A New Beginning
25:50 – Life-Changing Money Doesn’t Mean Life-Changing Fulfillment
28:15 – What Founders Need to Know About Life After the Exit
31:00 – Starting Mad Radish and Firebelly: Lessons in Patience
34:50 – David Now vs. Then: Maturity in Decision Making
38:52 – Sleep On It: Slowing Down to Make Better Decisions
40:09 – Working Capital Masterclass: The Deal That Can Save Millions
44:03 – Lifestyle Business or Unicorn? How to Decide
46:41 – Operating for Cash Flow vs. Chasing the Exit
48:57 – The Power of Compounding and Long-Term Operating
50:33 – Managing Post-Exit Wealth: Keep It Simple
54:56 – David on Legacy and Still Being “Just Getting Started”
58:20 – The Power of Environment and a Supportive Partner
1:01:25 – Entrepreneurship is a Personal Journey
1:03:39 – Advice to 19-Year-Old David: Put in the Work, Keep Showing Up
1:06:19 – Meditation, a “Digital Sabbath”, and Mental Resilience as a Founder
1:11:07 – Final Reflections: Inputs Over Outcomes

Guest Links:
Website: https://www.highbeam.co/
LinkedIn: David Segal
Instagram: @tea_maverick
X: @tea_maverick

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A Framework for Founders On How To Check In Before You Check Out with Adam Klasner

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Founder2Founder, host Aaron Spivak sits down with Adam Klasner. Adam Mordechai Klasner is a widely respected personal growth facilitator, committed to empowering individuals and nurturing meaningful relationships. He masterfully integrates diverse modalities and techniques, including Breathwork, NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), Family Constellations, and Imago facilitation, to guide his clients on transformative journeys. Adam's approach centers on a holistic comprehension of his clients' inner worlds and their connections with others. By harmoniously merging these aspects, he skillfully helps clients achieve profound self-awareness, heal past wounds, enhance communication, and foster profound harmony in their relationships.

In addition to his professional endeavours, Adam leads a fulfilling personal life. Happily married and the proud parent of ten children, he appreciates the significance of balancing personal and professional pursuits, while infusing joy into both.

Adam shares how facing himself 12 years ago began a life-altering shift, leading him to help men reconnect with their authentic selves. The conversation dives into the concept of “checking in”, a practice of emotional awareness, and how that self-awareness can transform how we lead, live, and relate to others. With a blend of vulnerability, spiritual insight, and grounded leadership, Adam offers tools for founders to identify emotional triggers, address inner wounds, and lead from a place of truth rather than fear.

If you enjoyed the episode please subscribe and share this podcast with someone you think could benefit from it!

Chapters:
01:30 Who Is Adam Klasner?
02:40 The Internal Crisis That Changed Everything
05:03 The Workshop That Triggered a Life Transformation
06:35 Why Most Men Say “I’m Good” And What They're Missing
08:32 Aaron’s First Workshop Experience in Montreal
11:06 How a Check-In Transformed a Meeting
13:19 What Is a Check-In? A Tool for Real Vulnerability
17:00 Why We Hide Behind Masks in Business and Life
20:13 How Childhood Stories Shape Leadership Patterns
23:08 Authenticity vs. Connection: The Tension We All Face
25:33 Why Every Founder Must Balance Both to Lead
26:50 Practical Daily Tools to Access Your Inner World
30:06 Triggers Are Clues: How to Work with Emotional Discomfort
32:43 Journaling, Breathwork, and Self-Inquiry: Building a Practice
36:41 Aaron’s Real-Time Trigger: A Business Partner Conflict
49:27 Discovering the Root Need Beneath the Reaction
53:04 Why Real Growth Requires Revisiting the Past
58:40 Aaron’s “I’m Not That Good” Belief and Where It Began
01:04:01 The Power of Acknowledging What Is
01:05:59 Where to Start: Journaling and Awareness
01:10:25 Gratitude for the Past: Why Everything Happens for a Reason
01:14:12 What Spiritual Practice Taught Adam About Leadership
01:19:56 The Moment Adam’s Father Told Him “You Can Do Anything”
01:30:08 Message To Younger Self

Guest Links:
www.iamanochi.com
@findinganochi

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The Secret to Scale? It Wasn’t Capital — It Was Community, with Gary Lipovertsky

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Founder2Founder, host Aaron Spivak sits down with Gary Lipovetsky. Gary Lipovetsky is a digital entrepreneur, strategist, and creator with a track record of building and scaling online businesses. As the co-architect of Valeria Inc., he helped transform Valeria’s audience into a thriving global media company. Before that, he founded a top 100 global website with 200 million monthly sessions at its peak, built multiple successful social platforms, and raised $32 million in venture capital for an eCommerce startup within its first year. Now, Gary also mentors hundreds of creators through Creator Method, an academy helping them master monetization, community growth and even personal development through content creation. As the host of RISE podcast, he uncovers the strategies of top entrepreneurs and industry leaders. With 30 years in digital media, he continues to guide brands and creators in building lasting, impactful communities, resulting in the achievement of their business goals.

