Founder2Founder with Aaron Spivak

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Mo Moahid, a seasoned entrepreneur and AI expert, to explore the power of artificial intelligence in scaling businesses. Mo shares his unique journey from competing as part of Team Canada in equine sport to building and exiting multiple businesses. His deep understanding of discipline, scale, and technology has shaped his approach to business and AI, culminating in the launch of Zero-to-Agent, where he helps businesses implement AI solutions that actually stick.Mo's story is a masterclass in leveraging technology for practical solutions. He dives into how AI can remove friction from business processes and the importance of creating systems that thrive at speed. With over $100 million in ad spend experience and a background in both e-commerce and events, Mo explains how to effectively integrate AI into your business for real impact, not just novelty. If you’re a founder looking to make AI work for your company, this episode is filled with actionable insights and strategies.Chapters: 02:45 – From Horseback Archery to AI: Mo’s Unique Path 04:10 – Why Every Business Should Have a Chief Agent Officer 06:30 – The Power of AI Agents in Scaling Your Business 08:05 – Overcoming the Overwhelm of AI Models: Choosing the Right Tools 10:20 – The Three Types of AI Models Every Business Needs to Know 12:00 – The Importance of Organizing Your Data for Effective AI Use 15:45 – The Role of AI in Simplifying Business Operations 18:00 – Building with AI: From Small Data to Big Impact 20:20 – The Challenge of Managing Employees’ Fear of AI 22:30 – How AI Can Help Automate Marketing and Sales Tasks 26:00 – Understanding AI’s Impact on Jobs and Workforce Evolution 28:00 – How Founders Can Harness AI for Dynamic Pricing and Advertising 30:00 – The Future of AI in Business: What Founders Should Prepare For 32:30 – Optimizing Ad Spend with AI and Tools like Microsoft Clarity 34:50 – Self-Optimization Loops: AI’s Role in Continuous Business Growth 37:05 – How to Implement AI for Strategic Decision Making 41:00 – Why You Need a Strategy for AI Implementation, Not Just Tools 44:30 – Mo’s Final Thoughts on Adapting to AI’s Fast-Paced Evolution 46:10 – How Founders Can Stay Ahead and Lead in the Age of AIGuest Links:LinkedinInstagram: @killxmoIf you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with immigration attorney and founder Mena Maimone for a direct conversation about why so many Canadian entrepreneurs are exploring a move to the United States. Originally from Canada, Mena moved to South Florida nearly a decade ago, earned her J.D. from Nova Southeastern University, and built Maimone Legal with her mother into a fast-growing firm helping clients navigate the move to the U.S.Together, Aaron and Mena unpack the fears, misconceptions, and real opportunities behind relocating as a founder. From visa pathways and taxes to safety, lifestyle, and long-term freedom, this episode offers a clear look at why more entrepreneurs are making the move and what it actually takes to do it well.Chapters: 01:30 – Why Aaron Believes Canada’s Builders Are Leaving 01:32 – Mena Explains What She’s Seeing With Canadian Business Owners 03:15 – The Main Reasons Canadians Are Looking to Leave 04:41 – What a Government-Heavy Economy Means for Entrepreneurs 05:11 – The Importance of Environment, Energy, and the “Miami Effect” 06:09 – The Biggest Hurdles Canadians Think They Face 06:12 – Why Mena Says the Process Is Easier Than Most People Think 07:47 – Advice for Founders Who Want to Leave but Feel Stuck 09:04 – The Fear-Based Mindset That Keeps People From Making the Move 10:23 – The Most Common Objections Mena Hears 11:09 – Debunking the Healthcare Cost Myth 13:42 – Why the Quality of Life in Florida Feels So Different 16:47 – Why Mena Believes Canada Is Trying to Slow the Exodus 18:02 – Choosing Your Environment and What That Says About Your Future 19:31 – Aaron Shares the Home Invasion That Changed Everything 25:07 – What Founders Need to Know About the So-Called Exit Tax 28:12 – What It Typically Costs To Make the Move Properly 29:05 – How Mena’s Business Has Doubled and What Markets She’s Watching 30:00 – Why Asset Protection Matters More in the U.S. 31:10 – Tax Advantages Business Owners Often Overlook 34:41 – Building a Business With Family and Creating a Legacy 38:40 – Why the E2 Visa Is One of the Most Popular Paths 39:52 – How Long E1 and E2 Visas Last and What Renewal Looks Like 42:38 – Green Card Options for Founders Who Want a Long-Term PathGuest Links:Instagram: @maimone_legalFacebookYouTubeIf you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, live from a Founders Club conference, Aaron Spivak and Chris Meade sit down with George Heaton, the co-founder of Represent, a globally recognized fashion brand that fuses style, fitness, and community. With over 15 years of entrepreneurship under his belt, George shares the highs and lows of building a multi-million-dollar business. From maintaining brand authenticity to navigating international expansion, George opens up about how he scaled Represent without losing sight of the core values that made the brand successful.George reveals how he built Represent into a dominant force in fashion while staying true to the brand’s roots. This conversation is packed with actionable advice for entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey, covering everything from leadership and team dynamics to navigating tough times and embracing the future of fashion.Chapters: 02:10 – How George’s Background Shaped Represent’s Vision 05:30 – The Key to Building a Fashion Brand with Authenticity 07:20 – Expanding Beyond Fashion: The Fitness Integration 10:15 – Building a Global Brand: The Challenges of International Growth 13:45 – Maintaining Momentum: How George Keeps the Brand Fresh 17:00 – Why Attention to Detail Is Essential for Success 20:10 – The Power of Community in Scaling a Brand 22:30 – Going Global: The Reality of Expanding into New Markets 26:05 – Overcoming Doubts and Fears During Growth Phases 29:30 – The Importance of Flexibility and Adapting to Change 32:00 – When to Delegate: The Role of CEOs and Leaders in Scaling 34:40 – The Work-Life Balance: How to Navigate Personal and Business Challenges 38:00 – Leading a Brand with Heart and Purpose 41:30 – The Value of Staying Creative and Visionary as a Founder 43:50 – The Role of Content and Social Media in Building Your Brand 47:15 – Overcoming Setbacks: What Every Entrepreneur Needs to Know 50:30 – How to Stay Motivated Through Tough Times 53:00 – The Importance of Relationships: Finding Your Tribe 55:20 – George’s Advice to Entrepreneurs: Focus on Long-Term Success 58:00 – Looking to the Future: The Next Big Moves for Represent 59:30 – The Power of Resilience and Staying True to Your Roots 1:02:10 – George’s Final Thoughts: Building a Legacy, Not Just a Brand 1:05:00 – How George Sees the Future of Entrepreneurship 1:07:30 – Closing Remarks: Stay Committed and Keep Pushing ForwardGuest Links:Website: https://georgeheaton.com/ https://ca.representclo.com/Instagram: @georgeheaton @representcloIf you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Kevin Gould, a seasoned entrepreneur and the founder of Kombo Ventures, to explore the raw and unfiltered journey behind building successful brands. Kevin is also the co-founder of Glamnetic, a leading beauty brand known for its press-on nails and INH Hair, a hair extension company. With extensive experience in talent management and brand-building, Kevin shares powerful insights about entrepreneurship, resilience, and the mental toughness required to navigate business challenges.Kevin takes us through the rollercoaster of scaling companies, navigating tough decisions, and the pivotal moments that shaped his journey. This episode is a must-listen for any entrepreneur who’s looking to understand the mindset that goes into growing a business from zero to nine figures.Chapters:01:19 – Kevin’s Early Life and First Hustles03:01 – The Turning Point That Sparked Kevin’s Entrepreneurial Drive04:00 – Leaving Corporate Life and Taking the Leap Into Entrepreneurship06:10 – The Challenges of Starting Kombo Ventures and Navigating the Talent Industry08:39 – Kevin’s Experience Working with Influencers and YouTubers10:12 – Mental Toughness and Resilience in High-Stakes Environments11:40 – Learning from Industry Giants and Developing a Strong Work Ethic15:19 – The Power of Visualization and Manifestation in Entrepreneurship17:34 – The Critical Role of Mental Toughness in Business Success20:18 – Lessons Learned from Working with Jake Paul and Other Influencers22:22 – Shifting from Talent Management to Building Consumer Brands24:15 – The Rapid Growth of Glamnetic and Navigating its Challenges26:33 – The Pain and Lessons Learned During the Three-Year Pivot at Glamnetic28:16 – Why Confidence and Self-Awareness Are Crucial in Business30:50 – Maintaining Momentum Through Times of Uncertainty33:19 – The Dangers of Over-ambition and the Importance of Patience39:00 – Ego and Leadership: How to Balance Confidence and Humility41:55 – Understanding What Your Business Needs at Each Stage of Growth44:33 – Leading Through Crisis: Lessons from Difficult Business Times47:09 – How Private Equity Shaped Kevin’s Perspective on Business Growth50:01 – The Power of Curiosity and Continual Learning for Entrepreneurs52:10 – Kevin’s Long-Term Vision and the Importance of Enjoying the Journey54:40 – Why Embracing the Unknown is Crucial for Business Growth56:21 – Kevin’s Final Thoughts: Focus on Long-Term Success, Not Quick Wins1:00:45 – Kevin’s Advice to His Younger Self: Patience and PerspectiveGuest Links:Instagram: @kevingIf you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Garrett Peters, co-founder of Duncan & Stone Paper Co., a brand focused on helping families capture meaningful memories through intentional stationery. Before launching the company in 2020, Garrett spent over a decade working with Walmart and Sam’s Club, gaining experience in scaling brands and building businesses.Garrett shares his transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship, driven by a desire for more freedom, alignment, and time with his family. From building the business as a side hustle to navigating burnout and redefining success, this conversation offers a grounded look at what it really takes to build a business that supports your life.Chapters 01:01 – Garrett’s Background and Joining Founders Club 03:45 – The Moment That Sparked His Entrepreneurial Journey 06:10 – Realizing the Lack of Freedom in Corporate Life 09:34 – The Decision to Start a Business With Friends 11:50 – Building Duncan & Stone as a Side Hustle 12:22 – Late Nights, Family Life, and Early Startup Grind 14:06 – The Realities of Manufacturing and Early Challenges 16:10 – When the Business Started Feeling Real 17:24 – First Holiday Sales and Early Momentum 18:30 – The Breaking Point That Led to Quitting His Job 20:52 – Going All-In Without Financial Security 21:37 – The Chaos of Year One as a Full-Time Founder 22:33 – Losing Identity and Burning Out in the Business 23:44 – The Impact on Marriage and Personal Life 25:50 – Learning to Outsource and Build a Team 26:48 – Understanding Alignment vs. Burnout 28:29 – Finding Product Focus and Building a Brand 30:43 – Creating the Legacy Journal and Defining Their Niche 34:13 – Why Amazon Became a Key Growth Channel 36:57 – Selling a Product Customers Didn’t Know They Needed 38:17 – Navigating Business With Friends and Family 40:20 – Setting Boundaries Between Work and Life 43:13 – The Role of Personal Health in Business Success 45:09 – Defining “Enough” and Building a Lifestyle Business 48:44 – Balancing Ambition With Contentment 50:10 – The Danger of Comparison and External Validation 53:47 – Creating Your Own Version of Success 59:33 – Advice to His Younger Self: Control What You CanGuest Links:Website: https://www.duncanandstone.com/Instagram: @duncanandstoneLinkedIn: Garrett PetersIf you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Addison LaBonte, founder of Sweet Addison’s, a fast-growing better-for-you bakery shipping gluten-free, dairy-free desserts nationwide. A former Division 1 athlete, Addison has channeled her discipline and resilience into building a brand rooted in authenticity and quality.After a life-changing health diagnosis, Addison turned to gluten-free living, what started as a personal journey quickly evolved into a thriving business and loyal online community. Her story highlights the power of betting on yourself, building with intention, and creating products that truly serve people.Chapters01:16 – Addison’s Background and Unexpected Path to Entrepreneurship03:42 – How Division 1 Athletics Shaped Her Discipline and Mindset05:41 – The Power of Delayed Gratification in Business07:44 – Health Diagnosis That Changed Everything08:35 – Discovering Gluten-Free Living and a New Passion09:49 – Starting an Instagram Account That Led to a Business11:03 – Early Doubts and Getting Laid Off Before Launch12:33 – Building Sweet Addison’s From a Small Apartment13:25 – 26 Recipe Iterations to Perfect the Product14:10 – Transitioning From Home Baking to a Commercial Kitchen15:13 – Listening to Customers and Building for Demand17:53 – Launch Strategy: Influencers and Word-of-Mouth Growth18:44 – Understanding the Gluten-Free Consumer Market20:08 – Product Innovation: High-Protein, Better-For-You Desserts21:31 – Challenges of Selling Perishable Products Online23:13 – Vision for Scaling Into National Retail25:34 – Why Personal Branding Was a Game-Changer27:37 – Discipline, Consistency, and Social Media Growth29:59 – Evolving Her Personal Brand Over Time31:26 – Viral Content and Learning From Audience Feedback36:32 – Pushing Limits: From Marathons to Ultra Running38:17 – The “Deathbed Mentality” and Living Without Regret40:43 – Training the Mind Through Physical Challenges42:55 – Childhood Lessons That Built Independence and Resilience47:16 – Taking a Leap of Faith and Moving to Dallas50:45 – Advice to Her Younger SelfGuest Links:Website: www.sweetaddisons.comInstagram: @sweet.addisons@organicallyaddisonIf you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Jamie Maltabes, Founder and CEO of Infinite Medical Group, a rapidly growing wellness and regenerative medicine company. Jamie’s journey to entrepreneurship was shaped by years of personal struggle, addiction, recovery, and a relentless commitment to rebuilding her life and helping others do the same.Jamie shares how hitting rock bottom in her twenties forced her to completely transform her life, ultimately leading her to build a business rooted in real impact. From navigating addiction and high-stakes poker to launching a wellness company from a basement side hustle, her story is a powerful reminder that some of the strongest founders are forged through adversity and reinvention.Chapters 01:20 – Jamie’s Earliest Memory of Leadership and Truth-Telling 04:00 – Struggling With Food, Body Image, and Early Eating Disorders 06:38 – Addiction to Alcohol, Drugs, and the Cycle of Self-Destruction 09:48 – The Moment That Led Jamie to Alcoholics Anonymous 10:21 – Rebuilding Life Through Recovery and Personal Discipline 