Shows
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Turning Broken Systems into a Thriving Software Business with Paul ByrneIn this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Paul Byrne, President of Razoyo, a Texas-based custom software development company. Paul shared how growing up in an entrepreneurial family in Wichita, Kansas—where his mom ran a fabric shop and his dad tinkered with tech ventures—planted the seeds for his own journey. We discussed how the concept of entrepreneurship has evolved from packing circuit boards around kitchen tables to building viral businesses on TikTok, like his daughter recently did. Paul also highlighted how today's lower barriers to entry create exciting possibilities for aspiring founders, especially those balan...
2025-08-0623 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Resilience, Niches, and the Long Game in Fintech with Founder Nicky SenyardIn this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Nicky Senyard, CEO and founder of Fintel Connect. Nicky shared the journey behind Fintel Connect—a digital acquisition platform that helps financial institutions across North America grow their customer base through affiliate marketing. She explained how the platform acts like the “plumbing” between banks and publishers like NerdWallet or Credit Karma, using a CPA (cost-per-acquisition) model that rewards performance and delivers real value.Nicky also opened up about her roots in Australia and how the country's rugged environment shaped her entrepreneurial resilience. Before Fintel, she built and suc...
2025-07-3021 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Matchmaking in the Age of Neural Nets with Co-Founder Eric McHughIn this episode, I was lucky enough to interview serial entrepreneur Eric McHugh once again!Eric dives into his latest venture, dataing.io, an AI-powered matchmaking app built to challenge the typical swipe-based dating model. He shares how the Web3 space supports his builder mindset and leads to the creation of Hold On Labs, a platform that launches products focused on meaningful connection. With dating.io, the goal is to create intentional, high-quality matches using AI-generated personality tags based on users’ social media and digital activity. Unlike Tinder or Hinge, which aim to keep users engaged and sw...
2025-07-2320 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer – Bootstrapped, Burned Out, and Building Back Smarter with Keilian & PragsIn this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Keilian Knudsen and Prags Mugunthan, co-founders of Pangea.ai. Keilian and Prags explored their journey from university roommates in Scotland to building a global tech talent platform. Keilian described how growing up in Switzerland with an American mother and Norwegian father gave him a multicultural view of the world and a drive to create something of his own. Prags shared how moving from Sri Lanka to Norway at a young age gave him access to education and opportunity, which shaped his path toward entrepreneurship. Their first ventures included a...
2025-07-1627 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Turning a High-Risk Market into a Scalable Business with Aubrey AmatelliIn this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Aubrey Amatelli, Founder and CEO of PayRio—the first payment provider focused exclusively on alternative medicine.Aubrey shared how her roots in Silicon Valley and a traditional finance career at JP Morgan eventually led her to launch PayRio, combining her passion for cannabis and her expertise in payments. She walked me through the complicated regulatory landscape that makes payment processing for cannabis so challenging and explained how PayRio uses creative, compliant workarounds like ATM rails and wallet tech to support dispensaries and e-commerce businesses.Aubrey also op...
2025-07-0926 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - How to Build a QA Army Without Drowning in Bugs with Founder Ben FellowsIn this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Ben Fellows, CEO and founder of Loop QA.Ben shares how his company addresses the growing need for highly skilled, mid-to-senior QA professionals in a market lacking structured training and clear entry paths. Loop QA focuses on embedding experienced testers directly into teams at startups and enterprises, filling a critical talent gap with candidates who bring technical expertise, product understanding, and emotional intelligence. Ben explains how many successful QA professionals arrive from unconventional paths—often self-taught or transitioning from roles in development or customer success—and highlights the indu...
2025-07-0224 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Building a brand by betting on yourself with the Hey Jay Founder Jasmin AlićIn this episode, I was lucky enough to interview The Jasmin Alić, Founder of Hey Jay, and also a LinkedIn aficionado. Jasmin dives deep into his journey, starting with his childhood in war-torn Bosnia. Despite the adversity, Jasmin found solace in American hip-hop, which sparked his love for English and writing. Initially aspiring to be a rapper, Jasmin's career took a turn towards education, where he discovered his passion for writing and teaching. Transitioning from education to freelancing, Jasmin found success on platforms like Upwork, leveraging his writing skills to secure clients. However, it was a pivotal mom...
2024-03-1540 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - The Monarch's Mic: Chaz Wolfe Speaks on Leadership and LegacyIn this episode, I was lucky enough to interview The Chaz Wolfe, Owner and Founder of Gathering The Kings.Growing up in a single-mother household in Columbia, Missouri, Chaz emphasizes the impact of his challenging upbringing, instilling in him the values of grit, commitment, and determination. He highlights his father's influence, a veterinarian and cattle rancher, discovering him later in life.Chaz delves into the nuances of personal branding, offering advice to young individuals and seasoned professionals. He emphasizes the importance of integrity and commitment, sharing personal anecdotes from his early career. Chaz discusses the...
2024-01-0229 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - How To Turn YouTube Channel into a Sports Media Empire with Justin LeusnerIn this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Justin Leusner, CEO and founder of TDAY Sports.Justin shares insights into his journey as the founder and president of TDAY Sports, revealing his roots in a small town near Philadelphia and his passion for creating YouTube videos since childhood. He details the evolution of TDAY Sports, highlighting its six different channels covering various sports and serving as a Gen Z sports network.Justin delves into the changing landscape of content consumption, emphasizing Gen Z's preference for fast-paced, authentic, and personalized content on platforms like TikTok and...
2023-12-2619 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - How To Master the Swing of Software and Book Publishing with John TrevisaniIn this episode, I was extremely lucky to interview John Trevisani, currently a Software Engineering Manager at Ask Media Group but also a multi-talented individual with interests ranging from being a pilot, author, entrepreneur, and musician!John grew up as one of five children and shared its impact on fostering his entrepreneurial spirit. John delves into his experience starting a business that addressed the inconvenience of booking golf tee times, his foray into the tech world, and the challenges he faced, including financial management and the importance of having a diverse startup team.John also...