He talks about the early days of hustle, knocking on doors, cold calling local businesses, and hand-delivering coupon deals before DealFind ever became a household name. Gary opens up about the scaling phase and what he learned from building a company at lightning speed. He shares why launching a personal YouTube channel was never part of the original plan, how he built it to over a million subscribers, and what the platform taught him about branding and storytelling. Now in his next chapter with Free, he reflects on how his priorities have evolved, what he’s building towards, and why success today looks very different than it used to. This episode is a candid look at growth, reinvention, and staying grounded through it all.

Be sure to rate the podcast and subscribe or follow on your favorite platform so you never miss a new episode, every Wednesday!

Chapters:
01:35 Motivations Behind Success
02:12 Early Life and Challenges
04:30 Taking Control of One's Future
06:01 First Steps into Entrepreneurship
14:06 Defining Entrepreneurial Identity
16:01 Partnerships and New Ventures
22:36 The Impact of Content Creation
30:52 The Dynamics of Relationships and Support
33:22 The Power of Quick Implementation
37:49 The School of Execution: Learning by Doing
40:04 Community vs. Audience: The Shift in Content Creation
46:03 The Importance of Focus in Content Creation
57:54 The Birth of Creator Method: Community and Purpose
01:08:55 Empowering Others: The Mission Behind Creator Method
01:10:28 The Power of Collaboration Among Creators
01:12:30 Shifting Perspectives: From Competition to Community
01:13:00 Debunking the Algorithm Myth
01:20:00 Redefining Masculinity: Supporting Your Partner's Growth
01:30:32 Embracing Mortality: Living with Intention
01:39:10 Choosing Gratitude: A Perspective Shift

Guest Links:
Valeria Inc https://www.valeriainc.com
Creator Method https://creatormethod.com
Instagram @GaryLipovetsky https://www.instagram.com/GaryLipovetsky
Youtube @Gary.Lipovetsky https://www.youtube.com/@Gary.Lipovetsky

Founder2Founder:
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Youtube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

From 3D Printer to Multimillion-Dollar Brand: Jay Conohan's Playbook for Turning Simple Ideas Into Real Revenue – Without Chasing the Spotlight

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Founder2Founder, host Aaron Spivak sits down with Jay Conohan. Jay Conohan is the founder of The Loud Cup Company, a serial entrepreneur, inventor, and proud father of three. With a relentless drive to figure things out, he’s built his career on resilience, hard lessons, and a willingness to bet on himself. From launching the Bath n Play, to juggling multiple ventures while holding a day job, Jay has faced failures head-on and turned them into stepping stones. He believes in fairness, brutal honesty, and proving people wrong when they count him out. With no degree but an unstoppable mindset, he’s built a life around innovation, family, and pushing limits—both in business and beyond.

Jay dives into the critical moments that shaped his path, from making tough financial decisions to refining operations and leadership. He breaks down the mindset shifts that helped him scale and the lessons he learned along the way. This conversation is packed with real insights on what it takes to grow a business against the odds. Don’t miss this deep dive into the mindset and strategies behind real entrepreneurial success.

Be sure to rate the podcast and subscribe or follow on your favorite platform so you never miss a new episode, every Wednesday!

Chapters:
03:07 Early Entrepreneurial Experiences and Lessons Learned
05:51 The Impact of COVID on Business Ventures
08:59 The Birth of the Bath and Play Product
11:53 Networking and the Founders Club Experience
15:02 The Role of Support Systems in Entrepreneurship
17:59 Navigating Success and Self-Discovery
21:01 Finding Purpose Beyond Business
23:49 The Importance of Relationships in Business
27:09 Facing Fears and Embracing Growth
29:33 The Innovative Cup: A Unique 3D Printing Experience
31:10 Building Connections: The Power of Networking
32:43 Kickstarter Journey: From Concept to Launch
34:10 Trusting the Process: Lessons in Entrepreneurship
38:40 Scaling Up: The Transition from Kickstarter to E-commerce
41:13 Achieving Rapid Growth: From Zero to Seven Figures
44:43 Navigating Success: Balancing Business and Personal Life
54:42 Reflections on Opportunity Cost
57:53 Strategic Partnerships and Growth Potential
01:01:35 The Power of Networking and Self-Awareness
01:03:40 Lessons from Business Setbacks
01:10:41 Turning Challenges into Opportunities
01:19:11 Finding Purpose After Success
01:26:28 Messages to My Younger Self

