Founders' Forum

Have you ever wondered how life's curveballs can lead to unimaginable success? Join us as we chat with Shawn Gilfillan, the founder and CEO of Automotive Magic, who turned adversity into triumph. Shawn's journey from a challenging workplace to launching his own business on April Fool's Day in 2003 is a story of resilience and determination. Discover how a crucial relationship and a...

What happens when a successful recruiter transitions into a passionate advocate for underprivileged children? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Gene Rice, co-founder of Rice Cohen International and founder of the Plant a Seed, Inspire a Dream Foundation. From a moving meditation inspired by Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes' "Wake Up Everybody" to Gene's personal accoun...

Unlock the secrets of America's manufacturing revival with insights from Tom Lawton, president and owner of TESCO. Learn why the trend of offshoring is reversing and how local production offers significant advantages, including faster problem resolution and more resilient supply chains. Tom's extensive experience managing facilities both in the U.S. and abroad provides a rich perspective...

Discover the essential strategies for embedding genuine core values into your business as we are joined by Marc Brookland, the insightful founder and CEO of SEO Locale LLC. Learn how transparency and other core values evolve from one's personal and professional journey, shaping a company's ethos and ensuring consistent alignment with clients and employees. We'll reveal our own appro...

Ever wondered what it's like to sneak backstage at a Rolling Stones concert and bump into Keith Richards himself? Our guest, Gene Rice, takes us on a wild ride with his unforgettable tale of doing just that in Atlantic City, NJ. We share our own rock and roll stories, reminiscing about encounters with legends like Paul and Linda McCartney and how our concert preferences have evolved from rauc...

Are you frustrated by the challenges of the American healthcare system? Join us as we tackle the pressing issues of delayed doctor appointments, exorbitant costs, and mediocre quality of care. Ang shares a personal cautionary tale about the dangers of self-diagnosing with AI-generated info from Google, stressing the importance of accurate medical guidance. We're also joined by Ryan Herd, an e...

Gratitude and entrepreneurship might seem like an unusual pairing, but they're the perfect ingredients for success, as our special guest Karen Moffitt demonstrates. From her humble beginnings as a single mom to becoming the founder and president of Little Miss Moffitt, Karen shares how gratitude and kindness have been her guiding principles. Raised by a positive-minded single mother, Karen il...

Can our thoughts truly shape our reality? Discover how your mindset can transform your life as we break down Joseph Nguyen's "Don't Believe Everything You Think." We analyze the neutrality of thoughts and how our interpretations of them influence our actions and worldview. We'll discuss the pervasive impact of media and societal pressures on our thinking patterns and how t...

What if the essence of freedom is more profound than we think? Join us for an enlightening conversation with our guests Regina Black Lennox and Ed Satell from the Satell Institute. We delve into the fundamental principles of American democracy, the historical significance of the upcoming semi-quincentennial, and the vital role of free enterprise. Ed provides a rich historical context, comparing th...

Can conditioning your mind with positive affirmations really transform your life? Join us as we explore this profound question with our special co-host, Regina Black Lennox, a seasoned educator who has seen the lasting benefits of positive thinking firsthand. Drawing inspiration from David Nguyen's book "Don't Believe Everything You Think," we dive into how Regina's mornin...

Is the relentless pursuit of busyness actually holding us back? Join us as we tackle this critical question and explore the phenomenon of busyness in modern entrepreneurship, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Ang delves into the psychological aspects, explaining how busyness can sometimes be a defense mechanism against deeper personal issues. Our guest, Will Schmahl, adds a fresh perspective...

Can you keep up with the pace of today's ever-changing business landscape? Join us as we uncover the secrets to navigating rapid transformations in technology, politics, and social dynamics. Our guest, Freda Thomas, shares her invaluable tips on leveraging LinkedIn for growth and how a positive mindset can turn challenges into opportunities. We take you on an extraordinary journey of a woman...

Ever wondered where untapped potential lies? Marc Bernstein kicks things off with a touching story about his son’s act of compassion in the junk business, leading to a reflection on Russell Conwell's timeless message of finding "Acres of Diamonds" in our own backyards. Our guest, Jake Still, teases us with his own fascinating discoveries during junk cleanouts, promising more enthral...

What if your voting decisions were influenced as much by a candidate's team as by the candidate themselves? This episode explores the often-overlooked importance of evaluating a political candidate's team, drawing insightful parallels to the corporate world where effective leadership and high-performing teams are essential for success. Our special guest, Howard Guttman, a distinguished b...

What drives an entrepreneur to leave the comfort of a steady job and venture into uncharted territories? We're exploring the transformative power of entrepreneurship on individuals and communities with our special guest Jack Korbutov PharmD, RPh, FACA, FACVP, and we'll uncover the essence of impactful entrepreneurship and how understanding one's mission can lead to remarkable succes...

Free enterprise and fundamental freedoms take center stage as Marc Bernstein kicks off the episode by sharing his recent induction into the Union League of Philadelphia. Ang Onorato joins in to stress the importance of returning to core national principles and engaging with organizations that uphold these values. We are thrilled to have Dr. Stephen Hess, a distinguished dermatologist from Philadel...

Ever wondered how AI is reshaping the business landscape? Get ready to uncover the secrets of AI's transformative power with our special guest, Det Ansinn, founder and president of BrickSimple LLC. From his beginnings in the Midwest to the bustling tech scene of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Det shares his incredible journey, offering a unique perspective on the resilience and adaptability need...

Prepare to unlock the secrets of successfully adapting to rapid changes in our personal and professional lives. Inspired by the unforgettable "pivot" scene from Friends and the recent passing of Matthew Perry, we explore the art of pivoting. We reflect on the necessity of staying flexible amidst global shifts and the relentless pace of advancements in AI, setting the stage for a deeper d...

Navigating the perils of complacency, we confront the silent threats that lurk in the shadows of success both on a personal and professional level. Our conversation takes a personal turn as Marc recounts a health scare, which serves as a cautionary tale reminding us all to never take our well-being for granted. Together with insights from our insightful guest Rado Kotorov, and a special appearance...

Embark on an insightful expedition into the world of virtual work with us, as we debate the resurgence of traditional office environments against the backdrop of our post-pandemic reality. Crowded parking lots and lively city centers are painting a familiar picture, but is the in-person collaboration worth sacrificing the flexibility so many have grown accustomed to? We wrestle with this question,...

Discover the transformative power of food on health and happiness as we sit down with David Kirschner, the culinary mind behind DK Private Dining. A recent juice fast epiphany sets the table for a mouthwatering conversation about mindful eating. We feast on the stark differences between our own oftentimes mindless munching and the deliberate dining of our European neighbors. David stirs in his sea...

Winter's chill invites a season of reflection and rejuvenation. Bruer Kershner unpacks the 'winter pause,' a time where personal and professional growth take center stage, allowing us to realign our life's compass. Bruer's expertise in the office furniture industry underpins a conversation about the strength found in relationships and the importance of a socially responsib...

Strap in for a whirlwind tour of entrepreneurial finance with special guests Ami Kassar and Lynn Ozer from MultiFunding. We're peeling back the layers of the economy, finding the hidden truths behind the data, and grappling with the real-world problems entrepreneurs face from supply chain nightmares to pandemic aftershocks. It's not all about the numbers; listen and learn as we dissect t...

Unleash the potential to leave an indelible mark on the world as we unpack the secrets to impactful entrepreneurship with the insight of Ross Bernstein. In this episode, we delve into the nitty-gritty of what it means to create a legacy that echoes the influence of Jason Kelsey's formidable presence. Feel the vibrations of change as we share experiences that will embolden you to make a splash...

In our latest episode, we journey alongside individuals who've courageously navigated transformations for alignment with their deepest values and sense of self. Ang, an executive coach with insight into leading with 'who you be' rather than 'what you do,' shares her perspective, while Beau Wangtrakuldee, PhD, founder of AmorSui, narrates her switch from scientist to innova...