The Unconventional Path: Entrepreneurship and Innovation Stories and Ideas.

Welcome to another episode of The Unconventional Path, where we explore the intersection of entrepreneurship, innovation, and real-world impact. In this episode, hosts Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman sit down with Dustin Talacko, a dedicated paramedic and firefighter who is bringing an entrepreneurial mindset to the world of emergency services.Dustin’s journey is a powerful example of how passion for a profession can lead to innovative solutions that save time, resources, and potentially lives. As a first responder, Dustin identified critical gaps in the equipment and processes used on the front lines and decided to take action by developing his own solutions.The conversation dives deep into the unique challenges faced by emergency personnel today. Dustin discusses the mental and physical demands of being a firefighter and paramedic, emphasizing the importance of efficiency when every second counts. He shares his transition from identifying a problem in the field to creating a tangible product—a journey that many entrepreneurs will find relatable.Dustin and the hosts explore the process of "boots-on-the-ground" innovation. Key topics include:Identifying the Need: How being an end-user of emergency equipment provided Dustin with the ultimate research and development environment.The Prototype Phase: The hurdles of moving from a concept to a functional tool that can withstand the rigorous conditions of fire and rescue operations.Streamlining Emergency Response: A look at how small changes in equipment design can lead to significant improvements in response times and provider safety.Beyond his specific invention, Dustin talks about the broader need for modernization in public safety. He highlights the often-slow adoption of new technology in government-funded sectors and why it is crucial for active first responders to lead the charge in innovation. His story serves as a call to action for others in "non-traditional" entrepreneurial fields to look for ways to improve their industries from within.Bela and Mike discuss with Dustin the common threads between public service and entrepreneurship: resilience, problem-solving, and a commitment to the mission. Whether you are in tech, retail, or emergency services, the drive to "remake" a process for the better is a universal trait of the unconventional path.Tune in to hear Dustin Talacko’s inspiring story of service, ingenuity, and the drive to make a difference.Our podcast is now available on YouTube. Simply search for "The Unconventional Path" to subscribe and never miss an episode.We're always on the lookout for interesting guests to feature on our show. If you know someone who has an inspiring story, unique perspective, or valuable expertise to share, please let us know. We're eager to connect with potential guests who can bring fresh insights and engaging conversations to our audience.We also love hearing from our listeners! Your questions, comments, and suggestions are incredibly valuable to us. Send us an email at [email protected] with your thoughts, and we'll do our best to address them in a future episode. Whether you have a question about a specific topic, feedback on a recent episode, or ideas for future content, we want to hear from you. Your engagement helps us shape the show and deliver content that resonates with our listeners.Thanks for listening,Bela and MikeEmergency services innovationFirefighter entrepreneurshipParamedic equipment designFirst responder technologyPublic safety startupsModernizing EMSDustin Talacko interviewThe Unconventional Path podcastBela Musits and Mike WassermanEntrepreneurship in public serviceProduct development for first respondersFire and rescue technology trendsFrom First Responder to InnovatorSolving Real-World ProblemsThe Future of Public Safety TechnologyLessons for Serial EntrepreneursConnect with the Show:SEO Search Terms

In this episode of The Unconventional Path: Entrepreneurship and Innovation Stories and Ideas, hosts Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman sit down with New York Times best-selling author and innovation expert Brant Cooper. As the CEO and founder of Moves the Needle, Brant has spent over 25 years helping startups and large enterprises navigate the shift from Industrial Age mindsets to Digital Age opportunities.The conversation begins by exploring the evolution of the "lean" concept—from its origins in 1990s lean manufacturing to the modern Lean Entrepreneur. Brant explains his core mission: teaching large, established organizations how to reclaim their entrepreneurial spirit and structure work effectively for the modern era.A central theme of the episode is the stark contrast between the Industrial Age and the Digital Age. Brant uses Henry Ford’s assembly line as a metaphor for traditional management, where efficiency was found in repetition and rigid hierarchy. In that era, the "white collar" side of business was simply an extension of this assembly line.Today, however, the world is "completely upside down." With endless options and power in the hands of the consumer, information now resides on the "edges" of a company rather than at the center. Brant argues that companies still using top-down, command-and-control management are too slow and disconnected from their customers. To thrive, organizations must embrace an "age of agile," decentralize decision-making, and create new communication flows.The hosts and guest also discuss the common hurdles to organizational change. Brant addresses the frequent objection that teams "don't have time" for what he calls exploration work—the process of finding answers when faced with uncertainty. He challenges leadership to integrate learning and exploration into daily routines to actually make execution work more efficient.Finally, the group reflects on the communication challenges that arise as a company grows. What starts as a simple "lunch table" communication culture in a small startup must evolve into a structured, two-way flow of information as the organization scales.Tune in to learn how to move your organization toward a more customer-focused, agile, and entrepreneurial future.About Our Guest: Brant Cooper is the author of The Lean Entrepreneur and a trusted advisor to global enterprises. You can find more of his work and insights at brantcooper.com.Connect With UsOur podcast is now available on YouTube. Simply search for "The Unconventional Path" to subscribe and never miss an episode.We're always on the lookout for interesting guests to feature on our show. If you know someone who has an inspiring story, unique perspective, or valuable expertise to share, please let us know. We're eager to connect with potential guests who can bring fresh insights and engaging conversations to our audience.We also love hearing from our listeners! Your questions, comments, and suggestions are incredibly valuable to us. Send us an email at [email protected] with your thoughts, and we'll do our best to address them in a future episode. Whether you have a question about a specific topic, feedback on a recent episode, or ideas for future content, we want to hear from you. Your engagement helps us shape the show and deliver content that resonates with our listeners.Thanks for listening,Bela and MikeSuggested SEO Keywords: Lean Entrepreneur, Lean Startup, Brant Cooper, Digital Transformation, Agile Management, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Innovation Strategy, Moves the Needle, Industrial Age vs Digital Age, Decentralized Decision Making, Bela Musits, Mike Wasserman.

