Built for This

In this episode of Built For This, Carly Pepin sits down with Rohini Kasturi, CEO of HG Insights, for a forward-looking conversation about leadership, business transformation, artificial intelligence, and what it takes to drive growth in an increasingly data-driven world. Drawing on decades of experience leading SaaS companies, scaling technology businesses, and guiding organizations through major periods of change, Rohini shares his perspective on how companies can move beyond guesswork and leverage intelligence, data, and AI to create more predictable growth, stronger customer relationships, and better business outcomes. Throughout the conversation, Carly and Rohini explore the realities of transformation, from aligning teams around a new vision to creating cultures that embrace continuous learning and adaptation. Rohini explains why successful change initiatives are rarely about technology alone and why leadership, communication, and people development remain the deciding factors in whether transformation succeeds or fails. The discussion also dives into the future of AI, including how HG Insights is using proprietary data, AI-powered intelligence, and emerging agentic technologies to help businesses identify opportunities, improve decision-making, and accelerate revenue growth. This episode offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs, executives, and leaders looking to navigate change, embrace innovation, and build organizations that are prepared for the future.   Key Themes Growth Should Be Driven by Intelligence, Not Assumptions Rohini explains that many organizations build growth strategies based on intuition rather than data. By connecting market intelligence, customer insights, and execution, businesses can create more predictable and sustainable growth. People Determine the Success of Transformation Technology may enable change, but people make it successful. Rohini emphasizes the importance of communication, alignment, and helping employees build the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving environment. AI Creates New Opportunities for Human Potential Rather than viewing AI as a replacement for people, Rohini sees it as a powerful tool that allows individuals and organizations to work more effectively, make better decisions, and focus on higher-value activities.   Memorable Quotes "How can AI and intelligence be used to drive revenue growth?" "The company success, the team success, and the individual success have to be aligned." "We feel there is a responsibility as leaders to do as much as we can to train our people."   About Rohini Kasturi Rohini Kasturi is a respected technology executive, entrepreneur, board member, and advisor with more than two decades of experience building and scaling companies across SaaS, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics, and artificial intelligence. An alumnus of both Harvard and Stanford, Rohini has played pivotal leadership roles at organizations including SolarWinds, Pulse Secure, Veritas Technologies, and Avni.io, a cloud virtualization company he founded and later sold to Veritas. As CEO of HG Insights, he is leading the company's mission to help organizations unlock growth through AI-powered market intelligence and data-driven decision-making. Throughout his career, Rohini has earned numerous industry accolades, holds more than 20 patents, and has built a reputation for combining innovation, accountability, and people-first leadership.   Connect with Rohini https://hginsights.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohinikasturi/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hg-insights/ https://x.com/HGInsights

In this episode of Built For This, Carly Pepin sits down with Lance Juhas, Co-CEO of Piada Italian Street Food, for a conversation about leadership, hospitality, growth, and what it really takes to scale a restaurant brand without losing the culture that made it successful in the first place. With more than 36 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Lance shares the journey behind Piada's growth from a single concept inspired by the street food culture of Italy into a rapidly expanding brand with more than 60 locations and a bold vision for the future. Along the way, he offers an inside look at the unique co-CEO structure that helps drive the business and explains why disciplined growth has always been more important than growth for growth's sake. Throughout the conversation, Carly and Lance explore the role hospitality plays in creating lasting success. Lance explains why taking care of employees is just as important as taking care of customers, and how understanding people's personal goals, aspirations, and motivations helps build stronger teams and stronger businesses. The discussion also covers leadership development, site selection, company culture, operational excellence, and the importance of creating systems that support sustainable expansion. Lance shares why Piada has remained committed to company-owned locations, how leaders earn the right to grow, and why genuine human connection remains one of the most powerful competitive advantages any business can have. This episode is packed with practical insights for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone looking to build a business that grows without sacrificing its values.   Key Themes Hospitality Is a Business Strategy, Not a Department Lance believes hospitality extends far beyond customer service. Creating exceptional experiences for both employees and guests builds trust, loyalty, and long-term success that competitors cannot easily replicate. Great Leaders Invest in People's Dreams One of Lance's leadership philosophies centers on understanding what team members want out of life and helping them achieve those goals. When people feel supported personally and professionally, performance and culture naturally improve. Growth Must Be Earned Through Excellence Rather than expanding aggressively at every opportunity, Piada focuses on building strong operational foundations first. Lance explains why patience, consistency, and disciplined execution are essential for long-term success.   Memorable Quotes "The secret of the sauce is taking care of the guests. Taking care of your internal guests, which are your team members, and taking care of your external guests." "Hospitality will always be a part of the business. The day you forget about that, your business is in trouble." "We wanted to earn the right to grow, and not grow too fast."   About Lance Juhas Lance Juhas serves as Co-Chief Executive Officer of Piada Italian Street Food and also holds the roles of Chief Operating Officer and Chief Development Officer. He oversees operations, operational services, real estate, and development strategy while helping guide the company's long-term growth and scalability. Since joining Piada in 2016, Lance has played a pivotal role in strengthening operational performance, building scalable systems, and creating the foundation for future expansion. Prior to Piada, he spent 16 years with Bravo Brio Restaurant Group and held leadership positions with J. Alexander's and Houston's. Known for his people-first leadership style and deep operational expertise, Lance has built his career around creating high-performing teams, exceptional guest experiences, and businesses designed for sustainable growth.   Connect with Lance http://www.mypiada.com/

In this episode of Built For This, Carly Pepin sits down with Carlos Diego Cavalcanti, CEO and CTO of Valcann and cloud services leader for EPI-USE Latin America, for a thoughtful conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, technology, and the human relationships that drive long-term success. Diego shares the story of founding Valcann  in 2014 as a cloud computing startup and navigating its evolution into a thriving professional services business. Rather than pursuing outside investment early on, he chose to grow independently, allowing the company to experiment, adapt, and find its footing without sacrificing its culture or vision. Throughout the conversation, Carly and Diego explore what it means to build a company around people rather than processes. Drawing on his experience as both a technology leader and university professor, Diego explains how education, mentorship, and talent development became central pillars of Valken's growth strategy. By partnering with universities and developing talent internally, the company has built a pipeline of highly skilled professionals while strengthening its culture from within. The discussion also explores leadership, remote work, resilience, company culture, strategic partnerships, and the rapidly evolving role of AI in professional services. Diego shares practical lessons on scaling teams, navigating uncertainty, and maintaining strong relationships in an increasingly digital world. At its core, this episode is a reminder that while technology continues to evolve, business remains fundamentally human. Key Themes Relationships Are One of the Most Powerful Business Assets Diego believes that while systems and processes are important, meaningful relationships create the foundation for sustainable growth. Strong connections with employees, clients, partners, and students have been instrumental in Valcann's success and long-term resilience. Independence Can Create Space for Innovation By avoiding outside funding during the company's early years, Valcann maintained the flexibility to test ideas, pivot when necessary, and grow organically. Diego explains how this freedom allowed the company to innovate without external pressures dictating its direction. Resilience Is Built Through Daily Discipline Rather than viewing resilience as something people either have or don't have, Diego sees it as the result of consistent habits and disciplined action. The routines leaders establish today determine how effectively they navigate tomorrow's challenges. Memorable Quotes "You don't scale relationships." "We make our own champions in-house." "Discipline creates the structure that allows you to be resilient when challenges come." About Carlos Diego Cavalcanti Carlos Diego Cavalcanti is the CEO and CTO of  Valcann  and leads the cloud services division in Latin America for EPI-USE. EPI-USE Services for AWS is an enterprise cloud expert with deep roots in SAP and ERP, serving enterprises running mission-critical workloads on AWS and tech-intensive SaaS companies. With a Master's degree and Ph.D. in Computer Science, Diego combines deep technical expertise with a passion for education and leadership development. He serves as a professor at the Recife Center for Advanced Studies and Systems (CESAR) and has also been a Visiting Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, conducting research in Cloud Computing and Artificial Intelligence. Known for his people-first leadership style, Diego has built a reputation for developing talent, fostering innovation, and creating organizations where both individuals and businesses can thrive. Connect with Diego https://www.valcann.com.br/ https://www.epiusecloud.com 

In this episode of Built For This, Carly Pepin sits down with Jennifer Chow, co-founder of Nurture Life, to explore the intersection of entrepreneurship, nutrition, and the challenge of helping children build healthier relationships with food. Jennifer shares the story behind Nurture Life and the gap she discovered as a parent. While there were growing options for babies transitioning to solid foods, healthy, convenient meals for toddlers and young children were surprisingly limited. Determined to solve a problem she was experiencing firsthand, Jennifer and her co-founder launched Nurture Life, starting with a small team operating out of a converted restaurant before growing into a nationwide company serving families across the United States. Throughout the conversation, Jennifer offers an honest look at what it takes to build and scale a food business, from navigating manufacturing and logistics to maintaining quality standards while expanding operations and entering retail distribution channels. Beyond the business journey, Carly and Jennifer dive into the realities of children's nutrition and eating habits. They discuss picky eating, food preferences, parental influence, and why understanding child psychology is often just as important as understanding nutrition. Jennifer explains why healthy food must be more than nutritious. It must also be appealing, enjoyable, and something children genuinely want to eat. This episode is a thoughtful conversation about entrepreneurship, parenting, leadership, and the role businesses can play in helping families build healthier futures.   Key Themes The Best Businesses Often Solve Personal Problems Nurture Life began when Jennifer recognized a challenge many parents face: finding nutritious, convenient meals for growing children. By solving a problem she personally experienced, she built a company that now supports thousands of families nationwide. Healthy Food Has to Be Appealing, Too Jennifer explains that nutrition alone is not enough. If children aren't attracted to a meal visually or don't enjoy eating it, even the healthiest food won't have an impact. Success comes from combining nutrition, taste, presentation, and understanding child behavior. Scaling Requires Strong Systems and Constant Adaptation From a small startup kitchen to a large-scale production facility and national distribution network, Jennifer shares how operational excellence, customer feedback, and thoughtful planning helped Nurture Life grow while maintaining quality and trust.   Memorable Quotes "If they don't want to try it, if they're not attracted to it from a visual perspective, we've completely lost the battle." "One in ten children in our country will eat enough fruits and vegetables per day." "It's not just about crafting a perfect meal from a nutrition perspective. It has to be delicious, visually appealing, and a kid has to want to eat it."   About Jennifer Chow Jennifer Chow is the co-founder of Nurture Life and a passionate advocate for children's nutrition and healthy eating habits. As a mother of two boys and a lifelong food enthusiast, she has dedicated her career to helping families make healthier choices without sacrificing convenience. At Nurture Life, Jennifer leads product development, marketing, customer experience, and company strategy, with a mission to make nutritious eating more accessible for children at every stage of development. Before founding Nurture Life, Jennifer spent 17 years in the technology industry, holding leadership roles in marketing and product development, including serving as Vice President of Marketing at Engine Yard and leading marketing initiatives for SAP's outsourcing business across the Americas. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics and an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.   Connect with Jennifer http://nurturelife.com/

In this episode of Built For This, Carly Pepin sits down with Dr. Hany Demian, board-certified chronic pain specialist, healthcare entrepreneur, and founder of Presentia Healthcare, for a fascinating conversation about the future of health, longevity, leadership, and performance. What started as a career path toward surgery evolved into a mission to fundamentally change how healthcare approaches chronic pain, recovery, and aging. After seeing the limitations of conventional treatment models firsthand, Dr. Demian began exploring a more comprehensive approach that focused on identifying and addressing the root causes of health challenges rather than simply managing symptoms. Today, through Presentia Healthcare, he leads a growing network of clinics across Canada and the United States dedicated to helping people optimize health, improve recovery, reduce chronic pain, and extend both lifespan and healthspan. Throughout the conversation, Carly and Dr. Demian explore why chronic pain is often the result of multiple systems breaking down simultaneously, including sleep, nutrition, hormones, inflammation, stress, and recovery. They discuss the growing role of regenerative medicine, personalized healthcare, AI-powered health optimization, and the exciting future of longevity science. Beyond medicine, Dr. Demian shares valuable lessons from his entrepreneurial journey, including the realization that he had built a business completely dependent on him, and how executive leadership training helped him create a scalable, self-managing organization capable of growing beyond its founder. This episode is an insightful exploration of health, business, leadership, and what it truly means to help people live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.   Key Themes Pain Is Often the Result of Multiple Underlying Factors Dr. Demian explains that chronic pain rarely stems from a single issue. Sleep quality, nutrition, hormones, inflammation, recovery, stress, and lifestyle all contribute to how the body functions. Sustainable healing comes from understanding and addressing these interconnected systems. A Business Should Not Depend on Its Founder One of Dr. Demian's biggest leadership breakthroughs came when he realized he had built a business that couldn't function without him. By developing systems, empowering leaders, and creating clear operational structures, he transformed the organization into a scalable business capable of thriving independently. Longevity Is About Living Better, Not Just Longer For Dr. Demian, longevity is not simply about adding years to life. It is about preserving strength, mobility, independence, and vitality so people can continue doing the things they love for as long as possible.   Memorable Quotes "Pain is actually a multi-system organ failure. You don't have pain because just your disc is herniated or bulging." "You don't have a company. You have a glorified job." "I identify the business. The business doesn't identify me."   About Dr. Hany Demian Dr. Hany Demian is a board-certified chronic pain specialist, regenerative medicine expert, and healthcare entrepreneur dedicated to helping people perform better, recover faster, and age more successfully. As the founder of Presentia Healthcare, he has pioneered an integrated approach to chronic pain and longevity medicine that focuses on treating root causes rather than symptoms alone. His work combines evidence-based medicine, advanced biologic therapies, peptides, regenerative treatments, and data-driven health optimization to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Known for his practical, science-backed approach, Dr. Demian continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in modern healthcare while helping patients maintain independence, vitality, and peak performance throughout their lives.   Connect with Dr. Hany Demian https://drdemian.com/ https://www.instagram.com/drhanydemian/

In this episode of Built For This, Carly Pepin sits down with entrepreneur, startup founder, and technology innovator Yakov Filippenko to explore the realities of building companies, navigating failure, and preparing for the future of work. Yakov shares his entrepreneurial journey from product management at Yandex to co-founding SailPlay, a customer loyalty platform that expanded into 45 countries before being acquired. Along the way, he experienced many of the challenges that define startup life, including failed products, major pivots, fundraising pressures, acquisition negotiations, leadership struggles, and the unexpected experience of being fired from his own company after a failed acquisition process. Rather than allowing those setbacks to define him, Yakov used them as catalysts for growth. His experiences led him into venture capital, deeper studies in psychology and group dynamics, and ultimately to the launch of Intch, an AI-powered platform connecting businesses with highly skilled part-time professionals and helping talent access flexible work opportunities. Throughout the conversation, Carly and Yakov explore the evolving nature of leadership, hiring, company culture, startup decision-making, and the rapidly changing workforce. Yakov challenges traditional assumptions about employment, arguing that the future belongs to flexible work models where expertise is accessed on demand rather than tied to traditional full-time roles. This episode is a powerful exploration of resilience, leadership, networks, and how entrepreneurs can position themselves to thrive in a world where work is being fundamentally redefined.   Key Themes Relationships Create Opportunities Yakov explains that nearly every major breakthrough in his career came through relationships. Investors, co-founders, customers, advisors, and new ventures all emerged through trusted connections, reinforcing the importance of building and maintaining strong professional networks. Great Leaders Hire People Smarter Than Themselves One of Yakov's biggest lessons was realizing that trying to be the smartest person in the room can actually limit growth. Today, he intentionally hires experts who outperform him in their areas of specialization and empowers them to make decisions. The Future of Work Is Becoming More Flexible As AI, remote work, and specialized expertise continue reshaping the economy, Yakov believes businesses will increasingly rely on highly skilled professionals working in flexible arrangements rather than traditional employment structures.   Memorable Quotes "Everything is about people and communications." "It's not about making smart decisions to grow your company. It's about making smart decisions to prove that you're a smart person." "I'm actually trying to hire people that are smarter than me."   About Yakov Filippenko Yakov Filippenko is a technology entrepreneur with more than a decade of experience building and scaling businesses internationally. Early in his career, he helped grow a major product at Yandex from 700,000 users to 1.2 million while expanding it into international markets. He later co-founded SailPlay, a customer loyalty platform that scaled to 45 countries before being acquired by Retail Rocket in 2018. Today, Yakov is the founder of Intch, an AI-powered platform connecting part-time professionals with flexible opportunities. Built around a proprietary matching algorithm, Intch is helping reshape how companies access talent and how professionals build careers in the evolving future of work. In 2024 alone, the platform grew from 65,000 to more than 500,000 active users.   Connect with Yakov https://intch.org/

In this episode of Built For This, Carly Pepin sits down with Michael Wu, President and General Manager of Phison Technology USA, to explore the technology powering much of today’s digital world and the leadership principles that have helped drive Phison’s remarkable growth. Michael shares the story of joining Phison USA as employee number one and helping grow the organization from a one-person operation into a thriving team of more than 80 employees across the United States. Along the way, he played a key role in transforming Phison from a behind-the-scenes technology provider into a recognized leader in NAND flash storage innovation and the launch of its enterprise-focused brand, Pascari. The conversation dives into the realities of leading global teams, bridging cultural differences between Taiwan and the United States, and building a company culture grounded in trust, accountability, and empowerment. Michael explains how effective leadership often requires acting as a translator between different perspectives, communication styles, and ways of working. Carly and Michael also explore one of the most exciting developments in artificial intelligence today: the growing demand for memory and storage infrastructure. Michael shares how a simple internal challenge led to a breakthrough innovation that uses NAND flash storage as an extension of AI memory, dramatically reducing infrastructure costs while expanding AI capabilities. This episode offers a fascinating look at leadership, innovation, AI infrastructure, and how questioning assumptions can unlock entirely new possibilities for growth and technology.   Key Themes: Innovation Begins with Better Questions: How challenging accepted limitations led to a breakthrough in AI memory and storage architecture. Leadership Across Cultures: Why empathy, communication, and cultural understanding are essential for scaling global organizations. Speed Creates Competitive Advantage: How rapid iteration and continuous improvement help companies stay ahead in fast-moving industries.   Memorable Quotes: “You sometimes lose by winning.” “You don't know what you don't know.” “Our goal is never to make the perfect device. We want to turn ten chips in a year instead of making the perfect chip.”   About Michael Wu: Michael Wu is the President and General Manager of Phison Technology USA and a respected expert in NAND storage technology with more than 20 years of industry experience. Over his 17+ years with Phison, he has held leadership roles including General Manager, Director of Global Customer Relations, and Project Manager, helping establish Phison as one of the world’s leading NAND storage solution providers. Today, Michael oversees Phison’s U.S. operations, driving growth, innovation, and strategic partnerships while helping shape the future of enterprise storage and AI infrastructure. Prior to Phison, he worked as a Verification Engineer at RF Micro Devices. He holds both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Tech.   Connect with Michael Wu: https://www.phison.com/en/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-wu-a273694/ https://www.facebook.com/phisonUS/

In this episode of Built For This, Carly Pepin sits down with entrepreneur and innovator Kate Doerksen, co-founder and CEO of Sage Haven, a safer messaging platform designed to protect children from cyberbullying, harmful content, and unhealthy digital habits. Kate shares her remarkable entrepreneurial journey, beginning with the creation of Ditto, a pioneering augmented reality and AI eyewear technology company that ultimately served more than 70 million users worldwide before being acquired by 1-800 Contacts. She opens up about the realities of building a venture-backed startup, raising $35 million in funding, navigating years of costly litigation, and staying committed through more than a decade of challenges before achieving a successful exit. The conversation then turns to the deeply personal experiences that inspired Sage Haven. After witnessing the devastating impact of cyberbullying and harmful online content on a close family member, Kate became determined to create a safer digital environment for children. Through extensive research with parents, kids, psychologists, and technology experts, she identified a critical gap in the market and built a platform designed with children's wellbeing at its core. Carly and Kate also discuss the lessons learned from building multiple companies, the unique experience of partnering with her sister as a co-founder, how AI is reshaping entrepreneurship, and why mission-driven businesses often create a level of resilience and energy that purely commercial ventures cannot. This episode is a thoughtful exploration of entrepreneurship, technology, leadership, and the responsibility of creating products that positively impact future generations.   Key Themes: The Best Businesses Solve Personal Problems: How firsthand experience with cyberbullying inspired a mission-driven company designed to protect children. Experience Creates Clarity: Why Kate approaches entrepreneurship differently after building, scaling, and exiting her first company. Purpose Fuels Persistence: How a mission centered on children's wellbeing creates the motivation to overcome challenges and keep moving forward.   Memorable Quotes: “I don't follow the trend. I don't give a shit. I'm just building a product that a lot of people need.” “I learned the first time you can't predict the future. Your plan doesn't matter. Make it make sense right now and wait and see.” “The mental health of kids is at the center of every decision that we make. That's clean fuel.”   About Kate Doerksen: Kate Doerksen is the Co-Founder and CEO of Sage Haven, a safer messaging app created to help reduce cyberbullying and protect children from harmful digital interactions. Throughout her career, she has focused on building technology that improves the lives of individuals and families. Before launching Sage Haven with her sister Anne, Kate founded Ditto, a groundbreaking augmented reality and AI eyewear technology company that served more than 70 million users globally before being acquired by 1-800 Contacts in 2021. Kate holds an MBA from Stanford University and a Bachelor's degree in Entrepreneurship from Ball State University, where she was inducted into the Hall of Fame for her academic and athletic achievements. She lives in Danville, California, with her husband and two children.   Connect with Kate Doerksen: https://sagehavenforkids.com

In this episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Josh Block, President of Block Imaging and author of People Matter at Work, for a powerful conversation about leadership, trust, company culture, and what it takes to scale a business without losing sight of people. Josh shares the story of unexpectedly stepping into leadership at just 29 years old after his father transitioned him from sales representative to president over the course of a single weekend. At the time, the company was still recovering from a painful round of layoffs known internally as “Black Thursday,” forcing Josh to confront difficult lessons around transparency, trust, and leadership very early in his presidency. Throughout the conversation, Josh explains how the philosophy of “People Matter” evolved from a simple idea into the cultural foundation that helped grow Block Imaging from $30 million to more than $250 million in revenue. Carly and Josh unpack the importance of psychological safety, transparent communication, leadership development, and creating ownership within teams rather than simply managing employees. The episode also explores succession planning in family businesses, navigating difficult employee transitions, leading remote teams, and why meaningful workplace relationships can transform not just organizations, but families and lives. This conversation is a thoughtful and practical look at modern leadership, proving that companies grow strongest when people are treated as human beings first, not just resources.   Key Themes: Culture Is Built Through Action: Why values only matter when they shape decisions, leadership behavior, and accountability. Transparency Creates Ownership: How open communication and shared understanding strengthen trust and engagement across teams. Leadership Means Multiplying Leaders: Why great leaders focus on developing others instead of centralizing power.   Memorable Quotes: “When people matter at work, everything changes. Business grows, families thrive, and lives are transformed.” “People want to know the answers to three questions: what’s going on, what the leader’s thinking about, and what the leader’s thinking about them.” “Right decision done in the wrong way is the wrong decision.”   About Josh Block: Josh Block is the President of Block Imaging, a global medical imaging company, and the founder of Cube Mobile Imaging. A Michigan native, husband, father, leadership advocate, and author of People Matter at Work, Josh has spent decades working across every level of business, from entry-level jobs to leading a company through significant growth and transformation. Under his leadership, Block Imaging grew from $30 million to more than $215 million in revenue while building a culture centered on trust, transparency, leadership development, and meaningful human connection. His work focuses on helping organizations become places where both businesses and people thrive together.   Connect with Josh Block: https://www.blockimaging.com/ https://amzn.to/46QXd4F

In this episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Tommy Lather, founder of Takeoff Monkey, to explore how automation, customer service, and operational simplicity helped transform a hands-on service business into a highly scalable company. Tommy shares his unconventional journey from working in landscaping and estimating to building a rapidly growing takeoff services company that now processes hundreds of projects daily for contractors across the United States. Along the way, he taught himself software development and began building custom automations that dramatically improved efficiency across the business. One of the biggest breakthroughs Tommy discusses is how Takeoff Monkey reduced overhead by roughly 70% through strategic automation, process optimization, and smarter systems. Instead of relying on huge teams or outside funding, the company focused on simplifying repetitive workflows, eliminating bottlenecks, and using AI-driven tools to scale sustainably. Carly and Tommy also dive into the realities of managing remote teams across the United States and India, building strong culture inside a fully remote company, and why responsiveness and reliability have become the foundation of customer loyalty. Beyond operations, the conversation explores the emotional side of entrepreneurship, including founder loneliness, staying focused during growth, avoiding shiny object syndrome, and why persistence is often the biggest differentiator between success and failure. This episode is a practical and honest look at building a modern business through systems, simplicity, and relentless consistency.   Key Themes: Automation Should Simplify, Not Complicate: How removing repetitive tasks and operational friction dramatically improved efficiency and scalability. Culture Starts With the Right People: Why attitude, integrity, and work ethic matter more than credentials alone. Persistence Beats Perfection: Why long-term success often comes from refusing to quit and continuing to adapt over time.   Memorable Quotes: “You can’t teach someone to give a shit.” “Just by not quitting, you will be successful.” “We do what we say and we say what we do.”   About Tommy Lather: Tommy Lather is a lifelong landscape construction professional, self-taught software developer, and founder of Takeoff Monkey, a company helping contractors streamline estimating and takeoff processes at scale. With more than 25 years of experience across supply, operations management, sales, and estimating, Tommy developed a passion for building systems and processes that improve efficiency and simplify operations. Today, he combines industry expertise with automation and software development to help customers save time, reduce costs, and operate more effectively.   Connect with Tommy Lather: http://www.takeoffmonkey.com https://www.instagram.com/takeoffmonkey

In this episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Hadley Nightingale, CEO of New Zealand Property Buyers, to unpack the realities of building a fast-growing business while navigating some of life’s hardest personal and professional challenges. What started as Hadley’s own property investment journey quickly revealed a major gap in the New Zealand real estate market: buyers lacked true representation and strategic guidance when making one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. That realization became the foundation for New Zealand Property Buyers, a company designed to help investors confidently navigate property acquisition, renovation, project management, and long-term property management. But this conversation goes far beyond real estate. Carly and Hadley dive deep into the realities of entrepreneurship, including the pressure of scaling too quickly, hiring before systems are ready, and trying to build multiple divisions before the core business is fully stabilized. Hadley also speaks candidly about building a company while navigating divorce, custody battles, financial stress, and immense uncertainty, revealing the emotional resilience required to keep moving forward when life and business collide. The episode also explores remote team culture, accountability, offshore hiring, leadership, and why documented systems and processes become essential as businesses grow. Together, Carly and Hadley unpack what truly creates sustainable success: ownership, consistency, operational clarity, and the willingness to improve imperfectly over time. This episode is an honest and practical look at entrepreneurship without the highlight reel, showing that long-term growth is rarely linear, but it is possible when resilience and systems work together.   Key Themes: Scaling Too Wide Too Early: Why trying to grow multiple divisions before stabilizing the core business creates unnecessary pressure and complexity. Systems Create Sustainable Growth: How SOPs, playbooks, and operational processes transformed hiring, delegation, and team performance. Resilience Over Perfection: Why entrepreneurship is often about continuing forward through uncertainty, setbacks, and imperfect conditions.   Memorable Quotes: “People want the perfect house, but the perfect house never comes along.” “If anything goes wrong, just put your hand up and say, ‘Hey look, I got this wrong.’” “Better processes, better people. Better processes, better people. It’s just how it works.”   About Hadley Nightingale: Hadley Nightingale is the CEO of New Zealand Property Buyers, a rapidly growing property investment company founded in 2020. Under his leadership, the business has scaled quickly, helping hundreds of clients acquire and manage investment properties across New Zealand while operating with a remote team across New Zealand and Southeast Asia. New Zealand Property Buyers offers a fully integrated, end-to-end investment service covering acquisition, renovation, compliance project management, and ongoing property management. Hadley’s focus is on helping investors avoid costly mistakes while creating systems and operational structures that allow businesses and people to scale sustainably.   Connect with Hadley Nightingale: https://www.newzealandpropertybuyers.com/ https://www.instagram.com/hadleynightingale/ https://www.tiktok.com/@hadleynightingale https://www.linkedin.com/in/hadleyn/ https://www.facebook.com/Newzealandpropertybuyer/

In this episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Keziah Wonstolen, founder of Vannin Chief of Staff, to explore why the chief of staff role has become one of the fastest-growing and most valuable positions in modern business leadership. Drawing from her background at Accenture and her own experience serving as a chief of staff, Keziah shares how she built a company dedicated to helping CEOs scale more effectively through operational support, strategic execution, and leadership alignment. What began as a fractional consulting model evolved into one of North America’s leading chief of staff talent providers before eventually being acquired by the Chief of Staff Association. The conversation dives into the critical differences between executive assistants, chiefs of staff, and COOs, and why more founders, private equity firms, and scaling companies are turning to chiefs of staff to operationalize vision, manage change, and improve organizational execution. Carly and Keziah also unpack the realities of growth, implementing frameworks like EOS and Scaling Up, building intentional culture, and creating structures that allow leaders to spend more time in their zone of genius rather than drowning in operational complexity. Keziah also opens up about the deeply personal experiences that pushed her toward entrepreneurship and her passion for helping leaders reclaim their most valuable resource: time. This episode is a practical and insightful look at modern leadership, operational scale, and why the right support structure can completely transform a company’s growth trajectory.   Key Themes: Vision Needs Structure: Why even the strongest leaders need systems, accountability, and operational support to scale effectively. Time Is the Ultimate Asset: How chiefs of staff help executives focus on high-value work while reducing operational overwhelm. Culture Must Be Operationalized: Why values should shape hiring, communication, accountability, and leadership behaviors across the business.   Memorable Quotes: “Leaders are managing more change than they ever have in the past.” “Time is not a renewable resource.” “The chief of staff takes this ambiguous challenge, creates structure around it, and turns it into something executable.”   About Keziah Wonstolen: Keziah Wonstolen is an award-winning entrepreneur and management consultant based in Denver, Colorado. After spending 13 years at Accenture, where she advised global organizations on operational strategy and leadership effectiveness, she founded Vannin Chief of Staff to help executives scale more efficiently and build stronger operational foundations. Through Vannin, Keziah and her team specialized in supporting private equity firms, portfolio companies, and family offices, helping leaders optimize execution, improve alignment, and build scalable leadership structures. Her work has earned recognition including the Denver Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 and participation in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. Today, she is recognized as a leading voice in the evolving chief of staff space and continues shaping how modern organizations approach executive leadership and operational strategy.   Connect with Keziah Wonstolen: https://www.vanninchiefofstaff.com/

In this episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Buddy Teaster, President and CEO of Soles4Souls, to explore how business principles can create sustainable social impact around the world. Buddy shares how Soles4Souls evolved from a disaster-relief nonprofit into a global organization focused on creating economic opportunity through entrepreneurship. Rather than relying solely on traditional charity models, Soles4Souls helps people, especially women in developing countries, build businesses using donated shoes and clothing as inventory. The result is not just aid, but ownership, dignity, and long-term transformation for families and communities. The conversation dives into the difference between handouts and empowerment, why entrepreneurship restores hope, and how even small economic opportunities can completely change the trajectory of future generations. Buddy also opens up about the major organizational turnaround he led after joining Soles4Souls in 2012, including rebuilding company culture, implementing operational discipline, strengthening leadership systems, and scaling global logistics operations. Carly and Buddy explore the realities of leading a mission-driven organization, the complexity of sustainable nonprofit growth, and why emotional storytelling must be paired with strong systems and accountability to create lasting impact. This episode is a powerful look at leadership, purpose, operational excellence, and how entrepreneurship can become one of the most effective tools for fighting poverty.   Key Themes: Empowerment Over Dependency: Why creating entrepreneurs leads to more sustainable impact than traditional aid alone. Purpose Requires Systems: How operational discipline, leadership alignment, and accountability helped transform Soles4Souls into a global movement. Culture Drives Mission: Why intentional communication, shared values, and leadership consistency are essential for long-term impact.   Memorable Quotes: “When a woman is a customer and not a recipient, it is a big deal.” “Most of it is not the mission that you’re thinking. It’s work.” “If we can be a small part of helping create something that allows her to stay in her community where she is respected and participates, that is amazing.”   About Buddy Teaster: Buddy Teaster is the President and CEO of Soles4Souls, a global nonprofit dedicated to creating opportunities through shoes and clothing. Under his leadership, the organization has distributed more than 103 million pairs of shoes and garments across 137 countries through both relief efforts and sustainable micro-enterprise programs. Known for blending philanthropy with entrepreneurship and operational excellence, Buddy has helped transform Soles4Souls into one of the most respected nonprofit organizations in the world, earning recognition as one of The Nonprofit Times’ Best Nonprofits to Work For multiple years in a row. He is also the host of the re:Purpose podcast and author of Shoestrings and From Tailspin to Tailwind.   Connect with Buddy Teaster: https://soles4souls.org/ https://amzn.to/49KXkAy https://www.linkedin.com/in/buddyteaster/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/soles4souls-inc-/posts/?feedView=all https://www.instagram.com/soles4souls/ https://www.facebook.com/Soles4Souls

In this episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Mark Kenigsberg, VP at Azami, to explore what it really takes to transform a traditional sales-led organization into a scalable, product-led growth business. Mark shares how he joined Azami, a legal tech company specializing in intellectual property and patent software, during a period of major organizational change. Instead of focusing solely on short-term marketing campaigns, the company invested heavily in rebuilding systems, aligning teams, and deeply understanding customer behavior before aggressively scaling growth efforts. Carly and Mark unpack how marketing can become a catalyst for company-wide transformation, not just lead generation. From rebuilding CRM and revenue systems to aligning departments around shared customer outcomes rather than isolated KPIs, Mark explains how sustainable growth requires operational alignment and cultural change. The conversation also dives into the challenge of marketing innovation to a naturally risk-averse audience. Through webinars, education, thought leadership, and direct customer conversations, Azami introduced new technology in a way that felt collaborative rather than disruptive. Along the way, they explore broader themes around product-led culture, customer-centric growth, AI in legal tech, and why businesses often lose sight of the humans behind the metrics they measure. This episode is a thoughtful look at systems thinking, leadership, and how companies create sustainable growth by aligning around genuine customer value.   Key Themes: Systems Before Scale: Why rebuilding operational foundations and customer journeys is essential before pursuing aggressive growth. Product-Led Growth Is Cultural: How shifting from sales-led to product-led requires changes in mindset, onboarding, retention, and customer success. Customer Outcomes Drive Growth: Why businesses scale faster when incentives align around helping customers succeed.   Memorable Quotes: “Revenue is an ecosystem rather than four departments.” “When incentives align, growth happens naturally.” “KPIs are meant to be a measure of how well we serve customers.”   About Mark Kenigsberg: Mark Kenigsberg is a marketing and growth leader focused on aligning systems, incentives, and teams around long-term value creation. He has led go-to-market and transformation initiatives across health, legal tech, and global digital businesses, helping organizations balance innovation, trust, and scalable growth. His work specializes in integrating sales-led and product-led growth models without disrupting the systems already working inside organizations. Mark also publishes the Product Marketing Weekly newsletter and regularly speaks internationally on growth strategy, marketing transformation, and organizational alignment.   Connect with Mark Kenigsberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marckenigsberg/ https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7211059272065941504/

In this episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Chris Farr, VP of Operations at Envision Technologies, to explore how the IT industry has evolved from reactive “break-fix” support into a strategic partnership that directly impacts business growth, cybersecurity, and operational efficiency. Chris shares his journey from hands-on network engineer to operational leader, reflecting on what it has taken to help scale Envision from a single-location managed service provider into a growing multi-location technology integrator serving businesses across Georgia. The conversation dives into leadership, accountability, and operational clarity inside a scaling organization. Chris explains how adopting EOS principles helped improve delegation, ownership, and internal communication while maintaining a strong service culture. Carly and Chris also unpack the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape, including phishing attacks, ransomware, employee training, cyber insurance requirements, and why businesses of every size are now potential targets. They also discuss the power of a white-glove, concierge-style approach to IT, where the goal is not simply fixing technical issues, but becoming a trusted strategic partner that helps businesses operate more efficiently, securely, and with less friction. This episode is a practical look at leadership, scaling operations, cybersecurity, customer experience, and the systems that support long-term business growth.   Key Themes: IT as Strategic Partnership: Why the best technology providers go beyond support and become trusted business advisors. Scaling Through Systems: How EOS and accountability structures helped create clarity and operational efficiency during growth. Cybersecurity Is Everyone’s Responsibility: Why employee education, proactive monitoring, and cloud security are now critical for every business.   Memorable Quotes: “If the clients aren’t happy, we don’t have a job.” “We take the white-glove concierge approach.” “You go out and do what you do best. Let us do what we do best.”   About Chris Farr: Chris Farr has more than 20 years of experience in IT and over a decade of leadership within the Managed Service Provider (MSP) industry. Throughout his career, he has helped businesses leverage technology to operate more securely, efficiently, and strategically. Having worked through the rapid evolution of IT, from early infrastructure environments to today’s cloud-driven and cybersecurity-focused landscape, Chris brings a practical, real-world perspective to technology leadership. He is passionate about guiding organizations through IT challenges, building strong teams, and helping businesses understand the strategic role technology plays in growth and risk management.   Connect with Chris Farr: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-farr-409b3585/ https://amzn.to/4dIsKdg

In this episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Shari Cedar, CEO and co-owner of AK Building Services, to explore what it really takes to build and scale a people-driven business over the long term. Shari shares her unconventional journey from a successful career in television production to co-building a commercial cleaning company alongside her husband. What began as a gradual transition evolved into a 25-year leadership journey, growing a company that now supports a team of hundreds in a demanding and highly regulated industry. The conversation unpacks the realities of scaling beyond the early stages of business. Shari explains how the discipline of production, preparation, execution, and continuous refinement, became the foundation for building strong operational systems and sustainable growth. Carly and Shari also explore the challenges of maintaining culture across a distributed, night-shift workforce, and why connection must be created intentionally through communication, leadership presence, and consistent human interaction. This episode offers a grounded perspective on leadership, showing that real growth is not just about expanding revenue or headcount. It is about building systems that support scale, developing people who can lead independently, and creating a business that can thrive beyond its founders.   Key Themes: Systems Before Scale: Why strong processes and infrastructure are essential for sustainable growth. Intentional Culture: How to build connection and belonging across dispersed teams. Leadership Through Trust: Why letting go and empowering others is critical to long-term success.   Memorable Quotes: “If you have your hands on everything, then you’re doing nothing.” “We are a partner, not a vendor.” “Growth is great, but it’s a double-edged sword.”   About Shari Cedar: Shari Cedar is the CEO and Co-Owner of AK Building Services, a leading family-owned commercial janitorial company based in Florida. With more than 25 years of experience, she has built her career around leadership, operational excellence, and creating opportunities for her team. Before entering the commercial cleaning industry, Shari worked in television production, an experience that shaped her approach to leadership and execution. Today, she is actively involved in industry and community organizations, including BOMA, CREW Network, and the Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, while also serving on multiple nonprofit and advisory boards. A dedicated leader and working mother of two, Shari is passionate about building businesses that create meaningful impact for both people and the communities they serve.   Connect with Shari Cedar: http://www.akbuildingservices.com

In this episode of Built For This, Carly Pepin sits down with entrepreneur and innovator Kate Doerksen, co-founder and CEO of Sage Haven, a safer messaging platform designed to protect children from cyberbullying, harmful content, and unhealthy digital habits. Kate shares her remarkable entrepreneurial journey, beginning with the creation of Ditto, a pioneering augmented reality and AI eyewear technology company that ultimately served more than 70 million users worldwide before being acquired by 1-800 Contacts. She opens up about the realities of building a venture-backed startup, raising $35 million in funding, navigating years of costly litigation, and staying committed through more than a decade of challenges before achieving a successful exit. The conversation then turns to the deeply personal experiences that inspired Sage Haven. After witnessing the devastating impact of cyberbullying and harmful online content on a close family member, Kate became determined to create a safer digital environment for children. Through extensive research with parents, kids, psychologists, and technology experts, she identified a critical gap in the market and built a platform designed with children's wellbeing at its core. Carly and Kate also discuss the lessons learned from building multiple companies, the unique experience of partnering with her sister as a co-founder, how AI is reshaping entrepreneurship, and why mission-driven businesses often create a level of resilience and energy that purely commercial ventures cannot. This episode is a thoughtful exploration of entrepreneurship, technology, leadership, and the responsibility of creating products that positively impact future generations.   Key Themes: The Best Businesses Solve Personal Problems: How firsthand experience with cyberbullying inspired a mission-driven company designed to protect children. Experience Creates Clarity: Why Kate approaches entrepreneurship differently after building, scaling, and exiting her first company. Purpose Fuels Persistence: How a mission centered on children's wellbeing creates the motivation to overcome challenges and keep moving forward.   Memorable Quotes: “I don't follow the trend. I don't give a shit. I'm just building a product that a lot of people need.” “I learned the first time you can't predict the future. Your plan doesn't matter. Make it make sense right now and wait and see.” “The mental health of kids is at the center of every decision that we make. That's clean fuel.”   About Kate Doerksen: Kate Doerksen is the Co-Founder and CEO of Sage Haven, a safer messaging app created to help reduce cyberbullying and protect children from harmful digital interactions. Throughout her career, she has focused on building technology that improves the lives of individuals and families. Before launching Sage Haven with her sister Anne, Kate founded Ditto, a groundbreaking augmented reality and AI eyewear technology company that served more than 70 million users globally before being acquired by 1-800 Contacts in 2021. Kate holds an MBA from Stanford University and a Bachelor's degree in Entrepreneurship from Ball State University, where she was inducted into the Hall of Fame for her academic and athletic achievements. She lives in Danville, California, with her husband and two children.   Connect with Kate Doerksen: https://sagehavenforkids.com

In this insightful episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Tim Berney, founder and CEO of VI Marketing and Branding, to explore how marketing can go beyond visibility and actually influence real human behavior. With more than three decades of experience, Tim shares how his work has shifted from traditional awareness campaigns to behavior-driven strategies that shape decisions, habits, and even societal norms. From early recycling initiatives to large-scale water conservation campaigns that saved billions of gallons, he explains how small, consistent actions, when scaled, can create extraordinary impact. Carly and Tim break down the science behind behavior change marketing, including the role of data, modeling behavior, and crafting messaging that resonates both individually and collectively. They also explore how creative execution plays a critical role in driving results, and why even the best strategy falls flat without ideas that connect emotionally. Beyond marketing, the conversation expands into leadership, culture, and the future of the industry. Tim shares how he built a company grounded in continuous learning, intentional communication, and long-term thinking, while also offering his perspective on how AI is reshaping the marketing landscape. This episode is a thoughtful look at how marketing, when done well, becomes a powerful force for meaningful change.   Key Themes: Marketing That Changes Behavior: Why true impact comes from influencing decisions and actions, not just awareness. Small Actions, Big Results: How incremental behavior shifts can scale into significant societal impact. Creative Drives Results: Why emotionally resonant messaging is essential for long-term engagement and action.   Memorable Quotes: “We’re not just trying to get people to buy something… we’re trying to change behaviors.” “If we’re not driving results for our clients, then we shouldn’t have a job.” “There’s no substitute for creative that actually resonates and motivates people to act.”   About Tim Berney: Tim Berney is the Founder and CEO of VI Marketing and Branding, a nationally recognized agency focused on marketing that drives real behavior change. Over more than 30 years, he has grown the company from a $1,300 startup into a multi-million-dollar firm serving clients across healthcare, public health, travel, and commercial sectors. His work centers on helping organizations move beyond awareness to influence real decisions, with a strong focus on trust, credibility, and human-centered strategy. Tim is also a frequent contributor to leading business and marketing publications and is widely recognized for his insights on leadership, brand credibility, and the evolving role of AI in marketing.   Connect with Tim Berney: https://www.vimarketingandbranding.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/timberney/ https://www.instagram.com/thevibrand/

In this forward-thinking episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Laurent Cohen, a serial entrepreneur with more than 30 years of experience building and scaling businesses across multiple industries, to explore what truly drives growth in the age of AI. Laurent shares a candid perspective on entrepreneurship as a mindset rooted in creativity, risk-taking, and constant reinvention. At the center of the conversation is his latest venture, a voice-first AI platform, and a key realization that shifted his entire approach: the real value of the business is not the technology itself, but the trust it creates between companies and their customers. Carly and Laurent dive into how AI is reshaping business, while also reinforcing a fundamental truth: AI is just a tool. The real advantage comes from understanding customer behavior, leveraging data effectively, and creating meaningful interactions at scale. The conversation expands into SEO, product development, and growth strategy, with a strong emphasis on validating ideas through real customer conversations rather than building in isolation. Laurent also introduces the concept of playing the “infinite game” in business, focusing on long-term value instead of short-term wins. This episode offers a grounded yet strategic perspective on navigating a rapidly evolving landscape, showing that even as technology advances, the fundamentals remain unchanged: understand your customer, build trust, and execute with clarity.   Key Themes: Trust Over Technology: Why the real product behind AI solutions is the trust they create with customers. Data as the Advantage: How capturing and learning from user behavior drives better performance than technology alone. Validate Before You Build: Why real conversations with customers outperform assumptions and over-engineering.   Memorable Quotes: “The more you work with AI, the less you focus on AI.” “At the end of the day, you need to have customers. AI is not buying your service.” “We thought we were building voice AI… but what we’re really building is trust.”   About Laurent Cohen: Laurent Cohen is a serial entrepreneur with more than 30 years of experience building and scaling companies across industries including environment, cosmetics, e-commerce, SaaS, and AI. He has founded and led multiple multi-million-dollar businesses in both France and the United States, managing international operations, complex regulatory environments, and global distribution across more than ten countries. Today, Laurent is the founder of GetOblic, a voice-first AI platform for local businesses, which he is building as a bootstrapped venture. His approach centers on leverage over capital, validating ideas before investment, designing profitable systems early, and building companies grounded in clarity, execution, and long-term value.   Connect with Laurent Cohen: https://getoblic.com/?ref=ilkvvwxqtyghnvwpthre

In this candid episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Sarah Boyd, Co-CEO and CRO of The Digital Dept., to explore what it really takes to scale a business beyond your own capacity and build a high-performing team. Sarah shares her early journey founding Simply with a small team, handling every aspect of the business herself, until she reached a turning point. Realizing she could not grow further alone, she made a bold move, reaching out to potential acquirers, which ultimately led to the next stage of expansion. Carly and Sarah dive into the emotional and strategic shifts that come with scaling, including stepping out of day-to-day operations, overcoming imposter syndrome, and learning to trust others as the business grows. They also unpack the complexities of merging companies, aligning cultures, and building a unified team that feels true ownership in the business. From hiring for grit and accountability to prioritizing culture and retention, Sarah shares the leadership mindset required to grow from a small startup into a company of 75 and beyond. This episode is an honest look at leadership evolution, team building, and what it takes to create a business that thrives beyond the founder.   Key Themes: Letting Go to Grow: Why scaling requires stepping out of execution and into leadership. Culture Through Inclusion: How involving teams in decisions creates alignment and ownership. Hire for Mindset: Why grit, accountability, and problem-solving matter more than experience.   Memorable Quotes: “I didn’t want to feel like an island anymore.” “You just have to jump in and take the lead. That’s what your team is looking for.” “Once you have something good, you don’t want to lose people.”   About Sarah Boyd: Sarah Boyd is the Co-CEO and CRO of The Digital Dept., a full-service influencer marketing and talent management firm that provides brand strategy and creator representation. The company was formed in 2023 through the merger of Socialyte, where Sarah served as President, and Be Social. Prior to this, Sarah founded Simply, a creative collective built around connection and collaboration. Today, she leads a growing team representing top creators such as Lauren Lane, Jana Kramer, and Becca Tilley, while working with major brand clients including Crocs, H&M, Molson Coors, and Function Health.   Connect with Sarah Boyd: https://thedigitaldept.com/ https://www.instagram.com/sarahpboyd/ https://www.instagram.com/thedigitaldpt/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahpboyd/

In this strategic episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Jackson Calame, entrepreneur and growth strategist, to unpack why so many businesses struggle to scale despite having strong vision and relentless effort. Drawing from years of experience across startups, SaaS, and operational leadership, Jackson introduces a powerful framework built on real-world lessons: the six critical “avatars” every business must serve effectively. From prospects and customers to team members, vendors, media, and investors, he explains that sustainable growth depends on building systems that support each of these relationships. Carly and Jackson explore the deeper realities of entrepreneurship, including the myth of the solopreneur, the importance of building strong teams early, and the need for clear processes and operational infrastructure. The conversation also highlights leadership blind spots, the role of feedback, and how personal growth directly influences business outcomes. This episode is a grounded look at what it really takes to build a scalable, resilient business, one that is driven by systems, people, and intentional leadership rather than hustle alone.   Key Themes: Structure Drives Scale: Why most businesses fail due to weak systems and unclear processes, not lack of effort. Teams Over Individuals: How sustainable growth depends on building and empowering the right people. Systems Create Freedom: Why clear frameworks enable consistency, creativity, and long-term scalability.   Memorable Quotes: “That’s why they’re called blind spots. If I’m not willing to ask about them, my business is going to fail.” “If everything’s on your shoulders right now, you’re going to burn out and your team will too.” “We don’t delegate to people. We delegate to systems.”   About Jackson Calame: Jackson Calame helps visionary entrepreneurs unlock sustainable revenue growth and build lasting legacies by becoming power brands in their markets. With deep experience launching and scaling B2B and SaaS startups serving thousands of small and mid-sized businesses, he has seen firsthand why many companies fail due to poorly managed growth and weak foundations. Jackson and his team partner with business owners and executives through critical growth phases, often stepping into strategic leadership roles across operations, marketing, and executive management. His approach focuses on leadership evolution, strong culture, operational clarity, and a customer-centric vision. He equips leaders to make high-stakes decisions with confidence, enabling them to scale intentionally and lead their markets.   Connect with Jackson Calame: https://www.visionproslive.com https://www.firstclassbusiness.io

In this insightful episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Filip Keuppens, CEO of The Pickle Juice Company, to explore what it takes to transform a company from the inside out while building a brand that defines an entirely new category. Filip shares how stepping into the business, and later navigating a private equity acquisition, became a pivotal moment that forced a complete rethink of leadership, culture, and direction. Rather than chasing growth metrics alone, he made a deliberate shift toward building a values-driven organization grounded in collaboration, accountability, integrity, and a champion mindset. Carly and Filip dive into the realities of culture transformation, from overcoming internal skepticism to creating psychological safety and reinforcing behaviors through systems, feedback, and accountability. He explains why culture is not something that happens by accident. It must be built intentionally and reinforced every day. Beyond leadership, the conversation explores how The Pickle Juice Company is creating a new “hyper-functional” food and beverage category. By combining science, curiosity, and real-world application, Filip and his team are developing products that solve tangible problems for consumers, moving beyond trends into true functionality. This episode is a powerful blend of leadership insight and innovation strategy, showing how strong culture and clear purpose drive both people and product forward.   Key Themes: Culture Is Built, Not Assumed: Why values, systems, and leadership accountability are essential to creating high-performing teams. Leadership Enables Growth: How great leaders create environments where people can succeed rather than trying to control outcomes. Innovation Starts with Curiosity: Why solving real problems through exploration leads to category-defining products.   Memorable Quotes: “We’re only as good as the systems that evaluate us.” “There’s no such thing as a bad employee, just a bad leader.” “Leadership is more about facilitating leadership in others.”   About Filip Keuppens: Filip Keuppens is the CEO of The Pickle Juice Company, a brand known for its scientifically backed beverage designed to help prevent muscle cramps by blocking the nerve signals that trigger them. The product is widely used by elite athletes and performance-driven consumers. Filip’s background spans sales and operations across e-commerce, grocery, club, and specialty channels, with a strong focus on innovative, solution-based products. He previously held roles with 20th Century Fox and Warner Home Video, where he developed a deep understanding of storytelling, messaging, and consumer engagement. Beyond business, Filip is deeply connected to the world of sport, serving in leadership roles within rugby organizations, including as a coach and director with the Dallas Rugby Football Club and as a competition commissioner with the Red River Rugby Conference.   Connect with Filip Keuppens: https://picklepower.com/ https://www.facebook.com/picklejuicesports https://www.instagram.com/picklejuice

In this powerful episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Draven McConville, a technology entrepreneur who built and exited a global SaaS company after overcoming homelessness at just 18 years old. Draven shares the full arc of his journey, from survival and uncertainty to founding Clipboard, a field service management platform designed to digitize and streamline operations for trade and service businesses. By focusing on a sector many tech founders overlooked, he built a product rooted in real-world problems, creating strong demand and long-term value. Carly and Draven explore the realities of building and scaling a SaaS business, including navigating the “SaaS slump,” securing the right type of investment, and making intentional decisions around growth, pricing, and product direction. The conversation also goes beyond the build phase into what most founders are unprepared for: the exit itself. Draven shares candid insights into choosing the right buyer, understanding the long-term implications of a deal, and managing life after liquidity, from handling sudden wealth to navigating personal relationships and purpose. This episode is a grounded and honest look at entrepreneurship from start to exit and beyond, offering both strategic insight and real-world perspective.   Key Themes: Opportunity Lives in Overlooked Markets: Why solving real problems in ignored industries can create powerful businesses. Scaling Requires Discipline: How patience, capital management, and intentional decision-making drive long-term SaaS growth. Exit Is a Transition, Not an Endpoint: Why selling a business is both a strategic and personal shift that requires preparation.   Memorable Quotes: “The strategy probably changed every two minutes in the early days.” “You have to be intentional in every aspect of the business that you do.” “If you can’t understand what they’re doing with your money, that’s a sign for you not to do it.”   About Draven McConville: Draven McConville is a British technology entrepreneur from Northern Ireland and the founder of Klipboard, a field service management SaaS platform acquired by Kerridge Commercial Systems (KCS) in July 2024. His journey from overcoming homelessness at age 18 to building a globally successful software company serving enterprise clients reflects resilience, strategic thinking, and a commitment to solving real-world problems.   Connect with Draven McConville: https://www.dravenmcconville.com https://klipboard.io/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/draven-mcconville-79a93320/

In this impactful episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Krissy Webb, co-founder and executive director of Student ACES, a nonprofit dedicated to developing young leaders through character, accountability, and real-world life skills. Krissy shares how a simple but powerful question about the future of leadership sparked the creation of Student ACES and grew into a multi-million-dollar organization transforming student athletes across schools. What began as a passion project quickly became a mission to fill a critical gap in traditional education, where character and leadership development are often overlooked. Carly and Krissy dive into the realities of building a nonprofit from the ground up, from early failures and working without pay to learning how to fundraise and measure impact through meaningful data. They also explore the challenges facing today’s youth, including the effects of constant digital distraction, reduced critical thinking, and the need for practical life skills like resilience, decision-making, and time management. This episode is a powerful reminder that real leadership is built through character, not titles, and that lasting impact starts with investing in people.   Key Themes: Character Over Titles: Why true leadership is built on accountability, respect, and consistent action, not position or status. Growth Through Failure: How persistence, learning, and resilience shape meaningful success over time. Preparing the Next Generation: Why critical thinking and real-world skills are essential in a distracted, fast-changing world.   Memorable Quotes: “A lot of trial and error, a lot of failure… to have anything successful, you did fail a lot.” “You literally get paid for data now.” “If you talk to them like they’re adults, they’ll talk to you like an adult.”   About Krissy Webb: Krissy Webb is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Student ACES, a nonprofit organization committed to inspiring and developing young men and women of character, honor, and integrity. The organization’s mission is to create champions through its core values: Command Respect, Honor Your Word, Aspire to Greatness, Maintain Courage, Possess a Work Ethic Second to None, Inspire Others, Own a Winning Attitude, Never Settle, and Sacrifice for Self and Team. Beyond her work with Student ACES, Krissy is deeply involved in youth development through sports, serving as the head coach of the ACES Elite softball team and mentoring the next generation both on and off the field. Her passion for empowering young people is unwavering, making her a true advocate and champion for youth leadership.   Connect with Krissy Webb: http://www.studentaces.org

In this powerful episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Glenn Poulos, a seasoned entrepreneur who has built, scaled, and exited multiple companies across industries, only to lose it all and start again. Glenn shares the story of what looked like a life-changing exit, until the acquiring company went bankrupt and wiped out the value of his shares. Faced with starting over in his mid-40s, he chose action over hesitation, rebuilding from scratch and eventually growing his next company to more than $80 million in revenue. Carly and Glenn unpack the realities behind business exits, including the risks of stock-based deals, the complexity of private equity, and how deal structure can make or break the outcome. Glenn also outlines the three essential ingredients for starting a business and explains why momentum after failure is often more important than the setback itself. This episode is a candid and practical look at resilience, smart decision-making, and playing the long game in business.   Key Themes: Not All Exits Are Wins: Why liquidity matters and how stock-based deals can carry hidden risks. Momentum Beats Setbacks: How taking action quickly after failure can change the trajectory of your next chapter. The Real Requirements to Start: Why runway, a viable product, and a willing customer are the true foundations of any business.   Memorable Quotes: “Don’t sell your company for all shares. Make sure you get cash.” “One of the three things you need to start a company is a customer you don’t deserve.” “It doesn’t matter what change you make, you will piss off somebody.”   About Glenn Poulos: Glenn Poulos is an entrepreneur and strategist currently building his third company, ProgUSA, which supplies tools and equipment that help test and strengthen the modern power grid. His work supports utilities, contractors, and the growing demand driven by data centers and AI infrastructure. Glenn founded his first company at twenty-nine and grew it over fifteen years before a successful exit. He later co-founded Gap Wireless, helping scale it to more than $80 million in revenue before another eight-figure exit. After these successes, he moved from Toronto to Orlando to lead ProgUSA, stepping into a new industry, new customers, and a new country. He is also an award-winning author of Never Sit in the Lobby, runs AI training initiatives, and performs as a voice-over artist and charity DJ under the name Phossl, supporting non-profits through events and fundraising.   Connect with Glenn Poulos: https://a.co/d/2D6b0iV https://progusa.net/

In this practical and insight-packed episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Sean Griffith, founder of Truffle, an AI-powered hiring platform built to solve one of the biggest bottlenecks in modern business: screening candidates at scale. Sean shares his journey from joining SimpleTexting as the seventh employee to helping scale the company to $40M ARR, and later leading hundreds of employees as COO at Sinch. Through hiring more than 1,000 people, he developed a deep understanding of what breaks first as companies grow and why hiring is often the earliest and most painful constraint. Carly and Sean explore the realities of scaling, from the moment leadership becomes complex to the need for structure, systems, and communication cadence as teams expand. Sean also shares how Truffle was born from personal frustration, sorting through overwhelming volumes of applications and struggling to identify the right candidates efficiently. The conversation dives into how AI can enhance hiring decisions without replacing human judgment, and why protecting time for deep work is essential for leaders. This episode is a clear and grounded look at building systems early to create scalable, resilient companies.   Key Themes: Hiring Breaks First: Why talent acquisition becomes the earliest bottleneck and how better systems outperform manual effort. Structure Enables Scale: Why companies need clear frameworks, leadership cadence, and communication systems as they approach 70–100 employees. AI as an Amplifier, Not a Replacement: How technology improves efficiency and signal detection while human judgment remains essential.   Memorable Quotes: “There’s got to be a better way to do this.” “If you’ve set the business up well, it sort of handles itself.” “It’s incredible what you can accomplish when you protect a few hours for deep work.”   About Sean Griffith: Sean Griffith is the founder of Truffle, an AI-powered hiring platform designed to streamline candidate screening through asynchronous interviews and intelligent filtering. With more than 15 years of experience in hiring, Sean scaled SimpleTexting from $1M to $40M ARR and later served as COO at Sinch, leading a team of over 750 people. Having personally hired around 1,000 employees, he built Truffle to address the inefficiencies and overwhelm in modern hiring, helping companies focus on the candidates who truly matter.   Connect with Sean Griffith: http://www.hiretruffle.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/hiretruffle/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/griffithsean

In this raw and practical episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Chris McManus, founder of GC Landscaping Inc., who scaled his business from mowing lawns to a multi-million-dollar full-service landscaping and pool construction company in just six years. Chris shares his unconventional journey from semi-professional motocross into entrepreneurship, where he redirected his competitive drive into building a business from the ground up. What followed was rapid growth driven by action, risk-taking, and learning in real time rather than waiting for perfect conditions. Carly and Chris dive deep into the realities of scaling fast, from acquiring another company and doubling operations overnight to navigating the chaos that comes without strong systems. Chris opens up about the lessons learned around onboarding, infrastructure, and leadership, and how he evolved from being deeply involved in every detail to building a management team that can operate independently. This episode is a powerful reminder that growth does not come from perfection. It comes from progress, adaptation, and the willingness to move forward before you feel ready.   Key Themes: Action Beats Perfection: Why taking bold action, even when unprepared, accelerates growth and learning. Systems Enable Scale: How processes, onboarding, and infrastructure become essential as a business grows. Leadership Means Letting Go: Why developing people and trusting your team is the key to sustainable expansion.   Memorable Quotes: “I’m a firm believer in biting off more than you can chew and then figure it out.” “When you’re growing and scaling a company, you’re not going to be perfect — not if you want to do it fast.” “If my people are taken care of, they’ll take care of my customers.”   About Chris McManus: Chris McManus is the founder of GC Landscaping Inc., a company he built from the ground up into a multi-million-dollar landscaping business in just six years. In 2025, he expanded into pool construction, continuing to scale with a long-term vision of reaching a $25 million valuation by 2035. Known for his action-oriented mindset and relentless drive, Chris focuses on building systems, developing people, and creating a business that can grow beyond its founder.   Connect with Chris McManus: https://gclandscapinginc.com https://www.instagram.com/gclandscapinginc/

In this honest and practical episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Dave Gulas, co-founder of EZDC 3PL and host of the Beyond Fulfillment podcast, to explore what it really takes to build and scale a business in a demanding, fast-moving industry. Dave shares how he transitioned from a 20-year career in pharmaceutical sales into launching a third-party logistics company, stepping into an industry he initially underestimated. What followed was not a smooth trajectory, but a rapid education in execution, problem-solving, and learning through mistakes. Carly and Dave dive into the realities of entrepreneurship that rarely make the highlight reel. From saying yes to the wrong clients and scaling too quickly without systems, to underestimating the importance of visibility and marketing, Dave unpacks the lessons that shaped his growth. He explains how content creation and launching a podcast became unexpected catalysts for building relationships and generating inbound opportunities. Alongside this, he shares the simple but powerful systems, like daily team huddles and a customer-first culture, that helped his company expand, open a second warehouse, and continue scaling sustainably. This episode is a grounded look at entrepreneurship in action, where progress comes from doing, learning, and refining over time.   Key Themes: Action Creates Clarity: Why starting before you feel ready accelerates learning and sharpens decision-making. Not Every Opportunity Is Worth Taking: How saying yes to the wrong clients can create unnecessary strain and slow growth. Visibility Drives Growth: Why founders must actively build their presence to generate trust, relationships, and inbound opportunities.   Memorable Quotes: “I believe you really learn best by doing.” “If I wasn’t visible and out there as a founder, the company would never grow the way we needed it to.” “Providing value first just worked out in ways that benefited us indirectly.”   About Dave Gulas: Dave Gulas attended the University of Michigan-Dearborn before building a more than 20-year career in sales and executive roles within the medical and pharmaceutical industries. He is now the co-founder of EZDC 3PL, a third-party logistics company headquartered in Kentucky, providing warehousing, fulfillment, and transportation services to manufacturers and ecommerce businesses. Since launching in 2022, EZDC 3PL has become known for its personal service, fast response times, and flexibility, helping clients grow by acting as a true extension of their operations. Dave also hosts the Beyond Fulfillment podcast, where he interviews entrepreneurs and shares insights into the realities of building a business.   Connect with Dave Gulas: https://ezdc3pl.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/davegulas/ https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondFulfillmentPodcast

In this forward-looking episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with John Petrocelli, livestream pioneer and CEO of Bulldog Digital Media, to explore how live content has evolved into one of the most powerful forces in modern business. John shares his journey from the early days of digital media, working with artists like Prince and helping shape direct-to-consumer distribution, to producing some of the most watched livestreams in the world. With more than a billion audience engagements and clients including Apple, Netflix, Coca-Cola, and Samsung, he offers a front-row view into how content, commerce, and technology are converging in real time. Carly and John dive into the explosive growth of livestreaming during the pandemic, the rise of live commerce through platforms like TikTok Shop, and why brands are shifting from passive content to interactive experiences. John explains that the future is not about broadcasting to an audience, but engaging them as participants. From building lean, adaptive teams to managing the complexity of real-time production, this episode reveals what it takes to succeed in one of the fastest-moving industries today.   Key Themes: From Viewers to Participants: Why engagement, interaction, and real-time connection are redefining how audiences consume content. Live Commerce Is Transforming Sales: How livestreaming is becoming a direct revenue channel with higher conversion and stronger customer connection. Execution Under Pressure: Why preparation, adaptability, and communication are critical when there are no second takes.   Memorable Quotes: “The goal is to transform the viewer into a participant.” “It’s live. It has to happen at a certain time. There are no second takes.” “If you’re just broadcasting, people might come. But if you engage them, they stay.”   About John Petrocelli: John Petrocelli is a pioneer of the livestream industry, lifelong entrepreneur, and Founder and CEO of Bulldog Digital Media, a leading livestream production studio. Over his career, he has enabled some of the most-watched livestreams in history, generating more than one billion audience engagements across Fortune 500 clients. Before founding Bulldog DM in 2012, John’s leadership roles in startups led to acquisitions by AEG, Google, and Akamai. Today, Bulldog DM partners with some of the world’s most recognizable brands, including Apple, AT&T, YouTube, American Express, Coca-Cola, Netflix, Samsung, and Qualcomm. His work has earned numerous industry awards, including Clio, Shorty, Webby, Cannes Lion, Epica, One Show, and BizBash, and he has spoken at major global events such as CES, NAB, SXSW, and Harvard Business School.   Connect with John Petrocelli: https://bulldogdm.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpetrocelli https://twitter.com/johnpetrocelli | https://twitter.com/bulldogdm https://www.instagram.com/bulldog_dm/

In this thought-provoking episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Sam Berman, founder and CEO of LARC (Logistics Advanced Research Center), to explore how challenging deeply embedded industry assumptions can unlock real innovation. Sam shares how LARC began as a simple idea sketched on a napkin and evolved into a global solution for transporting high-value, mission-critical equipment. At the heart of his approach is first-principles thinking, breaking problems down to their core and rebuilding solutions from the ground up rather than accepting inefficiencies as inevitable. Carly and Sam dive into the hidden flaws within traditional logistics systems, from wasteful packaging to outdated processes that persist simply because they have never been questioned. By redesigning these systems with reusable, modular solutions, Sam demonstrates how businesses can simultaneously improve performance, reduce cost, and increase sustainability. This episode is a powerful reminder that many of the biggest constraints in business are not real limitations, but accepted norms waiting to be reimagined.   Key Themes: Challenge Assumptions: Why many industries operate on outdated systems that exist because no one has questioned them. Think from First Principles: How breaking problems down to their fundamentals leads to breakthrough innovation rather than incremental improvement. Align Efficiency with Sustainability: Why better systems can reduce waste, lower costs, and improve outcomes at the same time.   Memorable Quotes: “Most of the systems we rely on today weren’t designed to be optimal, they were designed to be acceptable.” “If you don’t question the assumptions, you end up optimizing a broken system.” “The goal isn’t to make something slightly better. It’s to build what should have existed in the first place.”   About Sam Berman: Sam Berman is the Founder and CEO of Logistics Advanced Research Center (LARC), a technology-driven packaging and logistics company redefining how the world’s most valuable equipment is transported. LARC designs reusable, modular crate systems built for high-value and mission-critical assets, including data center infrastructure, advanced electronics, aerospace components, and emerging AI hardware. A lifelong entrepreneur and systems thinker, Sam has spent decades challenging legacy assumptions across logistics, manufacturing, and supply chains. Under his leadership, LARC has become a trusted partner to hyperscalers, global manufacturers, and Tier-1 logistics providers by delivering solutions that improve protection, security, sustainability, and total cost of ownership.   Connect with Sam Berman: https://www.larc.co/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelberman/

In this inspiring episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Richard Blank, entrepreneur and CEO of Costa Rica’s Call Center, to explore the unconventional path that led him from Philadelphia to building a thriving business abroad. Richard shares how stepping away from family expectations and societal pressure allowed him to pursue a life aligned with his own values. At twenty-seven, he moved to Costa Rica and started a company from scratch in a completely unfamiliar environment. What many would have considered a risky leap became the foundation for a successful business built on authenticity, culture, and human connection. Throughout the conversation, Richard dives into the human side of leadership, explaining why communication, empathy, and culture are the real drivers of performance. From training voice agents to build genuine rapport with customers to fostering a workplace where people feel respected and supported, he demonstrates how emotional intelligence transforms both teams and outcomes. This episode is a powerful reminder that growth often begins when we step beyond comfort zones and choose a path that reflects who we truly are.   Key Themes: Authenticity Opens Doors: Why choosing your own path, rather than following expectations, can lead to unexpected opportunities. Culture Drives Performance: How respect, communication, and empathy create stronger teams and better business results. Growth Lives Outside the Comfort Zone: Why moving abroad and starting from scratch became the catalyst for Richard’s resilience and success.   Memorable Quotes: “Sometimes you have to leave the life that’s expected of you in order to build the life that’s truly yours.” “People remember how you make them feel. That’s just as important in business as it is in life.” “If you build the right culture, people don’t just work for you. They grow with you.”   About Richard Blank: Richard Blank describes his life as a spiritual vision-quest journey that required stepping beyond family expectations and societal pressure in order to live authentically. At twenty-seven, he left Philadelphia and moved to Costa Rica, where he built a company from the ground up that would eventually become Costa Rica’s Call Center, which he has led as CEO since 2008. Giving back is a core part of Richard’s philosophy. Each year he endows a scholarship at Abington Senior High School for students pursuing world languages at the university level. A lifelong enthusiast of vintage arcade culture, he also built the largest collection of restored American pinball machines and antique jukeboxes in Costa Rica.   Connect with Richard Blank: https://costaricascallcenter.com/en/costa-ricas-call-center-2/ Richard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ Costa Rica’s Call Center commercial with Rapper GblackDaBest and Freestyle break-dancer Yeik Lawson Rodríguez https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQvGZYcX71s Feliciano School of Business visit with Richard Blank https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prcJZJnTm28

In this insightful episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Alfredo Dominguez, CEO of Velocity Artificial Lift Solutions, an engineering company dedicated to helping oil and energy producers operate more efficiently through practical, field-driven technologies. Alfredo shares how his background in engineering shaped his leadership philosophy, one rooted in problem-solving, precision, and building solutions that actually work under real-world conditions. But the conversation quickly moves beyond technical innovation into the realities of leadership under pressure. One of the most defining challenges Alfredo faced came when his company was targeted by a conspiracy involving a former employee and supplier attempting to steal proprietary designs and undermine the business. Navigating that experience forced him to confront uncertainty, protect his team, and make difficult decisions under immense pressure. Through it all, Alfredo leaned into a values-based leadership approach grounded in honesty, dependability, and respect. Carly and Alfredo explore how engineering thinking can transform business leadership, how resilience is built during the hardest moments, and why values become the stabilizing force when stakes are highest. This episode reveals how adversity often becomes the proving ground where stronger leaders are forged.   Key Themes: Leadership Is Forged in Crisis: Why the true test of leadership comes during uncertainty, pressure, and unexpected threats. Engineering Thinking for Business: How breaking down complex systems into solvable problems creates practical innovation. Values Anchor High-Stakes Leadership: Why honesty, dependability, and respect create stability in technical and high-risk industries.   Memorable Quotes: “Even in the darkest moments, clarity and support can emerge if you stay open enough to see it.” “Engineering is really about translating complex problems into practical solutions.” “Your values are what keep you grounded when the pressure is highest.”   About Alfredo Dominguez: Alfredo Dominguez is the CEO of Velocity Artificial Lift Solutions, Inc., where he leads the development of engineering services and technologies designed to help oil and energy companies produce more efficiently and cost-effectively. With a career rooted in applied engineering and field-driven problem solving, Alfredo specializes in translating complex technical challenges into scalable, practical solutions. His work has been recognized through multiple published and presented technical papers, reflecting his commitment to advancing performance and reliability within the energy sector. Alfredo leads with a values-driven philosophy centered on honesty, dependability, and respect, principles that guide both his technical decisions and company culture.   Connect with Alfredo Dominguez: https://www.velocityals.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/velocity-als/ https://www.facebook.com/people/Velocity-ALS/61557251253835/ https://www.instagram.com/velocityals/

In this insightful episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Joy Lynskey, founder and CEO of Jewel Toned Interiors, an award-winning interior design studio known for creating people-centered environments that combine creativity, psychology, and purpose. Joy shares how her early fascination with psychology shaped the way she approaches design today. Rather than focusing only on aesthetics, she examines how environments influence how people think, feel, and interact. From corporate offices to commercial spaces, Joy explains how intentional design can reinforce company values, improve employee wellbeing, and transform customer experiences. The conversation also explores Joy’s entrepreneurial journey, from growing up as the daughter of a business owner to leading a design firm in the traditionally male-dominated construction industry. As the first female president of the Construction Executives Association, she reflects on the importance of mentorship, leadership, and building teams that empower people to grow. This episode reveals the powerful intersection between psychology, leadership, and design and how the spaces we create ultimately shape the cultures we live and work within.   Key Themes: Design Begins with Emotion: Why every project starts with a single question: how do you want people to feel in this space? Spaces Communicate Culture: How the built environment can reinforce company values like collaboration, innovation, and wellness. Leadership Through Empowerment: Why mentorship, empathy, and continuous growth are essential for building strong teams and thriving businesses.   Memorable Quotes: “Interior design is really a blend of art, math, science, and the study of people.” “We always start by asking clients one question: how do you want people to feel in this space?” “You can’t just put your core values on the wall. Design lets you actually bring them to life.”   About Joy Lynskey: Joy Lynskey is the Founder and CEO of Jewel Toned Interiors (JTI), an award-winning, women-owned interior design studio based in Fort Lauderdale. With more than two decades of experience across design, construction, and planning, Joy leads JTI in creating inspiring, people-centered environments with a focus on serving underserved communities. Her work extends beyond design through partnerships with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Be Strong International, Junior Achievement, and Make-A-Wish. A passionate mentor and advocate for leadership development, Joy became the first female president of the Construction Executives Association in 2023. Her impact has been recognized through numerous honors, including Entrepreneur Organization’s Entrepreneur of Excellence and IIDA South Florida’s Star of the Year.   Connect with Joy Lynskey: http://www.jeweltoned.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-lynskey/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/jewel-toned-interiors/ https://www.instagram.com/jeweltonedinteriors/

In this candid episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Connor Treacy, a Los Angeles–based entrepreneur working at the crossroads of nightlife, music, culture, and business. Connor offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it truly takes to stay relevant in the entertainment industry, where momentum is fleeting and yesterday’s success quickly fades. Connor shares how he co-founded OffSunset during the uncertainty of COVID and grew it into a multimillion-dollar hospitality brand built largely through word of mouth, mystique, and carefully curated experiences. He explains the strategy behind controlled launches, protecting brand momentum, and building communities rather than simply throwing parties. The conversation explores the volatility of early entrepreneurship, the pressure of maintaining relevance, and why entertainment ultimately revolves around value exchange. Now working in talent management while building systems around artists and partnerships, Connor breaks down why producing your own product matters, how positioning yourself for opportunity beats constantly chasing it, and why calculated luck consistently outperforms blind ambition. This episode is a thoughtful exploration of timing, resilience, and designing a career that does not depend on a single hit.   Key Themes: Value Creates Relevance: Why success in entertainment comes from bringing something meaningful to the table rather than relying on popularity. Plan Beyond the Hit: How understanding industry cycles allows entrepreneurs to celebrate momentum while preparing for what comes next. Position Yourself for Opportunity: Why strengthening your network, credibility, and knowledge increases the chances that major opportunities find you.   Memorable Quotes: “Anything I’ve ever wanted, I got it — it just sometimes comes later.” “You’re only as hot as the last party you did.” “It’s honestly more nerve-wracking once you get the hit — because then you have to make another one.”   About Connor Treacy: Connor Treacy is a Los Angeles–based entrepreneur and music executive operating at the intersection of culture, business, and civic life. He co-founded OffSunset, a high-profile West Hollywood hospitality concept that grew into a multimillion-dollar annual business through disciplined brand-building and community design. Connor currently works across talent and venture partnerships while completing his MBA at USC Marshall and earning a Master of Studies in Law from USC Gould School of Law. Known for combining creative instinct with operational discipline, he focuses on building durable systems, partnerships, and platforms that outlast trends.   Connect with Connor Treacy: https://instagram.com/theconnortreacy https://x.com/theconnortreacy https://linkedin.com/in/connortreacy https://youtube.com/@theconnortreacy

In this powerhouse episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with media pioneer Larry Namer, co-founder of E! Entertainment Television and chairman of multiple global media ventures, to unpack how a scrappy startup became a worldwide entertainment brand. Larry shares how E! launched with just $2.5 million, 11 employees, and 31 interns, eventually expanding into 142 countries. But this conversation goes far beyond celebrity culture. Larry dives into his work building media platforms in Russia and China, navigating post-communist business environments, and redefining what “Hollywood” means in a digital world where creativity is no longer tied to geography. He explains how vertical dramas, immersive experiences, and AI-powered workflows are reshaping entertainment, and why AI will never replace human imagination but will dramatically amplify it. Larry also unpacks his leadership philosophy, from hiring for work ethic and developing interns into executives, to giving teams room to fail without sinking the ship. Now focused on purpose-driven programming, Larry is creating socially impactful content and launching global masterclasses through the World Film Institute to democratize access to world-class creative education. This episode is a masterclass in trusting your instincts, mastering your ego, and building platforms that outlast you.   Key Themes: Creativity Requires Instinct and Self-Editing: Why innovation depends not just on generating ideas, but on having the discipline to kill the wrong ones without ego. AI Amplifies Humans, It Does Not Replace Them: How AI saves time and accelerates output, while true originality still comes from human minds. Every Business Is Now a Media Business: Why content creation is no longer optional and how those who adapt will thrive in the next era of influence.   Memorable Quotes: “AI samples what’s already been done. New ideas only come from one set of brains. Human beings.” “The worst thing you can do is waste your time.” “Don’t let the good things go by because you didn’t have the nerve to say, I’m going to make this happen.”   About Larry Namer: Larry Namer is the Co-Founder of E! Entertainment Television, Chairman of LJN Media, Chairman of the World Film Institute, and President of Metan Global. Over the course of his career, he has built and invested in media companies around the world, shaping global entertainment and pioneering new formats across continents.   Connect with Larry Namer: 🌐 http://ljnmedia.com 📸 https://www.instagram.com/larrynamertv 📘 Book: https://amzn.to/3YjfOSg

What if explosive growth is not about taking bigger risks, but about refusing to make predictable mistakes? In this episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Matthew Neill Davis, attorney, entrepreneur, and founder of Davis Business Law, a firm that achieved more than 1000% growth in eight years and became one of the rare law firms to earn a place on the Inc. 5000 list. Matthew reveals that the secret behind that growth was not flashy marketing or reckless expansion. It was discipline, systems, leadership presence, and a relentless commitment to eliminating what he calls “unforced errors.” From reducing client concentration risk to implementing succession planning that protects against catastrophe, Matthew explains how to build a company that can survive leadership loss, market shifts, and internal dysfunction. Drawing from his book The Art of Preventing Stupid, he outlines how strategic defense creates sustainable offense and why responsible leadership requires both service and strength. This conversation is a masterclass in strategic paranoia, operational clarity, and building an enterprise designed to outlive its founder.   Key Themes: Eliminate Unforced Errors to Unlock Growth: Why scaling comes from removing preventable breakdowns across key business systems before they cost you. A Players Thrive Under Accountability: How raising standards, not lowering them, increased production and strengthened culture. Protect Your People First: Why prioritizing employee growth, autonomy, and mastery builds resilience and long-term performance.   Memorable Quotes: “Revenue is vanity. Profit is sanity.” “If you’ll deal with your vulnerabilities, you’re the one who gets to capitalize on the opportunities.” “Leading A players is easy. Give them autonomy, give them standards, and tell them to carry the message to Garcia.”   About Matthew Neill Davis: Matthew Neill Davis is an attorney, heavy metal guitarist, and entrepreneur who led his solely owned firm, Davis Business Law, through more than 1000% growth over eight years, making it one of the very few law firms to achieve Inc. 5000 recognition. The firm now operates nine offices from San Antonio to Kansas City. With more than twenty-five years of experience advising business leaders, Matthew now teaches entrepreneurs how to address vulnerabilities so they can capitalize on opportunities through his proprietary Strong Protected Business System. Matthew lives in Enid, Oklahoma, where his family has resided for six generations. He holds degrees from the University of Oklahoma, Cornell University, and Cornell College.   Connect with Matthew Davis: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/davisbusinesslaw 📘 https://www.facebook.com/davisbusinesslaw

In this episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with multi-passionate entrepreneur and architect Lance Cayko to unpack what it truly means to build something that endures. Lance shares how being laid off early in his career became the spark that led him to found multiple seven-figure companies grounded in culture, customer service, and steady growth. Instead of chasing scale for status, he focused on intentional expansion, creating an integrated ecosystem of architecture, construction, and development designed to withstand economic shifts. Carly and Lance move beyond tactics into mindset. They explore faith, philosophy, and the law of polarity, and how adversity has consistently paved the way for opportunity in Lance’s journey. From implementing a daily Two-Second Lean process to embedding language from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People into company culture, Lance demonstrates how clarity, humility, and communication create long-term resilience. This episode is a reminder that leadership is not about control. It is about stewardship, presence, and choosing your response when challenges arise.   Key Themes: Customer Service as the Differentiator: Why design is assumed, but responsiveness, empathy, and communication win long-term trust. Setbacks as Catalysts: How layoffs, downturns, and difficult seasons strengthened both Lance’s companies and his leadership philosophy. Culture by Design: Why intentional systems, shared language, and daily improvement habits create accountability and alignment.   Memorable Quotes: “When I have a really bad day, that’s actually when I get excited — because something good is coming.” “Design is the baseline. People assume architects can design. What they’re really looking for is service.” “You can’t have electricity without positive and negative. The same is true in business and in life.”   About Lance Cayko: Lance Cayko is a multi-passionate entrepreneur, award-winning architect, builder, and co-founder of F9 Productions, a nationally recognized design and build firm based in Colorado. Over the past fifteen years, he has also launched F14 Productions and F12 Development, building three seven-figure companies from the ground up and scaling revenue by more than 5,800 percent. Lance is the co-host of Inside the Firm, one of the world’s top-ranked architecture and business podcasts with over 700,000 downloads. Through his companies and platform, he equips entrepreneurs, business leaders, and creatives with practical strategies to build resilient businesses and meaningful lives.   Connect with Lance Cayko: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/lance-cayko-1227031a/ 📘 https://www.facebook.com/F9ProductionsInc/ 📘 https://www.facebook.com/FishingwithLance/ 📸 https://www.instagram.com/FishingwithLance/

In this forward-thinking episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Jason Wong, award-winning packaging innovator and CEO of PackinDuck, to explore how technology, media, and manufacturing can combine to transform a traditional industry. After building and scaling multiple consumer brands, Jason experienced the friction of unreliable overseas manufacturing firsthand. Rather than accepting the status quo, he invested directly into a factory in China and rebuilt operations from the inside. What emerged was not just a packaging company, but a three-pronged infrastructure built on manufacturing, media, and technology. Jason explains how generating 40 million annual views in short-form content replaces the need for expensive trade shows, how AI-powered internal tools remove bottlenecks and increase accuracy, and why the manufacturers of the future must operate like technology companies. Carly and Jason also dive into hiring for integrity over résumé, managing capital-intensive growth without outside investors, consolidating supply chains for clients, and setting a clear long-term vision without overwhelming teams with unnecessary complexity. This episode is a masterclass in building systems first and creating leverage without burning capital.   Key Themes: Demand Beats Booths: How strategic content creation generates inbound demand more effectively than traditional industry marketing. AI Removes Friction, Not Humans: Why automation should eliminate repetitive tasks so teams can focus on strategy and creativity. People Are the True Infrastructure: How disciplined hiring and cultural alignment protect momentum and long-term scale.   Memorable Quotes: “People really is everything in your business.” “Can I build this without spending a dime on marketing?” “Your job as a CEO is simple. Set a clear target and help your team get there.”   About Jason Wong: Jason Wong is an award-winning packaging manufacturing innovator and CEO of Paking Duck, specializing in custom packaging solutions across paper, plastic, glass, and metal for high-growth consumer brands. A serial entrepreneur, Jason previously built Doe Lashes to a $15 million valuation and served as CEO of Pughaus. By combining firsthand experience as a brand owner with deep East-West supply chain expertise, Jason is redefining how modern manufacturing companies operate and scale.   Connect with Jason Wong: 📸 https://www.instagram.com/pug 🐦 https://www.twitter.com/eggroli 🌐 https://pakingduck.com

In this soulful and expansive episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Sal Salcedo, renowned hair artist, educator, and founder of Nova Arts Salon. What begins as a conversation about hair quickly unfolds into something far deeper: identity, magnetism, creativity, sustainability, and business as a vehicle for cultural impact. Sal shares how growing up in Mexico, immigrating to the United States, and navigating the ego-driven culture of the Los Angeles beauty industry led him to build something radically different. Nova Arts was never meant to be just a salon. It was designed as a sanctuary where artists and clients alike feel seen, empowered, and free to express their authentic selves. Carly and Sal explore how business can be both artistic and philanthropic. From launching a “personal brand project” for his team each spring, to developing a green salon model in Mexico City, to reimagining the salon as a community art space, Sal demonstrates how entrepreneurship becomes powerful when it is built from inner alignment rather than imitation. This episode is a profound exploration of what happens when you stop copying industry archetypes and start creating from your own inner flame.   Key Themes: Business as Self-Expression: Why sustainable success begins when your heart, mind, and mission are aligned. Creativity as a Responsibility: How every person is an artist and why declaring yourself “not creative” limits your potential. Culture Through Presence: Why leadership begins with the energy you bring into a space and how intentional culture creates magnetism.   Memorable Quotes: “What we call magic is just magnetism when we are fully ourselves.” “I can’t teach you to be great — you have to want that already.” “Everyone has a flashlight. We just have to remember we can turn it on.”   About Sal Salcedo: Salvador Salcedo, originally from Mexico, moved to the United States at thirteen and discovered his passion for barbering while cutting hair in his garage. He later refined his craft through Toni & Guy and built his reputation in top salons including Sally Hershberger, Ramirez Tran, and Salon Benjamin. With more than two decades of experience, Sal views hair as a medium for understanding people and helping them express their identity. Driven by a vision of inclusivity and artistic freedom, he founded Nova Arts Salon as a space where creativity and self-expression thrive. Through his global #HAIRTOUR and his expansion into coaching and mentoring through Beyond Hair, Sal continues to elevate artistry, consciousness, and leadership within the beauty industry and beyond.   Connect with Sal Salcedo: 🌐 https://www.salsalcedo.com/about 📸 https://www.instagram.com/salsalhair 🌐 https://www.novaartssalon.com/

In this powerful episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Scott Neil, co-founder of Horse Soldier Bourbon and American Freedom Distillery, to explore what it truly takes to build a legacy brand designed to outlast its founders. Scott shares his journey from serving in U.S. Army Special Forces, including being among the first teams inserted into Afghanistan after 9/11, to co-founding a bourbon company rooted in authenticity, discipline, and long-term vision. What makes this conversation unique is the strategic lens Scott brings to entrepreneurship. From day one, Horse Soldier was built on a 100-year plan. Every decision, from production to partnerships, is filtered through a generational mindset rather than short-term gains. Carly and Scott dive into the realities of scaling a premium spirits brand, where aging inventory ties up capital for years and patience is non-negotiable. They discuss investor communication, cash flow discipline, hiring for culture, succession planning, and the importance of building systems before chaos sets in. This episode is a masterclass in leadership that prioritizes endurance over ego and legacy over liquidity.   Key Themes: Strategy Wins the War: Why long-term vision, not short-term wins, determines whether a company survives across generations. You Cannot Rush Time: How bourbon production mirrors legacy building, requiring patience, capital discipline, and trust. Culture Must Be Designed: Why structure, mentorship, communication rhythms, and shared purpose are essential as teams scale.   Memorable Quotes: “Strategy wins the war, not the battle.” “There are only two ingredients in bourbon: Mother Nature and Father Time. And a third one… money.” “You can’t microwave bourbon. And you can’t microwave legacy.”   About Scott Neil: Scott Neil grew up on a cattle ranch in central Florida, developing a strong work ethic and deep respect for American tradition. After serving in the United States Army Special Forces, including deployments to some of the most demanding environments in the world and being among the first teams inserted into Afghanistan after 9/11, Scott set out to build a business that reflected his values. In 2015, alongside close friends John and Elizabeth, he co-founded American Freedom Distillery and launched Horse Soldier Bourbon. Inspired by the story of the Green Berets who rode horseback into combat in Afghanistan, the brand honors courage, craftsmanship, and the American spirit. Drawing from both centuries-old distilling techniques and modern innovation, Scott and his team created a premium bourbon rooted in authenticity and legacy.   Connect with Scott Neil: 🌐 https://horsesoldierbourbon.com/ 📸 https://www.instagram.com/horsesoldierbourbon/ 📘 https://www.facebook.com/horsesoldierbourbon

In this inspiring episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Michael Black, founder and CEO of Success Tutoring, one of the fastest-growing education franchises in Australia with a rapidly expanding global footprint. Michael shares how he started a small tutoring business in his parents’ spare bedroom at just seventeen years old and grew it into a purpose-driven franchise operating across Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and beyond. What began as a way to earn money while studying quickly became a lifelong mission rooted in belief, impact, and helping people escape unfulfilling career paths. Carly and Michael explore the powerful connection between mindset and scale, why vision must come before systems, and how failure shaped Michael’s resilience as a leader. They also unpack how franchising became a vehicle for creating meaningful opportunities for entrepreneurs while transforming how students experience learning. This episode is a reminder that businesses do not grow faster than their leaders, and that belief, humility, and purpose are often the true drivers of sustainable success.   Key Themes: Businesses Grow Only as Fast as Their Leaders: Why personal development, self-awareness, and humility set the ceiling for scale. Vision Comes Before Evidence: How operating from belief long before results appear shapes decisions and long-term outcomes. Purpose Fuels Sustainable Growth: Why focusing on genuinely helping students and franchise partners created trust, loyalty, and momentum.   Memorable Quotes: “A business will never grow more than the founder or CEO. The more you grow, the more the business grows.” “You have to believe in what you are building before there is any evidence that it works.” “When you are genuinely trying to help people, they feel it. And when that happens, the money follows.”   About Michael Black: Michael Black is the founder and CEO of Success Tutoring, Australia’s fastest-growing education franchise, and the author of the bestselling book Millionaire Tutor: Escape Your Soul-Crushing 9-to-5 by Building an Outrageously Profitable Tutoring Business. A self-made entrepreneur who opened his first tutoring centre at seventeen, Michael has grown Success Tutoring into a global franchise spanning Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, with additional countries launching in late 2025 and beyond. Known for his student-first philosophy and people-first leadership, Michael is widely respected for blending purpose, innovation, and education to create meaningful impact at scale.   Connect with Michael Black: 🌐 https://www.successtutoring.com 📘 https://millionairetutorbook.com/free/short

In this candid and eye-opening episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Chantelle-Shakila Tiagi, founder of TIAGI, a global creative production agency with offices in London, Los Angeles, and Mumbai. Chantelle pulls back the curtain on what production in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle really looks like. Beyond the glamour, she explains the reality of coordinating dozens of moving parts on every shoot, managing crises before they escalate, and taking responsibility for problems that are often outside a producer’s control. From missed flights and shifting talent to weather chaos and last-minute client changes, production is equal parts foresight, leadership, and emotional intelligence. The conversation goes far beyond logistics. Carly and Chantelle explore leadership without ego, hiring for attitude over résumés, and building culture through trust and kindness. Chantelle also shares why she has intentionally kept TIAGI lean and bootstrapped, how motherhood reshaped her leadership style, and why modern consumers are shifting from excess toward experiences. This episode is a grounded look at creative entrepreneurship, sustainable growth, and building a business that supports life rather than consuming it.   Key Themes: Producers Hold the Entire System Together: Why production is about human coordination, accountability, and crisis management, not just schedules and checklists. Hire for Attitude, Train for Skill: How curiosity, enthusiasm, and emotional intelligence outperform impressive CVs every time. Lean Businesses Create Freedom: Why staying bootstrapped allows flexibility, financial stability, and healthier relationships with both teams and clients.   Memorable Quotes: “Producers are in charge of all the mistakes that are not their fault.” “I can’t teach your attitude, but I can teach you everything else.” “If you’re unhappy at work, you’re unhappy eighty percent of your life.”   About Chantelle-Shakila Tiagi: Chantelle-Shakila Tiagi is a London-born, South Asian entrepreneur and the founder of TIAGI, an international creative production agency and artist consultancy operating across London, Los Angeles, and Mumbai. With more than seventeen years of experience, she has produced global campaigns and editorials for leading fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands and publications. She began her career at MTV while still at university, later working with Liberty, REP, Net-a-Porter, and other major industry players before launching TIAGI in 2018 as a fully self-funded venture. Alongside building a global business, Chantelle-Shakila is deeply committed to mentorship, representation, and supporting women and South Asian talent in creative leadership, while openly navigating the realities of entrepreneurship and motherhood.   Connect with Chantelle-Shakila: https://www.instagram.com/notoriouscst https://www.instagram.com/tiagi

In this episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Matt Dorman, co-founder and president of Endeavor, a digital solutions agency that helps manufacturers and enterprise organizations modernize outdated websites, CMS platforms, and digital infrastructure. With more than 30 years of experience building enterprise platforms for companies like Time Inc. and Fox News, Matt brings a grounded perspective that blends deep technical expertise with practical leadership. Rather than trying to be everything to everyone, Endeavor made a deliberate decision to focus exclusively on technology, integrations, and implementation. That choice allowed the company to become best-in-class instead of broadly average. Matt shares how a developer-first culture became a strategic advantage, improving retention, quality, and long-term client trust. He explains why protecting teams from unrealistic timelines leads to better outcomes, how remote work reshaped Endeavor well before it became the norm, and why strong boundaries with clients actually strengthen relationships. The conversation also explores enterprise cash flow realities, navigating AI disruption without panic, and how Matt’s vision evolved from eventually shutting the company down to building something worth passing on. This episode offers an honest, steady look at how to build a resilient tech business without burning people out.   Key Themes: Focus Creates Leverage: How narrowing Endeavor’s scope to pure technology reduced complexity, built trust, and improved results for clients and team members alike. Culture Is Built by Protecting People: Why realistic timelines, clear communication, and added support under pressure drive retention and long-term success. Cash Flow Discipline Creates Stability: How reserves, owner involvement in billable work, and controlled costs allowed Endeavor to stay calm while serving enterprise clients.   Memorable Quotes: “If you say yes to everything, you end up letting everyone down.” “Structure doesn’t limit creativity. It protects it.” “The moment we focused on what we’re best at, everything got easier.”   About Matt Dorman: Matt Dorman is the co-founder and president of Ndevr, a digital solutions agency helping manufacturers modernize websites and CMS platforms to drive growth and efficiency. With three decades of experience, including building enterprise platforms for Time Inc. and Fox News, Matt specializes in bridging technology and business strategy. At Ndevr, he helps leaders streamline workflows, align teams, and future-proof digital infrastructure with clarity and discipline.   Connect with Matt Dorman: 🌐 https://www.ndevr.io/ 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewdorman

In this thoughtful and deeply grounded episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Armen Alajian, co-owner of ARTO Brick & Tile, a California-based, family-founded company known for its handcrafted architectural surfaces and timeless design. Armen shares how growing up surrounded by raw materials, craftsmanship, and hands-on creation shaped not only the products ARTO makes, but the philosophy behind the business itself. What began as a necessity born from limited capital evolved into the company’s greatest strength, allowing ARTO to remain tactile, human, and distinct in an industry dominated by mass production and synthetic materials. Carly and Armen explore what it truly takes to scale an artisan business without losing its soul. From navigating intense cash flow pressure and learning the importance of financial leadership, to hiring a strong CFO and building a people-first culture rooted in respect, Armen offers a rare, honest look at long-term leadership. The conversation also touches on family business dynamics, succession, and using commerce as a vehicle for connection, legacy, and meaning. This episode is both a masterclass in values-driven growth and a reflection on identity, craftsmanship, and what truly endures over time.   Key Themes: Scarcity as a Source of Differentiation: How necessity, not strategy, led ARTO to handcrafted production and created an advantage that cannot be replicated at scale. Cash Flow Protects Creativity: Why strong financial leadership is essential to sustain growth, support people, and preserve quality. Culture Is Lived, Not Engineered: How humility, respect, and consistency created loyalty without relying on perks or performative culture.   Memorable Quotes: “We didn’t stay handcrafted because we were smart. We stayed handcrafted because we were poor.” “Commerce is culture. You can’t pay people enough for their time, and they can’t give you enough of themselves for the money.” “If you can be the same person at work, at home, and with your friends, that’s real work-life balance.”   About Armen Alajian: Armen Alajian is the co-owner of ARTO Brick & Tile, a family-founded company producing handcrafted tiles and architectural surfaces in California. A son, brother, husband, and father, Armen leads with a deep respect for design, craftsmanship, and people, bridging artistry and utility to create materials that bring enduring beauty to built spaces.   Connect with Armen Alajian: 🌐 https://www.arto.com 📸 https://www.instagram.com/artobrick/

In this meaningful episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Brian and Sally Krichbaum, the owners and stewards of Gilbert Chocolates, a historic chocolate company founded in 1893 and deeply rooted in the community of Jackson, Michigan. Brian and Sally share the honest story of acquiring a once-thriving business that had dwindled to just five employees, and the intentional, disciplined path they chose to rebuild it. Without taking on debt or compromising quality, they focused on honoring the company’s legacy while modernizing the systems needed for sustainable growth. Drawing on Brian’s background in engineering and consulting and Sally’s leadership across retail, finance, and community engagement, they reveal how patience and clarity shaped every decision. Carly, Brian, and Sally explore what it means to preserve history without becoming trapped by it. From protecting original recipes and century-old equipment to documenting processes, improving inventory systems, and empowering employees with trust and autonomy, this conversation highlights how craftsmanship, reserves, and long-term thinking create businesses that last. It is a powerful reminder that real success is built through intention, discipline, and respect for people — not shortcuts or hype.   Key Themes: Disciplined Growth Creates Stability: Why financial restraint, reinvestment, and doing the work yourself allowed the business to triple without overextending. Legacy Is a Strategic Advantage: How honoring history, recipes, and reputation became a source of trust and differentiation. Systems Enable Freedom: Why clear documentation and standardized processes reduced stress, improved quality, and supported creativity.   Memorable Quotes: “If you’re not growing, you’re dying.” “We weren’t just buying a business — we were buying a legacy.” “If you want to be an overnight success, work 80 hours a week for 40 years.”   About Brian and Sally Krichbaum: Brian Krichbaum is a seasoned leader with engineering and management degrees and a background as an executive with an automotive supplier. He now applies his expertise to managing and modernizing Gilbert Chocolates. Sally Krichbaum is a published writer who has chaired numerous clubs and charities, organized community fundraisers, and brought her passion for people and storytelling into the heart of the business. And above all, she loves chocolate. Under the Krichbaums’ leadership, Gilbert Chocolates has tripled in size, introducing new chocolate creations while preserving the classics that have defined the brand for generations.   Connect with Brian and Sally Krichbaum: 🌐 https://www.gilbertchocolates.com

In this thoughtful and grounding episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Angelo D’Amico, President and CEO of a global manufacturing company based in Ontario, Canada, generating more than $25 million in annual sales. Angelo brings a rare blend of economics, management consulting, and philosophy into the conversation, offering a deeply human perspective on what leadership actually looks like in practice. He shares how stepping into an established organization required restraint rather than force, choosing observation, listening, and humility before making change. Together, Carly and Angelo explore why values alignment matters more than technical skill, how trust is earned through service rather than authority, and why burnout is often a symptom of misalignment, not workload. They unpack generational differences in motivation, the hidden costs of ego-driven leadership, and the responsibility leaders carry in shaping cultures where people feel seen as humans, not treated as resources. This conversation reframes leadership as stewardship and challenges listeners to consider a powerful question: can the culture inside your company be better than the world outside it?   Key Themes: Leadership Is Granted, Not Assigned: Why real influence comes from trust, consistency, and acting in the collective’s best interest. Values Alignment Prevents Burnout: How meaning, not effort, determines whether work feels energizing or exhausting. Culture Mirrors the Leader: Why the behaviors leaders model and tolerate define the entire organization.   Memorable Quotes: “A leader is someone people trust to make decisions with everyone’s best interests at heart.” “Burnout isn’t about effort. It’s about misalignment.” “My challenge is to build a place where the society inside the walls is better than the society outside.”   About Angelo D’Amico: Angelo D’Amico is the President and CEO of a global manufacturing company based in Ontario, Canada with more than $25 million in annual sales. With a background in economics, management consulting, and philosophy, he is known for applying rigorous strategy and timeless ideas to modern leadership, culture, and community challenges. Angelo serves on multiple non-profit boards, supports initiatives across the arts and healthcare sectors, and is passionate about bridging business success with philosophical insight. Connect with Angelo D’Amico: Website: https://www.angelodamicocanada.com  Instagram: https://instagram.com/angelodamicocanada

In this powerful episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Don “The Dragon” Wilson, one of the most accomplished kickboxers in history and a prolific action film star whose career spans more than four decades. Don shares how the same principles that made him an eleven-time world champion also allowed him to build a successful second career in Hollywood. From setting clear goals and ignoring naysayers, to mastering fundamentals and refusing to let ego sabotage preparation, Don breaks down the repeatable formula behind sustained excellence. The conversation moves seamlessly between elite athletics, filmmaking, leadership, and personal growth. Don explains why ego can be useful in controlled doses but destructive when left unchecked. He reveals why humility, preparation, and respect for every role on the team were non-negotiable in both the ring and on set, and why longevity depends on never believing your own hype. This episode is a masterclass in discipline, mastery, and staying grounded while performing at the highest levels.   Key Themes: Success Follows a Formula, Not Luck: Why preparation, research, and learning from experts determine whether opportunity becomes achievement. Ego as a Tool, Not an Identity: How confidence fuels performance, but unchecked ego leads to complacency and decline. Longevity Through Mastery and Humility: Why fundamentals, continuous improvement, and respect for the team create careers that last decades.   Memorable Quotes: “Don’t believe your own press.” “Ego becomes a problem when it makes you work less hard.” “The same principles that made me a champion worked in every other part of my life.”   About Don “The Dragon” Wilson: Don “The Dragon” Wilson is an eleven-time world kickboxing champion with a four-decade career that includes seventy-two wins and forty-seven knockouts. He was named “the greatest kickboxer in American history” by STAR System Ratings and inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame in 2015. After dominating the ring, Don built a second career in film, starring in Bloodfist, Ring of Fire, and dozens of action movies worldwide. He also served as a commentator during the early UFC era, helping introduce martial arts to mainstream audiences. Today, Don is known not only for his titles, but for the discipline, mastery, and humility that defined both of his legendary careers.   Image Credit: Leo Medvedev (CC BY-SA 4.0)

In this thoughtful and nostalgic episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Claudio Ulrich, a veteran film licensing and distribution expert with more than 30 years in the industry and the founder of Focus Media. Claudio pulls back the curtain on the world of film distribution, revealing the immense amount of unseen work required to bring a movie from original film reels to a finished home release. From licensing rights and restoring 35mm film to creating artwork, subtitles, packaging, and bonus content, he explains why a finished disc represents craftsmanship, history, and care far beyond what most people ever see. After experiencing burnout during the peak of the VHS and DVD boom, Claudio made a defining decision. Instead of chasing scale and volume, he chose collectors, quality, and meaning. That shift led to the creation of premium “media books” that transform restored films into collectible experiences. At its heart, this conversation is about choosing passion over pressure, redefining success, and building a life where work becomes a mission rather than a grind. Key Themes: Passion Outlasts Markets: Why industries do not truly disappear, and how following what you love can create sustainable niches even as markets change. The Invisible Work Matters: A behind-the-scenes look at the complexity, cost, and care involved in preserving and distributing films properly. Freedom Is Real Success: How Claudio designed a life centered on joy, creativity, and choice instead of constant scale and stress. Memorable Quotes: “I don’t see myself as a distributor. I see myself as a film lover who wants to share movies with other people.” “When you do what you love, it doesn’t feel like work. It becomes a mission.” “People don’t see what’s behind a movie. They only see the end product.” Connect with Claudio Ulrich: Website: https://www.mm-u.ch  Website: https://fokus-media.ch/

In this inspiring episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Carlos Lauchu, a nationally recognized STEM education leader with more than 25 years of experience reshaping how students learn science and technology. Carlos shares how a moment of deep frustration early in his teaching career became the catalyst for creating Science Academy STEM Magnet, now one of the top-ranked schools in the United States. Rather than accepting an education system that underestimated students, he challenged it by raising expectations, increasing rigor, and teaching students how to learn instead of what to memorize. Carly and Carlos explore how high standards paired with genuine support unlock extraordinary outcomes. From middle school students passing Advanced Placement exams to teens earning college degrees before high school graduation, this conversation reveals what becomes possible when education is built around human potential. The lessons extend far beyond classrooms, offering powerful insights for parents, educators, and business leaders alike. Key Themes: Students Rise to the Expectations Set for Them: Why removing artificial limits and raising the bar leads to performance, not burnout. Learning How to Learn Changes Everything: How teaching study skills, critical thinking, and ownership creates long-term success. Failure as Feedback: Why reframing mistakes as progress builds resilience, confidence, and curiosity. Memorable Quotes: “Maybe it’s not the kids. Maybe it’s the system that’s holding them back.” “Teaching more has never been the problem — teaching less is.” “If you give students the opportunity and believe in them, they will show you what’s possible.” Connect with Carlos Lauchu: Website: https://stem4education.com

In this refreshing and thought-provoking episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Erik Braund, founder and CEO of Katmai, a virtual office platform built around one bold idea: work should feel human again. Drawing on a background in music, film production, and creative leadership, Erik explains why real collaboration does not come from back-to-back calendar invites. After watching remote work explode during COVID, he saw a widening gap between how people connect in real life and how they were being forced to connect online. Katmai was created to restore spontaneity, presence, and natural interaction to remote teams. Carly and Erik dive deep into why culture cannot survive inside endless Zoom meetings, how over-systemizing can quietly suffocate creativity, and why authenticity in leadership matters more than polish. Erik openly shares where he got it wrong as a founder, how he course-corrected, and what it took to build a company that actually works the way humans do. This conversation is a powerful reminder that technology should support people, not control them. Key Themes: Culture Is Built Through Presence, Not Meetings: Why trust, creativity, and connection grow from unstructured interaction, not scheduled calls. Too Much Process Breaks What Works: How stripping back meetings, rigid frameworks, and bureaucracy unlocked clarity and momentum. Authenticity Creates Alignment: Why being fully yourself as a leader attracts the right people and builds stronger culture. Memorable Quotes: “You can’t build culture in a grid of faces on a calendar.” “We didn’t need more meetings. We needed more spontaneity.” “The moment I stopped trying to look like a CEO was the moment the company started working better.” Connect with Erik Braund: Website: http://katmaitech.com Demo: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WsMU3q3LgADFgJZCJY_cM8bb0_cTDMd0/view  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katmaitech/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katmaitech/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/katmai