12:13 – Channeling Addiction Into AA and New Obsessions 13:12 – Discovering Poker and Entering the High-Stakes Card World 16:07 – Running Private Poker Games During COVID 17:09 – The Realization That Forced Jamie to Walk Away From Poker 18:42 – The Power of Environment and Finding the Right Circles 20:25 – Divorce, Leaving Poker, and Career Transition 21:10 – Building Leadership Experience at HairClub 22:27 – Losing Money in a Business Dispute and the Push to Start Over 23:00 – The Birth of Infinite Medical Group 26:37 – Discovering Ozempic and Its Impact on Weight Management 28:37 – Launching a Wellness Side Hustle From Her Basement 29:05 – Turning a Side Hustle Into a Scalable Medical Business 30:12 – The Unexpected Challenges of Launching a Medical Clinic 31:16 – Why Speed and Execution Drive Infinite’s Growth 32:57 – Expansion Plans and Balancing Business With Family 34:46 – Psychedelic Therapy, Healing, and Personal Growth 41:14 – Entrepreneurship as a Personal Development Journey 43:04 – Leading With Purpose and Building a Positive Team Culture 44:10 – Advice Jamie Would Give Her 24-Year-Old Self 46:54 – The Power of Pivots and Never Quitting the GameGuest Links:|Website: https://infinitemedicalgroup.comInstagram: @infinitemedicalgroup @jamiemaltabesIf you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Gaurav “Gord” Hundal, a 19-year-old real estate developer who has already flipped multiple homes and recently completed a luxury property listed for over $5 million in Fort Lauderdale. After experimenting with businesses like event promotion and clothing at a young age, Gaurav eventually found his passion in real estate development and house flipping.Gaurav shares how discipline, strong family values, and relentless curiosity helped him transition from small renovation projects into the luxury real estate market. From navigating contractor mistakes to building trust in an industry dominated by older professionals, this conversation explores the mindset required to build credibility, take calculated risks, and stay committed to long-term growth.Chapters: 02:10 – Growing Up Around Entrepreneurship and His First Business 03:10 – Throwing Underage Events and Early Hustle 04:25 – Launching a Clothing Brand as a Teenager 05:17 – Searching for Purpose Through Entrepreneurship 07:24 – Why Gaurav Still Attends College While Building Businesses 09:42 – The Social Value of School for Young Entrepreneurs 11:32 – Discovering Real Estate and His First House Flip 12:42 – How House Flipping Actually Works 14:38 – The Profit Potential of Real Estate Development 15:29 – Why Gaurav Transitioned Into Luxury Homes 17:29 – The $3.6M Luxury Property Investment 18:51 – Closing the Deal and Navigating Market Changes 19:49 – The Hard Lesson: Never Blindly Trust Contractors 21:06 – Systems Gaurav Uses to Avoid Getting Burned 22:28 – Why Honouring Deals Builds Long-Term Success 24:37 – The Role of Integrity and Karma in Business 26:33 – Overcoming Age Bias as a Young Entrepreneur 28:23 – Managing Real Estate Projects for Other Investors 29:46 – Why Reputation Is Everything in Real Estate 32:22 – Lessons Learned From Growing Up With Four Older Brothers 36:18 – The Discipline That Drives His Work Ethic 38:13 – Gaurav’s Daily Routine and Work Schedule 41:50 – The Importance of Obsession in Early Entrepreneurship 44:56 – Advice Gaurav Would Give His 14-Year-Old Self 47:38 – Handling Criticism, Doubt, and External Judgment 50:14 – Final Thoughts on Environment, Family, and SuccessGuest Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gauravhundalll/If you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with David Balinski, Founder & CEO of Wire Health. With a background spanning risk management, pharmaceutical lobbying, national benefits consulting, and health plan M&A, David has built nine companies and dedicated his career to fixing one of the biggest failures in American healthcare: mental health access.David shares the hard lessons he learned about partnerships, equity, incentives and culture, alongside a deep dive into the realities of mental health in entrepreneurship. From bipolar disorder among founders, to the limitations of SSRIs, emerging therapies like ketamine, and alternative healthcare strategies that have saved his family over $150,000. This conversation challenges how leaders think about responsibility, performance, and the systems supporting their teams.Chapters: 01:08 – Why David Focused on Fixing Healthcare 02:42 – The Mental Health Gap in American Insurance 03:38 – Early Entrepreneurial Instincts and Lemonade Stands 05:20 – From Screenwriting Dreams to Health Insurance Underwriting 06:04 – The Hardest Lessons From Building Nine Companies 08:20 – The Cost of Trusting the Wrong People 09:11 – Why Giving Equity Too Early Is a Founder Mistake 12:43 – What to Do When a Key Employee Asks for Equity 14:30 – Building Advisory Boards That Protect You From Yourself 16:50 – Profit Share vs. Equity: A Smarter Alternative 18:47 – Incentives, Commission Structures, and Performance Culture 22:16 – Why Culture Is a Founder’s Real Job 25:26 – Blameless Problem Solving and Avoiding Toxic Behavior 28:02 – The Mental Health Reality Founders Don’t Talk About 30:01 – Bipolar Disorder in Entrepreneurs (4x the General Population) 32:02 – MDMA, PTSD, and Emerging Treatment Conversations 40:43 – Why Wire Health Sends Patients to Ketamine Treatment 45:37 – The 30% Problem With SSRIs 49:10 – Why David and His Family Don’t Use Traditional Health Insurance 55:21 – How Medical Sharing and Direct Primary Care Work 59:45 – Wire Health’s Employer-Focused Mental Health Model 1:01:30 – Choosing Investors Who Align With Your Mission 1:04:03 – The Recovery Friendly Workplace Movement 1:06:48 – Creating Psychological Safety at Work 1:10:16 – Final Reflections on Purpose, Impact, and ResponsibilityGuest Links: Website: https://wire.health/LinkedIn: David Balinski Wire HealthIf you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Michael C. Bertoni, Founder and CEO of SaaS Talent, the global talent and growth engine behind hundreds of high-performing SaaS and tech companies. With over 25 years of experience helping founders scale revenue, build elite go-to-market teams, and turn hiring into a competitive advantage, Michael operates at the intersection of SaaS growth, recruiting, AI, and leadership.Michael shares his journey from being a high-performing sales leader working for others to taking the leap into entrepreneurship at 39. He opens up about early mistakes, the mindset shifts that shaped his evolution, and why he believes every business challenge traces back to one core issue: talent. This conversation is a practical and honest look at what it really takes to scale a company through people, systems, and energy.Chapters: 01:35 - The Origin of “The Rainmaker” 03:37 - Taking the Leap Into Entrepreneurship at 39 05:54 - Starting as a Solopreneur Without a Playbook 07:36 - Early Mistakes and Getting Kicked Out of Co-Working Spaces 10:25 - Self-Awareness and Evolving as a Founder 13:27 - Building a Personal Board of Advisors 18:01 - Inside SaaS Talent: Talent Acquisition and GTM Growth Coaching 19:48 - “Every Problem Is a Talent Problem” Explained 22:22 - How to Know If You Have the Right Person in the Right Seat 24:00 - Locking In A-Players Through Growth and Ownership 26:40 - The Founder’s Role: Bringing the Energy and Vision 30:09 - What Young Founders Should Look for in Talent 34:27 - Creating “Wow” Moments and Hiring Through Community 41:11 - Lessons from 20+ Years in SaaS and Tech 46:07 - Why You Need an Operating System to Scale 49:26 - Advice to His 13-Year-Old Self 52:07 - The Morning Routine That Changed His Leadership 55:13 - Gratitude, Manifestation, and Long-Term Growth 1:00:21 - Using LinkedIn as a Growth Engine 1:04:00 - Final Reflections and Building With EnergyGuest Links: Website: https://www.saas-talent.com/LinkedIn: Michael C. BertoniIf you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Dr. Lisa C. Palmer, PhD, LMFT, CHT, Program and Clinical Director of The Renew Center of Florida in Boca Raton, ranked #1 in the U.S. for PTSD treatment in 2017 by Newsmax. A nationally recognized psychotherapist featured on major networks including ABC, FOX, CNN, NBC, and CBS, Dr. Palmer works with celebrities, high-profile athletes, entrepreneurs, and public figures navigating trauma and high performance.Dr. Palmer shares her journey from a traditional upbringing in Rhode Island to becoming one of Hollywood’s most trusted therapists. She opens up about early identity struggles, walking away from a promising television career, and the discipline that shaped her path. Together, Aaron and Dr. Palmer unpack how childhood experiences shape founders, how trauma impacts performance, and how re-scripting memories can unlock meaningful change.Chapters: 01:27 - Dr. Lisa’s Early Life in Rhode Island 02:35 - Feeling Different and Early Identity Struggles 04:49 - Turning “Not Enough” Into Discipline and Drive 08:05 - The Influence of Rocky and Resilience 11:42 - Discovering Her Purpose to Make a Difference 12:40 - Working With High-Profile Clients and Trauma 14:37 - From Pre-Med to Miss USA Competitor 15:35 - Losing 60 Pounds and Winning by One Point 16:18 - Walking Away From a Promising TV Career 19:26 - Going Back to School and Pursuing Her Doctorate 22:22 - Realizing She Was Exactly Where She Belonged 23:27 - Re-Scripting Memories Explained 26:47 - How Trauma Gets Imprinted in the Brain 28:52 - Transforming Limiting Beliefs at the Root 31:39 - Why You Can’t Do This Work Alone 33:44 - Where Entrepreneurs Should Start With Inner Work 37:11 - Embracing Stillness and Self-Observation 41:07 - Handling the Emotional Weight of Clients 43:30 - Personal Reset Practices and Balance 47:26 - On Love, Growth, and What’s Still Unwritten 49:17 - What She Would Tell Her 5-Year-Old SelfGuest Links:Website: www.myrenewme.com https://www.therenewcenter.comInstagram: @drlisapalmer @myrenewme If you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, host Aaron Spivak sits down with Adrian Aidid, Founder and CEO of LDX Digital, a top Google and YouTube Ads agency that manages over $11 million in monthly ad spend. Adrian is no stranger to scaling brands, he’s helped grow eight companies to over $100K/day in spend and engineered acquisition systems responsible for hundreds of millions in revenue. But before becoming one of the most respected operators in the performance marketing space, Adrian’s journey began in government housing in Bristol, England.Adrian opens up about how growing up with a single refugee mother shaped his relentless drive, how a failed job transfer became the catalyst for his entrepreneurial breakthrough, and the exact steps he took to go from running Facebook ads for local shops to building one of the most trusted agencies for global e-commerce brands. He also shares the importance of giving without expectations and the unique infrastructure LDX builds to turn traffic into scalable, profitable growth. This is an unfiltered look at grit, clarity, and scaling with precision.Chapters: 02:10 - Growing Up in Government Housing in Bristol 03:46 - Lessons from Watching His Mother Work 3 Jobs 05:10 - The “Death Ground” Mindset that Fueled Adrian’s Drive 06:32 - Getting Into Party Promotions and Sales in London 08:04 - The First Exposure to Marketing and Ad Agencies 09:25 - How The Alchemist Inspired a Move to NYC 11:14 - Entering Wall Street with No Network and High Stakes 15:15 - Environment Over Willpower: Why New York Changed Everything 16:54 - The “Come to Jesus” Moment After Getting Sent Back to the UK 20:58 - Starting From Scratch: Door-to-Door Sales for Local Businesses 23:26 - Getting His First Client and Making the Move to London 24:50 - Transitioning from Local to Ecomm and Making Real Money 26:18 - Pivoting Early to Google Ads Before iOS Updates Hit 28:45 - Scaling a Brand from Zero to $38M in 2 Years 30:22 - How LDX Builds Funnels, Pages, and Upsell Structures for Scale 32:07 - Google Compliance, Cold Traffic Mastery, and Platform Relationships 34:40 - Balancing Data and Intuition in Big Growth Decisions 38:36 - Giving Without Expectation and Why It Works 41:59 - Building Relationships Without ROI Expectations 44:16 - Miami, Culture, and Creating the Right Environment to Thrive 46:59 - How Community Shapes Outcomes and Reduces Isolation 48:40 - The Power of Proximity and Being Around the Right People 50:13 - What Adrian Would Tell His 19-Year-Old Self 52:44 - Why Founders Need to Prioritize Character, Not Just Skills 55:08 - The Ultimate Test: Would You Grab a Beer With Them? 56:27 - Why Vibes and Energy Matter More Than CredentialsGuest Links:Website: https://www.ldxdigital.comLinkedIn: Adrian AididIf you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, host Aaron Spivak sits down with Karen Quintos, former Chief Customer Officer and Chief Marketing Officer at Dell Technologies. Karen’s career spans multiple industries and decades of leadership at the highest levels, including Merck, Citibank, and Dell, where she led through some of the company’s most pivotal transformations. Known for her rare blend of operational rigor and soulful leadership, Karen opens up about navigating billion-dollar decisions while staying anchored in values, faith, and purpose.Karen reflects on the defining moments that shaped her career, from managing 1,000+ manufacturing employees at age 30, to working directly with Michael Dell. She unpacks what it means to lead with authenticity, how she infused soul into a Fortune 500 brand, and why servant leadership, humility, and staying people-centered are her greatest assets. This episode is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t have to cost you your integrity and that leadership grounded in purpose can drive both performance and legacy.Chapters: 02:42 – Growing Up on a Farm: Faith, Family and Hard Work 04:15 – Meeting Her Husband at Merck and Building a 40 Year Marriage 05:29 – Knowing She Wasn’t Meant to Be a Stay-at-Home Mom 07:21 – From Staff Role to Plant Manager: Learning Servant Leadership 09:48 – Early Mistakes, Union Threats and Listening to the Frontline 12:50 – Leaving Merck, Regretting Citibank and the Pivot to Dell 16:20 – How Karen Was Offered the CMO Role at Dell 18:11 – Why Michael Dell Chose Her: Customer-Centric Leadership 22:16 – Rebranding with Purpose: Tech for Good and Employee Alignment 23:15 – Internal vs. External Marketing: Why It Starts Within 27:07 – People First: Why Technology is a People Business 28:06 – Where Karen’s Soul-Driven Leadership Comes From 30:37 – Head vs. Heart: Operating with Conviction and Integrity 32:06 – Writing Her Book: You Can Be Successful Without Losing Your Soul 35:34 – Redefining Success at Every Stage of Life 37:49 – Playing the Long Game: Why Patience is Power 40:59 – The Knot in Your Stomach: Staying Curious and Grounded 42:28 – Learning from Leaders Around the Boardroom Table 45:52 – The Most Underrated Leadership Trait 47:55 – An Example of CEO Vulnerability and Transparency 51:04 – How Karen Supported Women Through Dell’s Entrepreneur Network 52:48 – Communities That Create Life-Changing Moments 55:14 – Why We Avoid the Environments That Will Help us Grow 57:52 – When the Same Knot Lingers: Making the Leap 58:44 – Advice to Her 13-Year-Old Self: Courage, Confidence Compassion 1:02:46 – Female Founders on Love, Marriage and Building TogetherGuest Links:Instagram: KarenhquintosLinkedIn: Karen QuintosTwitter: KarenhquintosIf you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak returns with Chris Meade for a founder-to-founder deep dive on the biggest insights shaping business growth in 2026. After surveying over 1,000 members from inside The Founders Club, they uncovered five powerful patterns that separate the founders who are doubling their growth from those who stay stuck. The truth? It’s not about doing more, it’s about going deeper on what’s already working.Together, they unpack the mindset shifts, tactical strategies, and daily disciplines top founders are leaning into this year. From clarity of vision to committing to one channel, empowering teams, building real founder connections, and using AI as leverage (not leadership), this episode is packed with hard-earned insights and actionable takeaways. Whether you’re scaling past $10M or just trying to get momentum back, this is the playbook for founders ready to build with purposeChapters:01:03 – The Truth About Founders Who Break Through02:08 – Why Clarity and Focus Beat Chaos03:47 – Avoiding Shiny Object Syndrome in 202605:25 – The Anxiety That Comes from Lack of Vision06:44 – Ask Yourself: Is Your Business Even Scalable?08:30 – One Channel. One Plan. No Distractions.09:49 – The Founders Who Are Crushing It Aren’t Multichannel11:00 – Are You Testing a Channel or Building It?12:51 – The Difference Between Committing vs. Experimenting14:06 – The Real Reason Founders Don’t Go All In17:01 – Creating Feedback Loops to Build Momentum19:05 – Why Small Wins Shouldn’t Be Overlooked20:01 – Founder Bottlenecks and How to Eliminate Them22:04 – Panic Execution Is a Sign of Broken Systems23:42 – Giving Teams Ownership of Their "Piano"25:12 – The Power of Real-World, In-Person Connection26:10 – Your Network is Who Picks Up the Phone When It Gets Hard28:08 – Give First: The Foundation of True Founder Relationships30:02 – What Real Founder Support Looks Like33:58 – Why Your Circle Defines Your Trajectory35:35 – AI is Leverage, Not Leadership42:03 – AI for Speed and Margin, Not for Connection44:58 – Clear Strategy, Committed Team, One Goal48:35 – Inside the Vision for Founders Club 202651:17 – Why Integrity is Everything as You Scale53:24 – Designing Events That Actually Serve Founders56:09 – The Power of Physical Spaces in a Digital World58:10 – Are We Building Community the Right Way?1:06:30 – Why Gender-Specific Events Are Unlocking Deeper Growth1:08:00 – Founders Forum LA: Our Biggest Event Ever1:11:45 – Redefining Sponsorships to Actually Add Value1:14:06 – The New Perks Members Actually Use1:16:22 – 2025 Was Chaos, 2026 is ClarityGuest Links: Instagram @chrismeade & @crossnetgameWebsite: https://vivereltd.com/pIf you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Adam Wexler, Founder and Executive Chairman of PrizePicks, the largest paid fantasy sports platform in North America. With a career spanning from music tech startups to influencer marketing software and now dominating the fantasy sports industry, Adam is a prime example of what it means to build with vision, grit, and resilience. Beyond PrizePicks, Adam has launched multiple ventures, served as a pioneer in fantasy sports innovation, and continues to shape the industry through his not-for-profit initiatives and leadership as an active board member.Adam opens up about his early years experimenting with product-market fit, including his first startup GoRankem, the transition into B2B SaaS with Insightpool, and the eventual creation of PrizePicks after enduring setbacks that would have stopped most founders in their tracks. He shares battle-tested lessons on resourcefulness, hiring with culture in mind, building when no one is watching, and maintaining momentum through uncertainty. This is a masterclass in entrepreneurial durability, from scrappy beginnings to strategic exits, told with honesty, clarity, and tactical wisdom.Chapters: 02:20 – Discovering the Startup Bug During Birthright Trip 06:23 – Finding His First Technical Co-Founder 08:13 – Building GoRankem and the Power of Crowdsourced Music Discovery 11:57 – The Harsh Reality of Monetizing B2C 14:39 – Using Kickstarter Before Crowdfunding Was a Word 18:58 – Becoming the First Tech Startup to Raise on Kickstarter 22:04 – Resourcefulness and the Art of Bootstrapping 25:00 – Lessons From Chapter One: Necessity Breeds Hustle 28:27 – The Canoe Test and Hiring With Intention 31:41 – Culture as a Defensible Advantage 34:33 – The Birth of Insightpool and Enterprise B2B SaaS 39:45 – Spinning Up Multiple Ventures at Once 44:09 – Identifying Influencers and Building the Next Chapter 47:36 – Scaling Insightpool Through Enterprise Clients 51:10 – Transitioning From CEO to Chief Strategy Officer 55:12 – How Letting Go of Ego Opens Bigger Doors 59:24 – The Origin of PrizePicks and Pursuing B2C Upside 1:03:42 – The Collapse of Fantasy Sports in 2015 1:16:25 – Founding PrizePicks Amid Regulatory Turmoil 1:20:45 – Navigating COVID and Keeping the Business Alive 1:29:41 – The Barbados Offsite and the ClearCo Connection 1:36:04 – Reflecting on Legacy and Impact Post-Exit 1:39:43 – What’s Next: Not-for-Profit, Special Projects, and Brand Stewardship 1:43:34 – Advice to His Younger Self: Let Adversity Mold YouGuest Links:Website: https://www.prizepicks.com/ https://thehiddenjams.org/Instagram: @thewordpainterLinkedIn: Adam WexlerIf you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Jamie Crozier, owner of Thunder Bay Hydraulics and founder of Atlas Elite Autolifts. Jamie leads multiple industrial businesses based in Northern Ontario, including Custom Hydraulics, and has built a reputation for blending hands-on manufacturing with modern innovation. From hydraulic cylinder repair, to designing luxury car lift systems for high-end residential homes across North America, Jamie is reshaping what legacy manufacturing can look like today.Jamie shares how he entered entrepreneurship later in life, stepping into a blue-collar industry with no formal business background and learning everything from the ground up. He breaks down how customer feedback led to the creation of Atlas Elite, why he’s taking bold R&D risks in a 90-year-old industry, and how family, partnership, and long-term thinking continue to shape the way he builds companies that last.Chapters: 02:26 – Jamie’s Unexpected Path Into Entrepreneurship 03:36 – From Political Science to Sales and Industrial Supply 05:32 – The First Signals of Business Ownership 06:51 – The Role of His Wife and Business Partner 08:40 – Founding Atlas Elite Autolifts 10:07 – Identifying a Gap in the Luxury Car Lift Market 12:31 – Using Customer Feedback to Drive Design 13:24 – Early Mistakes With Construction Integration 15:36 – The Most Unique Projects They’ve Built 16:26 – Bringing a Car Lift Into a Living Room 18:24 – Engineering for High-Value Vehicles 19:17 – Growing Up in a Blue-Collar Household 21:06 – Why His Father Pushed Him Toward University 23:21 – Family, Motivation, and Staying Grounded 26:21 – Building a Business His Kids Can See 29:32 – Why Physical Businesses Still Matter 30:49 – Risk Tolerance as a Competitive Advantage 32:08 – Innovating Inside a 90-Year-Old Industry 34:10 – Designing for the Harshest Environments 37:02 – Where Hydraulics Is Headed Next 41:02 – Finding Purpose Later in the Journey 42:52 – The Power of an Outside Perspective 45:38 – Partnership, Belief, and Thinking Bigger 48:07 – Breaking Generational Limiting Beliefs 50:42 – Giving Back to the Northern Ontario Business Community 54:09 – Values, Integrity, and Choosing the Right People 56:17 – Commit Fully and Build With IntentionGuest Links:Website: https://www.atlaselitelifts.comLinkedIn: Jamie CrozierIf you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Rebecca Sunnen Kallaus, founder of Business Done Better and creator of the 5-Engine Operating System. With over a decade in business operations, Rebecca has helped companies from solo ventures to $20M+ scale with structure, clarity, and sustainability. She’s also played a direct role in shaping tools at HighLevel to better support founder-led businesses.Rebecca shares the full story behind how she built her career, from working unpaid at a failing health clinic, to surviving financial collapse, homelessness, and personal trauma, all while launching her first business. She breaks down how she leaned into systems thinking, intuition, and self-trust to build a company that now supports some of the fastest-growing businesses in the space.Chapters: 02:26 – Early Signs Of Entrepreneurship 03:36 – How Her Upbringing Shaped Her Drive 05:32 – Wanting Structure But Needing To Build It Herself 06:51 – Why She Wasn't Allowed To Work In School 08:40 – Choosing Psychology With No Real Plan 10:07 – Studying Holistic Health And Systems 12:31 – Saving Lives At A Wellness Clinic, But Not Getting Paid 13:24 – The First Major Financial Loss 15:36 – Moving To Hawaii And Taking Another Hit 16:26 – The Relationship That Taught Her Everything 18:24 – Losing $25k+ In One Year 19:17 – Starting Her First Business While Homeless 21:06 – Meeting A Mentor Who Saved Her Life 23:21 – The Moment Everything Began To Change 26:21 – The Power Of Reframing Good Vs Bad 29:32 – Losing Hope, And What Got Her Through 30:49 – Why A Clear “Why” Matters 32:08 – Her Deeper Purpose Behind Helping Founders 34:10 – Building Trust In Yourself 37:02 – Why Intuition Never Lies 41:02 – Breaking Down Her 5-Engine Operating System 42:52 – Why Most Founders Start Backwards 45:38 – Beating Out Major Players For Big Clients 48:07 – What She'd Tell Her Younger Self 50:42 – Finding Clarity In Silence 54:09 – Final Thoughts On Intuition, Momentum, And RebuildingGuest Links:Website: https://businessdonebetter.co/LinkedIn: Rebecca KallausIf you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Richart Ruddie, serial entrepreneur, art collector, and founder of CaptainCompliance.com. Richart has built and exited multiple ventures across marketing, tech, and real estate, including one of the largest ORM agencies in the U.S.From hustling calling cards as a teen, to selling a business at 24, Richart breaks down how he built a career by spotting overlooked opportunities and outworking everyone in the room. He shares the hard lessons behind scaling, selling, hiring, and why ignoring compliance could cost your company everything.Chapters:02:26 – Growing Up in Baltimore & Entrepreneurial Roots 03:35 – First Job Punching Calling Cards at Age 12 05:39 – Why “$10M” Isn’t the End Goal 07:19 – How College Shaped His Hustle 09:41 – Graduating Debt-Free Through Work Ethic 11:01 – Grit vs. Moats: Why Outworking Wins 12:06 – Giving First: A Foundational Principle 14:16 – Books That Changed His Life 19:44 – The First Business Exit: Dumpster Rentals at 24 21:13 – Breaking Into SEO & Internet Arbitrage 23:32 – How He Scaled a Boring Business Fast 25:39 – Selling Leads in a Non-Tech Industry 26:46 – Exit Strategy: When to Sell and Why 28:06 – Building Profile Defenders From a Craigslist Ad 29:25 – Scaling to $90K/Month in Under a Year 31:00 – Private Equity Exit in 2023: How It Went Down 32:11 – Systems vs. Team: What Buyers Really Look For 33:49 – Why He Left 7x Revenue Growth on the Table 37:48 – The Compliance Opportunity Most Founders Miss 40:07 – From Removal Services to Privacy Software 41:54 – Understanding Regulatory Risk in Scaling 44:31 – Real Lawsuits: The Wake-Up Call for Founders 46:55 – How $500/Month Could Have Saved a $5M Lawsuit 49:08 – Hiring Strategy: Culture, Grit & Technical Testing 50:46 – The One Interview Question That Says It All 53:44 – Building & Exiting in a Hyper-Competitive Market 55:19 – Advice to His 15-Year-Old Self 58:08 – Why Going Deep, Not Wide, Builds Real AdvantageGuest Links: Website: https://captaincompliance.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richartruddie/If you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with media entrepreneur, author, and political commentator Armstrong Williams. From growing up on a tobacco farm in South Carolina as one of 10 siblings, to becoming one of the most influential minority-owned media executives in the country, Armstrong shares how discipline, faith, and preparation shaped every stage of his journey. He is the founder of Howard Stirk Holdings, co-owner of The Baltimore Sun, and host of multiple nationally syndicated TV and radio shows.Armstrong breaks down how early lessons in personal finance, responsibility, and character led him to build long-term wealth and credibility. He reflects on the people and decisions that shaped his career, including his relationship with Senator Strom Thurmond, investing in real estate before 30, and why he refuses to compromise on principle, even when it costs him. His approach to relationships, leadership, and legacy is a blueprint for staying grounded while building big.Chapters02:42 – Growing Up on a Farm & Learning Discipline from His Parents05:56 – Meeting Senator Strom Thurmond: A Life-Altering Moment06:32 – Interning in DC & Discovering His Calling08:43 – Naivety, Risk & Being Ready When Opportunity Arrives11:42 – The Story of His Father Buying Their Family Farm14:56 – Early Lessons on Judging Character as Individuals, Not Groups17:29 – How His Upbringing Influenced the Naming of His Company19:12 – Getting Cut Off Financially & Learning He Was an Entrepreneur21:46 – His Father's Rule: Always Squirrel Away 20%23:09 – The $200 Check That Turned Into $42K: His First Business Win26:31 – Convincing Richard Pryor to Speak for Black History Month28:16 – Meeting His First Business Mentor Through This Event29:36 – Investing $25K That Turned Into $7M by Age 2730:35 – The Power of Long-Term Wealth & Strategic Investing34:53 – The Importance of Giving Back & Empowering Others36:25 – Why Most Young Entrepreneurs Don’t Understand Morality39:05 – Managing Hundreds of Relationships with Intention44:13 – Creating & Scaling Howard Stirk Holdings49:56 – Buying His First Network TV Stations51:12 – The Power of Local Media and Deciding Elections54:03 – Why He’ll Never Be Compromised by Advertisers57:20 – Why Revenge Is a Dangerous Game in Business & Politics59:33 – On Mistakes, Regret, and Taking Full Responsibility1:03:39 – Why He Personally Signs Every Check in His Business1:05:45 – The Power of Hard Conversations and Emotional Maturity1:10:35 – Intuition, Spiritual Currency & Reading Energy1:15:56 – Why Soul > Strategy for Long-Term Success1:23:28 – The One Thing Young Founders Need to Start Doing1:35:26 – Advice to His 17-Year-Old SelfGuest Links:Website: armstrongwilliams.comInstagram: @realarmstrongwilliamsX: @arightside If you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Brandon Pourmorady, founder of Adhesive Media, a powerhouse influencer marketing agency that’s brokered over $20M in YouTube sponsorships to date. Based in Miami and representing over 200 creators monthly, Brandon is at the forefront of the creator economy, matching performance-driven YouTube channels with leading consumer brands. But his journey didn’t start in luxury, it began with bar mitzvah money, garage storage startups, and cold emails sent from a college dorm.Brandon opens up about the formative failures that built his grit, how selling loans at 19 gave him confidence to sell anything, and why taking an underpaid internship taught him more than college ever could. This is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and showing up every day even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed.Chapters: 01:17 – Brandon’s Early Drive and Childhood Goals 02:16 – Discovering “Think and Grow Rich” at 15 04:42 – Visualizing Success Before School Every Day 05:47 – Brandon’s First Business Attempt: Amazon FBA 07:31 – Launching Airbnb for Storage and Failing Fast 08:42 – Building a Party App in College That Didn’t Scale 09:20 – Why College Slowed Him Down 12:49 – Advice for Teens: Don’t Trade Learning for “Cool” 14:00 – Taking a Sales Internship at 19 17:22 – Cold Email That Got Him the Job 18:20 – Running 40% of a Pipeline at 19 19:36 – Losing Momentum After Failing at Mask Sales 21:45 – Cold Emailing a Founder and Working for Free 22:50 – Selling Sponsorships for Magic Mind’s Podcast 23:37 – First Six-Figure Deal With Miller Lite 25:00 – Quitting His Job to Go All-In on Adhesive 26:51 – How to Learn While Getting Paid 28:16 – The Real Timeline to $1M in Deals 30:31 – The Power of Apprenticeship Over Courses 31:30 – Why His Age Was an Advantage 32:24 – Using Honest Cold Emails to Land Clients 36:51 – Training Like an Athlete to Compete in Music 38:52 – Being Driven by Integrity Over Approval 40:10 – The Version of Himself He’s Avoiding 43:55 – Rejecting Who He Was at 18 45:50 – Why Reaching Your Potential Matters 47:26 – What He Wants to Be Remembered For 50:02 – Finding Deep Community at Founders Club 52:30 – The ROI of Showing Up 54:35 – Accountability and Environment Fueling Growth 56:02 – Advice to His 16-Year-Old Self 1:00:15 – What Founders Miss Most After the ExitGuest Links:https://www.adhesivemedia.