Founders' Forum

What if restaurants could predict exactly who would walk through their doors tomorrow? Matt Wampler, CEO and co-founder of ClearCOGS, has made this vision a reality by leveraging AI to solve the restaurant industry's biggest challenges. In this episode, Matt shares his journey from a struggling Jimmy John’s franchisee to an entrepreneur transforming the restaurant landscape. Key Takeaways: St...

What if your resume didn’t matter as much as your actual skills? In this episode, Marc Bernstein sits down with Sandesh Sukumaran, the self-funded Founder and CEO of Outcome Logix, to explore how the hiring landscape is evolving—and how tech, transparency, and a bit of fishing zen can lead to smarter staffing. Sandesh opens up about his entrepreneurial journey from Mumbai to Pittsburgh, from Y2K h...

What do sports, the military, and high-tech entrepreneurship have in common? For Michael Eckstein, they’ve all been part of the same playbook. Michael Eckstein, founder of Vector Sports Science and former CEO of multiple tech ventures, shares his powerful journey of discipline, reinvention, and innovation. From military school to motion-capture technology used by Major League Baseball teams, Micha...

What does it mean to stay ahead of the curve as a founder in the tech world? Virind Gujral’s journey, Founder & CEO of EV Bots, reveals how continuous learning and innovation drive success. Virind’s entrepreneurial journey began with a desire to learn and explore, which led him from India to the United States. Starting as a mechanical engineer, Virind’s path quickly evolved as he dove into the...

What happens when the podcast host becomes the guest? In this special episode of Founders' Forum , the script is flipped as Ryan Sullivan, founder of Podcast Principles, interviews Marc Bernstein about his incredible journey from aspiring rock star to entrepreneurial financial advisor. Marc opens up about his early dreams of music stardom and how that passion eventually led him to law school...

What does it mean to be a "river person" in business? Bobby Reed’s entrepreneurial journey shows how following your passion with determination can lead to success. Bobby's path to founding Loaded Pixel began with a high school teacher handing him a camera, sparking a lifelong passion for video production. From Super Bowl broadcasts to the Olympics, Bobby built his career by doing wh...

What does it take to turn a brand-new technology into something that changes an entire industry? In this episode, Armon Vincent, the founding partner of Catalyst Technology Partners, shares his incredible journey from tech outsider to a trailblazer in healthcare innovation. Armon started out building websites for pharmaceutical companies but soon realized the power AI could have in transforming he...

What happens when a food scientist and bodybuilder creates a snack that’s as nutritious as it is delicious? Dr. Juan Salinas, founder of Perfect Life Nutrition and creator of Pnuff Crunch, joins the Founders’ Forum to share his journey from Honduras to Shark Tank and beyond. After two decades in the food industry, Dr. Salinas launched Pnuff Crunch—a high-protein, peanut-based snack designed for pe...

How does an experienced lawyer turn a struggling business into a thriving global leader? Justin B. Wineburgh, Esq, President and CEO of Alkemy X, shares how he transitioned from law to leading a post-production studio, transforming it into a powerhouse in media and entertainment. Joined by guest co-host Sean Dawes, Co-Founder of Modded Euros, Justin discusses his journey from building a media and...

What does it truly mean to overcome? Jason Sfire’s journey shows that triumph comes not from avoiding hardship, but transforming through it. Continuing from his first fall, Jason reveals how a routine ninth back surgery in 2013 turned catastrophic when he contracted MRSA in his spine. Over four years, he endured 22 surgeries, sepsis, kidney failure, and 1,300+ IV antibiotic doses—all while leading...

Jason Sfire’s entrepreneurial journey, Founder of multiple family-owned businesses defies the odds. At 25, after a devastating 35-foot fall that led to 54 surgeries over 25 years, he refused to let physical challenges stop his drive. Despite shattered bones and ongoing recovery, Jason built a real estate empire of 18 companies and 1.8 million square feet. Joining Marc as guest co-host is Sari Gree...

Sari Greene’s path from a successful tech entrepreneur to a dedicated public servant reveals the evolving role of cybersecurity in today’s world. As founder of Sage Data Security, Sari was ahead of her time—building a company focused on protecting sensitive information long before cybersecurity became mainstream. In this episode, Sari shares candid insights into launching a tech company in the ear...