2023-12-2223 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Shielding the Digital Realm with SecureCoders CEO and Founder Justin FurnissIn this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Justin Furniss, CEO and founder of SecureCoders. Justin grew up in South Jersey, sharing anecdotes about growing up near a rodeo and his initial hesitations about entering the entrepreneurial world. After college, Justin's perspective shifted, and he delved into building software, and creating a product called Groundwork. Justin also discusses the turning point when he realized he could pursue entrepreneurship and the challenges he faced while trying to sell their product. He touches on missed opportunities, including a potential deal with the Pentagon.Justin's experience with...
2023-12-2030 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer -Behind the Flames of Creativity and Innovation with Founder Dave AlbinIn this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Dave Albin, Founder of Firewalk Productions, LLC.Dave shares his incredible life journey. Born to a single mom in Hollywood, California, Dave's early years were marked by the mysterious departure of his biological father. Facing financial struggles, his mother made the difficult decision to put him up for adoption, leading him to a loving family in Long Beach, California. Despite a seemingly idyllic childhood, Dave's life took a dark turn at 11 when he discovered he was adopted. Subsequently, his family faced challenges, including Dave's own struggles with addiction.
2023-12-1841 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Building a successful business based on resilience with BISIL CEO Manoj SinhaIn this episode, I was very lucky to interview the fantastic Manoj Sinha, Co-founder of BISIL and my flight instructor!Manoj reflects on his entrepreneurial journey that began in 1990. Starting with a background in engineering and an MBA from a top-tier school, Manoj worked in esteemed companies like ITC Limited before founding BISIL. Despite the challenging initial timing of the Gulf War, Manoj emphasizes the cyclical nature of business and recounts the various booms and busts he navigated, including the dot-com era, the 2008 financial crisis, and the recent pandemic. Manoj also shares insights on resilience...
2023-12-1531 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - From IT Expert to Author to Gallery Curator: The Diverse Interests of Jim AloyeIn this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Jim Aloye, CEO/Founder/Owner of Aloye Enterprises LLC. Jim grew up in Reading, Pennsylvania, and Strongsville, Ohio, and attributes his entrepreneurial spirit to navigating through challenging situations during his childhood. Jim's entrepreneurial journey began with Aloye Computer Enterprises, an IT firm that adopted a "do or die" approach, fueled by a mission to succeed. Jim's first business provided dial-up internet access and web hosting. His "do or die" mentality, coupled with strategic financial decisions, led to its success. Over time, Jim diversified into various ventures....
2023-12-1320 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Perspectives on Progress: Scott Daigger’s Vision For Web Development.In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Scott Daigger, the founder and owner of Buddy Web Design and Development. Scott grew up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin and shared how his parents' entrepreneurial spirit influenced his journey. Scott discussed his first attempt at starting a business in his early twenties and the evolution that led to the establishment of Buddy Web Design and Development. Scott emphasized the importance of independence and flexibility, drawing inspiration from his farming roots.Scott also delves into the various aspects of his business such as his approach...
2023-12-1120 minThe First CustomerThe First Customer -Todd Fisher's Business Chronicles From Military Service to Market MasteryIn this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Todd Fisher, Chairman and Founder of Intraprise SolutionsTodd shares his entrepreneurial journey from a small town in New York to building a successful business with a focus on health information technology and financial services. From starting as a web-enabled business solution in 1997 to his ventures like Mobile MD and Enterprise Health, Todd discusses the evolution of the company's client acquisition strategies over the years. He emphasizes the importance of understanding niche domains and combining technological expertise with specific industry knowledge. Todd encourages thinking big, leveraging...
2023-12-0820 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Automating and Optimizing Your Network Infrastructure with Andrew KahlIn this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Andrew Kahl, CEO of BackBox.Andrew grew up in the Midwest influencing his work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. He shares that his first business was a data security software company, which he started at the age of 30. The company aimed to encrypt data leaving the enterprise, and its first customer was PepsiCo, marking a successful start. Andrew emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs and building a strong product.After running the first company for 12 years, it was acquired by Dell, leading to a successful exit...
2023-12-0623 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Awakening Minds and Changing Lives with Co-founder Pete TaylorIn this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Pete Taylor, co-founder and CEO of The Awakened Man.Pete shared insights into his entrepreneurial journey. Hailing from just outside London, Pete's early hustle began with selling Pokémon cards, foreshadowing his future endeavors. After a successful stint in the corporate world and establishing an architectural company, Pete embarked on a personal growth journey. The Awakened Man organically emerged from Pete's need for a mastermind group, creating a community that has grown to tens of thousands, dedicated to supporting high-achieving men striving for personal and professional growth.
2023-12-0418 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Pixel Perfect Entrepreneurial Vision with Loaded Pixel Founder Bobby ReedIn this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Bobby Reed, Executive Producer and Founder of Loaded Pixel.Bobby was originally from Kansas, then moved to Denver, and later transferred to Nebraska to pursue film and video production. He gained valuable experience working with Husker Vision, a program focused on sports events and video production. His passion for creating visually appealing content led him to work in sports, live events, and post-production editing.The turning point came when Bobby moved to Philadelphia and worked with NBC Sports Network. Despite facing challenges, including a potential move...
2023-12-0225 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Bridging the Gap between Marketing and Sales with Co-founder David WongIn this episode, I was lucky enough to interview David Wong, co-founder of JD Leads Online.David shares his journey from freelancing to founding JD Leads Online, highlighting pivotal moments and the decision to transition from contractor to agency owner. David's early ventures, such as the geo-filter business and e-commerce endeavors provide a glimpse into the challenges and lessons learned. David also discusses a significant roadblock he faced and the realization that success in one venture doesn't guarantee the same in another. He emphasizes the significance of authenticity, personality, and shared values. Come...
