The Builders

In this episode of The Builders , Matt talks with Matthew White, CEO of PlatypusOS—a new kind of browser designed for the AI-powered future of work. Matthew shares how a simple frustration with too many tabs sparked the idea to build a smarter, more structured browser—one that integrates seamlessly with your tools and acts like an assistant, not just a gateway to the web. From the foundation of Pl...

In this episode, Matthew Stafford shares his evolution from physical labor to digital growth—unpacking how he built an agency that helps e-commerce brands grow by focusing on revenue per visitor, not just flashy CRO tactics. He breaks down what “revenue optimization” really means, why traffic alone isn’t the answer, and how AI is giving builders a superpowered edge. This is a must-listen for anyon...

In this episode of The Builders Podcast , Matt sits down with Gerry Hayes — founder of Dorio and the creator of Venture Staking , a bold new model that reimagines how people invest in startups. Gerry shares his journey from the world of law and government to entrepreneurship, and how his early frustration with the gatekeeping of traditional venture capital led him to build a more inclusive system...

In this episode of The Builders , Matt sits down with James Elliman — a cybersecurity-focused IT expert who’s built a thriving managed services company by eliminating complexity and frustration for small businesses. James shares how his journey began with tearing apart computers at age six, progressed through corporate IT burnout, and ultimately led to creating all-in-one tech solutions that puts...

In this episode of The Builders Podcast , host Matt Levenhagen sits down with Yaakov Sash, founder and CEO of Novospir , to explore how game currency, social interactivity, and AI are coming together to reshape the gaming landscape. With roots in Wall Street and a deep background in digital asset technology, Yaakov shares his unique journey — from building trading systems at major financial instit...

In this solo episode of The Builders Podcast , Matt Levenhagen opens up about the state of his agency and how he's actively positioning for long-term success amidst a rapidly changing world. From economic pressures like tariffs to the accelerating rise of AI, Matt breaks down how these forces are impacting service businesses—and how he’s turning disruption into opportunity. Instead of reacting wit...

In this episode of The Builders Podcast, host Matt Levenhagen welcomes Eli Tansman, CEO and co-founder of Cygnostic. With deep expertise in cybersecurity and AI security, Eli shares his journey from military cyber operations to building a global company at the forefront of protecting modern development workflows. Eli’s story is one of rapid evolution and intentional pivots—shifting from cybersecur...

In this episode of The Builders , Matt sits down with Dan Bennett, founder of Hot Sauce Video, to explore how creativity, calm under pressure, and strategic reinvention can carry a business through adversity. From playing in rock bands to helping entrepreneurs shine on video, Dan shares the building blocks of his journey — including how the pandemic pushed him to pivot hard and reimagine everythin...

In this episode of The Builders , Matt sits down with legendary marketer and webinar strategist Jason Fladlien to discuss the mindset, methods, and AI-fueled magic behind his latest venture — Project Mona Lisa . From waiting years to adopt AI until it finally delivered real advantage, to architecting offers so good they sell themselves , Jason reveals the first principles behind how he builds. You...

In this episode of The Builders Podcast , I sit down with Danielle Hutchinson, Chief Creative Officer at Authors on Mission, to explore how ghostwriting—what she calls angel writing —can help entrepreneurs and business leaders build their authority and brand identity through authorship. We dig into the practical and personal sides of writing a book when you're a busy professional. From capturing y...

In this solo episode, Matt takes you behind the scenes of his entrepreneurial journey—from artist to affiliate marketer to agency founder. Through real stories and personal reflections, he breaks down how experimentation and taking action have shaped every phase of his growth. From launching websites in the early 2000s to dealing with modern shifts like AI replacing client work, this episode deliv...

In this solo episode of The Builders , Matt gets real about a turbulent start to 2025 — including client losses, tough contracts, and moments where he seriously considered shutting everything down. But instead of walking away, he doubled down on what he truly loves: building. Fueled by a renewed passion and a surprising creative partner in Claude AI, Matt shares how he’s finding momentum again — t...

In this inspiring episode of The Builders Podcast, I sit down with George McGillivray, a true embodiment of lifelong learning and growth. At 78 years old, George has authored two books, proving that it’s never too late to build something meaningful, share your story, and give back to others.  George takes us through his incredible journey — from working at a petrol station, to mastering sales, to...

