Unboxed Show

Mental well-being is Don’s business and he really knows his stuff. Nick and Don question why there isn’t more focus on the emotional well being of workers in the workforce, how to design the workplace and workforce of the future, and what it means to strive for authentic happiness. Can software or technology be built to assist in this movement towards better well being, or is this a process thing? Or, is it just adoption and awareness? Want to take this episode with you? https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324034/episodesTo learn more about Madilynn A. Beck & Nick Jordan:https://www.smashingboxes.com/We've got more to offer on our social platforms! https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjordan1/

As current events change the course of our country’s education, what will be left behind when the dust settles? How can we use the current situation as a springboard to incite changes that have been on the verge of existence for a long time? The value of cultural norms such as a college degree is changing by the day, alongside the way in which institutions deliver those norms. In Episode 5, Nick talks with Jessica Mitsch about how the education system in America needs to change, how technology is changing it, and what the real value is behind what we are currently doing.Want to take this episode with you? https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324034/episodesTo learn more about Madilynn A. Beck & Nick Jordan:https://www.smashingboxes.com/We've got more to offer on our social platforms! https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjordan1/

With the evolution of technology and the availability of information on Google, is using an attorney to help your business still important? Where does the balance exist between doing your own research to save money and paying a professional to save time? It turns out that, even in the midst of increased automation, sometimes the use of an attorney can be vital in any business plan. In episode 4, Nick talks with Jesse Jones, Founding Lawyer at Fourscore Business Law, about the evolution of the attorney’s role in business, and how businesses can best leverage this relationship to maximize efficiency and decision making.Want to take this episode with you? https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324034/episodesTo learn more about Madilynn A. Beck & Nick Jordan:https://www.smashingboxes.com/We've got more to offer on our social platforms! https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjordan1/

In the midst of a pandemic, the task that many of us are focusing on is how to “return to normal.” The goal for many is the go back to the way things used to be before COVID-19 drastically changed life as we know it. Why does that have to be the case? Why can’t we use this time to get to a better version of how the world used to be? With a virus turning the conventions of our society upside down, we need to look at what we should keep and what we should change. In episode 3, Nick talks with Michael Levy, President of the Digital Health Institute for Transformation, about ways that the healthcare industry can better meet the needs of individuals rather than entire populations.Want to take this episode with you? https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324034/episodesTo learn more about Madilynn A. Beck & Nick Jordan:https://www.smashingboxes.com/We've got more to offer on our social platforms! https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjordan1/

As technology continues to change the way the economy works, how are politicians changing with it? What can we do to ensure that those who aren’t technologically inclined can keep up in an age of continued growth in automation and production through blockchain technology? In episode 2, Nick talks with Eric Porper, Co-Chair of the North Carolina Blockchain Initiative, about his work in helping politicians encourage technology as an industry, and helping them adjust to the fact that companies are expected to incorporate tech into their business plan, whether or not they identify as a tech company. Additionally, they talk about whether or not a college degree is absolutely necessary in a world of thriving entrepreneurship and change, and how we can help people evolve from fields that don’t currently utilize technology.Want to take this episode with you? https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324034/episodesTo learn more about Madilynn A. Beck & Nick Jordan:https://www.smashingboxes.com/We've got more to offer on our social platforms! https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjordan1/

What does it take to be an entrepreneur? To turn your passion into a business that you love to run? In modern-day America, it’s easy to think of entrepreneurship as something that’s untouchable – only accessible to those who have an excellent education or an incredible mind. We think of Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, or any other world-changing innovator. The result? We don’t try it ourselves. The reality is that, with hard work and the right amount of dedication, you can turn your interests into a viable business. We’re covering this and more on Episode 1 of the Next Matters Most Podcast as Nick talks with Jes Averhart, creator of the Reinvention Roadmap, and Founder of Jess and Co. Want to take this episode with you? https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324034/episodesTo learn more about Madilynn A. Beck & Nick Jordan:https://www.smashingboxes.com/We've got more to offer on our social platforms! https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjordan1/

We have an opportunity to create an entirely new ecosystem for the entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship community that is responsible for driving innovation and change in business that puts diversity at the forefront of everything it does. The conversation in this episode will expand your thinking, articulate what is wrong, and provide proactive and positive solutions that will inspire us. I end the interview with a Nobel Prize prediction. In episode 7 of the Next Matters Most podcast, you will meet (future) Nobel Prize Winner Doug Speight is a 5x entrepreneur, innovation commercialization expert, and current founder and CEO of Annex Tech Partners.  This man on a mission has lofty goals: to change the way the tech industry operates; close the wealth and opportunity gap for women and people of color; all while stabilizing our national economy. Want to take this episode with you? https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324034/episodesTo learn more about Madilynn A. Beck & Nick Jordan:https://www.smashingboxes.com/We've got more to offer on our social platforms! https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjordan1/

Pierce Freelon is a musician, director, and Durham City Council Member. Pierce is the founder of Blackspace, an Afrofuturism digital maker space for teens in Durham. He is the writer, composer, and co-director of the PBS animated series, The History of White People in America. He is a co-founder of Beat Making Lab, a PBS web-series, which won Best Video Essay for its episode Heartbeats of Fiji at the 2015 Daytime Emmy Awards. His latest project is a children’s music album, titled D.a.D, which has been featured on NPR and Today Show. In episode 8 of the Next Matters Most podcast, Nick Jordan sits down with Pierce Freelon about what is happening in the world today and what he wants to do about it. Pierce has always been a voice for change and does not have a stop sign in sight! Pierce talks about what everyone can do to help misunderstand and misrepresent groups in our businesses and community today.Want to take this episode with you? https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324034/episodesTo learn more about Madilynn A. Beck & Nick Jordan:https://www.smashingboxes.com/We've got more to offer on our social platforms! https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjordan1/

Why are community ecosystems important? What can they provide to a community? Today, Jim Roberts and Nick Jordan talk about what an ecosystem can provide to large and small communities. Jim has been involved in community ecosystem building for many years. With notable success throughout North Carolina and the United States. In episode 9 of the Next Matters Most podcast, Jim and Nick talk about why an ecosystem is important for all communities, how entrepreneurs can improve ecosystems, and where to start when building a successful ecosystem! Want to take this episode with you? https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324034/episodesTo learn more about Madilynn A. Beck & Nick Jordan:https://www.smashingboxes.com/We've got more to offer on our social platforms! https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjordan1/

In this episode of Next Matters Most, we speak with David Morris & Patrick Lineberry, attorneys at law, about Opportunity Zones, Qualified Opportunity Zone Funds, Qualified Opportunity Zone Businesses, and what this means for investors, small business owners, and communities. Will this be just a rush towards faster gentrification, or will it be a reviving and renaissance effect on currently depressed communities? A tool for the rich to get richer, or for more underrepresented businesses to get funding? We discuss this and more. Want to take this episode with you? https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324034/episodesTo learn more about Madilynn A. Beck & Nick Jordan:https://www.smashingboxes.com/We've got more to offer on our social platforms! https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjordan1/

We all know that entrepreneurship is tough; their many challenges, headaches, and stress points to overcome before starting a business. Keeping these points in mind, add the detail that the entrepreneur is in college, and the challenge of starting a business goes up exponentially. Despite these oppositions, Nina Barnett overcame them while being a female within a male-dominated space. In episode 11 of The Next Matters Most podcast, Nina, the owner and founder of Grooop, talks about how she overcame the ultimatum of being a female business owner while completing her own goals of graduating college at the top of her class. Grooop is simple: college students use an intuitive app to feel confident on campus.  Anytime, Anywhere. Grooop is a platform that serves universities, workplaces, friends, and families through our service contracts and mobile app to make safety more fun, inclusive, intuitive, and non-invasive. Grooop is the best way to share safety status instantly. Grooop makes sure you have power in numbers, even if you're alone. Set up safe zones, create Grooops of your friends, and update your safety status to alert others if you need help. Want to take this episode with you? https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324034/episodesTo learn more about Madilynn A. Beck & Nick Jordan:https://www.smashingboxes.com/We've got more to offer on our social platforms! https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjordan1/

Leadership can have many different forms, but how do you know which one is right for you or your business? In episode 12 of the Next Matters Most Podcast, Walter Pinson, President of Smashing Boxes, talks with Nick Jordan about how he learned how to lead himself and his various teams through personal and business obstacles. Walter has a fair share of leadership experience, from building his own companies to companies like Microsoft and Unboxed. The two also discuss how CIO advisors can help businesses leverage expertise without paying large sums to accomplish their leaders' goals.Want to take this episode with you? https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324034/episodesTo learn more about Madilynn A. Beck & Nick Jordan:https://www.smashingboxes.com/We've got more to offer on our social platforms! https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjordan1/

In the first episode of season two of the Next Matters Most Podcast, we are talking with Ryan Kraudel, VP of technology at Valencell, an inventor and maker of wearable and hearable biometric sensor technology that can monitor and measure key vitals in the body such as blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, and more. These readings and more can help us do a better job of preventing and managing such major health issues as Cardiovascular disease (CVD), Respiratory issues, and Hypertension which on it's own affects over 1B people globally.  Listen in as we discuss the future of wearable technology and its ability to profoundly impact the well being of the human race, where the adoption blockers are, and what the opportunity looks like as we look to the future. Want to take this episode with you? https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324034/episodesTo learn more about Madilynn A. Beck & Nick Jordan:https://www.smashingboxes.com/We've got more to offer on our social platforms! https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjordan1/

Will Barfield, is a seasoned builder of sales teams and is currently the founder and principal of Barfield Revenue Consulting which helps companies of all sizes identify talent, build teams, and scale the revenue side of their companies. In this episode we discuss our local ecosystem and what we are best at as it relates to scaling sales organizations, key tips for founders adding sales to their startups, and how to grow your LinkedIn connections from a few thousand to over 14,000 in less than 12 months by being authentic. Want to take this episode with you? https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324034/episodesTo learn more about Madilynn A. Beck & Nick Jordan:https://www.smashingboxes.com/We've got more to offer on our social platforms! https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjordan1/

Gavin Jocius is an experienced ecommerce operator building brands, recently CanvasonDemand into an 80M juggernaut which exited in 2019. Currently, Gavin is forging his own path into entrepreneurship through his search fund, Riverside Ventures. In this episode we will talk about ETA, entrepreneurship through acquisition, as well as trends in digital commerce, social media and the future of advertising. Highly experienced eCommerce professional with over nineteen years of experience in information technology and digital communications working in education, public and private companies. Motivated, adaptable, well-rounded with great written and oral communication skills.Want to take this episode with you? https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324034/episodesTo learn more about Madilynn A. Beck & Nick Jordan:https://www.smashingboxes.com/We've got more to offer on our social platforms! https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjordan1/

Daniel Scagnelli is a driven, results-oriented, customer-focused technology professional with diverse industry experience, strong business acumen, and an unbridled passion for building strong partner relationships and customer loyalty. Daniel has been a leader/executive in the startup technology scene for the past several years with a professional focus on the post-sale customer life cycle. Hear how he got into startups, life in the startup scene in non-Silicon Valley markets, as well as why the post-sale customer life cycle is important especially when you are selling APIs that are tech-centric. Want to take this episode with you? https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324034/episodesTo learn more about Madilynn A. Beck & Nick Jordan:https://www.smashingboxes.com/We've got more to offer on our social platforms! https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjordan1/

Tom Snyder is a senior-level manager with substantial experience building and leading global teams, technology development, product design, and introduction. He and his team have a  proven innovation skillset with over 25 US patents issued. Currently the Executive Director at RIoT, he has a highly developed skillset for budget and schedule management, staff development, and driving innovation. In episode 5 of the Next Matters Most Podcast, Tom and Nick talk about the impact data technology solutions have on business and why large companies like Google and Facebook want in on creating innovative solutions or finding the teams to do so. Want to take this episode with you? https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324034/episodesTo learn more about Madilynn A. Beck & Nick Jordan:https://www.smashingboxes.com/We've got more to offer on our social platforms! https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjordan1/

Whitney Marston Pierce has two decades of creative/marketing consulting experience. Originally advised established companies in connecting with a younger generation. Since then, she has continued to connect brand and audience through multiple industries. As CMO for startups spanning finance to art, fashion to music, and tech to medical devices, she turns exciting ideas into viable, vibrant businesses. Known for her uncomplicated aesthetic and innate knowledge of the human condition, she creates conversation and spearheads client conversion. She is dedicated to uplifting companies and discourse surrounding social good and corporate accountability. She and Nick chat about her upbringing and how she works with start-ups to create successful brands. Want to take this episode with you? https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324034/episodesTo learn more about Madilynn A. Beck & Nick Jordan:https://www.smashingboxes.com/We've got more to offer on our social platforms! https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjordan1/

Brandon King is a football star turned programmer and entrepreneur. While in the NFL, Brandon learned many lessons about staying focused, being one with your team, and understanding the opposite team. These teachings allowed him to go on to successfully launch his own startup based around music concert experiences. Although Brandon helped bring all the pieces together, he had a major lead ahead when he decided to teach himself programming and start developing his own app. Want to take this episode with you? https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324034/episodesTo learn more about Madilynn A. Beck & Nick Jordan:https://www.smashingboxes.com/We've got more to offer on our social platforms! https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjordan1/

We’d like to give a warm welcome to Maria Kingery! Maria co-founded Southern Energy Management with her husband in 2001. Since then, she has helped pioneer the residential energy efficiency and solar industries in North Carolina and beyond. Being deeply committed to sustainable business practices, Maria believes businesses have the greatest power to drive positive change. After a couple of years of implementing the EOS system at SEM, Maria was so inspired by the amazing work her team was doing that she decided to train professionally as an implementer in 2016 - wanting to help other entrepreneurs achieve the same kind of results. At her new company, 360Rocks, Maria works with impact-driven organizations and leaders by helping them align their values with their actions, their people with their bold vision, and their data with their accomplishments. Through her work, Maria has proven that, with the right tools, entrepreneurs can unleash their untapped potential while changing the world.Please join Maria and Nick as they sit down to chat about entrepreneurial systems, watching after your team’s mental health, and expanding your employees to new heights. Maria asked us to keep this episode audio-only. Out of respect, we’ve created an audio video for you to enjoy! Want to take this episode with you? https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324034/episodesTo learn more about Madilynn A. Beck & Nick Jordan:https://www.smashingboxes.com/We've got more to offer on our social platforms! https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjordan1/

What's holding you back from moving forward with the ideas swirling around your head? Venus Liles loves new ideas, whether thinking of them for herself or supporting those of other entrepreneurs. Venus has many passions, including law, entrepreneurship, and tech. Over the years, Venus is an active member of the Senior Legal Counsel for SAS Institute and has founded over three companies; including qcard, DanceHer, Liles Law, and others. She also wrote a children's book to support family conversations about the coronavirus and social distancing. While keeping a mission to help as many parents as possible have honest and loving conversations with their children about important these issues. During episode 14 of the Next Matters Most podcast, Nick, Venus, and Emily talked about how their journeys all had similar findings and thoughts on becoming an entrepreneur. From taking more risks, shipping ideas early, and getting strong feedback they each share stories of overcoming obstacles and finding peace with imperfection. This episode is full of awesome stories from the team! Want to take this episode with you? https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324034/episodesTo learn more about Madilynn A. Beck & Nick Jordan:https://www.smashingboxes.com/We've got more to offer on our social platforms! https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjordan1/