Welcome to another episode of The Unconventional Path, where we explore extraordinary stories of entrepreneurship and innovation. In this episode, hosts Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman sit down with Mark Fox, a serial entrepreneur whose career journey is as fascinating as it is diverse.Mark Fox isn't your average business owner; he is a former NASA rocket scientist and aerospace engineer who left a secure career to venture into the world of startups. From managing a women’s clothing company to his current role as an innovator in the health and wellness space, Mark’s story is a prime example of how one can successfully "remake" themselves multiple times.In this interview, Mark shares the "wild" story of how he transitioned into the world of Energy Therapy devices. Surprisingly, his journey didn't start in a lab, but with his dog. After a veterinarian told him there was nothing to be done for his dog’s severe arthritis, Mark was introduced to a "magic machine" that claimed to reverse the condition. Despite his initial skepticism as a scientist—viewing it as "voodoo stuff"—the results were undeniable.Mark breaks down the science behind Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy in simple terms. He describes it as the "Earth's heartbeat," a natural energy frequency that originates from lightning bolts echoing off the ionosphere.Key takeaways from the discussion on PEMF include:Energy Exchange: Mark explains that everything in the world is an energy exchange, and PEMF is simply a convenient way to transfer that energy to the body.Recharging Your Cells: Much like a car battery, your cells hold an electrical charge. When this charge is low, nutrients can't enter the cell and waste can't leave. PEMF therapy is proven to recharge these "cell batteries".Boosting ATP: This technology can increase ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)—the primary fuel for your cells—by up to 500%, allowing the body to heal itself more effectively.One of the greatest challenges Mark faces is educating a public that is largely unaware of this technology. While PEMF is widely recognized and used in the equestrian world for horse therapy, only about one in twenty people are familiar with its benefits for humans.Mark’s philosophy of "Relief before Reason" prioritizes results over complex technical explanations. As a rocket scientist, he notes that while we have theories for how things like aspirin work, we often value the relief they provide more than the proven mechanism.Tune in to hear Mark Fox discuss the challenges of building a business around a product that requires customer education and why he chose to focus on portable PEMF devices that allow for "therapy on the go".Subscribe to The Unconventional Path for more stories of innovation and entrepreneurial grit! Our podcast is now available on YouTube. Simply search for "The Unconventional Path" to subscribe and never miss an episode.We're always on the lookout for interesting guests to feature on our show. If you know someone who has an inspiring story, unique perspective, or valuable expertise to share, please let us know. We're eager to connect with potential guests who can bring fresh insights and engaging conversations to our audience.We also love hearing from our listeners! Your questions, comments, and suggestions are incredibly valuable to us. Send us an email at [email protected] with your thoughts, and we'll do our best to address them in a future episode. Whether you have a question about a specific topic, feedback on a recent episode, or ideas for future content, we want to hear from you. Your engagement helps us shape the show and deliver content that resonates with our listeners.Thanks for listening,Bela and MikeDiscovering PEMF TherapyWhat is PEMF?Innovation and EducationConnect with the Show:

Welcome to another episode of The Unconventional Path, where hosts Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman explore the unique journeys of entrepreneurs and innovators. In this episode, we sit down with Kat Koppett, the founder of Koppett and the Mopco Improv Theatre. Kat has successfully merged her background in theatre with organizational development, creating a unique business model that helps leaders and teams expand their performance range.The Intersection of Improv and LeadershipKat Koppett’s journey is the definition of an unconventional path. Starting as a theatre major with dreams of Broadway, Kat discovered a powerful connection between the skills used in improvisational theatre and those required for effective leadership and management. Today, she operates two distinct but deeply connected businesses:Mopco Improv Theatre: A professional improvisational theatre company dedicated to the art of performance.Koppett: An applied improvisation and organizational development company that takes improv techniques off the stage and into the boardroom.Our podcast is now available on YouTube. Simply search for "The Unconventional Path" to subscribe and never miss an episode.We're always on the lookout for interesting guests to feature on our show. If you know someone who has an inspiring story, unique perspective, or valuable expertise to share, please let us know. We're eager to connect with potential guests who can bring fresh insights and engaging conversations to our audience.We also love hearing from our listeners! Your questions, comments, and suggestions are incredibly valuable to us. Send us an email at [email protected] with your thoughts, and we'll do our best to address them in a future episode. Whether you have a question about a specific topic, feedback on a recent episode, or ideas for future content, we want to hear from you. Your engagement helps us shape the show and deliver content that resonates with our listeners.Thanks for listening,Bela and MikeBy using "applied improvisation," Kat helps professionals improve their awareness and communication skills on "any stage that isn't a literal stage". Her work demonstrates how taking a core passion and applying it to different business models can lead to a fulfilling and sustainable career.From New York to California and BackKat’s personal history is as varied as her professional one. Born in New York City, she moved to Palo Alto, California, at age eight before eventually returning to New York for college and graduate school. She shares how living in major metropolitan hubs like the San Francisco Bay Area and New York City shaped her worldview, but it was moving to Upstate New York that truly opened her eyes to the diversity of the world. This perspective has fueled her curiosity and broadened her approach to business and life.A Legacy of Creativity and PassionThe daughter of a legendary sports writer for the New York Times, Kat grew up surrounded by theater, museums, and culture. Her father, who holds the rare distinction of being in both the baseball and basketball halls of fame, taught her the importance of doing what you love. This philosophy is at the heart of Kat’s success, as she continues to help organizations worldwide find their own "creative spark" through the principles of improv.Connect With Us

In this episode of The Unconventional Path, hosts Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman sit down with Vi Wickham, the founder of Wizard of Ads Online, to discuss how small to medium-sized businesses can navigate the complex world of digital marketing. Vai is not only a digital marketing expert and web developer but also a five-time Colorado state fiddling champion, bringing a unique, creative perspective to entrepreneurship and innovation.The transition from traditional advertising—like the local newspaper and Yellow Pages—to the digital age has created a complex environment for modern entrepreneurs. Vi simplifies this landscape by breaking down the three foundational "layers" every business owner needs to establish a credible and searchable online presence.The Website as Your Home Base: Why your website is the foundation of your online reputation and why it must communicate your purpose clearly without using "insider language" or "techno mumbo jumbo".+1The "Grandfather Test" for Business: Bela and Vi discuss the strategic importance of being able to explain your business so simply that even your grandfather would understand it.Local Search Marketing: How to use local search submissions to provide "proof" to Google that your business is a real entity deserving of a high rank in your specific town.+1The "500-Pound Gorilla" of Search: Why the Google Business Profile is the most critical third-party site for local businesses and how it controls over 90% of search traffic.Navigating Secondary Platforms: A look at the next tier of digital reputation management, including Facebook, Yelp, Bing, and the emerging challenges of Apple’s business tools.Strategy vs. Wordsmithing: Understanding the difference between knowing your core message and the creative process of picking the right words to attract the customers you want—and repel the ones you don't.Vi Wickham is a web developer, digital marketer, and the founder of Wizard of Ads Online, where he helps companies establish and implement effective digital marketing strategies. He is also a celebrated musician, holding five state fiddling titles and three national runner-up titles.Our podcast is now available on YouTube. Simply search for "The Unconventional Path" to subscribe and never miss an episode.We're always on the lookout for interesting guests to feature on our show. If you know someone who has an inspiring story, unique perspective, or valuable expertise to share, please let us know. We're eager to connect with potential guests who can bring fresh insights and engaging conversations to our audience.We also love hearing from our listeners! Your questions, comments, and suggestions are incredibly valuable to us. Send us an email at [email protected] with your thoughts, and we'll do our best to address them in a future episode. Whether you have a question about a specific topic, feedback on a recent episode, or ideas for future content, we want to hear from you. Your engagement helps us shape the show and deliver content that resonates with our listeners.Thanks for listening,Bela and MikeIn This Episode, You’ll Discover:About the Guest:Connect with the Show:

In this episode of The Unconventional Path: Entrepreneurship and Innovation Stories and Ideas, hosts Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman dive into the world of career reinvention and the entrepreneurial spirit with guest Mark Compeau. Originally released in May 2020, this classic reissue is paired with a recent conversation to provide a comprehensive roadmap for anyone looking to launch a new chapter in their professional life.About This EpisodeMark Compeau is the epitome of an unconventional path. With nearly 20 years of experience teaching entrepreneurship, innovation, and marketing at Clarkson University, Mark has not only shared his knowledge with students but has also lived the entrepreneurial dream himself. For the past five years, he has been the owner of Jake on the Water, a successful restaurant in Hannawa Falls, New York.Recorded live at Mark’s restaurant, this interview captures the authentic energy of a small business owner who has successfully navigated the transition from academia to the hospitality industry. Mark shares his lifelong passion for sales, beginning with childhood fundraising contests where he consistently broke records. He discusses how he "caught the bug" of entrepreneurship at an early age by listening to his father’s dining room conversations about the stresses and successes of starting an