FounderGPS

In this episode of FounderGPS, host Dane Shoemaker sits down with New York-based interior designer and creative director Susann Eva Goerg to pull back the curtain on what it truly takes to build a thriving, sustainable, and premium creative business. With over a decade of experience as an art and creative director for global brands, Susann brings a unique storytelling lens to residential interior...

Are you an established business owner struggling to achieve work-life balance because you are the biggest constraint in your company?  Join Sean Montgomery of Via Opus Business Coaching and Consulting (Via Opus means "the way of working" in Latin) for a an in-depth conversation on building his coaching business. Via Opus specializes in helping ambitious, growth-hungry business owners increase prof...

What does it take to build a powerhouse talent agency from the ground up? In this episode, we sit down with Mollie Plotkin, founder of the Mollie Plotkin Group, a talent agency that represents high-profile speakers and athletes. Mollie shares her journey of starting a sports marketing agency, evolving it into a keynote speaker agency, and how she’s grown it into one of the top agencies in the Phil...

Hate dealing with returns? You’re not alone. In this episode, we sit down with Naial Casanovas Mack, founder of DropUpp, a startup making online returns effortless by picking them up from your doorstep. We talk about the pain points of e-commerce returns, how DropUpp solves them, and the surprising behaviors of online shoppers. Naial shares the journey of building DropUpp, from its initial concept...

Wedding films are often seen as simple event videos, but Luke Bernardi is changing that. In this episode, Dane Shoemaker sits down with Luke, the founder of Bernardi Films, to talk about how he’s transforming wedding filmmaking with original music, reality TV-style interviews, and cinematic storytelling. Luke shares his journey from freelancing for top studios to launching his own brand, the chall...

Ever wondered how a simple cold call could change your career? In this episode, we sit down with CA Green, founder of Behind the Beard Media, to talk about his path in the video production world. CA shares how he built relationships in the industry, his creative approach to storytelling, and the wild projects that shaped his career—including a viral coaching video and an undercover rabbi mission....

PR isn’t just about press releases—it's about telling your story at the right time. In this episode, host Dane Shoemaker sits down with Ronica Cleary, founder of Cleary Strategies and former White House correspondent, to dive into the world of public relations. They discuss the changing media landscape, how social media has reshaped public relations, and why building meaningful relationships with...

What makes a photograph truly timeless? In this episode, we sit down with Drew Pignatelli, the founder of Delirium Photo Collective and Golden Tintype Photography, to talk about his passion for tintype photography and the journey that’s shaped his career. Drew discovered tintype during the pandemic, and it’s not just become his art form; it’s turned into a thriving business. We talk about what mak...

Can you turn your lowest moments into a life-changing opportunity? In this episode, we sit down with Darrell Alston, the inspiring founder and CEO of Bungee USA. Darrell shares his incredible journey from incarceration to building a thriving luxury fan gear brand that has redefined sports merchandise. We discuss the challenges he faced in prison, his passion for art and design, the role of resilie...

Starting and growing a successful business takes more than just hard work—it requires strategic thinking and continuous learning. In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Stein, the founder of ELPS, a leading private investigative and security firm. Jeff shares his journey from law enforcement to entrepreneurship, giving valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of running a private investig...

Are you looking to optimize your business IT and cybersecurity strategy? In this episode, we sit down with Rick Carpenter and Brian McCarthy of OpenTier Systems, an IT managed service provider that's been transforming businesses since 2006. We discuss their partnership, the unique IT solutions they provide, and how they help small businesses scale and stay secure in an ever-evolving tech landscape...

How can esports build better gamers and better humans? In this episode, we sit down with Derek Rodner, Chief Gaming Officer of Uplink Studios, a youth-focused esports training and family entertainment center. Derek shares Uplink’s mission to combine gaming, STEM education, and philanthropy to create a positive impact on the community. From esports leagues to charity gaming events that have raised...

What does it take to build a successful consulting firm? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. David Weiman, an executive coach and founder of Weiman Consulting. Dr. David discusses the core services of Weiman Consulting, including talent assessment, executive coaching, and leadership development. He shares his unique journey from a background in religion and marketing to becoming a respected cons...

What does it take to find a cure for a rare disease like Cystic Fibrosis? In this episode, we sit down with Kate Hylan, Director of Development for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, to discuss the foundation's mission and the challenges of raising awareness for this orphan disease. We dive into the genetic nature of CF, its impact on patients, and the groundbreaking work being done to improve their...

Feeling overwhelmed with laundry and household chaos? In this episode, we sit down with Ally and Mary Catherine, founders of Lessen the Loads, a women-owned laundry and organizational service helping busy moms reclaim their time. They share their journey from friends to business partners, their unique approach to laundry pickup services, and the additional organizational help they provide to famil...

In this episode, Dane shares some quick thoughts on how one small piece of content can be proliferated (for better or for worse) across media platforms, and how that can impact your brand.

Are you choosing the right broker for your business? In this episode, we sit down with Glenn Ammarell of Yurconic Agency, who has been in the industry for over ten years. Glenn talks about the hard vs. soft market conditions, the role of AI in insurance, and why building strong business connections is so important. Tune in to learn how these factors are influencing the future of commercial insuran...

Why do nearly half of all podcasts don't make it past the third episode? In this episode, we sit down with Vince Quinn, Co-founder of SBX Productions, to uncover the hard truths behind podcast production. Vince shares the challenges of podcasting, the importance of marketing, and how to turn a podcast into a powerful business tool. We also dive into the evolution of digital marketing and the keys...

How can 6 hours of filming turn into 80 pieces of content? In this episode, I share exclusive insights into our execution phase of our content strategy. I walk through our streamlined process of transforming your strategy into high-impact content. I discuss everything from producing multiple short-form videos to crafting engaging blog posts and more. Tune in to discover how Shoemaker Films can hel...

Here’s how you can take your interview skills to the next level! In this episode, I share valuable tips and insights for interviewers looking to improve their skills. After conducting hundreds of interviews with clients and guests on our podcast, I developed a core set of best practices easy enough for anyone planning to conduct an interview can follow. I discuss the importance of having a goal, p...

Want to nail your next interview? In this episode, we share essential tips for interviewees. I discuss how to get ready, what to do on the day, and what video producers like us look for. I break down the basics like getting a good night's sleep and staying hydrated, to pro tips like preparing without sounding rehearsed and choosing the right location. This is part 1 of our interview series. Next w...

Are you struggling to create a content strategy that delivers results? In this episode, I share the elements of building a successful content strategy at Shoemaker Films. I discuss what goes into a content strategy, from setting goals and identifying target audiences to creating content pillars and engagement plans. I talk about how a well-crafted content strategy can transform your approach to ma...

No matter what you're selling, everyone goes down this funnel. In this episode, we discuss how incorporating video into each stage of your marketing and sales funnel can transform your business. I define what a funnel is and break down the traditional marketing and sales funnel into four key stages: Attention, Interest, Desire, and Action. Then, I discuss into the video marketing funnel and how vi...

What does it take to go from zero dance experience to owning the happiest dance studio on earth? In this episode, I sit down with Sam Sinns, a former Disney dancer and the owner of Twirl dance studio in Newtown Square, PA. Sam shares his incredible journey from starting as a Disney dancer with zero dance experience to opening his own dance studio: Twirl. Twirl is founded on principles Sam learned...

In this episode, we are joined by Katy and Chris, life partners and owners of TAFF Treats, a freeze-dried candy business based in Brookhaven, PA. Chris and Katy discuss how their business started, the choices they made as entrepreneurs, and the obstacles they've encountered. TAFF Treats offers a unique selection of 25 different freeze-dried candies and treats, from peanut brittle to nerd clusters....