A talented New Zealand TV producer’s move across the ocean sparked an inspiring entrepreneurial journey. David Calderwood, Founder of Euro-Pacific Digital Media, shares how authentic relationships and a rich family legacy fueled his business success. David’s entrepreneurial roots run deep—from his great-grandfather’s 1850s photography studio to his parents’ hat-making business. Starting in New Zea...

What if success were measured by the lives you change, not by profit? Arnie Eastburn, Co-Founder, President, and CEO of Water4Life Mozambique, shows how one entrepreneur's shift in priorities can make a lasting impact, with guest co-host David Calderwood, Senior Digital Producer at Euro-Pacific Digital Media. After selling a multimillion-dollar professional employer organization, Arnie’s life...

When two decorated military veterans decide to address the invisible wounds of war and first response, their solution is simple yet powerful: get outside. Lisa and Greg Hungiville, founders of Outdoor Warrior Nation, share their journey from military service to nonprofit leaders, co-hosted by Alex Pron, CFP®, CBDA, Founder of Crossover Capital. With Lisa’s 34 years in the Minnesota Army National G...

What happens when life's greatest challenges lead to extraordinary success? Sam Maddula, Pharm. D, a healthcare entrepreneur and philanthropist, shares his remarkable journey—from growing up in an impoverished village in India to building a multimillion-dollar specialty pharmacy. Born legally blind, Sam’s life was transformed by sight-saving surgery, reshaping his worldview and fueling his dr...

In this episode, David Lopez, founder of DL Metal Design, shares his entrepreneurial journey, revealing how he turned challenges into opportunities. Co-hosted by Sam Maddula Pharm. D, this conversation highlights David’s path from a beamline operator to business owner. David’s first business, a failed Quiznos franchise, became a $100K lesson that fueled his drive in the metal industry. Despite lau...

Alex Pron, founder of Crossover Capital, joins Marc Bernstein to reveal how independent financial advisors are empowering clients with education on Bitcoin and alternative investments. After 12 years at Merrill Lynch, Alex left to start Crossover Capital when he realized his clients weren’t being given the knowledge they needed to make informed decisions—especially about Bitcoin. In this episode,...

Can AI supercharge your advertising strategy? Hikari Senju, CEO of Omneky, reveals how generative AI is reshaping personalized content and driving real results for brands. With a background in computer science from Harvard and a lifelong passion for technology and art, Hikari’s journey to founding Omneky seems almost inevitable. In this episode, Hikari shares how his childhood experiences, cross-r...

In this milestone 100th episode celebration, we've assembled an all-star panel of previous guests to reflect on the journey so far, sharing the biggest lessons learned, unexpected challenges faced, and the inspiring stories that have shaped this community. This episode is filled with insights that not only celebrate how far we’ve come but also explore what’s ahead for entrepreneurs striving t...

What if a single Google search could transform your small business overnight? That’s exactly what happened to Paul Downs, a custom furniture maker who went from struggling to find clients to building boardroom tables for the Pentagon, Federal Reserve, and even SEAL Team 6. In this episode, Paul shares his 38-year entrepreneurial journey, from launching his business with no formal training to navig...

What if the key to business success isn't just working harder but choosing the right market? Alan Claypool's journey from IT project management to entrepreneurship is a powerful lesson in the importance of business models, demand, and strategic pivots. After two decades managing complex IT projects, Alan founded TAC4 Solutions with a commitment to delivering results with integrity. But d...

What can the world of acting teach us about running a business? Keith Scandone, co-founder and CEO of O3 World, never expected that his background in acting would shape his approach to entrepreneurship. In this episode, Keith shares how vulnerability, creativity, and resilience—skills honed in the performing arts—became the foundation for his success in the competitive digital consultancy space. W...

Can creativity change the future of a city? In this episode, we dive into the power of storytelling, branding, and resilience with Deborah Brandt, founder of Fig Industries. As a leader in creative marketing and a champion for small businesses, Deb shares how Fig has helped revitalize local economies by connecting communities, supporting entrepreneurs, and fostering meaningful collaboration. We ex...

What does it take to build a successful company in a competitive industry? In this episode, Daniel Dimitri, CEO of PharmaForce, shares his journey from Silicon Valley startups to leading a pioneering software company in the healthcare space. With experience at McKesson and Kaiser Permanente, Dan has navigated IPOs, corporate leadership, and the challenges of entrepreneurship—offering invaluable in...