Entrepreneurs: The Billion-Dollar Secret Most Startups Miss — Why Data Beats AI Models with James Thornton + Others (Full Episode)

Richard Gearhart and Elizabeth Gearhart, co-hosts of the Passage to Profit Show interview AI and 3D tech leader James Thornton from Tafi and Daz 3D, franchise expert Cliff Nonnenmacher from Franocity and cybersecurity expert Eric Kanagy from Simplesense. James Thornton, Co-Founder and CEO of Tafi and Chairman & CEO of DAZ 3D, reveals what it really takes to build billion-dollar companies, why most entrepreneurs misunderstand scaling, and why data—not AI models—is becoming the true power behind the future of artificial intelligence. In this inspiring and deeply personal episode, James shares lessons from rebuilding struggling companies, surviving a life-changing stroke in his twenties, creating industry-leading 3D AI technology, and helping shape the next generation of AI-driven business tools. From prompt engineering and AI workflows to resilience, leadership, innovation, and the future of digital humans, this episode delivers powerful insights every entrepreneur, creator, and business leader needs to hear. Read more at: https://www.daz3d.com/ Franchise expert Cliff Nonnenmacher, founder of Franocity reveals what most people completely misunderstand about franchising, wealth creation, and escaping corporate America. In this eye-opening episode, Cliff explains how the right franchise can dramatically reduce business failure risk, why “freedom within the framework” creates successful entrepreneurs, and the critical financial and personality traits needed before investing. He also breaks down the industries he believes are most resistant to AI disruption — including home services, trades, senior care, biohacking, and youth enrichment — while sharing the biggest mistakes aspiring franchise owners make when chasing passive income and financial freedom. Read more at: https://franocity.com/ Cybersecurity expert and SimpleSense founder Eric Kanagy reveals how AI is rapidly changing the future of cyber warfare, infrastructure security, and online safety. From hacked water utilities and nation-state attacks to AI-generated scams and fake voices, this eye-opening conversation explores the growing threats businesses and everyday people face as artificial intelligence becomes more powerful. Eric explains why critical infrastructure is vulnerable, how AI is helping both attackers and defenders, and what entrepreneurs can do now to stay protected in an increasingly dangerous digital world. Read more at: https://simplesense.io/ Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, startup founder, inventor, or small business owner, the Passage to Profit Show is a leading podcast for insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, intellectual property and business strategy. Hosted by Richard Gearhart and Elizabeth Gearhart, the show features industry leaders, investors, and founders who share real-world lessons on scaling companies, protecting ideas, building generational wealth, and navigating today’s evolving business landscape. Visit https://passagetoprofitshow.com/ for the latest episodes, expert interviews, and resources designed to help you grow, protect, and profit from your ideas. Chapters (00:00:00) - Passive Intelligence: The Future of Business(00:00:25) - Passage to Profit(00:02:13) - We Got Our Patent Granted(00:02:51) - If You Filed Your Return Late, You Can Get a Ref(00:03:48) - A Few Words on Ted Turner(00:04:38) - Jimi Hendrix Legacy Lawsuit(00:05:55) - Mother's Day Plans in New York(00:07:41) - What Was the One Decision That Changed the Direction of Your Business?(00:08:41) - How to Build a Wealth of Franchising(00:10:23) - What Changed the Direction of Your Business?(00:12:18) - The One Decision That Changed the Direction of Your Business(00:15:02) - How Hard Do You Have to Work to Create a Billion-D(00:15:59) - Clifford Robbins on Working Nonstop(00:19:58) - How Having a Stroke Changed My Perspective on Life(00:22:43) - The true power of AI is data(00:25:34) - How to Describe Yourself to the AI(00:28:32) - Car Shield(00:29:43) - Better Health Insurance for You(00:30:43) - How Daz For 3-D Artists Is Taking on AI(00:40:24) - Best Uses of AI in Business Owners Roundtable(00:42:38) - ChatGPT: The Future of Image Generation(00:44:19) - Business Owners Roundtable: Real AI Use Cases(00:46:02) - Debtor Assistance Hotline(00:48:27) - The Secret to Intellectual Property(00:52:00) - Buy a Franchise(00:54:59) - How to Get Out of Corporate America(00:56:36) - Do You Need a Franchise to Create Wealth?(01:00:59) - Should You Buy a Franchise or Start a Business?(01:03:19) - What to Know Before Becoming a Franchisee(01:04:10) - Immortal Franchising: The furthest distance from AI(01:06:20) - Is Cybersecurity More Secure Than Ever?(01:12:25) - James Poneman: Could AI Prevent Cybersecurity Attacks?(01:19:02) - Car Shield(01:20:06) - Memory of the Phone(01:21:22) - Secret Weapons of the Entrepreneurial Mind(01:24:05) - How to Be More Helpful to Others(01:25:12) - Richard Gearhart and Elizabeth Gearhart: Rest Is Not Optional(01:26:50) - Passive to Profit