2023-11-2923 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Leadership Amplified through Impactful Solutions with Zoraida CorderoIn this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Zoraida Cordero, founder and CEO of Impactful Solutions. Zoraida grew up in Queens, New York, and growing up in a diverse and inclusive environment, Zoraida shares how her experiences inspired her commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community-oriented leadership. Zoraida's extensive involvement in various roles, such as being an area director and an adjunct professor provides insights into her approach to balancing her time and energy, emphasizing the importance of passion and belief in creating positive change. She also touches on the challenges and inequities faced by professionals in t...
2023-11-2726 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - How to supercharge your teaching with Step Labs' Matthew and VictorIn this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Victor Chukwudolue and Matthew Attalah of Step Labs.Matthew, with a background in design, shares how Step Labs started unexpectedly during his final year at university when he took on a project that eventually led to the establishment of the business. Victor, more focused on tech, shares his journey into web development, starting with FreeCodeCamp and eventually specializing in Webflow and Shopify.Matthew and Victor discuss their partnership, highlighting how they complement each other's skills. Matthew discusses the strategy of building goodwill and securing referrals for w...
2023-11-2430 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - The Podcast Alchemist: Adam Adams on Transformative GrowthIn this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Adam Adams of Grow Your Show Podcast. Adam's journey started from growing up in Utah to becoming a successful entrepreneur and real estate investor. Adam attributes much of his early inspiration to his stepdad, a real estate investor and entrepreneur who introduced him to the principles of financial success through the book "Rich Dad Poor Dad." Despite initial reluctance due to dyslexia, Adam's perspective changed after a profitable real estate venture during college, prompting him to start his first business.Adam started in real estate, managing p...
2023-11-2227 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Turning Heads and Boosting Sales with Co-founder Marco TorresIn this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Marco Torres, the Co-founder of Marketing Boost.com. Marco explains how Marketing Boost started as a solution to obtain video testimonials for their travel business. To incentivize customers, they offered bonus vacations, leading to the creation of a system that eventually evolved into Marketing Boost.com. The company collaborates with hotels worldwide to offer complimentary stays and other incentives, helping businesses grow by leveraging these incentives in their marketing strategies.Marco also shares how the company uses incentive-based marketing and how it can be applied in...
2023-11-2025 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Designing Dreams and Building Success with F9 Productions Co-Founder Lance CaykoIn this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Lance Cayko, co-founder of F9 Productions Inc. Lance started his remarkable journey from growing up between a sugar beet farm and a cattle ranch in North Dakota to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the world of architecture and construction. Lance shared valuable lessons learned from early experiences, emphasizing the significance of perseverance, humility, and constantly reevaluating one's approach in the face of challenges. Lance highlighted the pivotal moment when he discovered the entrepreneurial mindset through a conversation with his first contractor, Bruce, who exposed him to the concept...
2023-11-1723 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - How to Disrupt the Investment Management Industry with Christian HyldahlIn this podcast episode, I was lucky enough to interview Christian Hyldahl, President and Founder of Varium Investment Partners.Christian shared his background and journey before founding Varium. After realizing the limitations and politics of larger firms, he started his own traditional RIA in 2005, focusing on building portfolios stock by stock. However, he eventually recognized the need for a different approach, leading to the creation of Varium, which prioritizes specialization and efficiency in investment management.Reflecting on the challenges of starting Varium, Christian highlighted the importance of humility, perseverance, and constant reevaluation. He emphasizes the...
2023-11-1527 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Building A Brand for Outdoor Enthusiasts with Melissa AllenIn this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Melissa Allen, Co-Founder of Active Life Company. Melissa grew up in Davenport, Iowa, and shared that she spent 24 years in the health and fitness industry. She transitioned from owning a corrective exercise center to venturing into the world of sunscreen with Active Life Company. Melissa discussed the inspiration behind starting a sunscreen business, recounting a personal experience where her dog detected skin cancer on her husband's head. She tackled the challenges of breaking into the sunscreen market, the importance of natural ingredients, and the impact of...
2023-11-1321 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Designing Tomorrow with the fantastic Jacob Kleinman PhillipsIn this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Jacob Kleinman Phillips, CEO of Touchpoint Design.Jacob grew up in Delaware County. He reflected on his upbringing in a family of entrepreneurs, where his parents ran businesses ranging from general contracting to a sweet chocolate factory named Sweet Dreams. Growing up in this environment, Jacob absorbed the essence of entrepreneurship, blending passion with business acumen.As Jacob unfolded his professional trajectory, he transitioned from a background in industrial design to the founding of Touchpoint Design. Jacob further discussed his pivotal moments in the evolution of...
2023-11-1037 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Transforming Education with Virtual Reality and Empathy with Kirsten BronkovicIn this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Kirsten Bronkovic, co-founder of EmpathED.Kirsten grew up in Newtown, Pennsylvania, and shared how she was kind of enterprising even as a young kid where she even held an art sale. Her entrepreneurial spirit was evident even at a young age. Later, she enrolled in a program at the University of Pittsburgh that took her around the world via ship, landing in different countries. This life-changing experience led her to co-establish EmpathED.Fast forward to today, EmpathED is a web-based platform that offers interactive and accessible...
2023-11-0828 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Crafting Success in Marketing with CEO and Founder Ben AlbertIn this episode, I was lucky enough to interview a good friend, Ben Albert, the CEO and founder of Balbert Marketing.Ben was born and raised in Rochester, New York, and emphasized that he never saw himself as an entrepreneur, initially pursuing a more conventional career path. However, his passion for music and involvement in the local music scene paved the way for his transition into entrepreneurship. Ben explained that he leveraged his marketing skills, particularly in guerrilla marketing, to start a business podcast during the pandemic. His podcast, initially focused on Rochester Business Connections, later expanded...
2023-11-0629 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - From Civil Servant to Innovator: Pete Mauro's Path to DT CubedIn this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Pete Mauro, owner of DT Cubed. Born in the Philadelphia area but raised in South Jersey, Pete found himself at a crossroads between government work and pursuing personal happiness. He embarked on his career as a civil servant for the Navy, eventually becoming a GS 14 at a young age. However, the demands of his role in Washington, D.C., led him to prioritize his personal happiness, ultimately influencing his decision to start his own engineering firm. Pete emphasized the importance of balance and well-being, both personally...
2023-11-0319 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - The Creative Conduit: Jen Crompton on Bridging Art and BusinessIn this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Jennifer Crompton, President and founder of Something Creative, LLC.Growing up in South Jersey, Jen shares her upbringing and how her family's entrepreneurial background influenced her path. This path became evident during her time as a grad assistant at Rowan University when her mentor pushed her to take on a challenging marketing project. Jen's journey led her through several setbacks, which ultimately pushed her to pursue her passion for marketing and social media consulting. She emphasized that her commitment to delivering great client experiences and providing eff...
2023-11-0122 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Transforming the Software Testing Industry with Ivan Vargas and Renan UgaldeIn this special episode, I was lucky enough to interview two of the best co-founders, Ivan Barajas Vargas and Renan Ugalde of MuukTest. MuukTest is a front-end testing automation platform that offers innovative solutions for software testing. Ivan shares his roots growing up in Mexico, emphasizing how his family's entrepreneurial endeavors, particularly their grocery stores, instilled an early entrepreneurial mindset. Renan, also from Mexico, talks about the influence of his family's entrepreneurial background and his decision to pursue entrepreneurship later in life.Ivan and Renan also mention that MuukTest was born out of a series o...
2023-10-3031 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - KitSF's Trailblazer: Tanya Isa on Building a Business from ScratchIn this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Tanya Isa, founder of KitSF. Tanya recounts her extraordinary journey from leaving Ukraine to becoming the CEO of a thriving business in San Francisco. She highlights her ambitious nature from an early age, recalling her first small business venture selling newspapers at the age of 12. Tanya's entrepreneurial spirit eventually led her to launch her first business in Donetsk, Ukraine, and later her successful Language Center.Tanya encountered challenges in her transition to the U.S. market and highlighted the significant differences between the Ukrainian and American m...
2023-10-2720 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - CJAM Marketing's Founder Behdad Jamshidi's Recipe for Business GrowthIn this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Behdad Jamshidi, founder of CJAM Marketing.Behdad walked us through his remarkable journey from a humble immigrant upbringing to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Behdad's parents' immigrant experience instilled in him a sense of determination and entrepreneurship even at a young age. His path wasn't a straight line; he initially pursued a traditional engineering career but always felt the urge to explore unconventional avenues, including personal training and software projects.As Behdad's personal training venture evolved, he realized the need to help people on a larger scale...
2023-10-2519 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Influencing Business By Raving Referrals with HOA.com CEO Brandon BarnumIn this week's episode, I was lucky enough to interview Brandon Barnum, CEO of HOA.com.Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Brandon shares his inspirational journey from a humble upbringing to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Growing up in a financially challenged environment, he was always drawn to the idea of financial success. Despite early challenges and limited resources, he worked hard and learned the art of generating referrals, significantly increasing his income.Brandon emphasizes the importance of leveraging relationships and referrals in business, stressing the value of asking for help and connecting with influencers. H...
2023-10-2330 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Interlacing Success By Future-Proofing Your Tech with Jon BrownIn this week's episode, I was lucky enough to interview Jon Brown, one of the masterminds behind Interlaced.io.Jon shares his journey from growing up in a small town in Southern Maine to his involvement in the IT services industry. His career path took him through various experiences, from working as a graphic designer to teaching English overseas. It was during his time as an IT support specialist in Maryland that he realized his passion for IT services, leading him to start his own IT consulting business, Grove Technologies.Jon grew his business, particularly d...
2023-10-2031 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Unearthing the Secrets to Sustainable Living with Cathy NesbittIn this week's episode, I was lucky enough to interview Cathy Nesbitt, the CEO and founder of Cathy's Crawly Composters.Cathy went from being a city dweller to an eco-entrepreneur in a small town. She recognized a significant environmental problem when the landfill for the greater Toronto area closed in 2002 so she came up with an innovative solution: indoor composting with worms. Despite the initial aversion people had towards worms in their homes, Cathy's passion for sustainability led her to educate and create a market for her eco-friendly solution.Over the years, Cathy's dedication to...
2023-10-1826 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Reza Piri's Playbook for Transforming Tech: The Power of Productbot.AIIn this special episode, I was lucky enough to interview Reza Piri, CEO and founder of Productbot.AI. His background and early life in College Station, Texas, provided some insights into his upbringing and exposure to entrepreneurship, thanks to his father's successful ventures in the oil field services industry.Transitioning from the oil field to IT, Reza highlighted that empathizing with customers and solving their pain points through AI was a key theme. He underlined the role of understanding customer perspectives, needs, and pain points, revealing how AI can transform product development and marketing. Reza a...
2023-10-1633 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - The Art of Seamless CX: Keith Scandone and the O3 World ApproachIn this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Keith Scandone, CEO and co-founder of O3 World.Keith grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia in Bucks County to pursue a career in acting in Los Angeles. His journey to entrepreneurship wasn't typical, and he emphasized the value of resilience and thinking outside the box. During his time in Los Angeles, he explored various roles and it was through one of his experiences that he discovered his passion for producing and the creative freedom it provided compared to being in front of the camera.After...
2023-10-1324 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Innovating for Impact: Federico Toledo on the Future of Software TestingBoy oh boy, I could not stress enough how special this guest is. In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Federico Toledo, the co-founder, and CEO of Abstracta, AKA the QA Doctor.Federico is from Uruguay and shares how his upbringing in a close-knit community near the capital city played a pivotal role in his growth. He emphasizes the value of Uruguay's free university education, which allowed him to study computer science, paving the way for his future endeavors.Federico also traces the origins of Abstracta, a company he co-founded with colleagues, initially...
2023-10-1123 minThe First CustomerThe First Customer - Brewing A Storm of Closed Software Deals with Let'sMakeItRain CEO Mark PhinickIn this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Mark Phinick, President and CEO of Let's Make It Rain.Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, Mark's path was set in motion when he relocated to Chicago in 1984. With a background in computer science and a unique perspective on technology, Mark found his niche in the world of sales, helping small companies grow into successful ventures. Mark's passion for helping businesses use technology effectively shines through as he encounters challenges and opportunities in the field, emphasizing the importance of understanding how customers buy technology to overcome stalled deals...
2023-10-0919 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Building An Empire Through Legacy with Norhart CEO Mike KaedingIn this episode, I was lucky enough to interview the great Mike Kaeding, CEO of Norhart, a real estate development company that specializes in designing, building, and renting apartments while prioritizing affordability in housing.Mike's childhood was closely tied to the company, with his parents founding it in Minnesota. However, when life took an unexpected turn, Mike was thrust into the CEO position.Mike shared Norhart's strategies for success, emphasizing the importance of building relationships with their audience through content creation, podcasts, and influencer marketing. His dual role as a strategic planner and mentor for new i...
2023-10-0626 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Getting Your Business to New Heights with Elevate Media Founder Chris AndersonIn this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Chris Anderson, founder of Elevate Media Group.Chris's story is unique among entrepreneurs; he didn't have the typical childhood lemonade stand or early business ventures. Instead, he grew up in a small Indiana town and developed a desire to live a different life, which eventually evolved into entrepreneurship.When life took unexpected turns for Chris, he realized the importance of seizing opportunities. This led him to start his own podcast and eventually, take a bold leap by quitting his job to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams which...
2023-10-0426 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Molding the Future of Parenting and Education with HeyKiddo CEO Nicole LipkinIn this episode. I was lucky enough to interview the fantastic Nicole Lipkin, CEO and founder of HeyKiddo. Nicole's early experience not only influenced her work ethic but also instilled resilience and problem-solving skills, as her parents encouraged her to learn from failures when she and her brother were given the opportunity to start a toy-selling business. Fast forward to today, Nicole is an accomplished clinical and organizational psychologist who successfully built and scaled a psychology practice, among other ventures, and eventually made a transformative decision to let go of a thriving business to focus on HeyKiddo.
2023-10-0222 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - From Frugal Living To Becoming A Profit Magnate with Robert IndriesIn this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Robert Indries, CEO and Founder of Robert Indries Holdings.Robert shared a profound personal story that catalyzed a significant shift in his business approach. He recounted the pivotal moment when facing financial hardship which served as a powerful wake-up call to transform his business practices. This pivotal decision marked the beginning of his journey towards financial success, and within a short period, he achieved remarkable milestones, becoming a millionaire by the age of 25 and subsequently surpassing the 10 million mark. Get set and listen to an...
2023-09-2929 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Audacious Ways To Be Different and Thrive in Business with Roy OsingThis week I was lucky enough to interview a very cool and articulate guy named Roy Osing. Roy is the author of the book "Be Different or Be Dead". One of the highlights of Roy's illustrious career was driving a company to billion-dollar annual sales. Roy documented his journey in a book - not the ordinary how-to textbook type - but instead, focused on the unique strategies he employed to achieve this extraordinary feat. Let's fly all the way to Vancouver and explore Roy Osing's ocean of thoughts through his book "Be Different or Be...
2023-09-2721 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Building Ventures From A Vision with First Work CEO and Founder Patrick FagaThis episode's so special that we're releasing it early! Patrick Faga, CEO and Founder of FirstWork is a really incredible young entrepreneur. He created an app-based educational platform designed to enhance learners develop their verbal skills at an early stage. Patrick was born and raised in Washington DC. And even when studying, grew to wonder how people's brains impact their behavior. Patrick's curious mind led him to create an environment that encourages people to align their behavior more closely with their best interests.Charge up your EZ Pass and hop on i95 to Washington DC an...
2023-09-2633 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - DP Consults CEO and Founder Darleen Priday's Empathetic Approach to Seal DealsIn this week's new episode, I had the chance to interview the fantastic Darleen Priday, CEO and Founder of DP Consults, a business consulting and service focused on giving confidence to the clients in order for them to sell the business effectively.What sets Darleen apart is her unique approach to business development, which has not only proven wildly successful for her but has also transformed the lives of her clients. Hop on and let's fly to Orlando, Florida, and catch this short but enlightening episode with sales guru Darleen! Guest info:...
2023-09-2015 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Mastering the Mic Game with PodPros CEO and Founder Alex SanfilippoBoy oh boy are you all in for a treat this week! I got to spend some quality time with Alex Sanfilippo, the brilliant founder and CEO of PodPros, a software company meticulously crafted for independent podcasters -- myself included! PodPros offers various solutions like PodMatch, PodcastSOP, Podcast Lottery, PodAwards, and Best Podcasts -- all of which are designed to improve every podcaster's end-to-end experience. Alex proves you can build an empire by focusing on delivering value and enjoying what you do while you're doing it. Hit pause on whatever you're listening to and hit pla...
2023-09-1831 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Supercharging Real Estate with Prop-Tech Visionary John Cecilian Jr.John Cecilian Jr., CEO and Founder of Cecilian Partners, radiates pure entrepreneurial energy. A people-first business owner born in Chicago, John worked his way across a ton of big brands like Micahel Kors, QuikSilver, Under Armour, Clutch, and Vineyard Vines. He learned what it means to deliver value and bring new technology to existing markets.With a passion for customer experience transformation, John shares his experiences from learning the ropes in retail to managing shareholder relationships, developing strategic initiatives, and guiding the company’s product roadmap with expertise and commitment to the real estate industry.Put...
2023-09-1523 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - How to deliver impactful digital products with Goldfish Code CEO Bryan FarrisWhat a great time it was getting to know the great Bryan Farris, the CEO and Founder of Goldfish Code!A full-fledged California boy from the Bay Area, Bryan was constantly hearing of the success of the growing tech industry. He cut his teeth as a software engineer before founding Goldfish Code with his vision for next-generation technology and digital transformation.With an extreme focus on user experience, Bryan and his team use a patented approach to delivering digital products that aren’t just user-friendly, they’re impactful. It was awesome to hear Bryan’s passion...
2023-09-1328 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Solving Problems and Securing Wealth with The Plan Man, Bruce WeinsteinIn this week's episode, I had the chance to interview the visionary financial maestro, Bruce Weinstein, who wears the dual hats of CEO and Founder of Weinstein Wealth Insurance Solutions and the dynamic host of the renowned "Ask the Planman" podcast. As an orchestrator of financial harmony, Bruce helps guide people through the labyrinth of wealth management and insurance solutions.Bruce's podcast, "Ask the Planman," serves as a beacon of knowledge in a sea of financial uncertainty, and his wisdom-rich interview provided a rare glimpse into the mind of a proper financial virtuoso. This is...
2023-09-1151 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Tim Dodd's Proven Formula For Maximizing LinkedIn To Close DealsTim Dodd is an enterprise cloud sales extraordinaire and mastermind behind JTD Group. Growing up in Delaware, Tim's story is one of relentless ambition and a passion for helping businesses flourish. His roots at the University of Delaware laid the foundation for his career, but it was his first gig as a sales rep that ignited the spark within him. Tim discovered his knack for transforming small enterprises into thriving giants, a skill that would later define his path to success.Fast forward to today, and Tim is the founder of JTD Group, an innovative company specializing...
2023-09-0820 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Green Growth: Steering the Cannabis Industry with Co-founder Scott BermanRing the bell! In this episode of The First Customer podcast, I was lucky enough to interview the Zen master himself, Scott Berman. Scott has been an NBA statistician for the Philadelphia 76ers for 35 years. He’s also the co-founder of The Panther Group — a cannabis merchant bank and advisory firm that focuses on venture funding and has a track record of successful exits in technology, healthcare, software, data, and ad tech. Hop on I-95 and head down to the Wells Fargo Center for an informative conversation about the intersection of sports, business, and cannabis.
2023-09-0625 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Scaling Bucks County Startups and the Future of Venture Funding with Jon MercerA very special episode today with my pal, Jon Mercer, the president and co-founder of Startup Bucks. It's an organization that helps startups in and beyond Bucks County, Pennsylvania. One of my favorite local folks with a smile that lights up any room -- Jon has a background in IT informatics which landed him a job at Johnson & Johnson, and from there, ignited his passion for supporting and connecting the startup ecosystem. Jon turned his focus toward venture funding and economic development, and the impact of Startup Bucks on the local community. Learn more about St...
2023-08-3139 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - The Catalytic Approach to Digital Marketing with Chris RocheFor this week's episode, I was lucky enough to sit down with a digital nomad -- Chris Roche, CEO of Catalyst Consulting. He shared some really great insights on digital marketing and entrepreneurship. Chris shared how he started his career in digital marketing and what inspired him to start his own company. He also talks about the key challenges he faced while he built his agency and how he overcame them. Make sure to tune in to this episode and get the biggest takeaway from this very inspiring interview!Guest Info:Catalyst Co...
2023-08-2934 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - The Power of Luck and Persistence with Jake Henry, CEO and Founder of LectraIn this episode of the The First Customer podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jake Henry, the CEO and founder of Lectra, a wearables company that aims to revolutionize health care. Jake shared his personal story of how his mom’s osteoarthritis and his own hip problems inspired him to create a brand that focuses on prevention rather than treatment. He also tackled how luck and persistence paved the way to his success and how important it is to love what you do so that it wouldn’t feel like you have to grind but rather just...
2023-08-2424 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Unlocking the Secrets of being a Master Communicator with Brenden KumarasamyBrenden Kumarasamy is the incredibly likable and impressively passionate CEO and founder of MasterTalk. He grew up in Montreal, Canada and initially wasn't interested in building a business but rather just looked for the fastest way to make money and became an accountant. From making videos in his mom's basement, Brenden's life changed when he met his leadership coach, who introduced him to the world of entrepreneurship and personal development. He realized that he had a passion and a talent for public speaking, which he had honed through crushing "case competitions". He started MasterTalk as a way t...
2023-08-2229 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - The Customer-Centric Journey of Brian Magrann: From Consultant to FounderIn this episode, we will be talking to Brian Magrann, the co-founder of Boilerplate.co. Originally from Philadelphia suburbs and went to Penn State, Brian started his career as an auditor and then got to work in a federal government where he did consulting. He eventually worked in a start-up distribution type of company where he identified a pain point related to tracking documentation requests.I love how he went from being a process improvement consultant to founding a software company which focuses on customers. Tune in to learn more about Brian’s journey and how he be...
2023-08-1736 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Defying the limits to achieve unstoppable opportunities with Victoria PelletierIn this episode, I am lucky enough to be joined by a multi awarded leader and professional speaker Victoria Pelletier, founder of Unstoppable You. Victoria is a C-Suite transformational leader, a keynote speaker, a Board Director and at the same time a mom, wife, fitness fanatic, foodie, wine lover, you name it! But what stands her out is her strong passion for making a difference to the society, excelling wherever she sets her heart on. Be sure to watch this episode and learn how to be the Unstoppable version of yourself!Victoria’s webs...
2023-08-1527 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - From corporate grind to the ultimate freedom of consulting with Shruti PandeyA very special episode of The First Customer podcast with Shruti Pandey, a freelancer QA Engineer AND Podcast host ... that sounds familiar!Shruti walks us through her journey to stepping out of the corporate grind and into the world of freedom with consulting and freelancing. Her story is full of passion, pride, and love for her family and her personal time.Let's take the long flight over to Mumbai together and talk to a fantastic human-being in this weeks episode ... a MUST listen! Check out her podcast ItiShruti:https://www.youtube.com...
2023-08-1132 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Bo Motlagh's Bold Beginnings: Navigating the First Client CurveToday's episode is with the great Bo Motlagh, CEO & Founder of United Effects. Bo shares his early exposure to tech and his transition from architecture to the software development world. He explains the inspiration behind United Effects, which focuses on streamlining authentication and data integration for businesses. Bo discusses his journey, the company's evolution, pricing strategy, and customer engagement, revealing how networking, customer feedback, and adaptability have shaped United Effects' success.Bo's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bmotlaghUnited Effects:https://www.unitedeffects.com/Connect with Jay on LinkedIn...
2023-08-0833 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Feathered Fortune Flying High in Business with Parakeeto CEO Marcel PetitpasMarcel Petitpas is a driven entrepreneur who embarked on his business journey with a fervent passion for building companies. However, his early ventures faced significant challenges as he navigated different industries, trying to find the right product-market fit. Despite initial setbacks, Marcel's resilience and determination led him to co-found Parakeeto, a company that assists creative and digital services firms in streamlining their operations. With a focus on pre-selling and customer validation, Marcel learned invaluable lessons that would shape his approach to entrepreneurship.In the pursuit of success, Marcel Petitpas honed his skills in marketing and customer interaction...
2023-08-0339 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Michel Nematnejad's Journey From Freelancer to Successful Business OwnerMichel Nematnejad is the founder of Mila Labs. As a skilled software engineer, he started his journey as a freelancer on Upwork, providing services to clients worldwide. Michel found success by focusing on niche markets and showcasing his expertise. This led to landing his first significant client, which boosted his confidence and opened doors for future projects.As a business owner, Michel learned the importance of balancing technical skills with sales and marketing. He acknowledged that while he excels in delivering value to warm leads, outreach and sales were his weak points. Determined to overcome this hurdle...
2023-08-0136 min
The First CustomerUnlocking Entrepreneurial Success: Neeraj Vir's Journey to Securing His First CustomerIn this episode of The First Customer podcast, host Jay Aigner interviews Neeraj Vir, the managing partner of Amalgam Inc. Neeraj shares his journey from being born and raised in New Delhi, India, to eventually landing in the United States in the early 2000s. He talks about his background in technology and his career growth from a developer to an executive in the information technology space. Neeraj also discusses the impetus behind starting Amalgam and the challenges he faced as an immigrant entrepreneur, dealing with imposter syndrome, and the importance of intentional planning and strategy in building his consulting...
2023-07-2716 min
The First CustomerReimagining Personal Development with Renee Vardouniotis CEO of the CAPE MovementRenee, the spirited co-founder of the CAPE Movement, started her journey in Southeastern PA. She honed her skills in personal development and wellness before launching an initiative aimed at facilitating individual growth.Armed with years of experience and a profound passion for nurturing self-improvement, Renee co-founded the CAPE Movement, a platform committed to providing individuals with the tools and inspiration necessary to realize their dreams and enhance personal and professional competencies.Tune in this week for an uplifting journey as we uncover Renee's compelling vision for the CAPE Movement, delve into her passionate endeavors, and...
2023-07-2521 minThe First CustomerThe First Customer - Art, Animation, and AOL: The Unlikely Roadmap of Tech Entrepreneur Ezra CohenFrommm Wessssst Philadelphia, Ezra Cohen, raised in Mount Airy, Philadelphia, initially pursued a career in animation inspired by the Dire Straits' video "Money for Nothing." He attended the University of the Arts where he delved into various artistic mediums but found his true passion in metal sculpture, particularly artisanal blacksmithing. However, after graduation, a lack of resources and studio space led him and his friend to shift their focus towards graphic design. They established themselves in Philadelphia and New York for their work in Flash animation, featuring in the Macromedia 5 Flash Bible. However, the dot-com crash led to a...
2023-07-1927 minThe First CustomerThe First Customer - The Early Internet Era Entrepreneur: A Deep Dive with Kevin KingToday we bring you the intriguing journey of Kevin King, the CEO, and founder of Effective Solutions. Born from the dorm rooms of American University, Kevin's venture arose during the inception of the internet era, paving the way for a 25-year-long entrepreneurial voyage that witnessed multiple pivots, strategic partnerships, and growth. Our conversation delves into the excitement and challenges of the early days, the evolution from web design to a multifaceted digital entity, and how the company's endurance testifies to its ability to adapt and innovate.Listen in as Kevin shares his entrepreneurial beginnings, starting Effective Solutions...
2023-07-1823 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - From layoff to life change with CEO and Founder of Omega with Marcus BlairIn this week's episode, we sit down with Marcus Blair, the dynamic engineer-turned-entrepreneur who is making waves in the tech industry. As the CEO and Founder of Omega Digital Solutions, Marcus used his extensive engineering experience to bridge the technology gap between large corporations and smaller businesses. His thrilling journey from corporate to entrepreneurial life serves as an exciting roadmap for aspiring business founders.Marcus delves into the nuances of founding Omega Digital Solutions, revealing how his 17+ year engineering career fueled his desire to create effective solutions for the technological disparities he witnessed in the corporate world...
2023-07-1337 minThe First CustomerThe First Customer - Recognizing the wave and diving in headfirst with CTO & Co-Founder Hesom ParhizkarAtlanta born-and-raised CTO and Co-founder Hesom Parhizkar cut his teeth in electrical engineering before making the switch over to computer science and the rest was history. His sharpened his skills in strategy, architecture, design and development for more than two decades then co-founded an innovative company, AdvizorPro, that provides their clients direct access to high-quality financial advisors, registered reps, and agents. Upgrade to business class this week because we're taking a quick flight down to HOTlanta to meet an awesome co-founder with a great story.Connect with Jay on LinkedInhttps://www.li...
2023-07-1148 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Making digital contracts easy with serial founder and entrepreneur Jake SteinJake Stein grew up in North Jersey and had the itch for entrepreneurialism early in life. He started creating businesses ("hair-brained schemes") in high school and that interest and passion for business never went away. He learned about venture capitalism in college, dove into that world headfirst, then came out again looking to create more businesses of his own. Do yourself a favor and look up "Startup Entrepreneur Rap Video" on YouTube to see what kind of guy we're talking about here. After founding and exiting multiple successful companies, Jake created Common Paper, a solution fo...
2023-07-0644 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Cracking the code on a universal translator with founder Joseph RousharJoe started his journey in Minneapolis, Minnesota and discovered a passion for language at an early age. Then he saw C3P0 and decided to make a universal translator a reality.He's a serial entrepreneur and IT Transformation Architect with a broad technical foundation in AI, Natural Language Processing, applications/solutions, integration, data and infrastructure and cloud implementation. Oh, and he's also fluent in Japanese and European languages.Toss on your headphones and settle in for one of the smartest, most intriguing and topical guests we've ever had on this week's episode of The First...
2023-07-0431 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - An extraordinary journey to being a serial founder and successful entrepreneur with Chris SpragueChris started out in the Lehigh Valley but also spent a ton of his youth in Philadelphia. He has an inspiring story of how being adopted helped shape a lot of his entrepreneurial journey and perspective on life. He went on to found multiple businesses, coach tons of clients to success, and help inspire people to be a better version of themselves.Get yourself a day pass to the Lehigh Valley Zoo this week and let’s wander through the exhibits of the extraordinary life of Chris M. Sprague.Connect with Jay on Lin...
2023-06-2948 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Civic-minded and social justice focused entrepreneurship with Peter WightPeter grew up in quiet Quakertown Pennsylvania. He bounced around a bunch of different non-profits, lived in the nations capitol, but his love for PA couldn't keep him away forever.Pete took his passion for politics and non-profits and built a platform that gives people a voice with social impact programs and movements. He shared lots of lessons about how to create change and go out on a limb for an idea you believe in. Hop on the PA Turnpike this week and buckle up for a fun conversation with a great founder and person d...
2023-06-2737 minThe First CustomerThe First Customer - Cold calling your way to a successful business with Nick BaléeBorn in Brazil, Nick Balee wrote business plans as a kid. He moved to America and trained with international chess champions. After college he pivoted from his history background to start his first business back down south in Brazil. After learning some important lessons, he moved back to the states and went into sales.His background in cold calling eventually helped him create second successful business. He queued up thousands of people in his network and started dialing. The rest is history.Put on some extra bug spray this week and head down t...
2023-06-2230 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Serial founder Drew Griffin shares his secrets of success to founding multiple companiesPhilly born and raised, Drew Griffin's lessons around starting with the end in mind should serve any future or current entrepreneurs well. A really inspiring, humble, smart guy that shared a lot of how he built his empire. Starting as a wound-care nursing specialist, Drew took a different path than some to being a serial founder. Now he's started and sold multiple tech companies. He also lost 125 lbs using intermittent fasting! Hearing that story alone should be enough to tune in this week. So find your alternative route down to Philly this week and...
2023-06-2037 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Using your connections to pivot into greener pastures with CEO & Founder Damian JordanDamian may be one of the nicest, coolest, and inspiring guys you'll have the pleasure of meeting.His experience ranges from representing some of the top NFL and NBA athletes in the world to founding a revolutionary platform to help people secure their future careers.Phynally is a platform that allows job-seekers to meet transparent employers and professionals without cannabis pre-employment screening.The connections Damian has made in the sports, business, and entertainment world speaks volumes on his ability to build relationships and exercise his vision.Lace up your hightops or...
2023-06-1439 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Creating a healthy self and a blooming business with founder Dr. W. Soyini PowellMy cheeks still hurt from laughing so much with the absolutely wonderful Dr. W. Soyini Powell ("Dr. Sy"). What should I have expected with someone who calls herself "The Rogue Gynecologist"???Applying the lessons she learned from getting healthy, Dr. Sy offers a transformational experience to help you take back control of your health and live your best life.Leaning on her decades of experience across various medical settings, environments, and challenges, she set out to change the way people see their health.Grab a healthy snack, put in your Airpods, and t...
2023-06-1337 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer - Unlocking your limitless potential with Limitles AF founder Adam FioreThere's quite a few people I meet that I think I can outwork. Adam Fiore is not one of those people.From his early days in the Navy to starting multiple successful businesses, Adam has walked his talk. He's currently working on his company Limitless AF which is a combination of wellness and healthtech. Put the bag of chips away this week and cinch up your belt for a really fun episode with an inspirational and impressive founder. Connect with Jay on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/The First Cus...
2023-06-0840 min