architectural firm.Key Insights for EntrepreneursThe Power of Independence: From a young age, Mark knew he wanted to be self-made and independent, even if he didn’t initially know what form that would take.Navigating Rejection: Mark’s journey began with a significant pivot after being rejected from architecture school, demonstrating that unexpected turns can lead to fulfilling destinations.The Second Career: Learn how to leverage decades of experience as a professor and consultant to build a tangible, local business like Jake on the Water.The Entrepreneurial Mindset: Discover how early experiences in sales and bootstrapping can lay the foundation for a lifetime of innovation.Whether you are a current business owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone feeling stuck in your current career, Mark’s story offers valuable insights into finding happiness through work and life. Join Bela and Mike as they explore the lessons learned over three decades of investing, managing, and teaching.Connect With UsOur podcast is now available on YouTube. Simply search for "The Unconventional Path" to subscribe and never miss an episode.We're always on the lookout for interesting guests to feature on our show. If you know someone who has an inspiring story, unique perspective, or valuable expertise to share, please let us know. We're eager to connect with potential guests who can bring fresh insights and engaging conversations to our audience.We also love hearing from our listeners! Your questions, comments, and suggestions are incredibly valuable to us. Send us an email at [email protected] with your thoughts, and we'll do our best to address them in a future episode. Whether you have a question about a specific topic, feedback on a recent episode, or ideas for future content, we want to hear from you. Your engagement helps us shape the show and deliver content that resonates with our listeners.Thanks for listening,Bela and MikeKeywords: Entrepreneurship, Mark Campeau, Small Business, Opportunity Recognition, Clarkson University, Jake's on the Water, Innovation, Real Estate Investment, Career Path, Bela Musits, Mike Wasserman.

In this episode of The Unconventional Path, hosts Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman sit down with Tony Marinello, a retired New York State Trooper who turned a "retirement vacation" into a high-stakes, life-saving aviation venture. When Tony bought a small cargo airline to the Bahamas, he never expected to found the region's first-ever dedicated helicopter air ambulance service.+4While living in the United States often guarantees rapid emergency response, Tony realized that the 700 islands of the Bahamas tell a different story. After a pilot called him about a passenger potentially suffering a stroke on a remote island, Tony spent hours trying to find an air ambulance, only to discover that no such service existed for the region. Faced with the reality that medical help was days—not minutes—away, Tony decided to pivot his entire business model.+4Tony’s background as a rescue helicopter pilot for 21 years gave him the expertise needed to navigate this complex industry. However, the "odyssey" to launch Tropic Air Rescue took two years of securing licenses, purchasing helicopters, and hiring a specialized medical team of doctors and paramedics. Today, the company provides emergency medical evacuation from the Bahamas back to top-tier trauma centers in Florida, including Fort Lauderdale and Miami.+4Because traditional air ambulance flights can cost tens of thousands of dollars out-of-pocket, Tony designed a membership-based system. For a yearly fee, members (including boaters, second-home owners, and tourists) gain access to:+124/7 Emergency Response: A dedicated team ready to launch at a moment's notice.Direct Transport: Evacuation from remote islands or vessels directly to specialized U.S. hospitals.+1Specialized Care: Transport to facilities with experts in everything from shark injuries to stroke and cardiac care.+1Tony’s story is a powerful example of identifying a desperate need and fulfilling it. He shares insights into the challenges of starting a service-oriented business later in life and the importance of having a clear mission. Whether you are an entrepreneur looking for a new niche or a traveler heading to the Caribbean, Tony’s "unconventional path" offers vital lessons on grit and preparation.+3Learn more about Tropic Air Rescue: tropicrescue.comOur podcast is now available on YouTube. Simply search for "The Unconventional Path" to subscribe and never miss an episode.We're always on the lookout for interesting guests to feature on our show. If you know someone who has an inspiring story, unique perspective, or valuable expertise to share, please let us know. We're eager to connect with potential guests who can bring fresh insights and engaging conversations to our audience.We also love hearing from our listeners! Your questions, comments, and suggestions are incredibly valuable to us. Send us an email at [email protected] with your thoughts, and we'll do our best to address them in a future episode. Whether you have a question about a specific topic, feedback on a recent episode, or ideas for future content, we want to hear from you. Your engagement helps us shape the show and deliver content that resonates with our listeners.Thanks for listening,Bela and Mike

In this reissue episode of The Unconventional Path, hosts Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman explore the powerful impact of niche marketing within massive global industries. They are joined by Tyler Ornstein, the visionary founder of Tyler’s Coffee, who shares his remarkable journey of launching a business at just 15 years old.Tyler’s Coffee holds a unique position as the creator of the world’s first and only acid-free coffee. Tyler explains how identifying a clear and distinctive product differentiator allowed him to thrive in a highly competitive market dominated by industry giants. Unlike many competitors, Tyler’s Coffee does not compete on price; instead, it offers a premium product that addresses specific health concerns like heartburn and digestive issues without sacrificing flavor.The conversation delves into the evolution of the digital economy and how platforms like Amazon have enabled entrepreneurs to reach a global audience, making it easier than ever to build and sustain a successful niche. Tyler also reflects on being a pioneer in the subscription model space, discussing the technical challenges of implementing recurring billing before it became a standard industry practice.Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or an established business owner, this episode provides valuable insights into turning visionary ideas into tangible, successful ventures by focusing on quality and specialization.Key Topics Covered:The Power of Niche Marketing: How Tyler’s Coffee carved out a segment in a $1.6 trillion industry by focusing on a specific consumer need.Innovation at a Young Age: Tyler shares the story of starting his company as a teenager with the support of his father.Product Differentiation: The importance of creating a unique product—like acid-free coffee—that offers clear benefits such as no "bitter bite" or upset stomach.The Global Digital Economy: How modern technology allows businesses to expand their reach far beyond their local market.Subscription Models: The early days of web-based recurring billing and the forward-thinking vision required to implement it.Health and Wellness in Coffee: A look into the science of pH levels and how acidic beverages impact the body’s natural neutrality.About the Guest: Tyler Ornstein is the founder of Tyler’s Coffee. He is a pioneer in the coffee industry, having developed a proprietary process to create acid-free coffee that is safe for individuals with sensitive stomachs and other medical considerations.About the Podcast: The Unconventional Path features stories of entrepreneurship and innovation, hosted by former Clarkson University professors Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman. With an extensive archive of over 180 episodes, the show highlights unique business journeys and the creative ideas that drive them.Our podcast is now available on YouTube. Simply search for "The Unconventional Path" to subscribe and never miss an episode.We're always on the lookout for interesting guests to feature on our show. If you know someone who has an inspiring story, unique perspective, or valuable expertise to share, please let us know. We're eager to connect with potential guests who can bring fresh insights and engaging conversations to our audience.We also love hearing from our listeners! Your questions, comments, and suggestions are incredibly valuable to us. Send us an email at [email protected] with your thoughts, and we'll do our best to address them in a future episode. Whether you have a question about a specific topic, feedback on a recent episode, or ideas for future content, we want to hear from you. Your engagement helps us shape the show and deliver content that resonates with our listeners.Thanks for listening,Bela and Mike

In this episode of The Unconventional Path, hosts Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman sit down with Dave Munson, the founder of Saddleback Leather Company. If you have ever wondered how to build a business that prioritizes legacy over quick profits, this conversation is for you. Dave shares his "non-traditional" approach to entrepreneurship, shifting from his roots as a youth pastor to creating a global leather brand famous for its "They’ll Fight Over It When You’re Dead" warranty.+4The leather goods market is often viewed as a crowded, commodity-driven space. Dave explains how Saddleback Leather differentiates itself by refusing to compete on price. While many companies cheapen materials to satisfy shareholders or venture capitalists, Dave and his family own 100% of the company. This independence allows them to use the toughest leather, highest-quality linings, and most durable hardware available—creating products like $700 briefcases that are designed to last a century.+4Saddleback Leather operates a factory in Mexico employing approximately 150 people. Dave discusses the importance of quality control when dealing with raw materials like leather, which varies by hide. To maintain excellence, he sources from top-tier tanneries in both the United States and Europe.+3Dave doesn't rely on traditional marketing; instead, he uses storytelling to build a community of "super fans". The Saddleback website is famous for sharing Dave’s personal adventures, his family life, and the founding story of the brand. By focusing on brand strength rather than aggressive sales tactics, the company has secured high-profile partnerships with organizations like Toyota and luxury hotels through word-of-mouth alone.+4Now based in Fort Worth, Texas, Dave is currently building a unique headquarters featuring buildings made from compressed leather bales. He shares his philosophy on leadership, emphasizing the need to encourage employees—even if that means helping them eventually start their own businesses.+4Don't Race to the Bottom: Instead of asking why your product is expensive, ask why your competitors' products are so cheap.The Power of Persistence: Dave likens entrepreneurship to karate, noting that the only difference between a white belt and a black belt is that the black belt kept going.Branding vs. Marketing: Focus on building a strong brand identity that people want to associate with.Connect with Saddleback Leather Company: Visit their website to read Dave’s memoir and see his latest leather designs.Our podcast is now available on YouTube.  Simply search for "The Unconventional Path" to subscribe and never miss an episode.We're always on the lookout for interesting guests to feature on our show. If you know someone who has an inspiring story, unique perspective, or valuable expertise to share, please let us know. We're eager to connect with potential guests who can bring fresh insights and engaging conversations to our audience.We also love hearing from our listeners! Your questions, comments, and suggestions are incredibly valuable to us. Send us an email at [email protected] with your thoughts, and we'll do our best to address them in a future episode. Whether you have a question about a specific topic, feedback on a recent episode, or ideas for future content, we want to hear from you. Your engagement helps us shape the show and deliver content that resonates with our listeners.Thanks for listening,Bela and MikeThe Anti-Commodity StrategyManufacturing and Global FootprintMarketing Through StorytellingLeadership and VisionKey Takeaways from the Episode:

In this episode of The Unconventional Path, hosts Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman dive into the fascinating world of American manufacturing and historical preservation with RT Custer, the visionary founder of Vortic Watch Company . If you’ve ever wondered why the world’s most famous watches come from Switzerland or Japan, this conversation explores how one entrepreneur decided to bring the craft back to the United States by repurposing the "iPhones of the 1800s"—the antique American pocket watch.A Beautiful Clash of Old and NewRT Custer describes Vortic as a "beautiful clash of old and new" . Based in Fort Collins, Colorado, the company takes antique American pocket watch movements (the "guts") and restores them into one-of-a-kind, 100% American-made wristwatches. By combining 19th-century mechanical engineering with modern 3D-printed titanium cases and updated glass, Vortic creates a bridge between America's industrial past and its manufacturing future.The Golden Era of American WatchmakingDuring the period between 1850 and 1950, ten major American companies manufactured over 150 million pocket watches . These mechanical engines were essential tools for the era, particularly for the railroad industry. RT Custer, a history enthusiast and relative of General George Armstrong Custer, was inspired by this overlooked chapter of American business history. He set out to preserve these mechanical movements, which are often discarded after their precious metal cases are melted down How It Works: The Restoration ProcessVortic sources its antique movements from estate auctions, pawn shops, and former jewelry stores. The restoration involves:Extracting the Guts: Salvaging the dial, hands, and gears (the movement) from antique pocket watches .Reconditioning: Tuning up the mechanical springs and gears to ensure they keep perfect time .The Modern Case: Engineering a custom wristwatch case to protect and display the historic movement .Growing a Heritage BrandRT shares insights into building a successful business without traditional advertising . By focusing on branding and answering customer questions directly, Vortic has built a community of "super fans" who serve as word-of-mouth marketers.The company operates through three primary revenue streams :Watch of the Day: A unique, one-of-a-kind release every weekday .Military Edition: Limited-edition watches featuring movements that served in World War II, released every Veterans Day.Custom Conversions: Restoring customer heirlooms into functional wristwatches .The Entrepreneurial LeapBefore Vortic, RT worked in logistics for Walmart, managing a $25 million budget at age 22 . He reflects on the "expensive masters of business" he earned by launching Vortic on Kickstarter in 2014 and the importance of taking the leap into entrepreneurship, even when the "math" seems daunting.Visit Vortic Watch Company: vorticwatches.comOur podcast is now available on Youtube. Simply search for "The Unconventional Path" to subscribe and never miss an episode.We're always on the lookout for interesting guests to feature on our show. If you know someone who has an inspiring story, unique perspective, or valuable expertise to share, please let us know. We're eager to connect with potential guests who can bring fresh insights and engaging conversations to our audience.We also love hearing from our listeners! Your questions, comments, and suggestions are incredibly valuable to us. Send us an email at [email protected] with your thoughts, and we'll do our best to address them in a future episode. Whether you have a question about a specific topic, feedback on a recent episode, or ideas for future content, we want to hear from you. Your engagement helps us shape the show and deliver content that resonates with our listeners.Thanks for listening,Bela and Mike

In this episode of The Unconventional Path: Entrepreneurship and Innovation Stories and Ideas, hosts Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman sit down with Laure Mandin, the founder of the product launch agency Graphos. Laure is also the author of the insightful new book, I Need That, which explores the high-stakes world of product marketing and the science behind successful product introductions.+4Launching a new product or service is the lifeblood of any growing company, yet many entrepreneurs underestimate the immense challenges involved. Laure explains that the primary reason most new products fail isn’t that they are "bad" ideas, but rather that they aren’t "great" enough to overcome the status quo. This episode dives deep into the "10X Reality"—the psychological and mathematical threshold that a product must meet to gain true market traction.+4The Go-To-Market Roadmap: Laure discusses how Graphos helps innovators de-risk their launches by creating a guide book for navigating challenges and maximizing the likelihood of success.The Planning Fallacy: Entrepreneurs often fall victim to "unrealistic optimism," overstating potential gains while underestimating the time and budget required to reach the market.+1The 10X Rule: While many believe a product only needs to be twice as good as the competition, Laure argues it must be 10 times better to overcome the "pain of change" for consumers.+2The Psychology of the Status Quo: Consumers typically overvalue their current solutions by at least three times, while innovators overvalue their new benefits by three times—creating a nine-fold imbalance that only a 10X improvement can break.+2Case Studies in Innovation: From the iPhone to Tesla, learn why these products succeeded by blowing the status quo out of the water rather than offering marginal improvements.Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting to develop your first prototype, Laure’s perspective on product marketing and the introduction of new products will change how you view your go-to-market strategy.+2Laure Mandin is a Canadian innovation expert and the founder of Graphos. Through his agency and his book, I Need That, he provides entrepreneurs with the tactics and roadmaps necessary to bridge the gap between a great idea and a market-leading product.Our podcast is now available on YouTube. Simply search for "The Unconventional Path" to subscribe and never miss an episode.We're always on the lookout for interesting guests to feature on our show. If you know someone who has an inspiring story, unique perspective, or valuable expertise to share, please let us know. We're eager to connect with potential guests who can bring fresh insights and engaging conversations to our audience.We also love hearing from our listeners! Your questions, comments, and suggestions are incredibly valuable to us. Send us an email at [email protected] with your thoughts, and we'll do our best to address them in a future episode. Whether you have a question about a specific topic, feedback on a recent episode, or ideas for future content, we want to hear from you. Your engagement helps us shape the show and deliver content that resonates with our listeners.Thanks for listening,Bela and MikeKey Insights from This Episode:About Today's Guest:Connect With Us

Are you throwing away half of your advertising budget? In this episode of The Unconventional Path, hosts Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman sit down with serial entrepreneur Jeff Greenfield to discuss the evolving landscape of digital marketing and how businesses can maximize their marketing spend.Jeff Greenfield is the founder of Provalytics, a company dedicated to helping brands understand their metrics and stop wasting money on ineffective advertising. With over 20 years of experience in the digital space, Jeff explains how marketing has shifted from traditional avenues like the Yellow Pages and radio to the complex web of social media, display ads, and behavioral retargeting.The Third Essential for New Businesses: Why every entrepreneur in 2024 needs a digital marketing consultant alongside their lawyer and accountant to navigate complex metrics.Decoding the "Wasted" Half: Jeff explores the old adage that "half the money spent on advertising is wasted" and reveals how modern software can finally identify which half that is.The Complexity of Customer Acquisition: Understanding why reaching customers today is infinitely more complex for everyone from a local pizzeria to a billion-dollar corporation.The Evolution of Digital Ads: A look back at the rise of the internet, from the early days of Yahoo homepage takeovers to the current era of user-generated content on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.+1The Power of Real-Time Reporting: How the shift from lagged print media effects to immediate digital "click-based" reports revolutionized how marketers prove their impact.Redeploying Your Budget: Strategies for taking saved money from wasted campaigns and redeploying it to achieve 2x or 3x returns on investment.Jeff Greenfield is a serial entrepreneur currently leading Provalytics. His expertise lies in providing companies with the software tools necessary to precisely measure the effectiveness of various campaigns across multiple digital paths. Jeff’s insights are essential for any business owner looking to improve their return on marketing investment in an increasingly digitized world.The Unconventional Path explores entrepreneurship and innovation through the stories and ideas of those who have paved their own way. Hosted by Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman, the podcast features high-level content designed to help listeners succeed in the modern business environment.Our podcast is now available on a variety of platforms to suit your listening preferences. You can find us on YouTube, where you can watch the recordings of our episodes, as well as on your favorite podcasting app. Simply search for "The Unconventional Path" to subscribe and never miss an episode.We're always on the lookout for interesting guests to feature on our show. If you know someone who has an inspiring story, unique perspective, or valuable expertise to share, please let us know. We're eager to connect with potential guests who can bring fresh insights and engaging conversations to our audience.We also love hearing from our listeners! Your questions, comments, and suggestions are incredibly valuable to us. Send us an email at [email protected] with your thoughts, and we'll do our best to address them in a future episode. Whether you have a question about a specific topic, feedback on a recent episode, or ideas for future content, we want to hear from you. Your engagement helps us shape the show and deliver content that resonates with our listeners.Thanks for listening,Bela and MikeKeywords: Digital Marketing, Customer Acquisition Cost, Marketing ROI, Entrepreneurship, Jeff Greenfield, Provalytics, Advertising Spend, Social Media Marketing, Business Innovation.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:About the Guest: Jeff GreenfieldAbout The Unconventional Path