Guest Links:
Loud Cup Company: www.loudcup.com @theloudcup
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conohan/

Founder2Founder:
TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcast
Youtube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

How to Go From Nothing to a Multimillion-Dollar Brand Without Outside Funding with Lior Ohayon

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Founder2Founder, host Aaron Spivak sits down with Lior Ohayon. Lior is a serial entrepreneur from Toronto, now based in Miami with his family. Finding early success in the internet marketing world, he eventually transitioned into tech and landed on e-commerce. His most recent co-founded business Hush, sold to a publicly traded company for a landmark $48M deal. Now he spends his time helping other startups find their voice and refine their story for a major exit.

Lior Ohayon shares how he went from dropping out of school to building Hush into one of North America's top weighted blanket brands. He breaks down the key decisions that shaped his path, from leveraging SEO to fund his early ventures, taking calculated risks, and scaling a product-based business from the ground up.

He reflects on the turning points that defined his journey, from struggling with seasonality, to launching a record-breaking Kickstarter and ultimately exiting the company. This conversation gets into the mindset and strategies behind real business growth. Be sure to rate the podcast and follow on your favourite platform, so you never miss a new episode every Wednesday!

Chapters:
03:07 The Decision to Drop Out of School
06:02 First Steps into Entrepreneurship
08:55 Transitioning to Software and SEO
11:54 The Birth of Hush and Partnership Dynamics
14:54 Navigating Challenges and Scaling the Business
17:54 The Kickstarter Success Story
21:07 Building Trust and Collaboration
23:56 Celebrating Small Wins and Validation
26:50 Overcoming Seasonal Challenges
30:06 The Power of Belief and Support
32:59 Lessons Learned from Partnership
38:12 The Power of Problem Solving
39:46 Goal Setting: A Catalyst for Success
42:52 The Importance of Hard Work and Team Dynamics
45:15 Learning Through Experience: The Journey of Entrepreneurship
48:46 The Role of Preparation in Business Success
51:48 Navigating Growth and Change During COVID-19
54:34 The Importance of Values in Business
01:01:16 Reflections on Personal Growth and Future Aspirations

Guest Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lior-ohayon

Founder2Founder:
TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcast
Youtube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

Using a Relentless Mindset to Build and Sell a Nine-Figure Empire with Anne Mahlum

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Founder2Founder, host Aaron Spivak sits down with Anne Mahlum. Anne is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and speaker known for building impactful businesses. She founded Back on My Feet, a nonprofit helping individuals experiencing homelessness, and [solidcore], one of the nation’s fastest-growing fitness brands. Under her leadership, [solidcore] expanded to 120+ locations and raised $210M. After successfully exiting in 2023, Anne now invests, advises, and speaks on leadership, risk-taking, and living boldly.

In this conversation, Anne shares how she bet on herself, overcame self-doubt, and made bold decisions to scale her business rapidly. She breaks down key lessons in leadership, risk-taking, and negotiating high-stakes deals while navigating challenges like lawsuits and the pandemic. Her story is a masterclass in resilience and strategic thinking, making this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to build and exit a successful company.

Continue to subscribe and share this podcast with someone you might think could benefit from it! We appreciate your support!

Chapters:
02:10 - Anne’s Early Entrepreneurial Journey and Founding Back on My Feet
06:30 - Transitioning from Nonprofit to Launching [solidcore] with $175K
10:45 - Scaling [solidcore] Rapidly and the Subway Expansion Strategy
15:20 - The Art of Negotiation: How Anne Secured Favourable Lease Terms
20:50 - Breaking Away from Supplier Dependencies and Legal Battles
25:26 - Leading Through Crisis: How Anne Navigated [solidcore] Through The Pandemic
30:43 - Transitioning Out of the CEO Role and Preparing for Exit
35:16 - Selling [solidcore] for Nine Figures and Lessons in Wealth Management
41:32 - Strategic Decisions That Scaled [solidcore] to Over 120 Locations
46:27 - Why Entrepreneurs Need to Deeply Understand Their Numbers
51:47 - The Importance of Surrounding Yourself with the Right People
56:55 - Life After Exit: Navigating Identity and Purpose Beyond Business
1:03:46 - Shutting Down Ambition and Embracing a New Chapter
1:08:06 - Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energy as a Female Founder
1:15:26 - The Truth About Relationships, Success, and Finding the Right Partner
1:28:08 - The Power of Momentum and How to Create It in Business and Life
1:35:17 - Anne’s Advice to Her Younger Self: Stay Curious and Keep Doing

Guest Links:
Website: annemahlum.com
Instagram @AnneMahlum
Tiktok @AnneMahlum_
Linkedin

Founder2Founder:
TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcast
Youtube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

How to Run Your Business with True Authenticity, Momentum and The Superpower of Being Unapologetically Yourself with Jake Karls

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In the first official episode of Founder2Founder, host Aaron Spivak along with Cohost Chris Meade, welcome Jake Karls. Jake is Co-founder and Chief Rainmaker of Mid-Day Squares, the better for you chocolate brand that went from a kitchen table idea to a North American sensation. Known for his unapologetic authenticity and refreshingly relatable approach, Jake has been recognized as a rising star in the business world. He made Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list for Food and Beverage, and is currently a finalist for EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year awards.

Jake shares his journey of embracing his superpower, being himself, to build momentum and scale a brand that is as real as it gets. He opens up about overcoming insecurities, the power of showing up in person, and why building friends, not just customers, has been the cornerstone of Mid-Day Squares' success. From dealing with investor pushback to navigating the pressures of being the face of a rapidly growing company, Jake’s insights are a masterclass in leadership and authenticity.

This episode is packed with actionable advice and real talk. Jake Karls is redefining entrepreneurship with authenticity and showing why embracing who you are might just be the ultimate business strategy. Be sure to rate the podcast and subscribe or follow on your favourite platform so you never miss a new episode, every Wednesday!

Chapters
00:02 - Introduction to the Founder to Founder Podcast
02:12 - How Jake Carl’s Energy and Confidence Started from Insecurity
03:23 - Overcoming Fear and Learning to Lean Into Strengths
05:56 - Finding the Right Role in Business and Letting Go of Ego
08:15 - The Power of Communication in Entrepreneurship and Partnerships
10:41 - How Conflict Can Destroy or Strengthen a Business Relationship
12:39 - The Challenges of Being a Public Figure and Representing a Brand
15:13 - Staying Authentic While Scaling a Business and Facing Public Scrutiny
17:25 - The Realities of Traveling Constantly and Maintaining Relationships
19:53 - The Sacrifices Entrepreneurship Demands and Finding Balance
24:06 - Why Communication and Therapy Are Key to Business Longevity
29:26 - Fear of Growing Up, Taking on Responsibility, and Losing Freedom
33:53 - How Proving People Wrong Became a Driving Force for Success
38:20 - Building a Personal Brand to Elevate Your Business and Career
42:03 - The Power of Showing Up and How It Opens Unexpected Doors
48:13 - How to Separate Your Identity From Your Business for Long-Term Growth
53:44 - The Role of Momentum in Success and How to Maintain It
1:01:18 - Identifying Energy Drainers and Protecting Your Time
1:07:06 - What Jake Would Tell His Younger Self About Life and Success
1:10:19 - Final Thoughts on Canadian Entrepreneurship and Community

Guest Links:
Instagram @JakeKarls_
Linkedin

Founder2Founder:
TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcast
Youtube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

Welcome to Founder2Founder with Aaron Spivak

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In the short teaser trailer of Founder2Founder, host Aaron Spivak sets the stage for what listeners can expect from this raw and unfiltered podcast. Fuelled by his passion for entrepreneurship, Aaron will be sharing the real stories behind building a business, from the late nights and brutal setbacks, to the game-changing moments that make it all worthwhile. His goal is simple: to bring candid conversations with fellow founders to a bigger stage, diving deep into the grit, growth, and the mindset needed to keep pushing forward when most would quit.

Whether it’s solo episodes exploring Aaron’s own entrepreneurial journey or interviews with visionaries who have carved out their own paths, Founder2Founder promises to deliver the truth about what it takes to build something that truly matters. New episodes drop every Wednesday on all major platforms, so tune in, subscribe and rate this podcast to stay up to date on all the amazing conversations to come!

Founder2Founder:
TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcast
Youtube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast