Shows
Founders' ForumWhat Smart Entrepreneurs Do in Uncertain Times with Kerry BensonUncertainty is everywhere—but what if it’s actually an opportunity? In this episode of Founders Forum, recorded in July 2025, Marc Bernstein sits down with Kerry Benson, alongside guest co-host Karla Trotman, to unpack how leaders can navigate constant change with clarity and confidence.Kerry, President & CEO of Big Edge Advisors, shares his journey from humble beginnings in Queens to becoming a trusted advisor to executives and boards. With over 35 years of experience in technology, finance, and leadership, he offers a grounded perspective on thriving through disruption—without losing sight of what truly matters.Together, they e...
2026-03-2528 minFounders' ForumBuilding a Design Business Rooted in Community with Rebecca AddingtonEntrepreneurship rarely follows a straight path. For Rebecca Addington, founder of Ville & Rue in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the journey blends farm roots, a passion for design, and a deep belief in the power of community.In this episode of Founders Forum, host Marc Bernstein is joined by co-hosts Ray Loewe, founder of The Luckiest Guy in the World, and Deborah Brandt, founder and CEO of Fig Industries, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, creativity, and the role community plays in building successful local businesses.Rebecca shares how growing up on a family farm shaped her entrepreneurial mindset...
2026-03-1829 minFounders' ForumBuilding Community Through Wine in Lancaster with Justina LaturaWhat happens when passion, community, and entrepreneurship come together? In this episode of Founders Forum, Marc Bernstein sits down with Justina Latura, founder and CEO of Vine Bar in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to explore how a personal passion can grow into a thriving local business.Joining Marc as guest co-hosts are Ray Loewe, known as “The Luckiest Guy in the World,” and Deborah Brandt, founder of Fig Industries. Together, they dive into a conversation about Lancaster’s strong sense of community and how it empowers entrepreneurs to build meaningful ventures.Justina’s journey into business wasn’t traditio...
2026-03-1128 minFounders' ForumJason Sherman on Turning Website Visitors Into CustomersSuccess in entrepreneurship rarely happens overnight—it’s often the result of decades of learning, experimenting, and refining what works. In this episode of Founders Forum, Marc Bernstein sits down with Jason Sherman to explore the experiences that shaped his entrepreneurial journey.In this conversation, recorded in July 2025, Jason Sherman—CEO and co-founder of Vengo AI—shares how a childhood filled with music, technology, and curiosity set the foundation for a career building and leading innovative businesses. Over the past two decades, Jason has experimented with different ventures, continuously learning from both successes and setbacks along the way....
2026-03-0728 minFounders' ForumTurning Burnout Into a Mental Fitness Company with Lissy AldenBurnout isn’t just about working too hard—it’s about lacking the mental systems to sustain performance. In this episode of Founders Forum, Lissy Alden shares how her personal burnout led her to build a company dedicated to helping individuals and organizations develop true mental fitness. Co-hosting this episode alongside Marc Bernstein is Nicole Dery, Founder of Allelo Design, who brings thoughtful perspective to the conversation around leadership, culture, and workplace dynamics.Lissy Alden, Founder and CEO of MYNDY Mental Fitness, experienced burnout firsthand while working in fast-paced corporate environments—even when she loved the work. Realizin...
2026-02-2827 minFounders' ForumReinventing HVAC for a Zero-Energy Future with Grahame MaiseyWhat if the future of air conditioning could cut your energy bills by 90%—while helping create cleaner, healthier buildings?In this episode of Founders Forum, Grahame Maisey joins Marc Bernstein, with special guest co-host Dr. Valecia “Dr. V” Dunbar, Founder & CEO of the Center for Confidence and Full Confidence RX. Together, they explore sustainability, innovation, and what it truly means to build for the future.Grahame shares his journey from post-war Leicester, England to becoming a pioneer in energy conservation in the U.S. With over 60 years of HVAC and building performance experience, he’s now laun...
2026-02-2528 minFounders' ForumNick Martin on Turning HVAC Into Climate TechWhat if the key to solving climate change was already sitting on top of every commercial building?In this powerful episode of Founders Forum, Marc Bernstein is joined by guest co-host Matt Wampler, Founder & CEO of ClearCOGS, for a forward-looking conversation with Nick Martin, Co-Founder and COO of Carbon Reform. From AI and emerging tech to climate innovation and legacy thinking, this episode blends cutting-edge insight with deeply personal storytelling.Nick shares how the unexpected loss of both his parents became the catalyst that pushed him fully into entrepreneurship. What followed was a bold mission...
2026-02-2130 minFounders' ForumBuilding a Business That Changes Lives with Brad StephensonWhat if your business wasn’t just about revenue—but about changing lives? In this inspiring episode, Brad Stephenson shares how a people-first mindset transformed his company, his career, and thousands of others along the way.Hosted by Marc Bernstein and guest co-host Ray Loewe, this conversation dives into Brad’s journey from laborer to CEO & Co-owner of Newcastle Lawn & Landscape. Brad opens up about the personal struggles that shaped his leadership style—from growing up in a challenging home environment to overcoming opioid addiction—and how those experiences fueled his mission to impact 100,000 lives.He also sh...
2026-02-1828 minFounders' ForumThe Mindset Behind Lasting Success with Gal BorensteinWhat if most disappointment comes from unspoken expectations—and the cure is a simple agreement? In this episode, we explore how shifting from assumptions to aligned agreements can transform leadership, teams, and even families.Hosted by Marc Bernstein, with guest co-host Scott Reuter of Product Command Data, this conversation features Gal Borenstein, founder and CEO of The Borenstein Group. Gal shares a remarkable journey—from flying with generals in the Israeli Defense Forces’ media unit to studying communications at Temple University and launching a niche marketing firm with just a few thousand dollars on a credit card. That b...
2026-02-1127 minFounders' ForumHow Tom McEvoy Built a Breakthrough Building ProductHow do you turn decades of corporate experience into something that truly lasts—both in business and in your community?In this episode of Founders Forum, Marc Bernstein sits down with Tom McEvoy, CEO and Founder of LumberCon LLC and Founder and Board Chair of the Uptown Theater in West Chester, Pennsylvania.After spending 24 years with Armstrong World Industries—including leadership roles overseas—Tom transitioned into entrepreneurship, helping develop a revolutionary fireproof concrete decking product. At the same time, he turned his focus toward giving back, playing a key role in bringing live performing arts back to his...
2026-02-0428 minFounders' ForumWhat the Media Really Wants: Ronica Cleary on Strategic PRWhat happens when a White House correspondent trades breaking political news for building a purpose-driven PR agency?In this episode of Founders’ Forum, Marc Bernstein sits down with Ronica Cleary to talk about clarity, intention, and the realities of growing a modern communications business.Ronica Cleary is the Founder and CEO of Cleary Strategies, a full-service public relations agency serving leaders and organizations across the U.S. Before launching her firm, Ronica spent years as a television journalist, including covering the first 18 months of the Trump administration as a White House correspondent—an experience that shap...
2026-01-2828 minFounders' ForumDarek Hahn on Turning IT Into a Business AdvantageWhat if the biggest risk to your business isn’t technology itself—but your relationship with it? In this episode of Founders’ Forum, Marc Bernstein sits down with Darek Hahn to explore why strong human connection is the missing link in modern IT and leadership.Darek Hahn is the founder and CEO of AffinIT, a relationship-first managed IT services company, and the soon-to-be-published author of Team We. Drawing from decades of experience across startups, acquisitions, and exits, Darek shares how seasons of life, business, and leadership shaped his philosophy around technology, trust, and teamwork. From selling an IT com...
2026-01-2128 minFounders' ForumWhat Sports Taught Me About Winning in Business with Coach Malcolm HairstonWhat happens when life throws you off course? For Coach Malcolm Allison Hairston, CEO of Raku Products LLC and inventor of The Hipsetter, those moments became the training ground for greatness.In this episode of Founders' Forum, Marc talks with Coach Malcolm—a leader, educator, and motivator—about how he turned personal and professional challenges into a blueprint for success. Drawing from his experiences in sports and coaching, he shares powerful lessons on discipline, mindset, and leadership that every entrepreneur can apply.From overcoming adversity to helping others unlock their potential, Coach Malcolm’s journey is a m...
2025-10-2228 minFounders' ForumShikha Miglani on Turning Data into Decisions That MatterWhat if scaling your business wasn’t about doing more, but choosing better? In this inspiring Founders’ Forum episode, host Marc Bernstein talks with Shikha Miglani, co-founder of Saarthee, a global strategy, analytics, and AI firm helping enterprises across telecom, media, retail, banking, and healthcare make smarter, fairer decisions with data.From being the only woman engineer on India’s factory floor to leading a respected AI company, Shikha shares a journey that proves you can balance innovation with empathy, and scale without losing authenticity.She opens up about how Saarthee’s mission was built on a tim...
2025-10-1527 minFounders' ForumHow Jim Logue Scaled a Company from $9M to $35MJim Logue didn’t start ThermOmegaTech, he reinvented it. When he stepped in, the company was overly reliant on one industry and struggling with culture. Today, it’s a $35M business with nearly 150 employees, serving sectors from aerospace to railroads—and even space.In this conversation, host Marc Bernstein and returning guest Branden Moyer, founder of Buzz Brands, talk with Jim about the “four pillars” that guided the turnaround: staying relevant, putting customers first, engaging employees, and committing to continuous improvement. Jim opens up about the challenges of scaling, why small wins build trust, and how delegation and cultur...