In this episode of The Builders, I sit down with Andy Gersberg, co-founder of Bracket, to unpack how businesses can not only survive but thrive during massive tech shifts—like the one AI is bringing right now. We talk about what it means to adapt, drawing on Andy’s journey from building Flash websites to pioneering what he calls GEO (Generative Engine Optimization)—a next-gen evolution of SEO tail...

In this thought-provoking episode of The Builders Podcast , Matt welcomes back Joel Salomon, prosperity coach and mindful money expert, for his fifth appearance . Together, they dive deep into how your actions — or inactions — are often the biggest tells in your mindset story. Joel shares real client transformations, from undercharging spiritual entrepreneurs to overwhelmed yoga instructors and ev...

In this episode, Matt shares the story behind a long-term client relationship that’s become a true partnership — one forged through fires, fixes, and four years of trust. What started as a quick WordPress rescue evolved into a deeply embedded role as the client's digital defense team, managing an e-commerce ecosystem that can’t afford to go down. Matt walks through the systems, processes, and...

In this episode of The Builders , we dive headfirst into the evolving world of industrial 3D printing with Oscar Klassen, CEO of JawsTec . What started as a single SLS printer and a six-month experiment has grown into a full-blown manufacturing operation with 20 machines and a game-changing quoting engine. Oscar walks us through how JawsTec is lowering the barrier to entry for makers, entrepreneur...

In this episode of The Builders , I sit down with Akash Agarwal—CEO of Conmitto and the builder behind Dock Optimizer—for a deep dive into how spotting inefficiencies in logistics led to a freight tech breakthrough. From his early days in fintech and retail apps to recognizing massive gaps in the rail and trucking industries, Akash shares how powerful networking, clear customer pain points, and a...

In this episode of The Builders Podcast , Matt Levenhagen sits down with Andreas Pettersson , a former corporate executive turned scrappy entrepreneur. Andreas shares his journey from structured leadership roles to the fast-paced, ever-changing world of startups. This conversation dives deep into the mindset shifts required to transition successfully, the power of action-taking , and why building...

In this episode of The Builders Podcast, Ken Cox joins Matt Levenhagen to explore how AI is transforming business. Ken shares his journey from web hosting to building InLink , an all-in-one AI-powered business solution. He dives into the concept of AI employees , how they streamline operations, and why they are the future of small business success. Key Takeaways: AI Employees are Here: Virtual age...

In this engaging episode of the Builders Podcast, host Matt Levenhagen explores the intersection of technology and creativity with guest Erich Archer. Erich brings a wealth of knowledge from his background in TV production and his recent focus on developing AI-driven tools. The discussion highlights how Erich transitioned from traditional media production to utilizing AI technologies, such as Chat...

In this episode of The Builders Podcast , host Matt Levenhagen sits down with Alykhan Jetha (AJ), CEO of Marketcircle, to discuss the evolution of the Daylite app and the lessons learned through major technological shifts. What started as an internal tool grew into a full-fledged product, serving small businesses in their quest for efficiency and growth. AJ shares the challenges and insights from...

In this engaging episode of The Builders Podcast , host Matt Levenhagen explores the art of building flexible and adaptable service frameworks that evolve alongside client needs. He compares these frameworks to a codebase—designed with a solid foundation but requiring continuous refinement to stay relevant. Through real-world examples, Matt shares how structured adaptability supports client growth...

In this episode, host Matt Levenhagen sits down with Doug Katz to explore the mindset and process behind turning problems into solutions and ideas into businesses . Doug shares how a simple need in his daily life led to the creation of Nulu Knives, and the steps he took to bring the idea to market. From finding inspiration in unexpected places (like his jacuzzi “Think Tank”) to leveraging collabor...

In this episode of The Builders Podcast , Matt Levenhagen welcomes Mallory Glessner , Manager of Content and Product Marketing at Trainual , to explore the process of building and scaling a successful content machine. Mallory shares her journey from operations to marketing, revealing the key strategies that helped grow Trainual’s social media presence. They discuss how to create content that balan...