Shows
Peaking Podcast#29 - Peaking with Fernando Young! Building Beluga Labs: Insights from a Startup JourneyIn this episode of the Peaking Podcast, Bryan Mikolaitis interviews Fernando Young, CEO and co-founder of Beluga Labs, an operating system for the creator economy. Fernando shares his entrepreneurial journey, from meeting his co-founder at Harvard to navigating the challenges of building a startup. He discusses the importance of understanding the creator economy, the impact of AI on content creation, and the lessons learned from his experiences at Y Combinator. The conversation also touches on the future of Beluga Labs and the trends shaping the creator landscape.TakeawaysBeluga Labs aims to be the operating...2025-07-2346 minPeaking Podcast#28 - Peaking with David Lassman! Revolutionizing Medical Training with Mixed RealityIn this conversation, David discusses his journey from venture capital to founding GigXR, a company focused on mixed reality solutions for medical training. He shares insights on the challenges and opportunities in the healthcare technology space, the evolution of medical training through simulation, and the importance of building a platform that democratizes access to immersive learning. David emphasizes the need for market education and the role of AI in enhancing medical training, while also reflecting on leadership lessons learned throughout his entrepreneurial journey.TakeawaysDavid's transition from VC to founding GigXR was driven by a desire...2025-07-2247 minPeaking Podcast#27 - Peaking with Colin Williams: From Law to Tech EntrepreneurIn this conversation, Colin Williams shares his journey from a traditional law career to becoming an entrepreneur and founder of New Era ADR. He discusses the challenges and lessons learned from his experiences in litigation, the transition to tech, and the importance of mental health in the entrepreneurial journey. Colin emphasizes the need for founders to trust their instincts, seek help, and celebrate small successes while navigating the complexities of building a startup. He also reflects on the acquisition of his previous company by Etsy and the mindset shifts that come with growth and success.Takeaways2025-07-1749 minPeaking Podcast#26 - Peaking with Justin DiRaddo! Building a Next-Gen Recruiting Platform!SummaryIn this conversation, Wyatt Carr interviews Justin DiRaddo, founder of SeekLab, discussing his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of building a recruitment platform, and the impact of AI on the staffing industry. Justin shares insights on navigating advice, the importance of revenue and margins, and the future of recruitment technology. The discussion also touches on personal growth, company culture, and the significance of maintaining relationships in the recruiting business.2025-07-1543 minPeaking Podcast#25 - Peaking with Nikki Kaushik! Building a family business into an empire!SummaryIn this episode, Wyatt Carr interviews Nikki Kaushik, co-founder and CPO of Quantic, who shares her inspiring journey from India to the US and her experiences in the tech and restaurant industries. The conversation delves into the challenges of building a cloud-based point of sale system for restaurants, the importance of customer support, and the role of AI in transforming restaurant operations. Nikki emphasizes the significance of learning from customers and competition, and discusses the dynamics of running a family business while looking forward to future innovations and expansions.Chapters2025-07-0750 minPeaking Podcast#24 - Peaking with Julia Enthoven! Story of Kapwing; meme generator to a video editing suiteOn the latest episode of Peaking, Wyatt sat down with Julia, CEO of Kapwing, to dive into the wild ride of transforming an idea into a fast-growing startup.Julia left a stable PM role at Google to chase a vision: make video editing accessible and fast for everyone — creators, teams, marketers, and beyond.“Done is better than perfect.”That’s been her mantra through:✅ Pivoting Kapwing from a meme generator into a full-fledged video editing suite✅ Navigating the highs (and rejection-filled lows) of fundraising✅ Embracing AI to reshape how video content gets created and shared✅ Ch...2025-06-3046 minPeaking Podcast#23 - Peaking with Cihan Atkin! Revolutionizing Movie Access with Venue+In this episode, Cihan Atkin, founder of Cinex and the innovative Venue+ platform, discusses his entrepreneurial journey as a first-generation immigrant and the vision behind Venue+. The platform aims to redefine how audiences experience movies and live events from home, focusing on inclusivity for independent filmmakers and diverse audiences. Cihan shares insights on market research, the role of AI in content creation, and the challenges of customer acquisition in a saturated streaming market. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration within the industry and the potential for Venue+ to enhance the overall entertainment experience.Chapters2025-06-2357 minPeaking Podcast#22 - Peaking with Mark Abrams and Jake Leskovar! Innovating Affiliate Marketing with AIIn this episode of the Peaking Podcast, Bryan Mikolaitis hosts Mark Abrams and Jake Leskovar, who share their entrepreneurial journeys, the innovative technology behind Tree3 and XP Flow, and insights into affiliate marketing. They discuss the challenges of building a startup, the importance of team culture, and strategies for funding and growth. Mark emphasizes the need for persistence and passion in entrepreneurship, while Jake highlights the role of AI in simplifying affiliate management.00:00 Introduction to the Guests and Their Backgrounds02:47 Mark Abrams: From Politics to Entrepreneurship06:07 The Birth of Tree3 and Its Innovative Technology09:07 Aha Moments and Partnerships: The...2025-06-1952 minPeaking Podcast#21 - Peaking with Bob Witkow! Building MedTech with a mission!SummaryIn this conversation, Bob Witkow shares his journey as a founder in the medical technology space, particularly focusing on his company Emet Surgical. He discusses his transition from a successful sales manager to a startup founder, the challenges and pivots faced in developing their product, and the importance of asking questions in the innovation process. Bob emphasizes the significance of building a strong advisory board, the unique approach to their software solution, and the impact of their technology on surgical precision. He also reflects on the personal motivations driving his work, including his experiences with cancer...2025-06-1657 minPeaking Podcast#20 - Peaking with Nora Sheils! Building a Wedding Planning Empire!In this episode of the Peaking Podcast, Bryan Mikolaitis interviews Nora Shiels, founder of Bridal Bliss and co-founder of Rock Paper Coin. Nora shares her journey from growing up in a family of Iraqi immigrants to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the wedding industry. She discusses the challenges of starting a software company without a technical background, the importance of building a positive company culture, and the lessons learned from her experiences as a business owner. Nora also touches on the balance between work and family life, the funding journey for her business, and the potential incorporation of AI...2025-06-1135 minPeaking Podcast#19 - Peaking with John Kanarowski: From DealDeal.com to Implicit!In this conversation, John Kanarowski shares his extensive experience in the tech industry, particularly in sales and customer support. He discusses his journey from co-founding Deal Deal during the early internet era to leading Implicit, a company focused on AI-driven customer support solutions. John emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs, the impact of AI on the workforce, and the significance of maintaining a positive mindset in the face of change. He also reflects on personal milestones and the value of resilience in both personal and professional life.takeawaysJohn has been working remotely for nearly 20 years, long...2025-06-0957 minPeaking Podcast#18 - Peaking with John Bodrozic, a serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Home Zada!In this episode of the Peaking Podcast, Bryan Mikolaitis interviews John Bodrozic, a serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Home Zada. John shares his journey from a mechanical engineer in the construction industry to a successful software entrepreneur. He discusses the challenges and decisions he faced when starting his first company, the importance of understanding personal circumstances in entrepreneurship, and the dynamics of co-founder relationships. John also introduces Home Zada, a platform designed to help homeowners manage their properties more effectively, highlighting its features and market strategy. In this conversation, John Bodrozic discusses the evolution of HomeZada, a platform designed...2025-06-0545 minPeaking Podcast# 17 - Peaking with Terry James! Connecting Through Pets: The Offleashed JourneyIn this episode of the Peaking Podcast, Bryan Mikolaitis interviews Terry James, CEO of Offleashed, a social app designed to connect pet lovers. Terry shares his journey from finance to the pet industry, emphasizing the importance of pets in building community and connection. He discusses the challenges of transitioning to technology, the role of AI in enhancing user experience, and the growth of the Offleashed community. The conversation highlights the significance of real-life interactions and the future roadmap for Offleashed, inviting listeners to join the mission.TakeawaysTerry James is the CEO and co-founder of...2025-06-0232 minPeaking Podcast#16 - Peaking with Mazarine Treyz, Unlocking Government Contracts!In this episode of the Peaking Podcast, host Bryan Mikolaitis speaks with Mazarine Treyz, an accomplished author, podcaster, and entrepreneur. Mazarine shares her extensive background in the nonprofit sector and her transition to helping small business owners secure government contracts. The conversation delves into the importance of embracing failure, the nuances of government contracting, and the resources available for entrepreneurs. Mazarine emphasizes the significance of networking, understanding RFPs, and the benefits of COVID certification for minority-owned businesses. She also shares success stories of clients who have thrived through government contracts, highlighting the potential for lucrative opportunities in this space.2025-05-2931 minPeaking Podcast#15 - Peaking with Kathy Long! Community, values, and innovation in entrepreneurship!SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Kathy Long, founder and CEO of Adept Exec, shares her non-linear career journey, emphasizing the importance of community, values, and innovation in entrepreneurship. She discusses her mission to create a neuro-affirming workplace and the development of the Nixit app, designed to support neurodiverse individuals. Kathy also highlights the significance of employee ownership, non-negotiables in business, and the challenges of funding, offering valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and recent graduates.Chapters00:00 Kathy Long's Journey: A Non-Linear Career Path04:41 The Birth of Adept Exec and...2025-05-261h 05Peaking Podcast#14 - Peaking with Philip Van Drunen! Business opportunity is everywhere!SummaryIn this episode of the Peaking Podcast, Wyatt Carr sits down with Philip Van Drunen — a self-described accidental entrepreneur and the founder of multiple ventures, including a company that builds interactive exhibits for children’s museums and Captional, a real-time captioning and translation platform for live events.Philip shares his unconventional path into entrepreneurship, the creative challenges of designing engaging museum experiences, and how Captional is pushing the boundaries of multilingual communication in real time. The conversation explores the business models behind his ventures, the future of accessible tech at events, and his foray into the RV fibe...2025-05-191h 07Peaking Podcast#13 - Peaking with Viral Shah, Co-Founder and CPO of DatabuttonIn this conversation, Viral Shah, the Chief Product Officer and co-founder of Data Button, shares his journey from mechanical engineering to the tech industry, highlighting his experiences at Microsoft and the lessons learned in product development. He discusses the inception of Data Button, a platform designed to empower small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to create their own software solutions without the need for extensive technical knowledge. Viral emphasizes the importance of user feedback in the development process and shares success stories from customers who have benefited from Data Button's capabilities. In this conversation, Bryan Mikolaitis and Viral discuss the...2025-05-1539 minPeaking Podcast#12 - Peaking with Barbara Tallent, CEO and co-founder of Atsign. Cybersecurity, cryptography, and digital privacy innovation.SummaryIn this conversation, Barbara Tallent, co-founder and CEO of AtSign, discusses her journey in the tech industry, the mission of AtSign to enhance internet security and privacy, and the innovative approaches they are taking to address current cybersecurity challenges. She shares insights on building a company culture, the importance of people in a startup, and her experiences as a woman in tech. The discussion also touches on the future of security, funding strategies, and the impact of AtSign's technology on critical infrastructure.2025-05-051h 11Peaking PodcastIronman Texas Race RecapSummaryWyatt Carr shares his experience during Ironman Texas, detailing the excitement leading up to the race, the unfortunate bike crash that resulted in a broken clavicle, and the support he received from fellow racers and spectators. He reflects on the importance of community and resilience in the face of adversity, emphasizing that the journey is just as important as the destination.2025-05-0317 minPeaking Podcast#11 - Peaking with Chris Sopher, CEO and co-founder of Letterhead. The evolution of media, and the importance of community engagementIn this episode, Chris Sopher, CEO and co-founder of Letterhead, shares his journey in the media industry, discussing his early influences, the evolution of media, and the importance of community engagement. He emphasizes the need for new media professionals to understand the business context of their work and highlights emerging roles in audience development. Chris also reflects on his entrepreneurial journey and the significance of place in fostering community connections, ultimately leading to the creation of Letterhead, a tool designed to enhance email marketing and content management for various organizations. In this conversation, Chris Sopher discusses the evolution of...2025-05-0148 minPeaking Podcast#10 - Peaking with Rick Beaton! How AI will affect leadership, the future of organizational change, and the intersection of higher education and business!To support the pod, get your energy bar fix at https://www.mammothbar.com/discount/PEAKINGSummaryIn this conversation, Rick Beaton discusses his extensive background in organizational culture, AI adoption, and leadership strategy. He emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural dynamics in business, the challenges of AI integration, and the need for personalized leadership development. Beaton critiques traditional educational and corporate training models, advocating for a more nuanced approach that recognizes individual differences and promotes a healthy organizational culture. He also explores the future of AI in business and the potential for technology to enha...2025-04-281h 27Peaking Podcast#9 - Peaking with Tom Irby! Competing with Michael Dell, disrupt-able industries, and a little bit of luck!SummaryIn this conversation, Tom Irby, co-founder and CEO of Skribe AI, shares his extensive entrepreneurial journey, highlighting his experiences in the PC industry, telecom, and the legal tech space. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in transitioning from traditional court reporting to an AI-powered solution that enhances efficiency and reduces costs in legal proceedings. Tom emphasizes the importance of understanding market needs through discovery and the role of AI in transforming legal services. He also outlines Skribe's vision for the future, aiming to create a comprehensive testimony intelligence platform that benefits both attorneys and clients.2025-04-241h 16Peaking Podcast#8 - Peaking with Quoc Nguyen! Changing E-Commerce Forever, Moving to the US Market, and Being Aussie in America!SummaryIn this engaging conversation, I peaked with Quoc Nguyen, co-founder of Preezie, who shares his journey from Australia to the US, discussing the evolution of his AI shopping assistant startup. He highlights the challenges of navigating different markets, the importance of funding, and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives innovation. Quoc emphasizes the role of AI in transforming e-commerce and the need for businesses to adapt to stay competitive. He also discusses the significance of building a strong company culture and the future of online shopping, where AI agents will play a crucial role in enhancing customer...2025-04-211h 18Peaking Podcast#7 - Peaking with Fred Stacey! Industry evolution, starting at the bottom, and leading from the front!In this conversation, Wyatt peaks with Fred Stacey, CEO of Cloud Tech Gurus. Fred shares insights from his extensive career in the call center and technology industries. He discusses his distaste for Vegas, the evolution of customer experience, and the impact of AI on the future of contact centers. Fred emphasizes the importance of agent experience, mentorship, and work ethic in achieving success. He also highlights the role of trusted advisors in navigating the complex telecom landscape and the need for companies to prepare for AI integration.To support the pod, get your energy bar fix at ht...2025-04-171h 14Peaking Podcast#6 - Peaking with Kevin Price! Building from 0, staying power, small but mighty!In this conversation, Wyatt peaks with Kevin Price, founder and CEO of AccuCode. Kevin shares his journey from starting a barcode technology company in a Colorado basement to leading a successful tech company. He discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of customer trust, and the evolution of his business offerings. Kevin emphasizes the need for transparency and a customer-centric approach in business, as well as the significance of finding and solving real problems in the market. Kevin Price started AccuCode with no prior experience in entrepreneurship.The early days of a startup are filled with challenges and...2025-04-141h 18Peaking Podcast#5 - Peaking with Jon Merripen! Mixing Martial Arts and Business!SummaryIn this conversation, Bryan peaks with Jon Merripen, the CTO of Leisure Link, about his journey in martial arts and entrepreneurship. Jon shares insights into his daily life balancing teaching martial arts and running a startup, his passion for technology, and the vision behind Leisure Link. He discusses the importance of building a strong team and the challenges of navigating competition in the startup world. The conversation highlights Jon's commitment to creating a product that addresses the shortcomings of current social networks and his dedication to making a positive impact through technology. Takeaways...2025-04-1157 minPeaking Podcast#4 - Peaking with Collin Caffrey: Finding your niche and flying with it!SummaryIn this conversation, Wyatt Carr interviews Collin, the founder of FlyRoute, about his journey from private aviation to using drones in sports. They discuss the evolution of drone technology, the challenges of building a business in this niche market, and the importance of pivoting based on market needs. Collin shares insights on managing drone pilots, sales strategies, and the future of drones in athletics. The conversation also touches on personal adventures, including hiking 14ers and the parallels between outdoor challenges and entrepreneurship.https://www.flyroute.com/Takeaways:Collin's journey into drones...2025-04-101h 21Peaking Podcast#3 - Peaking with Nicole Magelssen! Entrepreneurship by necessity!!In this episode, Wyatt peaks with Nicole Magelssen, founder of Alpine VA, discussing her journey from being a virtual assistant to running a successful agency. Nicole, who runs the largest Denver VA company, shares her experiences, challenges, and insights on entrepreneurship, hiring, and the importance of work-life balance. She emphasizes the value of delegating tasks to virtual assistants and how it can lead to better leadership and business growth. The conversation also touches on parenting, scaling a business, and the significance of finding passion in work. Find more at https://www.alpinevirtual.com/blog/hire-your-denver-virtual-assistant (where you say...2025-04-0753 minPeaking Podcast#2 - Peaking with William Loopesko! Protecting the Earth through Entrepreneurship!!On this episode, Wyatt peaks with William Loopesko, CTO and Co-Founder of Aclymate. William is a 2x Founder and knows the ups and downs of starting and running a business. He shares his lessons learned, funny quips, and what you and your company can do to impact the global effort to reduce climate change.Check out his company at aclymate.com and sign up to calculate and track your personal greenhouse gas emissions!To support the podcast, get your nicotine fix at http://zippixtoothpicks.com/peaking2025-04-0355 minPeaking Podcast#1 - Peaking with Brian Wiles! Podcasting Entrepreneurship!Wyatt peaks with Brian Wiles, a podcast host and entrepreneur, about his shift from corporate life to entrepreneurship and his podcasting journey. They discuss common podcasting pitfalls, success metrics, emphasizing self-promotion, content creation, and cross-platform strategies. Brian shares insights on production time, monetization challenges, and using podcasts for business promotion. The conversation also covers anchor questions for interviews, starting a podcast, and balancing athletics with business, highlighting lessons from building a company.Takeaways Define success metrics for podcasts upfront. Passion can drive the corporate-to-entrepreneurship transition. An MBA offers finance and networking benefits. Podcasting boosts thought leadership...2025-03-271h 07Peaking Podcast#1 - Peaking with Brian Wiles**Audio episode with pauses taken out**Wyatt peaks with Brian Wiles, a podcast host and entrepreneur, about his shift from corporate life to entrepreneurship and his podcasting journey. They discuss common podcasting pitfalls, success metrics, emphasizing self-promotion, content creation, and cross-platform strategies. Brian shares insights on production time, monetization challenges, and using podcasts for business promotion. The conversation also covers anchor questions for interviews, starting a podcast, and balancing athletics with business, highlighting lessons from building a company.Takeaways Define success metrics for podcasts upfront. Passion can drive the corporate-to-entrepreneurship transition. An MBA offers...2025-03-2655 minPeaking PodcastIntroduction to Peaking with Wyatt Carr!Quick intro for the show!2025-03-2601 minPeaking PodcastIntroduction to Peaking!Welcome to the pod! 2025-03-2601 min