Can a tiny legume save the world? In this episode of The Unconventional Path, hosts Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman dive into a fascinating conversation with Kathryn Cook, the visionary co-founder of NuCicer, an innovative ag-tech and food technology company.+4Kathryn is on a mission to unlock the full potential of the chickpea, moving it beyond just hummus and salads to become a staple crop that can revolutionize our global food system. With over 50% of human caloric intake currently relying on just three crops—corn, wheat, and rice—our food security is increasingly at risk due to climate change and environmental shifts.+4In this interview, Kathryn reveals the "mysterious" history of the chickpea and explains why modern varieties are actually "broken" for large-scale food production. You will learn how NuCicer is using 15 years of research from UC Davis to tap into the 95% of genetic diversity left behind in wild ancestors 8,000 years ago. By breeding chickpeas with higher protein, better flavor, and improved functionality, they are creating a sustainable, climate-resilient solution for farmers and a highly nutritious, minimally processed ingredient for food manufacturers.+4In this episode, we discuss:The Power of Chickpeas: Why this nitrogen-fixing crop is essential for soil health and sustainable crop rotations.Fixing a Broken System: How NuCicer overcomes the challenges of high oil content and low yields in traditional chickpeas to create superior chickpea flour and protein.Ag-Tech Innovation: The process of spinning a company out of university research and scaling a business that bridges the gap between farmers and grocery store shelves.+2Entrepreneurial Journey: Kathryn shares her "elevator pitch" and the process of securing funding to bring a high-vision mission to life.Whether you are an entrepreneur interested in ag-tech, a foodie looking for more sustainable protein sources, or someone curious about the future of food, this episode offers a deep dive into how innovation can transform an ancient crop into a global solution.+1We're always on the lookout for interesting guests to feature on our show. If you know someone who has an inspiring story, unique perspective, or valuable expertise to share, please let us know. We're eager to connect with potential guests who can bring fresh insights and engaging conversations to our audience.We also love hearing from our listeners! Your questions, comments, and suggestions are incredibly valuable to us. Send us an email at [email protected] with your thoughts, and we'll do our best to address them in a future episode. Whether you have a question about a specific topic, feedback on a recent episode, or ideas for future content, we want to hear from you. Your engagement helps us shape the show and deliver content that resonates with our listeners.Thank you for being a part of our podcast community. We appreciate your support and look forward to continuing to bring you inspiring stories and thought-provoking conversations on The Unconventional Path. Remember to subscribe, leave a review, and share the show with your friends and family. Together, we can explore the endless possibilities that lie beyond the conventional.Thanks for listening,Bela and MikeConnect with The Unconventional PathKeywords: Chickpea, Ag-Tech, Food Technology, Sustainable Agriculture, Plant-Based Protein, NuCicer, Kathryn Cook, Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Soil Health, Global Food System, Climate-Resilient Crops.

In this podcast episode, Bela Musits delves into the inspiring journey of Luka Yancopoulos, the visionary founder of Grapevine. Luka's story begins in the midst of the global COVID-19 lockdown, where he recognized a pressing need in the healthcare industry. Driven by his passion for innovation and a desire to make a positive impact, Luka embarked on an entrepreneurial endeavor from the confines of his dorm room. With unwavering dedication, Luka channeled his energy into Grapevine, a groundbreaking company aimed at revolutionizing supply chain management for doctors' offices. Recognizing the administrative burden and inefficiencies that plagued these practices, Luka envisioned a solution that would alleviate the workload and minimize the stress associated with procurement. Grapevine's mission is to empower doctors' offices with a streamlined and cost-effective supply chain management system. Through its innovative platform, Grapevine takes the guesswork out of inventory tracking, order placement, and vendor negotiations. By leveraging advanced technology and strategic partnerships, the company provides doctors' offices with access to a vast network of suppliers, ensuring they receive the medical supplies they need, when they need them, and at competitive prices. Luka's commitment to customer satisfaction and his unwavering belief in Grapevine's potential have propelled the company to remarkable success. Since its inception, Grapevine has experienced rapid growth, partnering with numerous doctors' offices across the country. The company's dedication to exceptional service and its ability to deliver tangible cost savings have earned it a reputation for excellence within the healthcare industry. As Grapevine continues to expand its reach, Luka remains steadfast in his vision of transforming supply chain management for doctors' offices. Through ongoing innovation and a relentless pursuit of operational efficiency, