CV Podcast

In this episode of the Cowles Ventures Podcast, I sit down with Dylan Avatar, Co-Founder and CEO of Credential Network, to talk about building in healthcare, overcoming adversity, and what it really takes to scale a company in a complex industry.Dylan shares his journey from a life-changing wingsuit accident to building a company focused on fixing one of the most broken systems in healthcare: credentialing.We get into:• The origin story behind Credential Network• How personal adversity reshaped his perspective on building• Why healthcare systems are so slow to change and where opportunity exists• His thoughts on AI and where it actually matters in healthcare• Hiring, team building, and what he looks for in early employees• Lessons from building in a highly regulated industry• The story behind writing his new bookThis conversation is a mix of resilience, ambition, and real talk on what it takes to build something meaningful in healthcare.If you’re interested in health tech, startups, AI in healthcare, or founder mindset, this episode delivers insight you can apply immediately.Subscribe for more conversations with founders, operators, and investors building durable businesses.Connect with Dylan:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-avatar/Company: https://credentialnetwork.com/Learn more about FUEL Coworking:Website: https://fuelcoworking.comEmail: [email protected]

In this episode of the Cowles Ventures Podcast, I sit down with Chris Wood to talk about operational excellence, acquisition entrepreneurship, and what it really takes to improve and scale businesses.Chris shares his journey through:• Implementing Six Sigma and operational optimization frameworks• Buying and improving five separate businesses• Lessons learned inside elite environments like Skywalker Ranch• Transitioning from operations to ownership• Why process discipline creates long term valueWe break down what acquisition entrepreneurship looks like in practice, how to evaluate operational inefficiencies, and why many businesses fail not because of bad strategy, but because of weak execution.If you’re interested in buying businesses, improving margins, scaling operations, private equity style roll ups, Six Sigma methodology, or industrial entrepreneurship, this episode delivers tactical insight you can apply immediately.Subscribe for more conversations with founders, operators, and investors building durable businesses.#acquisitionentrepreneurship #sixsigma #operations #smallbusiness #entrepreneurship #privateequity #podcast #businessgrowth #investing

In this episode of the Cowles Ventures Podcast, I sit down with Tom Simpson to break down his journey from early days in investment banking to managing his own venture fund, founding Green Cupboards, and helping shape the startup ecosystem through SAA, Ignite, and KickStart.We talk about:• The transition from operator to venture fund manager• How to raise and manage a venture capital fund• Lessons from building and running Green Cupboards• The realities of deploying capital in emerging markets• How organizations like SAA, Ignite, and KickStart support founders• What makes a startup ecosystem thriveTom shares tactical insight into venture capital, fund management, early-stage investing, and company building, along with lessons learned from operating on both sides of the table.If you’re interested in venture capital, startup investing, fund formation, angel investing, entrepreneurship, or building companies outside of Silicon Valley, this conversation is packed with practical insights.Subscribe for more conversations with founders, investors, and operators building the next generation of companies.#venturecapital #startups #investing #entrepreneurship #fundmanager #angelinvesting #podcast #venturefund #founders

Most students treat college like a checklist.Mateo Valdez treated it like a startup.In this episode, Mateo breaks down how he founded the Gonzaga Sport Consulting Group while still in school, built real leadership experience early, and turned that momentum into a role at Microsoft. This conversation is a masterclass in leverage, initiative, and playing the long game.We talk about:• The real story behind launching GSCG• Why most college students waste their biggest advantage• How to create opportunities instead of waiting for them• Lessons from working inside Microsoft• Leadership, ownership, and operating like a founder• Advice for ambitious students who want to stand out• How to build credibility before you have a titleIf you’re in college, recently graduated, or trying to reposition your career, this episode will challenge the way you think about opportunity.Mateo shares tactical advice you can use immediately, plus the mindset shifts that separate average from exceptional.🎙 About Mateo ValdezEducation Executive at MicrosoftFounder & Chairman of Gonzaga Sport Consulting GroupRecognized by Inside Higher Ed, PR Newswire, Yahoo Finance, and more—Subscribe for conversations with founders, investors, operators, and leaders building what’s next.Follow for more insights on venture capital, entrepreneurship, and career leverage.#Microsoft #Entrepreneurship #CollegeAdvice #Leadership #CareerGrowth #Startup #VentureCapital #businesspodcast Mateo Valdez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mateo-valdez/FUEL Coworking: https://fuelcoworking.brizy.site/

In this episode of the Cowles Ventures Podcast, I sit down with Jeffrey Daniels to unpack his previous long-term career and what he's doing now with Automate Intelligence AI. We talk through the moments that shaped Jeffrey’s perspective, how experience compounds over time, and why most people optimize for the wrong things early in their careers. This conversation digs into leadership under uncertainty, making decisions when there is no clear answer, and building a career that actually aligns with how you want to live.If you are navigating a career transition, stepping into leadership, or trying to make smarter long-term bets on yourself, this episode is for you.Topics we cover include:• Leadership lessons learned the hard way• How to think about risk and opportunity• Career moves that compound over time• Decision making under uncertainty• Building leverage without burning outSubscribe for more conversations with founders, operators, and investors on careers, leadership, and building things that matter.#cvpodcast #startups #investing #venturecapital #ai #governmentwork

In this episode, I sit down with Brian Jorgenson to talk about career risk, long term thinking, and why relationships matter more than almost anything else in business.Brian shares the story of moving to Boise with no job, no clear plan, and a willingness to simply meet people and learn. We break down how making genuine connections without an agenda opened doors, shaped his career, and ultimately led to his role at Capital Eleven.We also go deep on how venture capital, private equity, and M&A actually intersect, what Brian’s role looks like day to day, and how early career professionals should think about optionality, reputation, and patience when building a career in investing.This conversation is for anyone considering a bold move, navigating career uncertainty, or trying to understand how the investing world really works behind the scenes.Topics we cover:Moving to a new city without a job or safety netBuilding relationships without transactional intentBrian’s role at Capital ElevenHow VC, PE, and M&A connect in practiceCareer risk, long term bets, and professional optionalityIf this episode helped you rethink your own career path, make sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-jorgenson-1661493/Fuel Coworking: https://fuelcoworking.brizy.site/#venturecapital #privateequity #investing #boiseid #spokanewa #cowlesventures #cowlesventurespodcast

In this episode, we sit down with Stephanie High, founder of KaizenCX and Kaizen Catalyst, to unpack customer experience, leadership psychology, and what truly drives sustainable growth.Stephanie shares behind the scenes lessons from her time working with global brands like Sony and ASICS, how international travel shaped her leadership philosophy. This conversation goes deeper than business. Stephanie opens up about trauma, how unresolved experiences impact executive decision making, company culture, and leadership behavior, and why emotional awareness is becoming a critical skill for modern founders and operators.We also explore Hike With Her, Stephanie’s women focused community built around connection, healing, leadership, and the power of shared experiences in nature. From customer experience strategy to personal growth and community building, this episode connects the dots between who leaders are and how their companies grow.If you are a founder, operator, executive, or builder thinking about customer led growth, leadership development, or building companies that actually last, this episode is for you.#startups #businesspod #spokaneecosystem #spokanestartups #spokanewa #pnwinnovation #inlandnorthwest

In this episode, I sit down with Annie Shoen, Co-Founder of My First Nest Egg, to talk about why financial education needs to start earlier and how we can change the way young people learn about money.We dig into the gaps in traditional financial education, the real-world consequences of not learning these skills early, and how Annie is building tools and programs that actually resonate with students and families. Annie also shares her journey from law to entrepreneurship, what it takes to build trust around sensitive topics like money, and why empowering the next generation financially has massive long term impact.This conversation is a must listen for parents, educators, founders in fintech or education, and anyone who believes financial literacy should be practical, accessible, and proactive.Annie Shoen (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-shoen-511a74230/My First Nest Egg: https://myfirstnestegg.com/FUEL Coworking: https://fuelcoworking.brizy.site/#startups #founders #financialliteracy #financialliteracyforkids #spokane

In this episode, I sit down with Jake Hoffberg, founder of Regenerative Industrial, to break down how biomass can be transformed into high value materials for batteries and advanced industrial applications.We talk about what it actually takes to scale climate and industrial tech, the challenges of moving from lab scale innovation to real world deployment, and why regenerative materials may be one of the most overlooked opportunities in the energy transition.Jake shares insights on• Turning waste biomass into battery grade materials• The realities of scaling hard tech and industrial startups• How investors think about climate, energy, and materials businesses• Where regenerative industrial models win and where they fail• Lessons learned from building in a capital intensive spaceIf you are interested in climate tech, batteries, clean energy, industrial startups, or how breakthrough technologies actually scale, this conversation is for you.Subscribe for more conversations with founders, investors, and operators building real companies in tech, climate, and venture.Jake Hoffberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakehoffberg/FUEL Coworking: https://www.fuelcoworking.com

Dan Roark is a serial entrepreneur, CEO, and active angel investor with decades of experience building, scaling, and leading technology companies across healthcare, life sciences, and industrial automation.In this episode of the Cowles Ventures Podcast, Dan shares his journey to becoming CEO of Gestalt Diagnostics, a digital pathology and AI diagnostics company improving cancer detection and clinical workflows. We dive deep into what it takes to commercialize complex technology, scale globally, and lead teams across engineering, business operations, and market development.Dan brings a rare perspective shaped by work on innovations tied to the Human Genome Project, high throughput drug screening, diagnostics biomarker testing, and population genomics. This conversation covers real world leadership lessons, hard earned entrepreneurial insights, and what founders need to know when building in regulated and high stakes industries like healthcare.If you are interested in startups, health tech, AI in diagnostics, entrepreneurship, or scaling technology companies, this episode is a must watch.What you will learn in this episode:• Dan Roark’s path from entrepreneur to CEO of Gestalt Diagnostics• How digital pathology and AI are changing cancer diagnostics• What it really takes to commercialize deep tech in healthcare• Leadership lessons from scaling companies globally• The biggest mistakes founders make when growing too fast• Advice for entrepreneurs building in regulated industriesSubscribe for weekly conversations with founders, CEOs, and investors building the next generation of technology companies.Dan Roark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-roark-665723/FUEL Coworking: https://fuelcoworking.com/#hubCowles Ventures: https://www.cowlesventures.com/

Spokane has a hidden superpower for founders and today you are getting the full story from the person who built it. Mark Pond is the Business Research Librarian behind StartUp Spokane, the program that invests more than one hundred thousand dollars each year in top tier business tools and gives them to the community at no cost.In this episode we dive into how the Spokane Public Library created one of the most valuable resource hubs for entrepreneurs in the country. Mark explains how founders can use industry databases, market research tools, competitor intelligence, demographic analysis, and step by step startup support that would normally cost a fortune. He also shares the evolution of StartUp Spokane, how it empowers young creators, what most new founders overlook, and why libraries may be the next frontier for economic development.What you will learn• How Spokane built a national level business resource engine• The tools founders should use from day one• How to validate ideas with real market data• Why StartUp Spokane is becoming a model for cities• Mark’s insights from nearly twenty years supporting entrepreneursIf you love stories about startup ecosystems, community builders, and the real strategies that help founders move from idea to traction, this episode is a must watch.Subscribe for more founder interviews, Spokane startup stories, and conversations with leaders shaping the region’s future.LinksStartUp Spokane: www.startupspokane.comMark Pond: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markpond/FUEL Coworking: https://fuelcoworking.com/#hub

Margie Bensching is the CEO and Founder of Golden Sherpa, a senior living technology platform built to remove confusion, misinformation, and hidden fees from one of the most painful decisions families ever face. After seeing how outdated referral systems and bad information leave people overwhelmed, Margie set out to build a transparent marketplace that puts real data and real choice back into the hands of families.In this interview, Margie breaks down the mission behind Golden Sherpa, the personal experiences that pushed her to build a better way, how the platform delivers verified availability and pricing, and why truth and clarity are the future of senior living. We explore her transition into entrepreneurship, the technology challenges behind building a real time data platform, early traction from providers across the country, and the growing demand for trusted senior care tools. This episode takes you inside the senior living industry, the problems families do not see until they are already overwhelmed, and the innovation required to transform an entire market. What you will learn• Why senior living search is one of the most confusing processes for families• How Margie Bensching built Golden Sherpa to remove hidden fees and bad information• How the platform verifies real time availability and pricing• The data and technology challenges inside the senior living ecosystem• Early wins and lessons from building a mission driven startup• The future of transparency and digital tools for aging Americans about Golden Sherpa. Golden Sherpa is a senior living search platform that provides verified availability, pricing, services, and community details directly from providers. By removing referral fees and outdated listings, Golden Sherpa empowers families to make confident decisions and gives senior living communities a transparent and trustworthy way to connect with people who need their support.SubscribeSubscribe for more founder conversations and deep dives into senior care innovation, digital health, and startups solving overlooked problems.KeywordsGolden Sherpa, Margie Bensching, senior living technology, assisted living search, senior living marketplace, aging tech innovation, senior care platform, caregiving tools, family senior care support, Spokane startups, transparent senior living, senior care innovation, digital health interview, real time senior living data, mission driven founder, startup story, senior housing marketplace, elder care search, care navigation tools, senior living availability, founder podcast, aging services technologyMargie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margiebensching/FUEL Coworking: https://fuelcoworking.com/

Brian Garvey is the Founder and CEO of VATA7, a safety technology company creating Smart LED helmets and gear to dramatically improve motorcycle rider visibility and reduce collisions. A former U.S. Navy Frogman turned entrepreneur, Brian has dedicated his career to solving one of the most overlooked problems in motorsports and everyday riding: riders are simply not seen.In this interview, Brian breaks down the mission behind VATA7, the journey from military service to startup leadership, how patented Smart LED technology integrates with rider gear, and why visibility is the next frontier in motorcycle safety. We discuss safety certifications, early sales momentum, industry interest from major institutions, and what it takes to build and scale hardware that can save lives.What you will learn• Why rider visibility is one of the biggest safety gaps on the road• Brian Garvey's transition from Navy Frogman to founder• How Smart LED helmet technology works and what makes VATA7 unique• Challenges and wins building a hardware safety startup• Where the future of rider protection and visibility tech is headedAbout VATA7VATA7 develops patented Smart LED helmets and gear built to help motorcyclists get noticed and stay protected. The company has over fifteen global patents, DOT and ECE certification, early sales traction, and rising interest from national safety organizations and research partners.Subscribe for more founder conversations and deep dives into frontier technology and safety innovation.KeywordsVATA7, Brian Garvey, motorcycle safety tech, smart helmet, LED motorcycle helmet, rider visibility, rider protection tech, startup interview, military veteran founder, Navy Frogman entrepreneur, motorsport safety innovation, wearable safety tech, DOT certified helmets, ECE certified helmets, motorcycle gear tech, patent backed startup, visibility tech, rider collision prevention, Spokane startups, founder podcast, hardware startup journey. Brian's LinkedIn: Brian Jon Garvey | LinkedInFUEL Coworking: FUEL Coworking

In this episode, we sit down with Graham Morehead, co-founder of Pangeon and a leading mind in AI. Graham has been pioneering ways to combine Neural Networks (AI Type 1) and Symbolic Reasoning (AI Type 2) to create more human-like intelligence.We talk about the evolution of AI, the intersection of physics and computer science, and how Graham’s work at Pangeon aims to bridge the gap between symbolic reasoning and deep learning. He also shares insights from teaching at Gonzaga University, his thoughts on the Spokane tech ecosystem, and what the next frontier of artificial intelligence looks like.💬 In this episode:How Pangeon is how AI companies are madeLessons from decades tech and startupsThe philosophy behind building better AI🎙️ Hosted by Blake Gibson, Senior Associate at Cowles Ventures, this episode dives deep into the science, philosophy, and future of AI innovation.#GrahamMorehead #Pangeon #ArtificialIntelligence #AIInnovation #NeuralNetworks #SymbolicAI #SpokaneTech #CowlesVenturesPodcast #StartupFounders #TechLeadership #MachineLearning

In this episode, we sit down with Devin Miller, CEO and co-founder of SecureSave, the leading workplace emergency savings platform helping 60,000+ Americans save over $100 million.Devin shares how SecureSave partners with employers and financial institutions like Transamerica, Voya, Truist, and HSA Bank to make financial well-being accessible for every employee. We discuss his journey building fintech solutions used by tens of millions, his experience leading multiple startup acquisitions, and what it takes to create real impact in consumer finance and employee benefits.💬 In this episode:How SecureSave is changing workplace savingsBuilding scalable fintech from the ground upLessons from multiple successful startup exitsPartnering with major financial institutionsThe future of employee financial wellness🎙️ Hosted by Blake Gibson, Senior Associate at Cowles Ventures, this conversation dives deep into startup leadership, financial innovation, and how entrepreneurs can build products that truly matter.#SecureSave #DevinMiller #FintechPodcast #StartupFounders #FinancialWellness #EmployeeBenefits #Entrepreneurship #StartupStories #CowlesVenturesPodcast

Ever wondered how companies utilize water/power to improve their businesses?This episode features Tyson Schlect, a Senior Infrastructure Strategist at INFRA, where he’s helping shape the future of American water and power systems. Tyson approaches infrastructure challenges with a multi-generational mindset, developing solutions that enhance business value while strengthening water resiliency and energy security.We explore Tyson’s path: from his early interest in the history of engineering and mathematics to his modern-day work advancing the reindustrialization of America. He shares insights on strategy, systems design, sustainability, and how to align innovation with long-term public good.Stay connected with Tyson (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyson-schlect-20296b8b/INFRA: https://www.infra-se.com/FUEL Coworking: https://fuelcoworking.comFUEL Email: [email protected]

This episode features Steve Strom, a seasoned entrepreneur & company builder who has founded multiple startups, led teams through high-growth phases, and delivered two $1B+ exits. Steve is also an advisor, investor, and product/organization builder with a deep passion for scaling businesses from zero to scale. LinkedInWe dig into Steve’s journey: how he built and exited companies, assembled product and leadership teams, and what it’s really like to navigate the pressures of growth. He shares wisdom on product development, fundraising, culture, vision execution, and how you stay grounded when expectations are high.Stay connected with Steve (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/stromsteveRowStream: https://rowstream.com/FUEL Coworking: https://fuelcoworking.comFUEL Email: [email protected]

This episode features Paul Wagner, CEO & Founder of GoLark, an AI-native communications platform built for revenue teams. Paul leads GoLark toward transforming how companies engage prospects and customers by putting branded video, deal rooms, asynchronous messaging, and insight tools directly on your website or inside your CRM.We dig into Paul’s path from early leadership and startup experience to building GoLark, the challenges of fundraising, navigating product-market fit in a SaaS video/communication stack, and forging ahead in a competitive, fast-moving space. Along the way, he shares what’s worked (and what hasn’t) in growing a product team, raising capital, building for engagement, and balancing vision with practical execution.Stay connected with Paul (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmwagnerGoLark: https://golark.com/FUEL Coworking: https://fuelcoworking.comFUEL Email: [email protected]

This episode features Danny Porter, an experienced entrepreneur and leader with a strong background in building and scaling companies. We dive into his career journey, from early experiences shaping his perspective on business to leading ventures that push the boundaries of growth and innovation. Danny shares insights on product development, leadership, fundraising, and the realities of operating in today’s fast-moving startup world.Stay connected with Danny (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannydporter/CoPort: https://coport.co/FUEL Coworking: https://fuelcoworking.comFUEL Email: [email protected]

This episode features Daniel A. Garcia, Business Relationship Manager at JPMorgan Chase, ranked among the top business bankers nationally. We dive into his journey from Eastern Washington University to supporting entrepreneurs across the Spokane and Coeur d’Alene region, where he helps business owners unlock capital, manage cash flow, and scale with confidence.Daniel shares insights from his career in business banking, what it takes to build lasting client relationships, and how his personal passions for health, wellness, creativity, and community shape the way he shows up for clients. We also touch on the importance of storytelling, balancing professional growth with family life, and what he’s learned from serving local businesses at every stage of their journey.Stay connected with Daniel (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielagarciaaa/JPMorgan Chase: https://www.jpmorganchase.comFUEL Coworking: https://fuelcoworking.comFUEL Email: [email protected]

This episode features Brandon Tanner, CEO of Omniscia AI, a company building practical AI solutions for real-world problems. We dive into his path from early product work to leading an AI venture, covering product development, fundraising, and the day-to-day realities of startup life.Stay connected with Brandon (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandontanner/Omniscia AI: https://www.omnisciahealth.com/FUEL Coworking: https://fuelcoworking.comFUEL Email: [email protected]

This episode features Brynn MacLennan-Snyder, co-founder and CEO of Slate Dental, the company behind the Slate Electric Flosser. We dive into her journey from design school to building a purpose-driven oral-care brand, navigating product development, fundraising, and the realities of startup life. Brynn also shares what it takes to balance entrepreneurship with family while scaling a consumer health company.Stay connected with Brynn (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/brynn-maclennan-50a7103Slate Dental: https://slateflosser.comFUEL Coworking: https://fuelcoworking.comFUEL Email: [email protected]

This episode features Bill Kalivas, founder of LaunchPad INW, and a driving force behind Spokane’s startup and innovation ecosystem. We dive into his journey creating LaunchPad as a hub for entrepreneurs, investors, and community builders, and explore what it takes to foster collaboration and opportunity in a growing city. Along the way, we talk about the evolution of Spokane’s startup scene, lessons learned from years of supporting founders, and why building community is the foundation for lasting impact.Stay connected with Bill (LinkedIn):   / billkalivas  LaunchPad INW: https://launchpadinw.com/FUEL Coworking: https://fuelcoworking.com/FUEL Email: [email protected]

This episode features Darby McLean, CEO of Spiceology, whose journey blends science, entrepreneurship, and leadership, all rooted in Spokane, WA. We dive into her early work at GenPrime, the growth of her career at Spiceology, and what it takes to scale a bold, flavor-driven brand. Along the way, we talk about the challenges of building a business outside major tech hubs, what it means to lead with vision, and why Spokane remains a powerful place to grow something real. Stay connected with Darby (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/darby-mclean-5099ba5/Spiceology Website: https://spiceology.comFUEL Coworking: https://fuelcoworking.com/FUEL Email: [email protected]

This episode features John Munro, a multi-time founder and product leader with a career that spans medtech, fintech, industrial safety—and now, the world of entrepreneurship through acquisition.We explore the origin of TheraSpark, the fast-paced world of Chargeback, and John's more current role at Vimocity. We also touch on what John is learning through his search fund journey, and how it’s reshaping his perspective on ownership, leadership, and long-term value. Whether you’re in startups, operations, or exploring your own path to entrepreneurship, this episode offers honest insights from someone who’s done it across sectors.Stay connected with John (LinkedIn) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johndmunro/FUEL Coworking - https://www.fuelcoworking.com/ FUEL email - [email protected]

Join us for an insightful conversation with David Ebel, Commercial Banking Officer at Spokane Teachers Credit Union (STCU). A U.S. Navy veteran with an MBA from Gonzaga University, David brings both strategic depth and community focus to his work with business clients across the Spokane–Coeur d’Alene region. In this episode we explore, how David's military service influences his role in commercial banking. David discusses the the importance of early guidance and trust before financial needs arise. He also touches on finding the right service provider in community-centric banking.Stay connected with David (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-ebel-42a84ab5/STCU contact: [email protected] Coworking - https://www.fuelcoworking.com/ FUEL email - [email protected]

In this episode, we sit down with Carter Bastian, CEO of Code Lexica, to dive into his entrepreneurial journey and the future of his startup, Code Lexica. Carter shares valuable insights on scaling a startup, tackling AI code generation from a new angle, and what it takes to build a company from the ground up. We also explore how Code Lexica is empowering teams to streamline development, improve software literacy, and adapt to the rapid pace of technological change. Follow Carter on X at https://x.com/carterjbastian or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/carterbastianCarter Bastian - [email protected] Code Lexica - https://www.linkedin.com/company/code-lexica/ FUEL Coworking - https://www.fuelcoworking.com/FUEL email - [email protected]