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonpourmoradyhttps://www.instagram.com/brandonpomoThe Founders Club: The premier community for founders pursuing excellence in the mind, body, and business.If you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Oleg Lee, a serial entrepreneur, Guinness World Record holder, father of three, and founder of All About Vibe, a custom pillow company that scaled from a garage operation to generating over $60 million in revenue. Known for turning people’s favorite moments into pillows, Oleg has created products for celebrities like Snoop Dogg, Gary Vee, and Paris Hilton, and partnered with brands like Netflix and Paramount.Oleg breaks down the raw, behind-the-scenes reality of building a physical product business from scratch, how a Groupon deal triggered massive demand, working with family, and why he eventually stepped back from daily operations. He shares his goal of a $100 million exit, how he handles adversity and why focusing on health, values, and energy has been his ultimate growth strategy. This conversation is a must-listen for any founder scaling a team or navigating the chaos of entrepreneurship.Chapters: 01:17 – The Dog Pillow That Sparked the Business 02:22 – From Israel to the U.S.: Oleg’s Early Work Ethic 04:05 – The First Custom Pillow: A Tribute to His Dog 05:13 – Building the Business in His Dad’s Garage 07:41 – The Groupon Deal That Created Instant Chaos 08:51 – Fulfilling 20,000 Orders With Family Support 09:59 – From Pre-Made to Fully Custom Designs 11:59 – Transitioning From Wholesale to DTC 12:49 – Working With His Dad: The Challenges and Lessons 14:07 – How Bringing His Wife Into the Business Saved Their Marriage 16:26 – Navigating Family Boundaries in Business 17:13 – Oleg’s Vision for a $100M Exit 19:02 – What He Would Do Differently: No Manufacturing 20:01 – The Problem With Business Advice From Non-Operators 21:30 – Pillows at VCon and Understanding Brand Psychology 23:36 – Creating a Safe and Empowering Culture for Employees 25:15 – Hiring a CEO and Fully Stepping Back 26:28 – Why He Hates Numbers but Still Leads 27:20 – Growing Up in Survival Mode in Beersheba 29:04 – Fixing Machines Himself and Leading by Example 30:22 – What It Took to Build a Self-Sustaining Business 31:37 – The Cost of Listening to the Wrong People 33:13 – Setting a Clear Target for the Exit 36:07 – Aaron’s Story of Selling Hush and Knowing When to Sell 40:34 – Why Oleg Doesn’t Share Product Ideas, He Just Builds 41:31 – Managing Remote Leadership and Scaling From Boca 43:37 – Projected Revenue and the Roadmap to $50M 44:15 – When Summer Outsold Christmas and Production Broke 46:31 – Advice to His 30-Year-Old Self: Prioritize Physical and Mental Health 49:56 – Why Health, Wealth, and Family Are Tattooed Into His Values 51:00 – Surrounding Yourself With the Right EnergyGuest Links:Website: www.allaboutvibe.comInstagram: @thatpillowguyIf you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Kyle Matthews, the Founder and CEO of Matthews™, one of the fastest-growing and now largest privately held commercial real estate brokerages in the U.S. Since launching the firm in 2015, Kyle has scaled the company to nearly 30 offices and over 1,000 employees, closing more than $66 billion in transaction volume. Before his rise in business, Kyle played college football at USC under Pete Carroll, learning firsthand what it meant to be part of a high-performance team, lessons that deeply shaped his leadership style and company culture.Kyle opens up about the long, uncertain road of early entrepreneurship, including the 17 months he went without earning a single dollar in commission. He shares how the pain of regret from his football days shaped a new personal standard of work ethic and intensity in business. Kyle gets honest about what it really takes to succeed as a founder, the role of a supportive partner, why he front-loaded his life for freedom later, and how he's intentionally designed both business and family life to thrive. This conversation is packed with insights on scaling, sacrifice, and staying grounded.Chapters:03:51 – From Football Benchwarmer to Business Beast05:24 – Lessons From Team Sports That Shaped Leadership06:45 – The Regret That Still Fuels Kyle Today08:32 – Building a Career With No Plan B10:02 – How Waking Up at 4:45 Became a Competitive Advantage12:41 – 14-Hour Workdays for 10 Years Straight14:21 – 17 Months Without a Paycheck and Why He Didn't Quit18:33 – When Hard Work Didn’t Translate to Results, Yet20:15 – How Early Struggles Made His Boss's Job Harder21:10 – The Real Impact of Marrying Young24:48 – The Secret to Aligned Relationships While Scaling27:01 – Would He Be as Successful Without His Wife?31:41 – Designing His Life to Be Fully Present for His Kids33:17 – How NFL Players Actually Spend Their Time34:45 – His Dad's Role Model Blueprint for Fatherhood36:59 – Coaching His Son’s Football Team While Running a Company38:30 – Why Your 20s Shouldn’t Be Spent “Enjoying Life”40:00 – The Myth of Work-Life Balance42:02 – How Matthews™ Scaled From 15 People to 1,000+45:23 – Why Kyle Left a Public Company to Start His Own46:45 – The Business Model That Made Matthews™ Explode52:47 – Scaling as a CEO: From Founder to Strategic Leader54:36 – The Intuition Trap: When Founders Need to Let Go59:08 – What Kyle Would Tell His 33-Year-Old Self1:03:29 – Buying Matthews.com From a Basement-Dwelling Domain Squatter1:06:13 – Why You Must Choose Your Hard in LifeLinks:https://www.matthews.comIG: @kylematthewsceoLinkedIn: Kyle MatthewsYouTube: Kyle MatthewsPodcast: If you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Natia Ramishvili, entrepreneur, empowerment coach, and founder of NR Active. Born in the country of Georgia, Natia immigrated to the U.S. as a teenager and built a thriving 17-year career in finance, ultimately overseeing more than 1,000 employees. But after experiencing deep personal loss, a divorce, and a powerful shift in purpose, she left her executive role, moved to Miami, and launched a brand rooted in authenticity and empowerment.Natia shares how the pain of losing her parents shaped her drive, what it really took to walk away from stability, and how she’s now helping women reconnect with their strength through fashion, mindset, and community. She opens up about creating NR Active, building a fearless brand from scratch, and why confidence is something you create, not something you wait to find. From single motherhood to brand building, Natia’s story is a testament to resilience, intentional living, and owning your worth.Chapters​​02:17 – Losing Both Parents and Finding New Purpose04:22 – Dreaming Bigger at Macy’s and Building a Career in Finance05:48 – The Role of Authenticity in Rebuilding a Life06:36 – Defining Fearlessness Through Action07:40 – The Catalyst: Losing Her Mother to Cancer09:55 – Leaving Marriage and Career to Start Fresh10:55 – Embracing the Unknown and Trusting Intuition12:09 – From People Pleasing to Self-Prioritization13:33 – Funding NR Active with Her Life Savings14:32 – “Burn the Boats” and Commit All In16:25 – Building a Brand With Vision and Discipline18:57 – Why Chemical-Free Activewear Matters20:42 – The Message Behind the Apparel: Wear Your Strength22:45 – The Birth of Born For More Coaching25:49 – The Reality of Doing It All as a Single Mom27:44 – Staying Grounded With Routine and Self-Work28:21 – Book Recommendations That Changed Her Thinking29:45 – A Lesson From Her Parents: You Can Do Anything31:18 – Overcoming Doubt With Relentless Action33:13 – Being Called “Crazy” for Choosing Reinvention36:32 – The Truth About Rejection and Redirection38:53 – The Power of a Supportive Partner|39:58 – The Long-Term Vision for NR Active42:19 – Money Buys Freedom, Not Fulfillment47:05 – Advice for Single Mothers Building a Business49:18 – What She’d Tell Her 5-Year-Old SelfGuest Links:Website: www.nractivewear.comInstagram: @nractivefounder https://wikigenius.org/wiki/Natia_RamishviliThe Founders Club: The premier community for founders pursuing excellence in the mind, body, and business.If you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Hector Maradiaga, founder and CEO of Infinity Delta. Hector has spent over a decade optimizing human performance for NFL athletes, Fortune 500 executives, and high-performing founders through data, science, and AI. Now, he's on a mission to make vitality the world’s most valuable asset.Hector shares how his journey started by helping his immigrant father build a business from scratch, why he walked away from taking it over, and how that decision led to years of internal conflict. He opens up about the real cost of trying to prove people wrong, losing millions, and ultimately finding clarity through faith and a renewed sense of purpose. For founders pushing to scale while trying to stay grounded, this conversation gets into what actually sustains long-term performance.Chapters00:02 – Intro to Hector and Infinity Delta02:08 – Born in Honduras, Raised in Hustle04:03 – Running Excel Estimates at Age 805:39 – Launching a Candy Business in Grade School06:50 – Building a Team and Learning Profit Split08:17 – Keeping Business Quiet at Home10:16 – The Candy Empire Collapses12:34 – Working With His Dad Every Weekend14:03 – Struggling With Financial Discipline Early On15:50 – Spending Tomorrow’s Money17:24 – Business Was Sport, Until It Wasn’t18:52 – Stepping Away From the Family Business19:52 – The Unspoken Guilt of Changing Paths22:31 – The Day He Dropped Out24:49 – Going From Comfortable to Survival26:38 – Feeding His Younger Brother During the Crash28:26 – Hearing “I’m Proud of You” For the First Time30:02 – Rebuilding Connection With His Father33:26 – Planning the Costa Rica Surprise35:23 – Shifting From Proving People Wrong to Living With Purpose38:37 – Focused Scaling and Clear Vision40:08 – Killing Ego to Build Longevity42:33 – The Final Boss: Inner Conflict44:58 – You Can’t Fix Home With Money46:56 – Choosing the Vehicle to Your Vision48:34 – Entrepreneurs Are Modern Day Athletes51:28 – Why Founders Don’t Prioritize Their Health53:18 – Know Thyself: Performance Starts With Data56:11 – It's About Better Years, Not Longer Life58:34 – What Founders Miss by Waiting to Focus on Health1:01:47 – Health as an Asset, Not an Expense1:02:59 – The Last Decade to Invest in Your Future1:03:31 – Your Life Is Worth More Than a Billion1:04:00 – What He’d Tell His Younger SelfGuest Links:Website: Infinitydelta.io sportssciencelabs.comInstagram: @coach_hmThe Founders Club: The premier community for founders pursuing excellence in the mind, body, and business.If you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with entrepreneur and now congressional candidate Michael Carbonara, committed to serving the people of Florida’s 25th District. Known for building fintech and blockchain companies that processed over $20 billion a year, Michael made headlines when he left it all behind, loaned his campaign a million dollars, and put it entirely into Bitcoin.Michael shares how growing up in a single-parent household shaped his hunger for success, what it took to become a pioneer in crypto banking, and why he believes the American dream is fading unless people like him step up. From building global infrastructure in blockchain to running for office against a 20-year incumbent, this episode covers business, politics, family, and legacy in a way few founders ever do.Chapters: 01:46 – Where His Entrepreneurial Spirit Started 03:19 – Dropping Out Before It Was Cool 04:47 – The Turning Point From School to Self-Education 06:14 – How Rich Dad, Poor Dad Changed His Worldview 08:16 – Starting a Payment Gateway While Holding a Day Job 09:43 – Why Working With Older Partners Changed Everything 11:13 – Becoming a Blockchain Pioneer Before the Hype 13:05 – Why He Still Believes 50% of the World Will Use Blockchain 14:38 – Web3 Is Coming Whether You Understand It or Not 16:31 – The Reality of Building in an Unproven Industry 17:42 – Pivoting Without Quitting: His Approach to "Failure" 18:41 – The Mentors Who Shaped His Entrepreneurial Mindset 20:14 – Why We All Thrive in Different Systems 22:28 – Childhood Lessons That Still Shape His Drive 24:19 – Why He Decided to Run for Office 26:09 – How a Documentary Sparked His Political Awakening 28:28 – Going Up Against a 20-Year Incumbent 30:35 – Restoring Safety, Slashing Waste, and Defunding 32:17 – What He’d Ask Under Oath 34:05 – Family, Risk, and Running With No Fear 35:16 – Why He Invested Campaign Funds Into Bitcoin 37:06 – Making Bitcoin Accessible for Real Wealth Creation 38:35 – Solving the Security and Simplicity Gap in Crypto 40:56 – Taking a Pay Cut to Serve the Country 42:44 – What Happens Without Police and Structure 44:25 – School Choice, Indoctrination, and Fixing Education 47:03 – His Vision for the Next 24 Months 48:30 – Why He Had to Become a Reluctant Social Media Influencer 50:04 – How 7 Million Views Landed Him in the White House 52:57 – How the Dream Is Still Possible, but Not Guaranteed 54:33 – Advice to His 12-Year-Old Self 56:56 – How His Wife Became His Most Trusted Advisor59:25 – Why He Believes the Time to Act Is NowGuest Links:Website: https://michaelcarbonara.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/mcarbonaraflX (Twitter): https://x.com/MCarbonaraFL LinkedIn: https:/If you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down once again with Chris Meade to talk about the evolution of Founders Club and where it's headed next. With nearly 700 members and over 120 events planned for the coming year, they share how they’re scaling intentionally while keeping the community tight and valuable.They break down lessons from the Puerto Rico offsite, the LA chapter relaunch, and why success today means supporting founders beyond business, into relationships, parenting and personal growth. It’s a real look at what it takes to build something that lasts.Chapters:01:24 – Kicking off our LA Chapter02:22 – Puerto Rico offsite and club planning03:19 – Improving Member Quality and Filters04:38 – Redefining Success Beyond Business05:56 – How Money Doesn’t Solve the Hard Stuff06:48 – The Missing Support For Personal Relationships07:56 – A New Lens On What Makes A Founder Successful08:58 – Member Anthony’s Shift From Brand Growth To Marriage10:03 – Learning From Founders Ahead Of You11:19 – What Really Got Discussed At Female Founder Day12:15 – What Motivates Founders After Kids12:57 – Why Peer Networks Matter More Than Ever13:27 – 2026 Events And Picking The Right Venues14:53 – Founders Club Is Not An Events Company15:56 – Forums As The Foundation Of Deeper Value16:48 – Members As Speakers, Not Hired Talent17:28 – Booking Dream Speakers For The Community18:28 – Keeping It Fun Or Shutting It Down19:33 – Why This Is A 30-Year Vision21:00 – A Goal To Be Part Of Global GDP21:34 – The Club As The First Call When You Need Help23:11 – Removing The Wrong Energy24:40 – Events That Spark Action25:25 – When The Club Drives Real Business26:46 – Unlocking Perks And Member-Only Access27:57 – Why Founders Need Better Tools And Support28:50 – What FD Chat And The App Will Offer30:18 – Creating Better Matches Through Data30:52 – How Many Real Connections You Can Have31:24 – Focus On 5 People A Year32:46 – One Billionaire’s Honesty Changed The RoomGuest Links: Instagram:@chrismeadeKintsugi: The AI-powered tax compliance platform trusted by over 3,000 companies worldwideIf you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

