Shows
Amplified CEOGiles Walger | OODAxWhat if breaking into the federal market didn’t have to be a bureaucratic nightmare?In this episode of Amplified CEO, Richard Stroupe sits down with Giles Walger — retired Marine, former AWS mission engineering lead, and founder of OODAx — to talk about what it really takes for startups to succeed in the world of defense and government contracting.From warfighter needs at the edge to the pain points of procurement, Giles shares lessons from his military career, his time at Amazon Web Services, and his work advising early-stage tech companies. If you’re building...2025-07-041h 36
Amplified CEOChris Hornbecker | VC and AdvisorChris Hornbecker — What Comes Next: Founders, Exits, and the Future of AIIn this episode of Amplified CEO, Richard Stroupe sits down with Chris Hornbecker, a serial founder and former tech CEO with multiple successful exits, including companies like Xgility and Solutions Developers.Together, they explore what life looks like after building and selling a business — from identity shifts to the search for purpose beyond the exit. They talk candidly about the realities many founders face but rarely discuss, including self-doubt and the drive to “do it again.”They also dig into the...2025-06-131h 30
Amplified CEOTyson Nargassans | Jurassic CapitalWhat does it really take to build a $10M ARR company, survive a financial crash, pivot through a recession, and still come out on top?On this episode of Amplified CEO, Richard Stroupe sits down with Tyson Nargassans — Operating Advisor at Jurassic Capital and Founder and former CEO of Saylent — to explore the mindset, strategy, and resilience behind scaling a B2B fintech company to a successful exit. Tyson opens up about learning to listen to the market, overcoming the loneliness of leadership, and knowing when to step away. This episode is packed with real talk...2025-05-301h 33
Amplified CEORobin Cowie | Skillmaker.AIWhat do The Blair Witch Project, Madden NFL, and cutting-edge workforce training have in common? It's Robin Cowie and in this episode of Amplified CEO, Richard Stroupe talks to the Founder and CEO of Skillmaker.AI—to explore how immersive tech and AI are reshaping how we train the next generation of skilled workers. From producing one of the most iconic indie films of all time to reinventing automotive technician training with XR and smart glasses, Robin shares his fascinating journey through storytelling, game development, and entrepreneurship.https://skillmaker.ai/https://www.linkedin.com/in/robincowie/...2025-05-161h 53
Amplified CEOScott Chamberlin | Customers BankIn this episode of Amplified CEO, host Richard Stroupe sits down with Scott Chamberlin, Managing Director of Venture Capital Relationships at Customers Bank. With over 25 years of experience in tech banking across Silicon Valley, Boston, Toronto, and now Wilmington, NC, Scott shares his journey from launching startup-focused banking divisions to navigating the evolving landscape of venture lending. He offers valuable insights into how venture debt works, what founders should know when raising capital, the future of AI in finance, and why he believes Wilmington could become the next hidden gem for entrepreneurs.Customers...2025-05-021h 09
Amplified CEOGeneral Robert Cooley, Jr. | NureamIn this episode of Amplified CEO, host Richard Stroupe sits down with General Robert S. Cooley, Jr.—retired U.S. Army Brigadier General, co-founder of neurodata science company Nuream, and owner of two beloved Wilmington businesses: Apple Annie’s Bake Shop and The Wine Sampler. Rob shares insights from his 37 years of military service, his early start in entrepreneurship, and his experience navigating everything from biotech exits to his "Main Street" bakery. He also reflects on Wilmington’s tight-knit startup ecosystem, the importance of mentorship, and how lessons from the battlefield continue to shape his approach to business and leader...2025-04-121h 29
Amplified CEOKevin Green | NextPoint GroupOn this episode of Amplified CEO, Richard Stroupe sits down with Kevin Green, Partner and Chief Strategy Officer at NextPoint Group, a consulting firm delivering mission-critical IT solutions and professional services to the defense, intelligence, and homeland security sectors. Kevin is also the Co-Founder of Horns and Hens Farm, known for it's Scottish Highland cattle, as well as Odysseus Holdings and Brittmore Capital.Send us a text. Leave your phone number if you'd like a reply. Thanks!Co-Produced by Topsail Insider and Cape Fear VenturesEditor: Jim Mendes-Pouget | jimpouget@gmail.com To...2025-03-281h 42
Amplified CEOScott Moody | AuthenTec, K4Connect, and First Talent VenturesWhat happens when an entrepreneur finally steps away from the grind—only to be pulled back in? Scott Moody, co-founder of AuthenTec—the company behind the fingerprint technology that became a cornerstone of Apple’s Touch ID—joins Richard Stroupe, host of Amplified CEO, to discuss the challenges of retirement, the thrill of reinvention, and why purpose, not just profit, drives him. From his latest mission-driven company, K4Connect, to his venture capital firm, First Talent Ventures, Scott shares his insights on what keeps entrepreneurs coming back for more.https://www.k4connect...2025-03-141h 34
Amplified CEOJeff Peterson | Peterson PropertiesIn this episode of Amplified CEO, host Richard Stroupe sits down with Jeff Peterson, owner of Peterson Properties, to discuss his journey from running an upholstery business to becoming a successful real estate developer. Jeff shares how he got started, the challenges he faced, and his approach to growing a diverse portfolio of vacation rentals, commercial properties, and developments like Peterson Station in Cary. He also talks about working with family, taking risks, and what’s next for his business.Website: https://petersonproperties.co/Follow Pe...2025-02-281h 19
Amplified CEODavid Reeser | OpiAIDCan AI change the future of opioid use disorder treatment?On this episode of Amplified CEO, host Richard Stroupe sits down with David Reeser, Founder and CEO of OpiAID, a groundbreaking company using artificial intelligence to transform the way we treat opioid use disorder. From his early passion for healthcare to pioneering predictive analytics, David shares how real-time biometric data and AI-driven insights are reshaping recovery.https://opiaid.ai/This episode edited by Nomadic Orca | www.nomadicorca...2025-02-141h 16
Amplified CEOIan Padrick | OhanafyRichard's guest is Ian Padrick, CEO and founder of Ohanafy, an AI-powered platform revolutionizing the food and beverage industry. Ohanafy helps businesses streamline operations, leverage data-driven insights for smarter decision-making, and maximize revenue from start to finish.Ian shares the pivotal moments that led him to leave a secure corporate career, the challenges of building a scalable AI-powered platform, and how his team is modernizing operations for businesses across the industry.www.ohanafy.aiFacebookLinkedlnInstagramYouTubeXSend us a text. Leave your phone number if...2025-01-311h 16
Amplified CEOJustin Williams | Carolina Marketing CompanyToday’s guest is Justin Williams, CEO of Carolina Marketing Co. With over 20 years in regional publishing, Justin’s portfolio includes lifestyle magazines that spotlight communities from Oak Island and Southport to Wilmington and Topsail. His team specializes in graphic design, digital marketing, geofencing, and delivering media and services that connect people and tell the stories of locals and businesses in coastal North Carolina.www.carolinamarketingcompany.comAddress: 1010 Evangeline Dr, Ste 201, Leland, NC 28451Phone: (910) 207-0156Email: cmc@carolinamarketingcompany.comFacebookInstagramSend us a text. Leave your phone number if you...2025-01-171h 42
Amplified CEOJim Roberts | Network for Entrepreneurs in WilmingtonJim Roberts, Founder of NEW - Network for Entrepreneurs in Wilmington - sits down with Richard and discusses his journey from growing up in Florida to becoming a pivotal figure in North Carolina’s startup scene. Jim shares his initiatives in Charlotte, Asheville, and Raleigh before ultimately focusing on Wilmington.He shares insights on the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, the role of the CIE at UNCW, and the evolution of Wilmington's innovation landscape. Jim's story highlights the importance of building a robust support system for startups and how Wilmington has become a significant player in North Carolina’s entr...2025-01-031h 44
Amplified CEODanielle Mahon | Topsail SteamerToday’s guest is Danielle Mahon, founder and CEO of Topsail Steamer, specializing in providing take-home seafood steam pots.In this episode, we discuss Danielle’s detailed vision and operational experience with Topsail Steamer, her entrepreneurial roots, AND her recent experience with the widely popular Shark Tank.Send us a text. Leave your phone number if you'd like a reply. Thanks!Co-Produced by Topsail Insider and Cape Fear VenturesEditor: Jim Mendes-Pouget | jimpouget@gmail.com To learn more about Amplified CEO, visit www.topsailinsider.com/aceoTo learn more abou...2024-12-191h 34
Topsail InsiderPart 1 | Saltwater Resort, The Hive, and Cape Fear VenturesWe have our long-time sponsor and owner of Saltwater Suites, Dr. Richard Stroupe, joining Topsail Insider once again! This time, we’re talking about the Grand Opening of his second Saltwater property, Saltwater Resort! He shares the hurdles he’s faced and subsequent delays with this project, the similarities and differences between the two properties, and the excitement over the property's new Event Center. Be sure to listen to Part 2 where Richard discusses The Hive, a boutique hotel he recently acquired in downtown Wilmington. He also offers valuable insights into investing, the Wilmington market, and his venture capi...2024-05-2449 min
Topsail InsiderSaltwater SuitesJoin me as I sit down with Richard Stroupe, the owner of Saltwater Suites, a unique hotel located in Surf City, North Carolina. You’ll learn all about Saltwater Suites and its wonderful features as well as Richard’s newest property under construction, Saltwater Resort. He also created a non-profit, Saltwater Foundation, to give back to the Greater Topsail and Pender communities.He’s providing opportunities and growth here in the Topsail area and Wilmington, not only in Hospitality, but also as a Software Engineer and Venture Capitalist.Be sure to stick around until t...2023-07-1444 min