2025-10-0828 minFounders' ForumWhat Every Entrepreneur Should Know About Challenges with Tatiana BarakshinaEntrepreneurship is never a straight line—it’s full of zigzags, ups and downs, and lessons learned along the way. In this episode of Founders' Forum, Marc Bernstein sits down with Tatiana Barakshina, PhD, MBA, Managing Partner at Bazis Americas LLC, to explore her remarkable journey from Russia to the U.S. and her path to co-founding a successful healthcare market research firm.Tatiana shares how her educational journey, from earning her MBA in Illinois to completing her PhD in Chicago, shaped her passion for marketing and consumer insights. She also reflects on the challenges of building a bu...
2025-10-0124 minFounders' ForumLeading a Legacy Through Uncertainty with Karla TrotmanWhat does it take to step into a family business, honor its legacy, and still make it your own?Marc Bernstein welcomes Karla Trotman, President & CEO of Electro Soft Incorporated, to share her remarkable story. From the company’s humble beginnings on her family’s kitchen table to becoming a trusted manufacturer for the defense, aviation, and transit industries, Karla has guided Electro Soft through challenges and growth with vision and grit.Key Takeaways:How doubt can actually be a powerful leadership toolThe difficult—but necessary—family conversations that shaped h...
2025-09-0328 minFounders' ForumWhen Setbacks Shape the Story: Dick DeNenno on ResilienceFrom growing up on a dairy farm to leading a successful packaging machinery company, Dick DeNenno’s story is one of faith, resilience, and entrepreneurship. As founder and president of Reliant Packaging Machinery, Dick has spent 35+ years in the industry and built a reputation for being knowledgeable, attentive, reliable, and likable.In this episode of Founders’ Forum, Marc Bernstein talks with Dick about his unexpected journey—from teaching in Rome and pursuing ministry to navigating financial struggles and ultimately creating a thriving business serving the food and pharmaceutical industries. Through challenges big and small, Dick shares how integr...
2025-08-2727 minFounders' ForumHow Branden Moyer Builds Unforgettable Brands Through StoryFrom Disney custodian to bold brand strategist, Branden Moyer’s journey proves that knowing your story can transform your business. In this episode of Founders’ Forum, Marc Bernstein talks with Branden, founder of Buzz Brands, about creating unforgettable, story-driven identities and why authentic branding starts with self-awareness.Branden shares how his time at Disney shaped his approach to customer experience, how a cleaning company with the wrong name taught him the value of clear messaging, and how beekeeping brought clarity during personal and professional challenges. His ventures—Made to Bee Clean, The Sticky Badger, and Crew 1912—showcase his comm...
2025-08-2027 minFounders' ForumHow Competency-Based Screening is Revolutionizing Recruitment with Sandesh SukumaranWhat 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 hiring days to leading an AI-powered staffing firm. He also shares the personal risks he took to build Outcome Logix, the importance of responsible AI in recruitment, and why he's...
2025-08-0628 minFounders' ForumMarc Bernstein’s Radical Reinvention: Building a Financial Future Through 'Fiscal Therapy'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 and a career in entertainment law. But after years of navigating the entertainment industry’s challenges, Marc found a new calling — financial planning — and began reshaping the way entrepreneurs receive financial guidance.Join us as Marc s...
2025-07-1628 minFounders' ForumUnbreakable: Jason Sfire’s Story of Resilience Through 54 Surgeries and TriumphJason 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 Greene, a cybersecurity entrepreneur, author, educator, investor, and community activist, adding her perspective to this powerful conversation.Early in the episode, Jason reflects on social media’s impact on identity, setting the stage for his story of r...
2025-06-0429 minFounders' ForumWhat You May Not Be Hearing About BitcoinAlex 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, Alex uncovers the alarming reality behind SEC fines levied against major institutions like Wells Fargo and Merrill Lynch, highlighting how these practices have cost clients millions. He also explains how AI and technology enable smaller advisory firms to comp...
2025-04-1630 minFounders' ForumEntrepreneurship’s Toughest Test: Turning Setbacks into SuccessWhat happens when everything you’ve carefully planned falls apart? In this episode, co-hosts Marc Bernstein and Ang Onorato turn an unexpected guest cancellation into a powerful conversation on resilience, adaptability, and the lessons that emerge from life’s disruptions. Drawing from personal experiences—including a business lost to fire, navigating health challenges while running a business, and overcoming financial hardship—they explore how setbacks often pave the way for growth and transformation.In this episode, Marc and Ang discuss:The peaks and plummets of entrepreneurship and how to navigate themThe power of vulnerability in leade...
2025-02-1927 minFounders' ForumFrom Solo Organizer to Team Leader: Janet Bernstein’s Journey to Scaling SuccessCan you truly balance the chaos of entrepreneurship with the joyful madness of the holiday season? Join us as we unpack this challenge with our guests Jess Hallahan and Janet Bernstein, who share their ingenious tips for maintaining sanity during the festive rush. From strategic advice on pacing tasks to the delightful suggestion of dancing stress away to holiday tunes, you'll find yourself equipped with new tools for juggling multiple roles. Adding depth to our conversation, Janet, a stellar professional organizer from England, takes us on her inspiring journey from Scarborough to leading Philadelphia's largest organizing team. Her story...
2025-01-0828 min