Kinga Strogoff is the President & CEO of Second Street Iron & Metal, Chairman & Creative Director of Balmoral Defender, and a Board Member at Basalt International. She runs a third-generation scrap metal business, reshapes luxury automotive design, and drives innovation in sustainable materials, all while raising her son as a single mother.In this episode, Kinga shares how she moved to the U.S. from Poland as an au pair, eventually took over her husband’s steel business, and led it through collapse and revival. She talks openly about loss, building resilience, and why she believes obsession, not balance, is key to building anything meaningful. Her story spans legacy, grief, and the discipline it takes to keep moving forward.Chapters: 02:23 – From Polish Village to the American Dream 04:32 – The Power of Dreaming Beyond Logic 06:00 – When Manifestation Goes Wrong 07:44 – Leaving Home Against All Odds 08:40 – Becoming an Au Pair to Escape Limitations 09:47 – The Family That Waited a Year for Her 10:26 – Feeling Called to America at Age 6 12:28 – Entering the Workforce and Loving Money 13:24 – Childhood Hustle: Scrap Metal and Sneakers 15:31 – Her Grandfather’s Influence and Deep Bond 17:04 – The Story Behind the Name “Kinga” 19:51 – Building Kinga Steel from the Ground Up 21:42 – Visualizing Life as a Painting 22:37 – No Plan B: Betting on Herself 23:13 – Meeting Her Husband and Building a Life 25:53 – Taking Over the Business During Crisis 27:25 – 24 Months of Full Obsession 28:38 – Earning Respect in a Male-Dominated Industry 32:39 – Advice to Women in Male-Dominated Fields 34:34 – When She Knew the Business Would Thrive 35:59 – Leading Through Legacy and Empowering Her Team 36:56 – The Loss of Her Husband and the Aftermath 39:12 – Rebuilding While Raising Her Son Alone 41:44 – Jump Rope Therapy: Turning Pain Into Purpose 42:51 – Fitness, Discipline, and Mental Strength 46:06 – Obsession Over Balance: Her Success Philosophy 47:51 – What’s Next? Learning to Sit in the Unknown 49:12 – What She’d Tell Her 6-Year-Old Self 52:32 – Creating Heaven on Earth, Every Day 54:40 – The Role of Social Media and Building Brand Authentically 56:03 – Protecting Her Son and Living in Silence 56:45 – Sharing Her Story to Help Others HealGuest LinksInstagram: @kingasteel @ssimrecycleKintsugi: The AI-powered tax compliance platform trusted by over 3,000 companies worldwideIf you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Keida Dervishi, the 23-year-old founder of Soulmate Customs, a custom embroidery brand that hit $1 million in revenue in under 11 months without spending a dollar on ads. What started as a hoodie gift for her mom’s birthday quickly turned into a viral business powered by emotional storytelling and relentless content creation.Keida shares how growing up in an immigrant household shaped her drive, how she transitioned from child star in Albania to business builder, and what it’s like leading a fast-scaling brand at such a young age. From hiring mistakes, to burnout, staying grounded, to posting 40+ times a day, this conversation is a real look at what it takes to scale with zero shortcuts.Chapters:02:08 – Growing Up in an Entrepreneurial Household03:47 – From Child Star to Burnout on Stage05:43 – Accidentally Entering Entrepreneurship07:00 – The Hoodie Gift That Started Soulmate Custom09:58 – Viral Launch and Selling Out Within Days11:32 – No Strategy, Just Action: Early Days of Posting12:37 – Moving Out of Her Bedroom to Scale Fulfillment13:02 – First TikTok Lives and Learning to Sell14:22 – Hiring Challenges and Missteps15:45 – The Family Business Breakdown: Who Does What16:37 – Discovering Her Why: The Fear That Fuels Her18:01 – A Breakthrough Moment at Founders Club19:04 – The Realities of Building While Your Parents Age21:10 – Navigating Burnout, Routines, and Sleep Struggles23:10 – Posting 40+ Times a Day: Pressure and Purpose25:12 – Why Consistency Is Her Superpower27:21 – Leading a Team as the Youngest in the Room30:44 – Building Confidence and Letting Go of Limiting Beliefs34:11 – Embracing Embarrassment to Achieve Greatness35:27 – What Keeps Her Going: Live Calls with Customers38:47 – Giving Credit Where It’s Due and Admiring the Work41:38 – What’s Next for Soulmate Customs44:45 – Learning to Let Go as the Business Grows49:28 – Curating Her Circle and Protecting Her Environment54:25 – Working With Her Brother and Navigating Family Tension57:22 – What She’d Tell Her 9-Year-Old SelfGuest Links: Website: https://soulmatecustoms.com/Instagram: @SoulmateCustoms@Keida02Kintsugi: The AI-powered tax compliance platform trusted by over 3,000 compaIf you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Heath Wolfson, serial entrepreneur and founder of FrontCare, a creator-powered telehealth platform. With a 20-year track record of building businesses across safety, media, and health, Heath shares how he’s repeatedly turned market inefficiencies into high-growth ventures.He opens up about navigating failure, executing without outside capital, and spotting cultural trends before they explode. From launching Tattoo Nation in shopping malls to scaling one of Facebook’s biggest publishing engines, Heath now turns his focus to reshaping healthcare access through affiliate-driven telehealth.Chapters: 02:49 – Early Life, College, and First Entrepreneurial Sparks 03:57 – A Practical Approach to Entrepreneurship 04:58 – The First Business: Event Marketing in NYC 06:35 – Lessons from a Short-Lived Nightlife Venture 07:51 – A Quick Detour at Morgan Stanley 08:52 – Bringing Tattoo Parlors to Shopping Malls 10:35 – Navigating Regulations in Traditional Retail 12:45 – The 2008 Crash and a Failed Expansion 13:56 – Forgetting a $100M Success: Glow-in-the-Dark Safety 15:56 – Getting a Law Passed and Building a Manufacturing Deal 17:19 – How a Nightlife Job Led to a Fortune 19:22 – Partnership, Production, and Exit to a National Brand 21:49 – Real-Time Pattern Recognition and Risk 22:32 – Understanding Market Timing and Survival 24:11 – Acquiring Inked Magazine and Going Omnichannel 25:36 – The Birth of Facebook E-Commerce 27:00 – Owning and Monetizing Massive Facebook Pages 28:38 – Cambridge Analytica Fallout and Platform Risk 30:51 – Why Timing is Everything in Business 32:22 – The Dangers of Scaling Too Fast 33:42 – Zooming Out: Lessons Over Two Decades 34:46 – Transitioning from Media to Health 35:38 – Accidentally Overdosing on Ozempic 37:48 – Experiencing the Power of GLP-1s Firsthand 39:21 – Bootstrapping a Brick-and-Mortar Weight Loss Clinic 40:51 – Selling Telehealth Models to Founders and Creators 43:11 – Breaking Down the Legal Fight Between Compounders and Big Pharma 44:36 – Making Health an Empowered Conversation for Creators 45:52 – Building a Trust-Based Health Affiliate Ecosystem 47:31 – Quality Control and Compliance in Telehealth 48:45 – Inside the FrontCare “Clinic as a Service” Model 49:46 – Helping Gyms, Salons & Clinics Monetize Wellness 50:38 – Legacy Thinking and the Next Chapter 52:26 – Advice to His 17-Year-Old Self: Buy Real Estate 53:56 – Why Money is a Tool, Not a Destination 55:07 – Empowering Through Access and OwnershipGuest Links: LinkedIn: Heath WolfsonIf you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Brett Eaton, keynote speaker, high performance coach, and author of Uncomfortable Either Way. After a life-changing back injury and the loss of his father at 16, Brett discovered a powerful truth: life is going to be uncomfortable no matter what, so choose the version that leads to growth.He shares the frameworks behind his success, including the game-changing “Sunday Setup,” how to spot self-sabotage in real time, and why founders must upgrade their relationship with discomfort and money. This conversation is packed with raw honesty and practical takeaways for anyone serious about building a life that lasts.Chapters:02:14 – Brett’s Origin Story: Injury, Loss, and a New Lens03:46 – Sports, Hustle, and Learning to Love the Grind05:10 – When Patience Becomes an Excuse06:34 – Living in 90-Day Sprints08:01 – Gamifying Progress to Stay Consistent09:38 – Who Actually Needs a Coach?11:06 – Bad Coaching Investments & What to Watch For12:56 – Transitioning Out of Fitness-Only Coaching14:27 – Starting with Strengths, Not Weaknesses15:36 – Taking a Life Inventory17:00 – Learning While You’re Winning19:08 – The Full Sunday Setup Breakdown21:50 – Identifying Weekly Landmines24:59 – If It’s Not on the Calendar, It’s Not Real27:06 – Why Founders Must Prioritize Energy29:27 – The “F*ck It” Button: Spotting Self-Sabotage33:43 – The Comfort Trap34:40 – The Cost of Coasting: Blockbuster Syndrome37:48 – Embracing the Good Old Days While You’re In Them39:32 – Being Young vs. Being Present40:45 – “I’m in My Prime”: A New Morning Mantra41:49 – What Comfort Really Signals45:14 – Why Brett Finally Wrote the Book47:27 – Money Mindset & Unlearning Limiting Beliefs50:38 – Facing the Numbers & Taking Control54:25 – Surrounding Yourself with People Who Talk About Money1:01:31 – One Honest Question That Changed the Game1:05:12 – Advice to His 16-Year-Old SelfGuest Links:Website: www.bretteaton.comInstagram: @bretteaton_YouTube: @bretteaton_Kintsugi: The AI-powered tax compliance platform trusted by over 3,000 companies worldwideIf you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder Aaron Spivak sits down with Lucy Nelles, leading community-building expert and co-founder of Coffee & Chill Miami, the wildly popular bi-weekly sober wellness party that now draws over 1,000 guests per event. With over 100 sold-out events and collaborations with top global brands, Lucy has cracked the code on making in-person gatherings profitable, scalable, and deeply impactful.She shares how she went from feeling isolated in a new city to building a movement, and now teaches others to do the same through her program, Community Mastery. Listen in for insights on team structure, brand partnerships, pricing strategy, and how to build meaningful connections without alcohol.Chapters: 02:14 – Introducing Lucy: From Isolation to Community03:46 – The Move to Miami & Early Challenges04:34 – The First Event That Sparked It All05:10 – Ice Baths, Stock Tanks & the Rise of a Trend06:59 – How Coffee & Chill Was Born08:03 – Losing $10K on One Event (and What She Learned)09:30 – The #1 Mistake Event Hosts Make11:00 – The First Coffee & Chill: JBL Speakers & 250 Guests12:38 – Gradually Raising Ticket Prices & Building Trust13:57 – Driving Repeat Attendance Every Two Weeks16:24 – Special Collaborations: Art Basel, F1, NFL17:18 – How Lucy and Her Co-Founder Divide and Conquer19:39 – Keeping a Healthy Co-Founder Relationship21:06 – Investing in Learning for Herself and Her Team24:28 – Launching Community Mastery to Serve Others26:09 – Balancing Two Businesses Without Burnout27:37 – Time-Blocking, Non-Negotiables, and Systems30:26 – Expanding Coffee & Chill Into New Cities31:45 – How to Stand Out in a “Saturated” Market33:31 – Rethinking Nightlife: No Booze, All Wellness38:54 – Why Lucy Quit Drinking and What Changed43:07 – Overcoming Imposter Syndrome Through Results45:45 – The Bigger Mission: Building In-Person CultureGuest Links: Website: https://coffeeandchill.com/Instagram: @luceilanelles & @coffeeandchillmiamiKintsugi: The AI-powered tax compliance platform trusted by over 3,000 companies worldwideIf you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Chris Mead, co-founder of CROSSNET and Founders Club, for his most open and personal conversation to date. From a small Connecticut town, to building one of the fastest-growing backyard sports brands in America, Chris unpacks the highs, lows, and lessons of scaling a startup from scratch.They dive into the origins of CROSSNET, the $1M mistake during an acquisition, the toll of leadership decisions, and how those experiences shaped the vision for Founders Club. If you’re navigating the founder journey, this episode is packed with the kind of honest insights you won’t get anywhere else.Chapters: 02:49 – Growing Up in Small-Town Connecticut 04:40 – From Film School, to HBO, to Burnout 06:30 – Learning Amazon Dropshipping in College 08:26 – Fired, Broke, and Starting Over at Uber 12:49 – Inventing CROSSNET in a Backyard 15:06 – Quitting Jobs and Moving to Miami 17:49 – Going All-In with Marketing 19:21 – $87K to $9.8M: CROSSNET’s Hockey Stick Growth 21:30 – The Year Everything Went Wrong 25:19 – The Mistake of Not Cutting Fast Enough 28:10 – Trusting the Wrong CFO and Losing Sight 30:01 – The Acquisition That Fell Apart 33:50 – Picking the Wrong Buyer for the Wrong Reasons 35:10 – The Second Exit: Why Vivier Was the Right Fit 38:15 – What He’d Tell His Younger Self 42:04 – Why He Wouldn’t Change a Thing 42:46 – Building Founders Club from Scratch 46:41 – What Makes the Community Work 49:29 – There’s No Real Community for Founders… Until Now 51:07 – What a Great Member Looks Like 54:10 – Building a Life Beyond the Business 57:15 – Relationships Compound Like Capital 58:19 – Founders Forum and the Future of Events 1:00:51 – The Long-Term Vision for Founders Club 1:06:49 – Why This Will Never Be a Suit-and-Tie ClubGuest Links: Instagram: @crossnetgame & @chrismeadeWebsite: https://vivereltd.com/pages/crossnetKintsugi: The AI-powered tax compliance platform trusted by over 3,000 companies worldwideIf you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this special episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Harley Finkelstein, President of Shopify, for a no-fluff, behind-the-scenes conversation recorded live with over 100 Founders Club members. Harley unpacks the deep connection between personal identity and building lasting companies, while discussing how founders can grow smarter and why success demands unshakable character and long-term thinking.This isn’t a surface-level chat, Harley dives into the psychological drivers behind great founders, how AI is changing hiring and operations, and why you should fire yourself before it’s too late. He shares tactical insights on platform strategy, what Shopify looks for in celebrity-led brands, and how to build a company that’s authentic, resilient, and scalable. From DJing at 13, to leading one of the most iconic tech companies globally, Harley’s founder journey is packed with clarity and conviction that every entrepreneur can learn from.Chapters: 01:28 – Balancing Personal Brand vs. Business Brand 06:49 – Why Founders Must Go Direct (and Skip Legacy Media) 07:27 – 3 Traits of the Most Successful Brands 12:45 – How AI is Replacing Full-Time Roles at Shopify 14:20 – Growing Firebelly Tea with Fewer People and More Energy 15:47 – Hire Founders, Not Résumés 17:44 – Why Shopify is Run by Founders (and How That Works) 19:06 – Harley’s Grandfather & Building with Character 23:49 – Work-Life Integration & Founders in Relationships 28:11 – Daily Habits, Self-Awareness & Why Harley Meditates 31:29 – The Only Meetings Harley Never Misses 34:38 – When Shopify Builds In-House vs. Letting Apps Thrive 40:35 – What Business Are You Really In? Harley Coaches a Founder Live 46:12 – How to Stop Losing DTC Sales to Amazon 50:01 – Why It Doesn’t Matter Where the Sale Happens 50:44 – Shopify’s Celebrity Strategy (It’s Not About Fame) 55:50 – Harley’s Final Ask: Help a Founder IPOGuest Links:Instagram: @Harley & @ShopifyWebsite: https://www.shopify.comIf you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Steve Schwartz, Master Tea Blender, best-selling author, and founder of Art of Tea—an award-winning tea brand based in Los Angeles. After dropping out of college to care for his mother, Steve discovered Ayurvedic medicine and began a journey that would take him across the globe sourcing and blending the world’s finest teas.Starting with $2,500 in credit card debt, Steve built a vertically integrated company that now supplies iconic restaurants and hotels. He shares how he turned tragedy into purpose, created the U.S.’s first tea sommelier role, and built a legacy-focused business with intention and heart.Chapters:02:32 – Losing His Mother and the Awakening of Purpose04:11 – Discovering Ayurveda and the Art of Botanical Blending06:23 – The Truth About Supermarket Tea07:12 – The Power of Ritual: Why Tea Is Not Just a Beverage08:52 – Choosing Steady Growth Over the Hockey Stick11:03 – Building with a Multi-Generational Vision12:35 – American Flips vs. Eastern Longevity Thinking14:40 – Why Art of Tea Avoids Supermarkets16:03 – Creating the First Tea Sommelier Position in the U.S.17:22 – Expanding Art of Tea to the East Coast19:13 – Controlling Quality Through Vertical Integration21:16 – Coaching vs. Babysitting: Leadership Lessons22:12 – The Daily Work of Unlearning Scarcity25:37 – Childhood Scarcity and the Roots of Limiting Beliefs28:08 – From Rabbi Aspirations to Global Tea Advocate30:00 – Smiling as Strategy33:14 – The Power of Giving Before You Receive36:44 – Parenting, Abundance, and Entrepreneurial Mindsets39:58 – Why Entrepreneurship Is the Best Way to Live43:30 – Creating Safe Spaces for Founders to Be Real45:29 – Betting on Himself With a Baby on the Way47:09 – Filling an Org Chart by Removing Himself50:11 – DJ Fails and the Power of Vulnerability53:01 – The Real Reason People Join Founder’s Club54:06 – Building Grit in the Next Generation55:46 – One Day a Week Off: Shabbat as a Business Advantage57:12 – What His Late Mother Would Say Now59:14 – A Message to His 20-Year-Old Self1:00:33 – The Power of Trust Over Fear1:03:19 – What He Wants to Be Remembered For1:05:53 – Getting Out of Your Own Way1:07:20 – What’s Actually Going On With Matcha1:11:39 – Matcha Sourcing Crisis and the Japan Trip That Changed It1:13:55 – The Matcha Trend Explained1:18:06 – Closing Reflections on Legacy and LeadershipGuest Links: Website: https://www.artoftea.com/Instagram: @artofteala  @steveschwarxLinkedIn: Art Of Tea   Steve SchwartzFERMÀT: The AI natIf you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Megan Klein, founder of Little Saints, the sugar-free, mushroom-powered non-alcoholic cocktails and spirits brand redefining the way we drink. A former environmental attorney turned two-time brand founder, Megan’s journey is one of radical pivots, personal reinvention, and unshakable self-belief. She shares how she went from shutting down her first startup to investing her last million, selling her own apartment to fund it, and scaling Little Saints to $9.6M in revenue without traditional VC backing.Megan opens up about her lowest moments, from navigating loneliness during the pandemic, to hitting $10 in her personal bank account, and the turning point that came from trusting her own intuition over outside “expert” advice. She dives into how plant medicine shaped her leadership style, the hard lessons of Shark Tank, and why aligning brand growth with personal growth has been the foundation of her success. This is an unfiltered conversation on grit, discernment, and building a category-defining CPG brand on your own terms.Chapters:02:21 – From Lawyer to Rooftop Farming04:51 – The Fog of Misalignment in Corporate Life07:41 – Equity-Only Hustle at Farmed Here08:22 – Building The Fresh Factory from a Failed Startup11:42 – Fundraising Lessons from the First Business12:35 – Investing Her Own $1M to Start Little Saints14:37 – The Solo Founder Reality During the Pandemic16:42 – Hemp Silk Cocktail Masks: The First Little Saints Product18:05 – The Dry January Experiment That Sparked the Brand21:00 – Discovering Ayahuasca and Plant Medicine’s Impact28:55 – Quitting Alcohol for Good32:39 – Going All-In with DTC36:09 – Selling Assets to Save the Business39:50 – Crisis Summer: Cancellation, Family Emergency, and Cash Shortage41:06 – Unlearning the Need for Outside Approval46:57 – Filming Shark Tank and Walking Away from the Deal51:01 – Scaling from $100K to $9.6M in Three Years53:17 – Laying the Foundation for $20M+ Growth56:53 – Using Plant Medicine to Become a Better Leader59:08 – Radical Feedback from the Team1:03:26 – Little Saints Dirty Martini Demo1:07:20 – Building in Miami and Creating the Little Saints House1:11:32 – In-Person vs. Remote Team Dynamics1:13:08 – What December 2020 Megan Would Be Most Proud Of1:16:03 – Message to a 16-Year-Old Megan1:18:39 – Blending Personal Development with Business Growth1:21:31 – Choosing Alignment Over Short-Term Gains1:22:23 – Where to Buy Little SaintsGuest Links:Website: littlesaints.comInstagram: @littlesaintscoLinkedIn: Little SaintsFully Accountable: Mention this ad and have your onboarding fees waived at https://fullyaccountable.comIf you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this special episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak brings you an unfiltered masterclass with legendary entrepreneur and investor, Mark Cuban. Recorded live for members of The Founders Club, this exclusive session covers Cuban's raw insights on building billion-dollar companies, the unglamorous truths of scaling, and how AI is rewriting the rules for modern founders. From sleeping on floors to exiting for $5.7 billion, Cuban reflects on his journey and the mindsets that separate the winners from everyone else.Mark doesn’t hold back; he dives into why founders should stop glamorizing fundraising, how sales always win over hype, and the one habit that will leave your competition behind. He shares honest perspectives on balancing relationships and business, the brutal reality of hiring the wrong CEO, and how to futureproof your company in the age of AI. Whether you’re bootstrapping or scaling fast, this episode is packed with tactical clarity and real founder-to-founder advice.Chapters: 01:40 – Why Personal Brands Are Overrated 03:15 – The One Trait All Successful Founders Share 05:45 – Sales First, Always 07:40 – Raising Capital Is Not an Accomplishment 09:34 – Work-Life Balance? Wait Until You're Winning 12:20 – How AI Is Changing the Game (and Why You Can’t Delegate It) 15:00 – How Founders Should Be Learning AI Right Now 17:15 – When to Sell (Even If You're Loving the Business) 20:00 – Why College Accreditation Is Fundamentally Broken 22:00 – What’s Next for Higher Education in an AI World 24:00 – Why You Should Think Twice Before Publishing Anything 25:55 – Should You Hold Back Expansion When Prepping for Exit? 27:40 – Launching Into Sports Partnerships the Smart Way 29:45 – Niche Product? Why You Should Be More Expensive 32:10 – When It’s Time to Hire an External CEO 34:30 – How Mark Leverages ChatGPT in Real Business Decisions 36:20 – Fundraising in a Tough Market: Take the Money or Bridge? 39:00 – Handling Tariffs and Scaling Beyond Local Markets 41:00 – One Simple Daily Habit That Pays Big Mental Returns 44:55 – Should You Expand Your Product Line or Focus Deeper? 47:15 – Promoting Internally vs Hiring for Scale 49:45 – Equity Strategy: What’s Too Much, What’s Too Little 52:30 – The Belief Cuban Had to Unlearn About Leadership 54:50 – "Don’t Be a-”: A Founding Principle That Pays 55:45 – What Every Founder Needs to Learn About Healthcare Costs 57:15 – Mark’s Final Word: Keep Showing UpGuest Links:Instagram: @mcubanTikTok: @mcubanFully Accountable: Mention this ad and have your onboarding fees waived at https://fullyaccountable.comFERMÀT: The AI native commerce platform that optimizes shopping experiences, leading to best-in-class shopper engagement and conversion. FermatCommerce.If you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Larysa Nakonecznyj, CEO of Nako Creative, an award-winning digital marketing agency known for driving measurable results through innovation and tailored strategy. With a background in communications and advertising, Larysa has helped global brands grow fast and grow smart. She’s been recognized with the 2024 Global Recognition Award and was nominated for the Women Empowerment Foundation’s “Rising Star” award.Larysa unpacks the exact moment her path shifted after a single shift waiting tables, and how she walked away from law school to build something of her own. She shares the story behind her first pitch, scaling too fast, bouncing back from burnout, and the mindset work that’s kept her going. This conversation is a powerful look at what it takes to build a solo agency to seven figures while staying grounded in vision and values.Chapters:01:40 – Realizing She Wasn’t Meant to Work for Anyone03:23 – First Corporate Job & Red Flags04:59 – The Shift at The Keg That Changed Everything06:12 – Pitching an Agency She Hadn’t Built Yet07:33 – The Woman Who Believed in Her First08:33 – Faking a Florida Trip to Buy Time09:38 – Where Her Standard for Excellence Comes From11:29 – Walking Away From Law School12:57 – Breaking the News to a Traditional Family14:10 – Seeing Opportunity Everywhere15:59 – Manifesting Confidence Before the Pod17:44 – Prepping for the Next Hour, Always19:15 – Discovering “The Secret” and Shifting Mindset22:54 – When Scaling Too Fast Breaks the System24:46 – Burnout and Questioning It All26:14 – Almost Going Back to School28:14 – Saying No Becomes the New Strategy30:01 – Doing It Alone Without a Co-Founder32:08 – From Doubting to Betting on Herself33:47 – Building Confidence Through Results35:29 – Curating a Circle That Believes In You37:54 – Two Types of Friends (Choose Wisely)39:17 – Life After Exit and the Power of Community41:54 – The Mental Weight of Being a Young CEO44:54 – “Move With Confidence”, The One Conversation That Shifted Everything46:54 – Building Systems Through Mistakes48:08 – Why Most Agencies Don’t Work Hard Enough50:18 – The Ferrari x Art Basel Win52:59 – The Internal Team Mentality Clients Love55:20 – Advice to Her 20-Year-Old Self56:13 – Designing a Business Around the Life She Wants59:35 – Naivety Can Be a Superpower1:01:09 – The Truth About Building a Business1:04:31 – Retention as the Ultimate KPI1:05:32 – Final Word: Show Up, Work Hard, Win!Guest Links: Website: https://nakocreative.com/Instagram: @nako.creativeLinkedInFully Accountable: Mention this ad and have your onboarding fees waived at https://fullyaccountable.comIf you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak is joined by Austin Copeland—a 21-year-old founder who’s already built and sold two companies, including COMPREADY, acquired by CosmicWire. From founding a nonprofit at 13 that delivered over 13,000 shoes to kids in Africa, to managing a 25-person team at global esports giant TSM, Austin’s journey is driven by one mission: improving people’s lives.He unpacks how he went from gaming enthusiast to building an analytics model that led to six-figure player buyouts, what it takes to stay true to yourself in high-pressure environments, and why being surrounded by the right people can accelerate everything. Now overseeing COMPREADY under CosmicWire, Austin is focused on optimizing computer performance at scale—all while continuing to grow into the entrepreneur he was built to be.Chapters:02:24 – A Childhood Immersed in Business03:40 – First Taste of Entrepreneurship: Beachside Hustles04:51 – Flipping Burgers at 13: Real-World Lessons06:03 – Rejecting the “Right Path” and Going His Own Way07:51 – Selling His First Business at 1908:03 – Gaming as Passion and Profit09:29 – Building a Data-Driven Talent Engine11:30 – COVID’s Influence and Seizing Opportunity13:28 – The First Exit: Acquired at 1614:17 – Earning $80K and Managing 25 People15:43 – The Spark Behind COMPREADY17:19 – Leaving a Safe Role to Build Again18:46 – Sacrifice and Identity in the Startup Grind20:22 – Going All In at 1822:35 – Choosing College Amid Success24:37 – The Moment He Knew It Was Real25:50 – Exit #2: COMPREADY Acquired by CosmicWire27:03 – Leadership Mistakes and Learning the Hard Way28:40 – Not Everyone Has Your Fire30:13 – Making Decisions Through Noise31:27 – Becoming Unapologetically Himself33:46 – Vision for 30 and Long-Term Fulfillment35:45 – The Mentors Who Changed the Game38:41 – “It’s OK”: How Reassurance Moves Founders Forward42:44 – Experience Over Theory, Every Time45:50 – Giving First and Building Reputation47:11 – Manifesting the Jet and What It Represents50:59 – Freedom, Frustration, and Fuel52:04 – You’re Only Out When You’re Dead54:25 – Don’t Judge What You Haven’t Tried56:39 – Volunteering to Learn and Grow58:22 – Advice to His 15-Year-Old Self1:03:29 – Life in Reverse: Start From the End1:04:49 – Your Environment Won’t Always Grow With You1:06:28 – The Power of Being Good EnergyGuest Links:Website: https://compready.gg/LinkedIn: Austin CopelandSARAL: Get your free trial here: https://www.getsaral.com/demoFully Accountable: Mention this ad and have your onboarding fees waived at https://fullyaccountable.comFERMÀT: The AI native commerce platformIf you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Swan Sit, a trailblazing operator and creator at the intersection of corporate leadership, digital transformation, and consumer connection. With an impressive background as the Global Head of Digital Marketing at Nike, Revlon, and Estée Lauder, Swan now advises startups, sits on public company boards, and brings value to millions as a creator and speaker.Swan shares her journey from a disciplined immigrant upbringing to transforming some of the world’s most iconic brands. She opens up about navigating the dot-com crash, pivoting into the creator economy through Clubhouse, and ultimately discovering her purpose: democratizing access, information, and opportunity. This is a rich conversation on resilience, relevance, and redefining success on your own terms.Chapters:03:06 – Immigrant Upbringing and Early Discipline05:35 – Childhood Dreams and Retail Tech Fascination07:37 – Going Against the Grain: Startup Over Goldman10:57 – Dot-Com Crash, Layoffs, and Lessons Learned12:58 – Study Abroad and Breaking From Family Influence15:24 – Finding Self Through Distance and Travel17:27 – Product Marketing, Emotional Branding, and Grad School21:18 – Joining Estee Lauder and Building Early E-Com22:05 – Leading Digital at Revlon and Nike23:57 – Navigating Change: Why Adaptability Wins25:49 – Making AI Useful Without Getting Lost in It28:43 – Personalized Content and the Future of Storytelling31:58 – Using Social Graphs to Build Digital Communities34:52 – NFTs, Ownership, and Reframing Value37:29 – Clubhouse Origins: Mentorship and Scale41:44 – Creator vs. Influencer: Making Real Impact47:19 – Defining Purpose: Access, Information, and Equity50:39 – Family, Scarcity, and Quiet Generosity54:14 – Rest as a Strategy: Recharging for Performance57:36 – Public Speaking: From Corporate to Global Stages1:00:13 – Live Speaking Tips: Energy, Feedback, and Q&A1:02:37 – From Corporate Leader to Founder Mindset1:05:31 – Reading the Room: Intuition and Audience Engagement1:10:21 – Where Empathy Comes From1:13:45 – Identity, Belonging, and Owning Your Story1:17:49 – Advice to Her Younger Self: “Go Be Your Freak Self”1:21:22 – Detaching Worth From Titles and Roles1:23:13 – Legacy, Impact, and Reversing Into PurposeGuest Links:Website: www.swansit.comInstagram: @swansitTwitter/X: @swansitLinkedIn: @swansitTikTok: @swansit23SARAL: Get your free trial here: https://www.getsaral.com/demoFully Accountable: Mention this ad and have your onboarding fees waived at https://fullyaccountable.comIf you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with his own mother, Rachel Spivak, for an intimate and powerful conversation that spans generations, continents, and entrepreneurial journeys. Born in the small Israeli town of Ofakim as one of 13 siblings, Rachel shares her story of resilience, ambition, and unwavering love for her family. From leaving her home at age 13 to go off to school, to raising five boys in Canada, her life is a testament to grit, sacrifice, and entrepreneurial instinct.Rachel recounts building a new life in Canada with no job, no English, and three kids under three, eventually launching multiple businesses, including a successful care agency and retail ventures. She opens up about losing everything overnight, rebuilding from scratch, and instilling entrepreneurial values in her children, all of whom became business owners. Rachel offers timeless wisdom on parenting, perseverance, and how to build a meaningful life from the ground up.Chapters:01:20 – Growing Up in Ofakim With 13 Siblings04:13 – Childhood Lessons in Strength05:13 – “Don’t Be Afraid of Fear” – A Life Mantra07:12 – Leaving Home at 13 for a Different Life14:01 – Moving to Canada With Three Young Children15:52 – Starting Over Without English or a Job21:03 – Building Businesses From Scratch24:15 – Cleaning Houses and Driving a School Bus to Survive27:56 – From House Cleaner to Care Agency Owner30:42 – Losing a Business Overnight, Starting Again With Jewelry Sales33:02 – Teaching Her Kids To Build and Rebuild36:30 – Leading By Example: The Power of Silent Sacrifice39:27 – Parenting Wisdom for the Modern Generation41:55 – Encouraging Entrepreneurship From a Young Age44:34 – Working Through Setbacks and Always Showing Up46:49 – Why She’s a Mom, Not a Friend49:11 – Raising Five Boys and Navigating Marriage, Business, and Life53:52 – How Many Kids Should People Have Today?56:37 – Parenting Without Complaints, Even in the Digital Age1:00:22 – Still Working: Showing Up at Early to Lead By Example1:03:56 – Working With Family: The Greatest Challenge1:05:44 – Family Unity Above All: Why Fighting Was Never an Option1:11:06 – Dealing With Distance: Moving to Miami and Family Bonds1:20:00 – What Rachel Would Tell Her 18-Year-Old Self1:24:47 – Her New Mission: Creating Memories With Her GrandkidsGuest Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rakelaspivakTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@immigrantmomRevitasize: https://www.revitasize.caSARAL: Get your free trial here: https://www.getsaral.com/demoFully Accountable: Mention this ad and have your onboarding fees waived at https://fullyaccountable.comFERMÀTIf you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak speaks with Mark Shapiro, founder of Shapiro Capital, a seasoned real estate investor with over four decades of experience. Mark shares his journey from selling gum in elementary school to building a multimillion-dollar real estate empire. He offers valuable insights into the mindset, drive, and strategies that led him to success, as well as the lessons learned from both his victories and setbacks.Mark delves into his early real estate experiences, creative financing tactics, and the importance of simplicity and discipline in both business and life. His approach to mentoring others, navigating personal struggles, and focusing on authentic relationships is a powerful example of how real success is built over time.Chapters:00:00 – Mark’s Entrepreneurial Spark In Elementary School04:00 – Early Lessons From The Family Business07:40 – Snowblowing Driveways And Learning Value10:47 – The Influence Of Mark’s Father13:28 – First Business Deal With His Dad At 2318:06 – Overcoming Personal Loss And Finding Purpose22:51 – Discovering Real Estate Through Family And Books25:42 – Scaling Early: From College Deals To 58 Units38:22 – Addiction To The Chase: Why Mark Loves The Game43:20 – Taking Big Risks At 26 And The $3M Payday49:16 – How Success Complicated Personal Life54:20 – The Wisdom Of Grinding It Out58:33 – Life Lessons On Margin, Simplicity, And Consistency1:04:06 – Teaching Real Estate: Building A High-Touch Mentorship Model1:06:42 – Lydia’s Journey: 0 To 24 Units In A Year1:08:57 – From Scratch: Helping Beginners Get Their First Deal1:13:48 – For Founders With Capital: How To Start In Real Estate1:16:39 – The Power Of Community And High-Touch Guidance1:22:00 – Reflecting On Regrets And Legacy1:28:12 – Living With Integrity And Spiritual AnchorsGuest Links:Website: https://mshapirocapital.comInstagram: @themarkshapiroTwitter X: @TheMarkShapiroYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@markshapiro1887SARAL: Get your free trial here: https://www.getsaral.com/demoFully Accountable: Mention this ad and have your onboarding fees waived at https://fullyaccountable.comFERMÀT: The AI native commerce platform that optimizes shopping experiences, leading to best-in-class shopper engagement and conversion. FermatCommerce.com If you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Shelby Sapp, the founder of She Sells Academy, the world’s largest all-women remote sales academy. After beginning her career in door-to-door pest control sales, Shelby realized traditional sales models weren’t built for women or the lifestyle they wanted. With She Sells, she’s built a community of over 3,000 women mastering high-ticket remote sales, unlocking financial independence and freedom along the way.Shelby discusses her journey from figure skater to powerhouse sales trainer, the critical role of mindset and visualization in success, and how her mother and grandfather influenced her fiercely independent drive. She shares candid reflections on building her business, dealing with imposter syndrome and online hate, and the nuances of masculine and feminine dynamics in both sales and relationships. Shelby’s story is a powerful example of how vision, grit, and being a “calculated psychopath” can not only change your own life, but the ripple effect of others.Chapters00:00 – Shelby’s Sales Origin Story02:55 – Discovering Remote Sales As A “Cheat Code”03:26 – Mindset, Manifestation, And The Impact Of Figure Skating06:13 – Growing Up With A Hardworking Single Mom07:35 – Living The Life She Once Dreamed08:53 – Proving Herself In Male-Dominated Sales Teams10:53 – Who Joins She Sells And Why13:09 – Selling What You Believe In15:56 – Helping Women Find Financial Independence17:26 – Who Supports The Leader20:53 – Navigating Friendships During Rapid Growth25:03 – The Early Vision That Sparked She Sells30:14 – Balancing Masculine Energy In Business And Relationships34:18 – Should Salespeople Seek Equity?36:22 – Dealing With Online Hate41:56 – Do Women Perform Better In Sales?44:14 – The Nuances Of Women Selling To Women45:43 – Staying Authentic As A Founder48:34 – What Shelby Wants To Be Remembered For51:15 – The Legacy Of Her Grandfather56:23 – Loving Pressure And Building Through It57:44 – Embracing Being “Delulu” As an Entrepreneur1:01:19 – Clarity In Vision And Decision-Making1:06:22 – Adjusting To Success And A New Lifestyle1:09:24 – How Shelby Manages Her Money1:11:45 – Final Message: Be A Calculated Psychopath1:13:13 – The Power Of Belief And PresenceGuest Links:Instagram: @shelby.sapp@shesellsacademyWebsite: https://shelbysapp.comTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@diaryofad2dsaleswomanSARAL: Get your free trial here: https://www.getsaral.com/demoFully Accountable: Mention this ad and have your onboarding fees waived at https://fullyaccountable.comIf you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Gaston Becherano Cohen, CEO of Smorgasburg—the largest weekly open-air food market in the U.S. Gaston shares how a solo trip to Japan reignited his entrepreneurial drive and ultimately led him from shaved ice vendor to acquiring the entire Smorgasburg brand. His journey includes launching, and losing, a café during COVID, starting over in Miami, and building markets that now draw millions of visitors.He speaks candidly about scaling with lean teams, trusting his instincts, and launching his Japanese tea brand, Motorcycle Matcha. This conversation dives deep into the mindset, resilience, and strategic pivots behind building a cultural institution rooted in food, community, and creativity. Subscribe, share with a fellow founder, and leave a review if this episode resonated with you!Chapters:02:56 – Leaving IBM: Realizing He Wasn’t Built for Corporate Life|03:54 – A Solo Trip to Japan That Changed His Trajectory04:26 – Discovering Hospitality as His Lane08:58 – Getting Accepted as a Shaved Ice Vendor in Brooklyn09:49 – Launching Bonsai Café and Learning the Business11:24 – COVID Hits: Closing the Café and Moving Back to Miami14:00 – Starting Over with a Farmers Market in Aventura18:48 – Seeing the Vision for Smorgasburg Miami20:05 – Convincing the Landlords and Licensing the Brand22:25 – The Grueling Process of Getting Permits Approved24:56 – Opening Day in Wynwood: 15,000 Attendees and Flying Tents27:38 – Sustaining Demand Week After Week28:20 – Acquiring the Entire Smorgasburg Brand30:51 – Reframing Entrepreneurship as a “Grand Adventure”32:01 – Building Motorcycle Matcha in the Japanese Countryside34:00 – Sourcing, Storytelling, and Building a Passion-Driven Brand36:17 – Growing Up in a Tight-Knit, Entrepreneurial Community38:40 – “Entrepreneurship Is Like Riding a Motorcycle”41:15 – Gaston’s Vision for Smorgasburg as a National Incubator43:58 – The Emotional Cost of Growth and Staying Positive45:57 – Detaching From the Rollercoaster of Business48:30 – Running Lean: 16 Full-Time Staff, Millions of Visitors49:51 – Leadership Through Empowerment and Humility51:50 – Advice to Younger Gaston: Enjoy the Ride58:45 – The Magic of Type 2 Fun in Entrepreneurship1:00:09 – Final Words: Start Young, Start Naive, Start NowGuest Links:Website: Smorgasburg.comInstagram: @gastonbecherano@​​smorgasburgmiamiSARAL: Get your free trial here: https://www.getsaral.com/demoFully Accountable: Mention this ad and have your onboarding fees waived at https://fullyaccountable.comIf you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Rajia Abdelaziz, Founder & CEO of invisaWear—a groundbreaking company creating discreet safety tech inside stylish jewelry. A Forbes 30 Under 30 cover honoree and a standout in the personal safety space, Rajia has built an eight-figure brand, raised over $3 million, and secured major partnerships with ADT and TELUS.Rajia shares how she turned down a job at Google to pursue a college project that would go on to save lives. She opens up about facing rejection, fundraising setbacks, and personal sacrifice, all while building a mission-driven brand from the ground up. From a 3D-printed prototype built by her 14-year-old brother to a product that’s now sold nationwide, this episode is a powerful look at purpose, perseverance, and building with impact. Subscribe, share with a fellow founder, and leave a review if this episode resonated with you!Chapters:02:11 – Rajia’s first taste of entrepreneurship at 8 years old.04:26 – Childhood hustle and early business ideas.06:18 – Dreaming of an ice cream empire at 16.07:57 – Growing up in a one-bedroom apartment and chasing the American Dream.09:58 – The pressure to be perfect and the cost of high expectations.11:32 – Choosing engineering and learning to build apps.13:25 – The incident that sparked the idea for invisaWear.16:02 – Launching invisaWear as a college project.19:29 – Turning down Google and betting on a mission.22:12 – Convincing her family to support her startup journey.25:05 – Building with her co-founder Ray.27:14 – A woman at demo day validates the mission.28:56 – Handwritten thank-you notes from survivors.30:42 – Sacrificing her 20s to build a mission-driven brand.34:08 – Facing sexism and ageism in early fundraising.35:30 – 14-year-old brother’s 3D print closes their first round.39:45 – National news story puts invisaWear on the map.43:00 – A health scare forces a mindset reset.48:10 – 10 years of co-founder chemistry with Ray.59:41 – What Rajia wants to be remembered for.1:02:37 – Advice to her 21-year-old self.1:04:52 – Rajia’s 5-year and 10-year vision.Guest Links:Website: https://invisawear.com/Instagram: @invisaWear@RajiaXoXoSARAL: Get your free trial here: https://www.getsaral.com/demoFully Accountable: Mention this ad and have your onboarding fees waived at https://fullyaccountable.comIf you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Jason