BIZ/DEV

This week we’re joined by Khaner Walker , Founder and CEO of ArcSense Communications — a builder who’s grown two companies by understanding something most brands miss: people can tell when you’re faking it. Khaner digs into the real work behind positioning your brand, the part that happens before the messaging decks and taglines. We talk about showing up as your actual voice, why authenticity land...

This week we’re joined by Jon Gamble, Co-Founder and CTO of Fordje — and the sole developer taking on one of the biggest pain points in construction. Jon’s building the AI platform that finally makes sense of the country’s building codes, cutting through the delays and roadblocks that cost developers billions every year. Jon’s the kind of founder who cares about the real problem underneath the noi...

For our 200th episode, we’re getting reflective—and who better to join us than Ryan O’Donnell, Co-Founder and CEO of Sunlight, a company rewriting what social justice looks like in action. Ryan’s not just a founder. He’s a connector, a challenger, and a deeply rooted believer in what makes the North Carolina entrepreneurial scene so rare. In this milestone episode, we talk about what really holds...

David and Gary sit down with Dylan Clayton-Bost, CEO and Co-Founder of Sunny HQ, to talk about the realities of running a WordPress hosting company in the AI era. They dig into how security is evolving as AI reshapes both the tools and the threats, what it really means to build trust in a space that’s often anything but simple, and why Dylan proudly calls himself a “slog master.” LINKS: Sunny HQ W...

David and Gary sit down with Rachel McLauchlin, founder of Embark Benefits, to unpack what it really takes to rebuild something from the ground up—twice. Rachel shares how her own experience navigating the benefits world sparked a mission to create something better: a system that actually works for people, not against them. This episode digs into the grit behind entrepreneurship, the lessons learn...

David and Gary sit down with Evan Boyer—founder and CEO of Leaders PR—to unpack the real value of public relations in a world full of noise. Evan shares how startups and growing companies can use PR not just to get attention, but to earn trust, shape perception, and build momentum that lasts. This episode digs into why visibility without strategy falls flat, how to align your message with your mis...

David and Gary sit down with Sy Elijah—the owner of Pure Air North Carolina—to talk about what it means to take the leap when the path isn’t clear. On the surface, his business is mold remediation, but underneath it’s a story about risk, faith, and trusting a plan bigger than what you can see. From the grind of starting out to the responsibility of leading something that lasts, Sy shares what it t...

David and Gary sit down with Tara Heptinstall—founder of Enviveo and champion of true innovators—to talk about the messy, inspiring journey from idea to entrepreneur. Tara shares how she’s built a platform that doesn’t just spark new ventures but empowers people with the tools, guidance, and confidence to launch them. This episode digs into what it really takes to nurture innovation, why the right...

David and Gary sit down with Chip Kennedy—a founder, connector, and Triangle standout—to talk about what it really means to build community in today’s tech world. From his new venture CivicReach.ai to the power of networking done right, Chip shares how intentional relationships fuel both business and personal growth. It’s a conversation about startups, trust, and why showing up for your community...

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...