BIZ/DEV

In this episode of Biz/Dev, we sit down with Mark Sears, founder of Sprout AI and former CloudFactory leader, to talk about building AI companies from the ground up.Mark shares what it looks like to launch and support startups through a venture studio model, how AI is shaping the next generation of companies, and what founders need to think about beyond just the technology.We also get into how to build with intention, where AI is actually creating value, and what it takes to turn early ideas into real businesses.LINKS:Mark on LinkedInSprout AI on LinkedInSprout AI Website___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

In this episode of Biz/Dev, we sit down with Nick Miller, founder of Pellucid Network and former AWS and In-Q-Tel leader, to talk about what actually slows companies down when adopting new technology.Nick shares why procurement is often overlooked in digital transformation and where companies get stuck between proof-of-concept and real implementation. We also get into how AI is actually being adopted, why marketplaces are changing how software is bought, and what it takes for organizations to move faster with the right tools in place.LINKS:Nick on LinkedInPellucid Network on LinkedIn Pellucid Network Website___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

In this episode of Biz/Dev, we sit down with Elizabeth Ruf of Elizabeth Ruf Consulting LLC for a fun and refreshing conversation on networking, relationships, and what it really means to be an introvert in a world that often rewards being the loudest in the room.Elizabeth shares her perspective on building meaningful connections, showing up authentically, and finding your own rhythm in business without forcing a version of yourself that doesn’t fit.Elizabeth on LinkedInElizabeth's Website___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

In this episode of Biz/Dev, we talk with Katie Garwood, founder of One Eleven Group, about what it looks like to build marketing that actually fits the business it is meant to support.Katie takes a hands-on approach, working closely with teams, staying in the details, and designing strategies based on real data, not assumptions.We get into why one-size-fits-all marketing falls short, how being close to the work leads to better decisions, and what it takes to create campaigns that reflect how a business actually operates.LINKS:One Eleven Group WebsiteKatie on LinkedInFree Headshots with One Eleven Group___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

In this episode of Biz/Dev, we talk with Taja Graham, founder of OpsIQ, about what starts to break inside a business as it grows.Taja works with founder-led companies that have traction but are beginning to feel the strain of it. Execution slows, everything runs through the founder, and adding people or tools doesn’t fix the underlying issues.We get into why growth often outpaces operations, how to identify where work is leaking across a business, and what it takes to build systems that actually support scale.Along the way, we also touch on system integration and how founders can step out of the middle of everything without losing visibility or control.Taja on LinkedInOpsIQ WebsiteFree Assessment Link___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

In this episode of Biz/Dev, we talk with Brian Ralph, leadership advisor, executive coach, and founder of Brian Ralph Leadership, about what it actually takes to lead organizations through change and complexity.Brian brings a background that spans higher education, corporate leadership, and deep involvement in the Raleigh business and nonprofit community. His work focuses on helping leaders get clear on where they’re going, how they make decisions, and how teams actually move forward together.We get into why strategy often breaks down inside organizations, how leaders can better navigate competing priorities, and what it takes to create alignment that actually drives results.Along the way, we also talk about executive coaching, building stronger teams, and why the best leaders stay close to the real challenges inside their organizations while still pushing toward long-term growth.Brian on LinkedInBrian Ralph LLC on LinkedIn___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

In this episode of Biz/Dev, we sit down with Jack Fleming, founder of Phrayz and Socialry, and someone who is deeply embedded in the Wilmington startup community.Jack is one of those builders who is constantly in motion, running an agency, launching new products, and bringing founders together through things like 1 Million Cups. That perspective shows up in how he thinks about business.We get into how working across so many industries shaped his approach to marketing, what pushed him to build Phrayz, and why creating content without real context behind it rarely works.Along the way, we talk about the energy it takes to build early, staying close to the people you are serving, and what it looks like to grow something while you are still figuring it out in real time.Jack on LinkedInPhrayz on LinkedInPhrayz Website___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

In this episode of Biz/Dev, we talk with Jeff Seymour, CEO and Co-Founder of Softsellr, about what it actually takes to close and grow enterprise deals.Jeff has spent years working inside complex sales environments, from Quantexa and TIBCO to now building Softsellr, and brings a clear perspective on how revenue really gets built.We get into why most sales strategies break down in practice, how relationships actually drive deals forward, and what it takes to create consistency in long, multi-stakeholder sales cycles.Along the way, we also talk about partner ecosystems, real account intel, and how buyers actually make decisions.Softsellr WebsiteJeff on LinkedIn___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

In this episode of Biz/Dev, we talk with Chris Geiss, Co-Founder and CEO of Seguno, about building software for the ecommerce ecosystem and what it takes to create products that live inside a larger platform like Shopify.Chris shares his path from engineering roles at IBM and product leadership at Bronto Software to co-founding Seguno, an email marketing platform built specifically for Shopify merchants. We get into how platform ecosystems shape product decisions and why understanding how customers actually work should drive what you build.Along the way, we also discuss how AI is beginning to show up inside everyday business tools, where it can be useful, and why thoughtful implementation still matters.Seguno WebsiteChris on LinkedIn___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

In this episode of Biz/Dev, we talk with David Watkins, founder of PlanMyKids, about the realities of building products that actually solve everyday problems.We get into the intersection of product strategy and entrepreneurship from leading enterprise product teams at companies like IBM and AT&T to launching a startup focused on simplifying how parents plan activities for their kids. David shares how years in product management shaped the way he approaches building, validating, and evolving ideas in the real world.Along the way, we talk about what it takes to move from strategy to execution, how customer insight should drive product decisions, and why the best founders stay curious while solving problems that matter.Plan My Kids WebsitePromo Code: bigpixel25 for 25% off a plan___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

In this episode of Biz/Dev, we talk with Runbin Dong, founder of Scale Social AI, about what it looks like to take an AI-driven business to market right now, when the SaaS playbook is shifting and “authentic” is either real or it’s noise.We get into building with intent, investing in yourself before anyone else does, taking full ownership when things get hard, and what it really means to start from scratch without pretending you’ve got it all figured out.Runbin shares the mindset shifts founders need in this new landscape, the traps people fall into when they chase hype, and how to build something that actually earns attention, not just clicks.Runbin on LinkedInEmail Scale Social AI___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

In this episode of Biz/Dev, we talk with Runbin Dong, founder of Scale Social AI, about what it looks like to take an AI-driven business to market right now, when the SaaS playbook is shifting and “authentic” is either real or it’s noise.We get into building with intent, investing in yourself before anyone else does, taking full ownership when things get hard, and what it really means to start from scratch without pretending you’ve got it all figured out.Runbin shares the mindset shifts founders need in this new landscape, the traps people fall into when they chase hype, and how to build something that actually earns attention, not just clicks.Runbin on LinkedInEmail Scale Social AI___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

In this episode of Biz/Dev, we talk with Pam Stocks, founder of On The Books, about the operational side of building a business that most founders only learn through experience.We get into setting up finances the right way early, hiring ahead of the chaos, planning instead of reacting, and the small structures that keep growth from getting messy. Pam shares the patterns she sees across startups, the signals leaders should pay attention to, and how to stay a few steps ahead while you’re busy building something real.LINKS:Pamela on LinkedInOn the Books LinkedIn___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

In this episode of Biz/Dev, we talk with Oz Merchant, founder of Futureproof, about the real struggle of building a company from the ground up.We discuss being a founder, navigating funding, generating leads, and what it actually takes to go from zero to one and close that first meaningful sale.LINKS:Accelerator HubOz on LinkedInFuture Proof on LinkedIn___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

After eight years helping shape Raleigh’s startup scene at Raleigh Founded, Lauren Romer is stepping into something deeply personal.In this episode of Biz/Dev, Lauren shares what it feels like to walk away from a role that defined a decade of her life and bet on the thing she has quietly been building all along: Romer & Company.We talk about the emotional weight of leaving a community you helped grow, what it takes to trust yourself when the path is no longer obvious, and how working alongside founders for years can give you the courage to finally become one yourself. Lauren also opens up about how design, sustainability, and intentional space are not just aesthetic choices, but tools for building better lives and better businesses.42 & Lawrence WebsiteIris Coffee Lab WebsiteCheer Wine WebsiteLauren on LinkedIn___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

In this week’s episode of the Biz/Dev Podcast, the script gets flipped. David is in the hot seat, talking candidly about Teela and the real journey to a V1 launch.We unpack where Teela started, the messy operational problems that sparked it, and the decisions, missteps, and tradeoffs that shaped the product along the way. If you are a founder, operator, or builder navigating your own V1 moment, this episode offers real perspective on what it takes to move from idea to something people can actually use and trust.LINKS:TeelaDavid on LinkedIn___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

In this week’s episode of the Biz/Dev Podcast, we sit down with Chip Royce, founder and managing principal of Flywheel Advisors. Chip tells us what most startups get wrong in their go-to-market strategy, common mistakes that derail new products before they find traction, and why a founder’s journey is rarely a straight line. If you want actionable advice on setting up your next launch and want to avoid the pitfalls Chip has seen again and again this conversation is a must-listen.LINKS:Chip's LinkedInFlywheel Advisors on LinkedInFlywheel Advisors Website___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

This week’s episode of the Biz/Dev podcast is our holiday episode. A little reflection, a few predictions, and all the business and dev banter David and Gary can fit into one conversation. Graceful exits not included.LINKS:Big Pixel WebsiteBig Pixel on LinkedIn___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

This week on Biz/Dev, we sit down with Jesse Jones, founder of Fourscore Law, for a conversation every new business owner should hear.Jesse breaks down the legal essentials in a way that actually makes sense — the practical steps founders can take to protect themselves before the stress hits. But he also lets us in on something deeper: the future he’s building and why taking care of his people is the foundation of it.It’s a grounded, generous conversation about risk, leadership, and what it really takes to build a business that lasts.LINKS:Fourscore Law on LinkedInJesse on LinkedInFourscore Law Website___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

This week we’re joined by Khaner Walker, Founder and CEO of ArcSense Communications — a builder who’s grown two companies by understanding something most brands miss: people can tell when you’re faking it.Khaner digs into the real work behind positioning your brand, the part that happens before the messaging decks and taglines.We talk about showing up as your actual voice, why authenticity lands better than polish, and what it takes to build a brand people trust instead of one that just sounds good on paper.LINKS:Khaner on LinkedInArcSense on LinkedInArcSense Website___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

This week we’re joined by Jon Gamble, Co-Founder and CTO of Fordje — and the sole developer taking on one of the biggest pain points in construction. Jon’s building the AI platform that finally makes sense of the country’s building codes, cutting through the delays and roadblocks that cost developers billions every year.Jon’s the kind of founder who cares about the real problem underneath the noise. We talk about the grind of being a one-person engineering team, the weight of fixing an issue everyone overlooks, and what drives someone to take on a challenge this big.LINKS:Jon on LinkedInFordje on LinkedInFordje Website___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

For our 200th episode, we’re getting reflective—and who better to join us than Ryan O’Donnell, Co-Founder and CEO of Sunlight, a company rewriting what social justice looks like in action.Ryan’s not just a founder. He’s a connector, a challenger, and a deeply rooted believer in what makes the North Carolina entrepreneurial scene so rare. In this milestone episode, we talk about what really holds a founder community together: shared values, hard questions, and people who show up again and again—especially when things get messy.LINKS:Ryan on LinkedInSunlight on LinkedInSunlight Website___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

David and Gary sit down with Dylan Clayton-Bost, CEO and Co-Founder of Sunny HQ, to talk about the realities of running a WordPress hosting company in the AI era.They dig into how security is evolving as AI reshapes both the tools and the threats, what it really means to build trust in a space that’s often anything but simple, and why Dylan proudly calls himself a “slog master.”LINKS:Sunny HQ WebsiteSunny HQ Podcast___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

David and Gary sit down with Rachel McLauchlin, founder of Embark Benefits, to unpack what it really takes to rebuild something from the ground up—twice. Rachel shares how her own experience navigating the benefits world sparked a mission to create something better: a system that actually works for people, not against them.This episode digs into the grit behind entrepreneurship, the lessons learned from doing it all over again, and how personal conviction can fuel a business that lasts. Rachel’s story is a reminder that the best companies don’t just fill a gap—they fix something broken.LINKS:Rachel's EmailEmbark Benefits WebsiteEmbark Benefits Phone Number: (704)- 449-7718___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

David and Gary sit down with Evan Boyer—founder and CEO of Leaders PR—to unpack the real value of public relations in a world full of noise. Evan shares how startups and growing companies can use PR not just to get attention, but to earn trust, shape perception, and build momentum that lasts.This episode digs into why visibility without strategy falls flat, how to align your message with your mission, and what separates brands that just “get coverage” from those that build real credibility. If you’ve ever wondered when PR makes sense for your business—or how to actually make it work—Evan’s insights will change how you think about your story.LINKS:Leaders PR WebsiteEvan's LinkedIn___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

David and Gary sit down with Sy Elijah—the owner of Pure Air North Carolina—to talk about what it means to take the leap when the path isn’t clear. On the surface, his business is mold remediation, but underneath it’s a story about risk, faith, and trusting a plan bigger than what you can see.From the grind of starting out to the responsibility of leading something that lasts, Sy shares what it takes to keep going when walking away might seem easier.It’s a conversation about courage, timing, and the kind of grit that shapes both business and life.LINKS:Pure Air North Carolina Website___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

David and Gary sit down with Tara Heptinstall—founder of Enviveo and champion of true innovators—to talk about the messy, inspiring journey from idea to entrepreneur. Tara shares how she’s built a platform that doesn’t just spark new ventures but empowers people with the tools, guidance, and confidence to launch them.This episode digs into what it really takes to nurture innovation, why the right kind of support matters, and how fostering real entrepreneurs can transform entire industries. If you’ve ever wondered how raw ideas grow into impactful companies, Tara’s story will give you both insight and inspiration.LINKS:Enviveo Websiteenviveo.com/bizdevpod___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

David and Gary sit down with Chip Kennedy—a founder, connector, and Triangle standout—to talk about what it really means to build community in today’s tech world. From his new venture CivicReach.ai to the power of networking done right, Chip shares how intentional relationships fuel both business and personal growth.It’s a conversation about startups, trust, and why showing up for your community matters as much as scaling your company. If you’ve ever wondered how leaders like Chip bridge innovation with impact, this episode gives you a front-row seat.LINKS:CivcReach.ai Website___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

David and Gary sit down to take a hard look at how custom software development has changed—and where it’s heading. From the early days of dev shops built on code craftsmanship to today’s pivot into AI-driven workflows, they unpack the opportunities, risks, and realities of this shift.It’s a candid conversation about what happens when AI starts to write code, how it changes the client–developer relationship, and why trust and transparency matter more than ever. If you’ve wondered what the future of dev shops looks like when AI is at the center, this episode lays it out.LINKS:Big Pixel Website___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

David and Gary sit down with Dan Gonzalez, CEO and Co-Founder of District C.They dig into how District C is rethinking education—teaching students not just facts, but how to engage, collaborate, and problem-solve in a workforce increasingly shaped by tech and AI. Dan shares how this model flips the script on traditional classrooms, preparing the next generation to thrive in environments that demand adaptability and real-world skills.It’s a conversation about the future of work, why education has to keep pace with technology, and what it really takes to equip students for jobs that don’t even exist yet.LINKS:Dan's LinkedInDistrict C Website___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

David and Gary sit down to talk shop—this time turning the mic on themselves.They swap thoughts on where tech is headed in 2026, from the real breakthroughs to watch to the hype that won’t make it past Q1. Along the way, they pull back the curtain on Teela’s pilot launch—why they built it, what it’s solving right now, and how it fits into the bigger picture of AI-powered software.It’s an unfiltered look at what’s next in tech, the risks worth taking, and why building the right product at the right time still comes down to equal parts instinct and execution.LINKS:Big Pixel WebsiteDavid’s email: [email protected]’s Linkedin___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

This is a very special panel episode of the Biz/Dev podcast: Buy, Build, or Both? How NC Founders Are Rewriting the Playbook.This episode digs into the shift North Carolina business owners are feeling right now: the shift from buy to build and back again—and what that’s meant for their businesses and what that actually looks like for founders on the ground.We have brought  together a few NC founders who’ve been through it—founders who’ve had to rethink, rebuild, or reshape the way they do business in this new era. LINKS:RevBoss WebsiteAnewgo WebsiteInoragnic Website___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

This is a very special panel episode of the Biz/Dev podcast: Buy, Build, or Both? How NC Founders Are Rewriting the Playbook.This episode digs into the shift North Carolina business owners are feeling right now: the shift from buy to build and back again—and what that’s meant for their businesses and what that actually looks like for founders on the ground.We have brought  together a few NC founders who’ve been through it—founders who’ve had to rethink, rebuild, or reshape the way they do business in this new era. LINKS:RevBoss WebsiteAnewgo WebsiteInoragnic Website___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

David and Gary sit down to talk shop—this time turning the mic on themselves.They dig into what it really means to work on your business vs. in it, unpack the hidden pitfalls founders hit early, and break down why culture isn’t just a vibe—it’s a leadership strategy.From messy startup lessons to honest reflections on what they’ve learned the hard way, this episode is a raw, smart look at growth, leadership, and staying sane while scaling.LINKS:Big Pixel Website___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

Duane Kennedy—founder of Dai Biao Consulting and cross-cultural growth strategist—joins David and Gary to talk about what it really takes to succeed in the Chinese market. With over 16 years helping international businesses scale in Asia, Duane shares hard-earned lessons on trust, translation (in every sense), and why cultural fluency matters more than flashy decks.They dig into the real costs of getting market entry wrong, the ROI of meaningful partnerships, and how to lead when you're the outsider. From executive coaching to 55% returns on high-impact campaigns, this episode is packed with insights for anyone thinking globallyLINKS:Duane on LinkedIn___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

Rain Bennett—documentary filmmaker, writer, and master storyteller—joins David and Gary to talk about the messy, meaningful side of storytelling. From six-second videos to standing ovations, Rain breaks down what makes a message land, why failure is fuel, and how emotion drives action.They dig into how storytelling builds connection, why most content falls flat, and what happens when you lead with heart instead of hype.LINKS:Rain on LinkedInRain's Website___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

What if AI didn’t just automate tasks—but actually helped you breathe again?Brian Moynihan, Founder and CEO of Dreamspace AI Solutions and published author, joins David and Gary to break down how real companies are enabling, enacting, and harmonizing AI into their workflows. This episode goes beyond the hype—into practical frameworks, the future of the workforce, and where AI will cut the noise so humans can focus on what matters.LINKS:Brian on LinkedInDream Space AI Website___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

Kevin Allen has built and sold more companies than most people start. His latest? Riziki AI—a social media platform helping restaurateurs find their voice and grow their brand. But this episode isn’t just about his current venture. It’s about what it takes to build teams that last, cultures that don’t crumble, and products that solve real problems.Kevin joins David and Gary to talk through the realities of being a serial founder, the cost of hiring wrong, and why trust—not tactics—is what actually scales.Smart, sharp, and refreshingly honest—this one’s for anyone trying to build something that goes the distance.LINKS:Kevin on LinkedInRiziki App in Android StoreRiziki Website___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

This week on Biz/Dev, it’s just Gary and David—no guest, just a real conversation.We’re talking about Teela, a new AI tool we’ve been building in-house, and what it’s taught us about how much AI has changed custom software—what’s actually useful, what’s just noise, and how we’re keeping up without chasing every shiny thing.We also get into the classic buy vs. build debate and how we’re thinking about it now, after seeing where AI fits (and doesn’t) in real-world client work.Honest, unfiltered, and a little nerdy in all the right ways.LINKS:Meet the Big Pixel TeamDavid on LinkedIn___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

What do once-in-a-lifetime moments and personal value have in common? Corey Truesdale.In this episode, David and Gary sit down with photographer Corey Truesdale to talk about the art of being present—on both sides of the lens. From capturing unforgettable moments to building a career rooted in meaning, Corey opens up about what it really takes to see your own worth and help others feel seen too.They dig into storytelling, self-belief, and how to create work that actually matters.LINKS:Corey on LinkedInOne True Shot WebsiteIn TRUE Form Podcast___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

Kristen M. Hess—FAIA, founder & CEO of HH Architecture, a Marshall Memorial and Zhi‑Xing Eisenhower Fellow, and a leader in sustainable, people-centered design—joins David and Gary to reframe what it means to build with purpose. From restoring community iconography to pioneering global sustainability in architecture, Kristen shares stories of crafting spaces that resonate with memory, identity, and mission.They explore why design starts with empathy, how strategic architecture can fuel economic and cultural revival, and what it takes to balance innovation with deep roots in place and people. Get ready for a masterclass in thoughtful leadership—where service and style build legacies that last.LINKS:Kristen on LinkedInHH Architecture Site___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

What do dry cleaning, private jets, and branded swag have in common? Jay Sapovits.Serial entrepreneur and founder of Ink’d Stores, Jay joins David and Gary to talk about building what doesn’t exist—from turning a golf idea into a PGA event to launching a merch company that actually works for brands.They dig into risk, reinvention, and why the best founders aren’t afraid to bet on themselves—even when the playbook doesn’t exist yet.LINKS:Jay on Linked___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

What happens when you’ve done it all—and then decide to start over?Jake Finkelstein—music industry vet, serial founder, and the mind behind 10cubed—joins David and Gary to talk about the real evolution of marketing. From working with legends like Johnny Cash to leading campaigns for Starbucks and Disney, Jake opens up about what’s changed, what still matters, and how AI is reshaping the rules. They also get honest about failure, reinvention, and what it takes to build something meaningful the second (or fifth) time around.LINKS:Jake on LinkedIn___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

What does it take to stop living on autopilot—and start building a life that actually lights you up?Dr. Jeff Karp—Harvard Medical School professor, world-renowned biotech inventor, and author of LIT: Life Ignition Tools—joins David and Gary on the Biz/Dev podcast to talk about what it really means to live with purpose. They unpack how Jeff’s experiences with ADHD and innovation shaped his approach to leadership, creativity, and mentoring the next generation of changemakers.This one’s about science, self-awareness, and becoming the architect of your own life.LINKS:Jeff on LinkedInJeff's Website___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

In Part Two with Thom Rhue, we go even deeper.What started as a conversation about funding and founders turns into a candid look at what holds ecosystems back, the emotional cost of entrepreneurship, and the responsibility we carry when we say we’re here to help. Thom doesn’t pull punches—he brings the full weight of experience and heart to the mic.LINKS:NC IDEA Site___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

What happens when a state’s startup scene has a strategist at the helm?In Part One of our conversation with Thom Ruhe—CEO and Founder of NC IDEA and a lifelong champion for entrepreneurs—we unpack what it really takes to build an ecosystem where businesses don’t just survive but scale with purpose. Thom joins David and Gary to explore the heart of economic development, why good ideas still need good infrastructure, and bold bets and the hard truth about what founders actually need.LINKS:NC IDEA Site___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

What happens when a strategic growth consultant helps you stop spinning your wheels and start scaling with purpose?You get Brian Waldman, Boston-based growth strategist, on the Biz/Dev podcast with David and Gary, breaking down how to spot bottlenecks and build strategy that actually works.They get into what slows teams down, how to lead through complexity, and why the best growth plans are the ones you can act on right away.This one’s about clear strategy, grounded leadership, and real momentum.LINKS:Brian on LinkedIn___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

What happens when a founder hits burnout—and decides no one else should have to?You get Chris Kille, CEO of EO Staff, on the Biz/Dev podcast with David and Gary, talking about what it really takes to scale a company without sacrificing your sanity. Chris doesn’t preach balance—he builds it, from systems to staffing.This episode digs into the real cost of overwork, how to scale with intention, and why freedom should be baked into your business model, not tacked on later.LINKS:Chris on LinkedInChris on Instagram___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

What happens when a Fortune 100 brand strategist builds a collective around purpose, not process?You get Ann Powell, co-founder of Offset Collective, on the Biz/Dev podcast with David and Gary talking about what it really means to lead with the why…or maybe don;t…They get into how to give your audience all the feels (yes, even in B2B), and why the best brands don’t just sell — they connect.This one hits strategy, storytelling, and the sweet spot where emotion meets execution.LINKS:Ann on LinkedInEmail Ann___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR

What happens when old-school brand wisdom meets modern-day marketing muscle? You get Todd Mosier, founder of Unanchor Marketing, talking shop with David and Gary on the newest episode of the Biz/Dev podcast.This episode is full of hard truths, new tools, and a whole lot of “wait, that actually works?” energy.LINKS:Unanchor Marketing on LinkedInTodd Mosier on LinkedInUnanchor Marketing Site___________________________________Submit Your Questions to:[email protected] comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTubeOur HostsDavid Baxter - CEO of Big PixelGary Voigt - Creative Director at Big PixelThe PodcastDavid Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start.In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture.Contact [email protected] | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNCBig Pixel1772 Heritage Center DrSuite 201Wake Forest, NC 27587Music by: BLXRR