Wong, founder of Paking Duck, a packaging company trusted by leading DTC brands like Arrae, Quest Nutrition, and Madhappy. Jason shares his journey from a teenager running affiliate blogs and viral meme businesses, to building a powerhouse in the packaging space, blending creativity with operational excellence.Jason dives into how packaging became his passion, why it’s one of the highest-leverage parts of the customer journey, and how investing in people has helped him scale multiple businesses. He also opens up about building confidence through action, earning trust through execution, and how one key mentor changed his entire trajectory. Tune in to hear Jason’s powerful insights on brand-building, mentorship, and executing with speed. Subscribe, share with a fellow founder, and leave a review if this episode resonated with you.Chapters:01:36 – Meet Jason Wong02:53 – How Jason fell in love with packaging03:57 – What top CPG brands get right05:01 – Growing up: immigrant hustle and early ambition06:19 – Starting a blog and making $30K/month in high school08:04 – The viral launch of the Holy Meme Bible09:25 – Transitioning to a product business11:47 – Launching Doe Lashes with $50013:11 – Building with friends and early team culture14:17 – Growing up without parents and living in a garage15:35 – Why Jason never gave up16:36 – Raising your ceiling through community18:18 – Sacrifices and discipline in the early years20:16 – Entrepreneurship and relationships22:08 – Becoming secure in your identity24:49 – Creating your own luck through exposure26:36 – Meeting Michelle Phan and her mentorship29:42 – The power of sharing stories and giving back31:07 – Jason’s philosophy on packaging and unboxing34:09 – Most impressive packaging Jason has seen37:44 – 3 ways packaging makes money41:08 – Why packaging is part of the product42:14 – Defining success and freedom46:16 – Achieving milestones through material rewards47:21 – Building multiple businesses through people50:53 – Jason’s story of finding a superstar on Upwork53:48 – A masterclass in relationship-driven leadership56:46 – Advice to his 23-year-old self58:00 – Just go do it — the power of actionGuest Links:Website: www.pakingduck.comInstagram:  @pugLinkedIn: Jason WongSARAL: Get your free trial here: https://www.getsaral.com/demoIf you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Chris Meade sits down with Kevin O'Leary, a successful entrepreneur and investor also known as "Mr. Wonderful”, appearing on shows such as Dragons' Den and Shark Tank. Kevin dives into the current landscape of advertising, explaining why he's pivoting his portfolio companies towards television through his new platform, WonderAds. He breaks down how TV has become a powerful yet under-utilized channel for brands looking to scale cost-effectively, offering a competitive edge over rising social media costs.Kevin also discusses the critical components of successful brand scaling, the importance of mastering Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC), and why multi-channel strategies are essential for long-term growth. He closes with valuable insights on entrepreneurship, including how to prioritize signal over noise, the art of listening, and the necessity of knowing when to pivot. Join Chris and Kevin as they uncover the strategies behind building resilient brands, leveraging television for growth, and the key principles every entrepreneur should know.  Don’t forget to subscribe, share with a fellow founder, and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.Chapters:01:40 – Why TV Advertising is Making a Comeback02:48 – Introducing WonderAds: TV for Emerging Brands03:34 – Measuring Success on TV: CAC and ROAS04:02 – Why Brands Give Up on TV Too Early04:27 – Television’s Cost Efficiency vs. Social Media04:52 – Mastering Customer Acquisition Costs05:58 – The Importance of Personal Branding for Founders07:08 – Building for Both Retail and Direct-to-Consumer08:19 – Retail Rollouts: How to Secure and Succeed10:35 – Signal vs. Noise: How to Focus Your Time13:33 – The Art of Pivoting When Things Go Wrong14:06 – Planning Liquidity Events and Exits15:06 – Industries Ripe for Disruption: Healthy Snacks and Beverages15:52 – Kevin’s Background in Photography and Film16:52 – Embracing Discomfort: Why Founders Should Take Risks17:39 – Lessons from Kevin's Mother: Integrity and TrustGuest Links:Website: https://kevinoleary.comInstagram: @kevinolearytvSARAL: Get your free trial here: https://www.getsaral.com/demoIf you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Will Nitze, Founder & CEO of IQBAR, the leading brain-and-body nutrition startup in America. Will shares how his competitive spirit and obsession with winning drove him to build a thriving brand dedicated to brain food and cognitive nutrition. He reflects on his journey from playing competitive sports to attending Harvard, where he first realized that building something impactful was more important than just making money.Will also discusses launching IQBAR through a successful Kickstarter campaign, scaling with major retailers, and maintaining a lean, efficient team. He opens up about running the business alongside his wife, the importance of horizontal mentorship, and how he plans to build for acquisition and legacy.Chapters: 00:44 – The Opportunist Mindset: Learning from Sam Zell 03:06 – Building the Competitive Spirit Through Sports 08:26 – Harvard Experience and Finding Direction 12:25 – First Steps into Entrepreneurship14:02 – Negotiating Half-Time Work for Full-Time Hustle 15:21 – Starting IQBAR: Building Brain Food from Scratch 19:31 – Kickstarter Strategies: Guerrilla Tactics and Validation 22:01 – Manufacturing at Scale and Finding Co-Packers 24:38 – The Importance of Horizontal Mentorship 27:46 – Scaling the Business with a Lean Team 30:25 – Expanding into Major Retailers and Hitting Volume 33:43 – Navigating Trends and Pivoting the Brand 36:40 – Maintaining Control While Scaling Fast 38:29 – Hiring the Right People and the Hub-and-Spoke Model 41:06 – Working In the Business, Not Just On It 46:40 – Running a Business with His Wife 49:05 – Moving to Miami and the Evolution of IQBAR 52:13 – Building for Acquisition and Legacy 1:06:01 – Overcoming Challenges: Tariffs, COVID, and Market Shifts 1:07:50 - Building a Personal Brand1:11:04 - The ROI of Personal Branding1:25:10 - The Emotional Impact of Exiting a Business1:31:11 - The Role of Partnerships in Business Success1:34:46 - Advice for Younger EntrepreneursTune in to hear Will’s raw insights on scaling a consumer brand from the ground up, the sacrifices required, and the mindset needed to build something that lasts. Don't forget to subscribe, share with a fellow founder, and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.Guest Links:Website: www.eatiqbar.comInstagram: @iqbarLinkedIn: Will NitzeTwitter: @willnitzeSARAL: Get your free trial here: https://www.getsaral.com/demoIf you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, host Aaron Spivak sits down with Josh Goldstein. Josh was a high-level college baseball player and MBA student when a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to appear on reality TV changed everything. After the tragic and very public loss of his sister on national television, Josh turned unimaginable grief into powerful growth. Now, just a few years later, he’s built a seven-figure online fitness business empowering thousands of women, launched a supplement brand rooted in positivity, and created a personal brand focused on mindset, transformation, and authenticity. This episode dives deep into what it means to find clarity through pain, the strategy behind monetizing real impact, and how trusting your gut can outwork any perfect plan. Josh opens up about going all-in on business, his unique approach to brand building, and the deeper mission driving every decision. Whether you're dealing with pressure, looking to turn a setback into a launchpad, or want to build with real intention, this conversation delivers. Don’t forget to subscribe, share with a fellow founder, and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.Chapters02:07 – Growing Up Around Sports and Early Lessons in Discipline09:08 – Self-Confidence Through Sports, COVID’s Impact, and Falling in Love with Sales12:30 – Saying Yes to Love Island17:07 – Tragedy: Losing His Sister During Filming20:22 – Returning Home and Navigating Grief25:10 – Starting a Business With Meaning and Honouring Her Legacy27:17 – Serving Women in Fitness and Emotional Connection to the Mission30:45 – The “Other 23 Hours” Philosophy in Fitness33:28 – Josh’s Fitness Program Structure and Growth35:46 – Personal Transformation and What He’s Still Working On41:26 – Public Figure Pressures and Dating After Reality TV48:05 – Business Future: Exit, Scale, or Legacy49:20 – Starting the Supplement Company Reevyv51:25 – Impact on Family Dynamics and Healing Through Growth56:22 – Motivation to Repay His Parents’ Sacrifices58:12 – Journaling, Morning Routine, and Structure1:04:21 – Mindset as the Foundation of Transformation1:06:13 – Avoiding Hard Conversations and Their Cost1:11:15 – The ROI of Investing in Yourself1:14:32 – Advice to Younger Josh: Don’t Let Others Define You1:16:27 – Environment, Loneliness, and Finding Your Circle1:22:38 – Final Message: Don’t Take Life Too SeriouslyGuest Links:Instagram: @_josh.goldy_ @jgoldy_fit @reevyv_stripsWebsite: https://reevyv.com https://www.joshgoldyfitness.com/quiz-lIf you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, host Aaron Spivak sits down with Dominic Purpura. Dominic Purpura is the founder and owner of MELA, a rapidly growing watermelon water company. After acquiring the business in 2021 following a successful cryptocurrency investment, he completely rebranded it, transforming a $25,000 monthly operation into one approaching $1 million monthly with national 7-Eleven distribution on the horizon. Influenced by his entrepreneurial father and uncle, Purpura implements a structured goal-setting system across five categories: health, wealth, wisdom, happiness, and travel. He's known for his equity-sharing leadership approach, treating employees as partners. His mission is to establish watermelon water as a major beverage category, with plans to scale MELA until, in his words "it stops being fun."Dominic shares his journey from a young entrepreneur to achieving a major exit, breaking down the real process behind rebranding and scaling MELA. He talks about discovering MELA while building experience in the CPG industry, using cryptocurrency profits to acquire the brand, and scaling the company to an eight-figure exit. From growing up questioning traditional paths, to implementing equity-sharing leadership, to navigating life after a major acquisition, Dominic brings tactical lessons around resilience, strategic thinking, building a brand true to your values and learning to trust your gut. Chapters:00:43 – Introduction, Early Exposure to Entrepreneurship and Family Influence02:05 – Growing Up Questioning Normality03:56 – Are Entrepreneurs Born or Made?04:33 – Learning From Father Figures and Environment06:16 – Early Businesses, Crypto, and Falling in Love With the CPG Business Model10:03 – Building a Beef Jerky Brand and Learning Systems12:47 – Finding MELA and the Initial Spark18:52 – Building Wealth Through Cardano and Crypto Strategy22:22 – Timing the Crypto Exit and Creating Opportunity24:08 – Acquiring MELA ,Rebranding, Restructuring, and Relaunching29:23 – Early Wins and Rapid Product-Market Fit30:45 – Brick-by-Brick Growth: Selling Store by Store32:13 – Yearly Growth and the Journey From 300K to Millions35:32 – Why MELA Worked for the Mass Market38:15 – Building a Brand for the 99%, Not the 1%43:29 – Losing His Father and Going All-In on Entrepreneurship46:25 – Turning Pain Into Focus, Drive, and Daily Discipline48:27 – Staying Focused Through Grief and Hardship50:00 – Selling MELA and Sharing the Exit With the Team52:31 – Navigating Identity Shifts Post-Exit53:12 – Why Slowing Down After Success Matters58:24 – Honouring the Journey: Reflection and Growth1:06:12 – Building a Community: The Vision Behind Founders Club1:14:29 – Giving First, Protecting Energy, and Scaling Smart1:18:45 – Advice to 23-Year-Old Dominic: Trust the Journey1:26:10 – Finding Meaning in Pain and Why It MattersGuest Links:Website: https://melawater.comIG @If you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, host Aaron Spivak sits down with serial entrepreneur David Segal, best known for building DAVIDsTEA into a $200M brand and now serving as President of Highbeam. David shares the full arc of his entrepreneurial journey, starting with the humble beginnings of DAVIDsTEA, through the grind of expansion and the thrill of going public, to the surprising emotional lows that followed a major exit. With refreshing honesty, he opens up about his feelings after selling the company, how he found renewed purpose, and the process of reshaping his identity beyond his business.David and Aaron explore the hidden cost of scaling quickly, the emotional whiplash of sudden wealth, and the importance of defining success beyond financial freedom. The conversation is packed with invaluable takeaways for founders at every stage, from negotiating working capital terms that change your bottom line, to the mindset shifts required when stepping into a new venture. Whether you’re in the trenches or on the other side of a win, David’s story is a powerful reminder that the work never really ends, it just evolves. Don’t forget to subscribe, share with a fellow founder, and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.Chapters: 01:10 – Starting DAVIDsTEA: The Idea Nobody Was Doing 04:32 – Early Failures and Lessons in Persistence 07:27 – From 4 Stores to 30: What Changed? 08:45 – Building for Scale: The Highs and Pitfalls 11:55 – Expansion Mistakes in the U.S. Market 14:33 – Handing Over the CEO Role: Ego and Learning 16:02 – The Power of Process (Without Bureaucracy) 20:23 – Leaving DAVIDsTEA and Losing Identity 22:15 – From Rock Bottom to Highbeam: A New Beginning 25:50 – Life-Changing Money Doesn’t Mean Life-Changing Fulfillment 28:15 – What Founders Need to Know About Life After the Exit 31:00 – Starting Mad Radish and Firebelly: Lessons in Patience 34:50 – David Now vs. Then: Maturity in Decision Making 38:52 – Sleep On It: Slowing Down to Make Better Decisions 40:09 – Working Capital Masterclass: The Deal That Can Save Millions 44:03 – Lifestyle Business or Unicorn? How to Decide 46:41 – Operating for Cash Flow vs. Chasing the Exit 48:57 – The Power of Compounding and Long-Term Operating 50:33 – Managing Post-Exit Wealth: Keep It Simple 54:56 – David on Legacy and Still Being “Just Getting Started” 58:20 – The Power of Environment and a Supportive Partner 1:01:25 – Entrepreneurship is a Personal Journey 1:03:39 – Advice to 19-Year-Old David: Put in the Work, Keep Showing Up 1:06:19 – Meditation, a “Digital Sabbath”, and Mental Resilience as a Founder 1:11:07 – Final Reflections: Inputs Over OutcomesGuest Links:Website: https://www.highbeam.co/LinkedIn: David SegalInstagram: @tea_maverick X: @tea_maverickIf you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast