Founder Talk with Alex Sheridan

In this episode of Founder Talk, we sit down with Paul Gregory, founder of Paul Gregory Media and one of the few certified B Corp marketing agencies in the U.S., to talk about what founders need to know heading into 2025 and beyond. Paul’s been doing this for 19 years, and he brings a unique blend of performance marketing expertise and mission-driven brand building. From digital trends to brand me...

From the Marine Corps to the outdoor living industry to becoming a private pilot, Dwayne Draughon’s story is anything but ordinary. But it’s his mindset and grit that truly make this episode unforgettable. In this raw, no-filter conversation, we dive deep into the journey of a founder who’s lost it all—and built it back better than ever. Dwayne shares the real side of entrepreneurship that no one...

What separates top performers from the rest?  Whether you're a founder, investor, or high-stakes trader, mastering your emotional and mental game is the key to success. In this episode of Founder Talk , we sit down with Keith, a former financial trader turned performance coach, who has spent decades helping world-class investors, business leaders, and professionals build mental resilience and disc...

Struggling to grow your personal brand on LinkedIn? Posting consistently but not seeing inbound leads? Jason Vana , founder of Shift , joins us for round three to break down what actually works—and what founders are getting dead wrong. In this episode, Jason reveals: ✅ The biggest mistake founders make when trying to build a brand on LinkedIn. ✅ His 80/20 content strategy that balances reach, en...

In this episode, we sit down with Sean Riley, the Chief Executive Dude of Dude Wipes, to dive into the bold branding, viral marketing, and relentless hustle behind one of Mark Cuban’s biggest Shark Tank wins.  Here’s what you’ll learn from Sean: ✅How Dude Wipes took a simple idea and turned it into a $300M+ brand. ✅The genius brand strategy they deployed that made them wildly successful (One you...

In this episode of Founder Talk, we sit down with Rick Lochner, founder and president of RPC Leadership and Associates, to discuss the real difference between managing and leading—and why most founders are getting it wrong.   We explore: ✔️ Success vs. Scale – Why not every founder should chase the billion-dollar dream ✔️ The Power of Leadership Mindset – How shifting your thinking changes everyth...

In this episode of Founder Talk , we dive into the heated debate around the effectiveness of social media marketing and what it takes to build in-house content teams. Our guest, Lisa , a seasoned entrepreneur and shares her journey of building a business in a declining industry , growing despite market stagnation, and helping companies structure their marketing teams. We also tackle: ✔️ The Big De...

In this episode of Founder Talk, Alex Sheridan sits down with Rene Beckman, founder of M Seed Search and a seasoned entrepreneur with a wealth of experience in building and scaling businesses. Rene shares her unique journey, from navigating challenging partnerships and making successful exits to helping companies hire the right talent and build sustainable teams. We dive into the practical, the pe...

Podcast Description: In this episode of Founder Talk , we sit down with Steve from Gilded Box to uncover the art of cutting through the digital noise with unforgettable, personalized gift strategies. Steve shares how their creative, high-quality gifting approach has achieved a 100% response rate from prospects and influencers—without even asking for anything in return. From why custom, thoughtful...

Podcast Description: In this episode of Founder Talk , we dive deep with Ryan Cleaveland, Co-Founder of Spotter Staffing, a specialized staffing firm focusing on school-based therapy positions in Illinois and Texas. Ryan shares the fascinating story of how he transitioned from traditional staffing into the niche world of therapy staffing for schools, and why this purpose-driven pivot has allowed h...

In this episode of Founder Talk , I sit down with John, founder of Workbox, a rapidly growing flex office space company that’s redefining the commercial real estate industry. We dive deep into his journey of creating a business model that thrives in today's hybrid work environment, emphasizing asset-light strategies and long-term flexibility for businesses of all sizes. From navigating capital-int...

In this episode of Founder Talk , we sit down with John Tsourakis, a multi-business founder, to explore the delicate balance between staying focused on your current business and knowing when it’s time to jump into new ventures. With three businesses under his belt and more on the way, John offers invaluable insights for founders trying to navigate growth, partnerships, and scaling. From knowing wh...

In this episode of Founder Talk , we sit down with Amy Schuster, Founder and CEO of Bandwidth Strategy, to discuss the most pressing marketing challenges facing founders and CEOs today. Amy, with her decades of marketing experience as a VP, CMO, and business founder, shares her perspective on what’s broken in traditional marketing and what needs to change to succeed in today’s landscape. We explor...

In this episode of "Founder Talk," we're joined by branding expert Jason Vana for a deep dive into why businesses should focus on being different rather than simply being better. Jason shares powerful insights on how to position your brand to stand out in a crowded market, revealing the three key areas that determine true differentiation. We discuss why most companies get stuck in a "better" minds...

In this episode of Founder Talk , we're joined by Clay Stelzer, an exceptional CEO coach who shares his profound insights on leadership, business growth, and personal development. This conversation is packed with valuable takeaways that can transform the way you approach your role as a founder. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode is a must-listen! Hig...

In this special episode of Founder Talk, I sit down with the dynamic husband-and-wife duo behind Two Bostons, a beloved pet store chain in the Chicagoland area. We delve into the unique challenges and triumphs of running a business together, from their accidental start in the pet retail industry to their expansion to seven stores! This conversation is packed with valuable insights for any entrepre...

In this episode, we are thrilled to have Kristen Prinz, an influential business and employment lawyer from Chicago, join us. Kristen shares her journey of starting her own law firm, her insights into the evolving landscape of employment law, and how she balances her career with being a mom. Get ready for valuable insights and practical advice on handling legal challenges, building a supportive wor...

In this exciting episode of Founder Talk, we sit down with Mike Wallace, a seasoned entrepreneur who successfully built and sold his company for a whopping $50 million. Mike brings a wealth of insights and experiences to the table, making this a must-listen for any founder or aspiring entrepreneur. [0:01:30] – Introduction and Overview: We kick off the episode with Mike introducing himself and sha...

In this unique episode of Founder Talk, we sit down with Gary and Travis Miller, a dynamic father-son duo who own and run a successful staffing and recruiting firm. Join us as they share their personal and professional journey, offering revealing insight into the unique dynamics of family-run businesses, staffing/recruiting, and scaling. Highlight Stamps: [00:00] Introduction to the Guests and The...

Description: In this engaging episode of Founder Talk, Alex sits down with Brian Ligon, a seasoned entrepreneur who helps businesses evaluate and procure superior telecom and cloud technology solutions. Brian shares his journey from corporate sales to founding his own company, offering valuable insights for founders at every stage of their business journey. Highlights: [00:00] Introduction : Alex...

In this episode, we sit down with Rob Kelly, founder of Achieve Talent Solutions, to uncover invaluable lessons from his extensive 15+ years in sales and executive recruiting. Timestamp Highlights: [00:00] Introduction Meet Rob Kelly, founder of Achieve Talent Solutions, and learn about his 15+ years of experience in sales and executive recruiting. [02:15] The Key to Human Behavior Rob shares the...

In this episode we dive deep with Benny Mathew, founder of Orion 3, to explore his unique approach to business and life. Benny shuns the typical "networking" label, aiming instead to build genuine relationships and communities. He shares his journey of creating Orion 3, an organization that thrives on authenticity and human connections rather than transactional interactions. Join us as we uncover...

In this episode, we sit down with Henry Kaskov, a seasoned business valuation expert, to uncover the secrets to enhancing business value, personal branding, and finding fulfillment beyond the entrepreneurial grind. Highlights : 00:02:00 - 00:05:30 | Business Valuations Basics : Henry discusses the key elements that make a business valuable, emphasizing high profit margins, sustainability, and redu...

Episode Description: Welcome to another episode of Founder Talk, the podcast where real Founders share their stories of building businesses while navigating the adventure of life. In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Andy Donaldson, a seasoned entrepreneur with a wealth of experience and insights to offer. Highlights: The Dream of Selling a Company Andy kicks off the conversatio...

Welcome to another episode of Founder Talk, where real Founders share their experiences of building businesses and navigating the adventure of life. In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Simon Granner, an inspiring entrepreneur who emphasizes the philosophy of "people over profit." Highlights: People Over Profit Philosophy Simon delves into his philosophy of making decisions based...