Business & Bullsh*t: Community Still Wins in a Distracted Digital World (EP #89)

The Founderz Lounge Episode #89 with Don Varady and Steve Bon.In this episode of Business & Bullsh*t, Don and Steve break down why community still wins in a distracted digital world. They talk about the startup boom in America, what the rise in entrepreneurship really means, and why more people are trying to build businesses than ever before. They also unpack Peloton’s comeback, how smart brands stay relevant, and why small strategic changes can matter more than chasing constant reinvention.They also get into Taco Bell’s push into beverages, the rise of smart glasses, digital distraction, and what happens when technology keeps making life more connected but less human. Don’s big point in this episode is simple: real business growth still comes from real relationships, local visibility, and actually being part of your community, not just pouring more money into ads, SEO, and digital noise.If you care about entrepreneurship, local marketing, startup growth, community involvement, brand relevance, and building a business that people actually remember, this episode is for you.Timestamps:[00:00] Trailer and Intro[01:01] Founderz Roundup[01:02] Coastal Entrepreneur Awards[02:59] Startup boom in America[06:35] Peloton’s comeback[12:04] Random Bullsh*t[12:18] Taco Bell coffee and Live Más Cafes[15:09] Smart glasses and digital distraction[20:04] Founderz Hot Take[20:35] Why community involvement still wins[24:39] What The Hell Is This?[24:54] Crochet dolls and Positive PooKey Takeaways:• There are more people trying to become entrepreneurs than ever, but most still underestimate how hard it is to build something real. ~Don Varady• Peloton’s comeback shows that brands do not always need a total reinvention. Sometimes a few smart adjustments are enough to become relevant again. ~Steve Bon• “If your business is not deeply rooted in your community, you are going down.” ~Don Varady• “Your next big opportunity isn’t another Facebook ad or a Google ad or like enhancing your SEO. What’s more important is a handshake, look in the eyes, forming a relationship.” ~Don Varady• People in business do business with people that do business with them. ~Steve Bon• “I don’t think we need to be any more distracted than we already are.” ~Steve Bon• Local B2B relationships can be more valuable than spending more money trying to advertise directly to consumers. ~Don VaradyConnect with Don and Steve…Don Varady:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/don.varady/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donvarady/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-varady-450896145 Steve Bon:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenbon Instagram: https://instagram.com/stevebon8 Tune in to every episode on your favorite platform: Website: https://www.thefounderzlounge.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFounderzLounge Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Nurr4XjBE747qJ9Zjth0G Apple Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founderz-lounge/id1461825349 The Founderz Lounge is Powered By:Clean Eatz:Website: https://cleaneatz.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CleanEatzLife/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleaneatzlife/ Website: https://cleaneatz.com/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJRGrE-Xv4IMW_DbxSOTGGA Bon’s Eye Marketing:Website: https://bonseyeonline.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bonseyemarketing Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bon's-eye-marketing/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bon's-eye-marketing/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bonseyemarketing9477