Anna Shuford is an innovative, business professional with experience in campaign development, strategic partnerships, and content creation. Anna is currently enrolled in UNC Kenan Flagler's MBA program, Class of 2022. At UNC, she’s pursuing a concentration in marketing and enrichments in entrepreneurship and technology and innovation management. Along with being a full-time MBA student, Anna owns and operates her company, BoomRoom. BoomRoom simplifies the process for fitness instructors teaching live virtual workouts through one single integrated platform that gives them the tools and technology to host high-quality classes, connect with clients, and manage their business.In episodes 15 and 16 of the Next Matters Most podcast series, Nick and Emily talk with Anna about starting a business while in school, how she manages her days, and what her next steps are after school. They also deep-dive into how Anna’s BoomRoom platform works and why it’s so important for fitness professionals and teachers. These episodes are great for anyone currently starting a business or having thoughts about starting their own business while in school. Please enjoy our conversation with Anna Shuford! Want to take this episode with you? https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324034/episodesTo learn more about Madilynn A. Beck & Nick Jordan:https://www.smashingboxes.com/We've got more to offer on our social platforms! https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjordan1/

Anna Shuford is an innovative, business professional with experience in campaign development, strategic partnerships, and content creation. Anna is currently enrolled in UNC Kenan Flagler's MBA program, Class of 2022. At UNC, she’s pursuing a concentration in marketing and enrichments in entrepreneurship and technology and innovation management. Along with being a full-time MBA student, Anna owns and operates her company, BoomRoom. BoomRoom simplifies the process for fitness instructors teaching live virtual workouts through one single integrated platform that gives them the tools and technology to host high-quality classes, connect with clients, and manage their business.In episodes 15 and 16 of the Next Matters Most podcast series, Nick and Emily talk with Anna about starting a business while in school, how she manages her days, and what her next steps are after school. They also deep-dive into how Anna’s BoomRoom platform works and why it’s so important for fitness professionals and teachers. These episodes are great for anyone currently starting a business or having thoughts about starting their own business while in school. Please enjoy our conversation with Anna Shuford! Want to take this episode with you? https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324034/episodesTo learn more about Madilynn A. Beck & Nick Jordan:https://www.smashingboxes.com/We've got more to offer on our social platforms! https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjordan1/

Madilynn A. Beck is a former actor and entertainment industry executive turned psychotherapist, entrepreneur, and podcast host. One of her current startups is Better Spot, which you can think of as We Work for wellness and wellbeing professionals.Founded four years ago, the company helps to set up and serve their retail clientele and run their practices. The startup is now extremely well positioned as the wellbeing industry has been thrust into the spotlight as a result of the pandemic and the toll it has taken on our mental and physical well being.  Madilynn's intrinsic why is Equity & Access. She lives this daily through her products and platform. Better Spot helps small businesses in important industries gain access to a space where they previously would have been unable to. Her podcast, Fundraising While Black, highlights the unique and oftentimes unfair challenges that people of color face when fundraising for their business. Madilynn has an amazing energy about her and a true coaching mindset...this is a fun episode. Enjoy!Want to take this episode with you? https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324034/episodesTo learn more about Madilynn A. Beck & Nick Jordan:https://www.smashingboxes.com/We've got more to offer on our social platforms! https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjordan1/

Brett Danforth is the co-managing director of NC State University's Wolfpack Investor Network, an angel network currently comprised of 150 NC State-affiliated angel investors that have deployed over $10 million into NC State-affiliated early stage companies over the last two and a half years. Prior to joining WIN, Brett was a Venture Banker at Square 1 Bank, lending to venture-backed early and growth stage companies in the Southeast. His career also includes experience with a family office investor and a financial consulting firm serving nonprofits. Brett is a graduate of the Poole College of Management at NC State University.Personally, Brett lives in Raleigh, NC, with his wife, Lindsey and their three daughters. He enjoys playing golf, is a member at Providence Church and serves on the First Tee – Triangle’s Young Professional Board.Want to take this episode with you? https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324034/episodesTo learn more about Brett Danforth & Nick Jordan:https://www.smashingboxes.com/We've got more to offer on our social platforms! https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjordan1/

From India, to Dubai, to Durham NC. A truly world-class citizen, business owner, and architect, Vandana Dake and Nick Jordan sit down to discuss her career journey, her passion for helping empower and inspire women in developing nations, and finding your why. Vandana provides a broad range of experience in design and construction — both locally and internationally. Vandana is currently the Owner of Alliance architecture. Her technical expertise and strong design concepts inform her work, ranging from schematic design through construction administration. She has received numerous awards, including much recognition from Downtown Durham, Inc. for Best Projects in 2004 and 2005 and from the Raleigh Preservation Society for Best Projects in 2005.Enjoy this personal discussion with Vandana and Nick Jordan! Want to take this episode with you?  https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324034/episodesTo learn more about Vandana & Nick Jordan:https://www.smashingboxes.com/We've got more to offer on our social platforms! https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjordan1/

In this conversation, Eric Porper, Nick Jordan, and Rachel Walter delve into the complexities of chronic pain, exploring its psychological roots and the mind-body connection. They discuss personal experiences with pain management and healing, emphasizing the importance of emotional well-being in physical health. The dialogue transitions into health and wellness transformations, including lifestyle changes and the impact of alcohol on health. Rachel shares her entrepreneurial journey, highlighting her experiences in launching and managing businesses. The conversation also touches on emerging sports as potential business opportunities and concludes with a discussion on creating a modern secret society to foster genuine connections and community engagement.Connect with the founders: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelwwalterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjordan1https://www.linkedin.com/in/porperUnboxed Venture Studio:https://www.unboxed.ventures/

In this conversation, Nick and Eric outline their ambitious plan to establish a $1 billion venture studio in the Raleigh-Durham area with Unboxed Venture Studio. They delve into the motivations driving their goal, such as the need for more successful startups and lucrative exits in the region. Their vision for the venture studio involves channeling experience, expertise, resources, and capital into early-stage companies. The discussion sheds light on the concept of a venture studio and its pivotal role in nurturing startups. They also highlight the services offered by Smashing Boxes and its synergy with the Unboxed venture studio. The hosts underscore the importance of sharing experiences and fostering a network of entrepreneurs, operators, and investors.Connect with the founders: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjordan1https://www.linkedin.com/in/porperUnboxed Venture Studio:https://www.unboxed.ventures/

Sumit Vohra is a passionate entrepreneur and founder of Lonerider Brewing & Distillery Owner, known for creating a distinctive brand identity within the craft beer community. In this episode, he shares insights on the enduring enthusiasm required to run a successful business, drawing inspiration from legendary figures in the industry like Jim Cook. This discussion highlights Sumit’s deep personal connection to brewing, the significance of artistic expression through branding, and the cultivation of a loyal customer base that goes beyond just the product itself.https://www.linkedin.com/in/sumitvohra

In this episode, Pardees shares insights on the evolving landscape of remote work and ecosystem development. With a focus on fostering strategic partnerships and effective leadership, Pardees discusses the importance of finding the right approach to contribute positively within both local and global markets. The conversation emphasizes taking intentional steps toward collaboration while maintaining the unique strengths of the team. Main topics discussed include the dynamics of remote work and its impact on leadership roles, strategies for effective collaboration in ecosystem development, insights on nurturing partnerships within various markets, and the significance of intentional engagement in a decentralized environment.https://www.linkedin.com/in/pardees/

Jenn Summe is a startup enthusiast who excels at connecting people and scaling ideas and businesses. At Primordial, she invests in early-stage tech startups within the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area of NC. Jenn is a well-known figure in the Triangle, with a robust background in entrepreneurship and marketing. She currently collaborates with Joe Colopy of Primordial Ventures.In this episode, we dive into funding, the importance of seed rounds, and investment trends. Colopy Ventures, a tech-focused family office based in Durham, North Carolina, supports and invests in the region's technology entrepreneurs and startups. Its affiliated organizations include GrepBeat, Jurassic Capital, and Primordial.https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifersumme/

The Durham Art Guild (DAG), a nonprofit visual arts organization established in 1948, has been a cornerstone of the community for 75 years. Dedicated to supporting artists and the arts, DAG's mission is to enrich and unite Durham's communities by creating opportunities and providing leadership for both current and future visual artists and art enthusiasts. In today's show, we have the pleasure of speaking with Liz Gage, Executive Director of the Durham Art Guild, along with Linsey Burt.https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-gage-440b0656/

Rich Belsky is a seasoned executive, entrepreneur, investor, and coach who excels in navigating complex strategic landscapes. With a unique blend of entrepreneurial, legal, and mentoring experience, he has a particular affinity for M&A, product ownership, corporate development, and venture portfolio support. Rich has a proven track record as a company builder and is a trusted advisor to founders, board members, C-suite executives, and investors across diverse industries. He thrives on immersing himself in challenging environments, both for his own growth and in collaboration with others.https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-belsky-32930211/

Tobi is a venture capitalist for Cofounders Capital, a Triangle-based VC that invests in B2B SaaS companies in early stages. Prior to Cofounders, Tobi was a cofounder of Shoeboxed, a SaaS fintech startup that empowered business owners to manage receipts, invoices and automated bookkeeping. He later moved to the Triangle to co-found Shoeboxed, a SaaS fintech startup that enabled business owners to efficiently manage receipts, invoices, and automate bookkeeping. After a successful exit from Shoeboxed in 2018, Tobi brought his finance and marketing expertise to the team at Cofounders Capital.In this episode, we'll discuss what Tobi loves about being a venture capitalist and how he finds fulfillment in learning and helping others. We'll get into some of the trends in the market, what it takes to be ready to be investable, and the general concept of 'your goal is not to raise venture capital, your goal is to have a successful outcome as a business.'https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobiaswalter/

In this episode, Nick and Eric talk all venture studios, venture development, venture building, venture capital, and more.  Settle in and get ready for an in depth discussion on all things venture! 

In this episode of The Unboxed Show, Nick and Eric sit down with the Director of Primordial, Jenn Summe. Jenn describes herself as a startup junkie that loves to connect people and bring ideas and businesses to scale. Primordial is an early stage venture fund that invests in startups in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area of NC.

In this episode of The Unboxed Show, Nick and Eric sit down with Will McGuire, founder and CEO of Incolo. Since 2019, Incolo has helped 30+ founders grow their startups with those who believe in their vision. $10M+ has been raised by the founders who pursued investment with 55%+ coming from the crowd propelling their growth. Collectively, the founders’ businesses are valued at $150M+ and have created over 125 jobs.Will started Incolo to create a world where his children and others could fund and build companies together with anyone.

In this episode of The Unboxed Show, Nick Jordan and Eric Porper sit down with Tom Simon, an entrepreneur with nearly a decade of experience in the tech industry.  In a preview of the upcoming special edition of The Unboxed Show, "Things Guys Measure", they unpack why venture capital deployed to our area saw a 70% decline from 2022 to 2023 and what 2024 and future years might look like.

In this episode of The Unboxed Show, Nick Jordan and Eric Porper sit down with Carlos O'Briant, the visionary artist, entrepreneur, and CEO of Family Bizness, hailing from Durham, North Carolina. In this enlightening conversation, Carlos shares his transformative journey from navigating the challenges of the entertainment industry to founding Ambianz Studios, a creative sanctuary designed to foster collaboration and community amidst the digital age's solitude.The Unboxed Show  - Episode 1 - Season 1