BIZ/DEV

David and Gary sit down to take a hard look at how custom software development has changed—and where it’s heading. From the early days of dev shops built on code craftsmanship to today’s pivot into AI-driven workflows, they unpack the opportunities, risks, and realities of this shift. It’s a candid conversation about what happens when AI starts to write code, how it changes the client–developer re...

David and Gary sit down with Dan Gonzalez, CEO and Co-Founder of District C . They dig into how District C is rethinking education—teaching students not just facts, but how to engage, collaborate, and problem-solve in a workforce increasingly shaped by tech and AI. Dan shares how this model flips the script on traditional classrooms, preparing the next generation to thrive in environments that dem...

David and Gary sit down to talk shop—this time turning the mic on themselves. They swap thoughts on where tech is headed in 2026, from the real breakthroughs to watch to the hype that won’t make it past Q1. Along the way, they pull back the curtain on Teela’s pilot launch—why they built it, what it’s solving right now, and how it fits into the bigger picture of AI-powered software. It’s an unfilte...

This is a very special panel episode of the Biz/Dev podcast: Buy, Build, or Both? How NC Founders Are Rewriting the Playbook. This episode digs into the shift North Carolina business owners are feeling right now: the shift from buy to build and back again—and what that’s meant for their businesses and what that actually looks like for founders on the ground. We have brought  together a few NC foun...

This is a very special panel episode of the Biz/Dev podcast: Buy, Build, or Both? How NC Founders Are Rewriting the Playbook. This episode digs into the shift North Carolina business owners are feeling right now: the shift from buy to build and back again—and what that’s meant for their businesses and what that actually looks like for founders on the ground. We have brought  together a few NC foun...

David and Gary sit down to talk shop—this time turning the mic on themselves. They dig into what it really means to work on your business vs. in it, unpack the hidden pitfalls founders hit early, and break down why culture isn’t just a vibe—it’s a leadership strategy. From messy startup lessons to honest reflections on what they’ve learned the hard way, this episode is a raw, smart look at growth,...

Duane Kennedy—founder of Dai Biao Consulting and cross-cultural growth strategist—joins David and Gary to talk about what it really takes to succeed in the Chinese market.  With over 16 years helping international businesses scale in Asia, Duane shares hard-earned lessons on trust, translation (in every sense), and why cultural fluency matters more than flashy decks. They dig into the real costs o...

Rain Bennett—documentary filmmaker, writer, and master storyteller—joins David and Gary to talk about the messy, meaningful side of storytelling. From six-second videos to standing ovations, Rain breaks down what makes a message land, why failure is fuel, and how emotion drives action. They dig into how storytelling builds connection, why most content falls flat, and what happens when you lead wit...

What if AI didn’t just automate tasks—but actually helped you breathe again? Brian Moynihan, Founder and CEO of Dreamspace AI Solutions and published author, joins David and Gary to break down how real companies are enabling, enacting, and harmonizing AI into their workflows.  This episode goes beyond the hype—into practical frameworks, the future of the workforce, and where AI will cut the noise...

Kevin Allen has built and sold more companies than most people start. His latest? Riziki AI—a social media platform helping restaurateurs find their voice and grow their brand. But this episode isn’t just about his current venture. It’s about what it takes to build teams that last, cultures that don’t crumble, and products that solve real problems. Kevin joins David and Gary to talk through the re...

This week on Biz/Dev, it’s just Gary and David—no guest, just a real conversation. We’re talking about Teela, a new AI tool we’ve been building in-house, and what it’s taught us about how much AI has changed custom software—what’s actually useful, what’s just noise, and how we’re keeping up without chasing every shiny thing. We also get into the classic buy vs. build debate and how we’re thinking...

What do once-in-a-lifetime moments and personal value have in common?  Corey Truesdale. In this episode, David and Gary sit down with photographer Corey Truesdale to talk about the art of being present—on both sides of the lens. From capturing unforgettable moments to building a career rooted in meaning, Corey opens up about what it really takes to see your own worth and help others feel seen too....

Kristen M. Hess—FAIA, founder & CEO of HH Architecture, a Marshall Memorial and Zhi‑Xing Eisenhower Fellow, and a leader in sustainable, people-centered design—joins David and Gary to reframe what it means to build with purpose.  From restoring community iconography to pioneering global sustainability in architecture, Kristen shares stories of crafting spaces that resonate with memory, identit...

What do dry cleaning, private jets, and branded swag have in common? Jay Sapovits. Serial entrepreneur and founder of Ink’d Stores, Jay joins David and Gary to talk about building what doesn’t exist—from turning a golf idea into a PGA event to launching a merch company that actually works for brands. They dig into risk, reinvention, and why the best founders aren’t afraid to bet on themselves—even...

What happens when you’ve done it all—and then decide to start over? Jake Finkelstein—music industry vet, serial founder, and the mind behind 10cubed—joins David and Gary to talk about the real evolution of marketing. From working with legends like Johnny Cash to leading campaigns for Starbucks and Disney, Jake opens up about what’s changed, what still matters, and how AI is reshaping the rules.  T...

What does it take to stop living on autopilot—and start building a life that actually lights you up? Dr. Jeff Karp—Harvard Medical School professor, world-renowned biotech inventor, and author of LIT: Life Ignition Tools —joins David and Gary on the Biz/Dev podcast to talk about what it really means to live with purpose. They unpack how Jeff’s experiences with ADHD and innovation shaped his approa...

In Part Two with Thom Rhue, we go even deeper. What started as a conversation about funding and founders turns into a candid look at what holds ecosystems back, the emotional cost of entrepreneurship, and the responsibility we carry when we say we’re here to help. Thom doesn’t pull punches—he brings the full weight of experience and heart to the mic. LINKS: NC IDEA Site ___________________________...

What happens when a state’s startup scene has a strategist at the helm? In Part One of our conversation with Thom Ruhe—CEO and Founder of NC IDEA and a lifelong champion for entrepreneurs—we unpack what it really takes to build an ecosystem where businesses don’t just survive but scale with purpose.  Thom joins David and Gary to explore the heart of economic development, why good ideas still need...

What happens when a strategic growth consultant helps you stop spinning your wheels and start scaling with purpose? You get Brian Waldman, Boston-based growth strategist, on the Biz/Dev podcast with David and Gary, breaking down how to spot bottlenecks and build strategy that actually works. They get into what slows teams down, how to lead through complexity, and why the best growth plans are the...

What happens when a founder hits burnout—and decides no one else should have to? You get Chris Kille, CEO of EO Staff, on the Biz/Dev podcast with David and Gary, talking about what it really takes to scale a company without sacrificing your sanity.  Chris doesn’t preach balance—he builds it, from systems to staffing. This episode digs into the real cost of overwork, how to scale with intention, a...

What happens when a Fortune 100 brand strategist builds a collective around purpose, not process? You get Ann Powell, co-founder of Offset Collective, on the Biz/Dev podcast with David and Gary talking about what it really means to lead with the why…or maybe don;t… They get into how to give your audience all the feels (yes, even in B2B), and why the best brands don’t just sell — they connect. This...

What happens when old-school brand wisdom meets modern-day marketing muscle?  You get Todd Mosier, founder of Unanchor Marketing, talking shop with David and Gary on the newest episode of the Biz/Dev podcast. This episode is full of hard truths, new tools, and a whole lot of “wait, that actually works?” energy. LINKS: Unanchor Marketing on LinkedIn Todd Mosier on LinkedIn Unanchor Marketing Site _...

Ever wonder how a 30-year-old video production powerhouse keeps the spark alive while pouring its heart into every client’s success?  Meet Bruce Wittman, founder of Eagle Video Productions—he’s all about pushing creative limits, making every dollar of your budget count, and showing what it truly means to give back. LINKS: Feel free to contact Bruce anytime on his cellphone: 919-818-5556 You can al...

What happens when a designer and a developer walk into a room—12 years deep into building software that actually works? You get real talk on scaling AI, design-infused development, and what it takes to turn "vibe" into viable tech. On this episode of the Biz/Dev podcast, David and Gary reflect on over a decade of collaboration, the magic (and chaos) of building together, and why software...

In this episode of the Biz/Dev Podcast , David and Gary sit down with Wendy Coulter, CEO of Hummingbird Creative Group, a 30-year branding and marketing veteran who knows the real value of your business.  Wendy gives advice on: ✔️ How brand + company synergy creates real business impact ✔️ The biggest mistakes businesses make when defining their identity ✔️ And, most importantly… the best jeans fo...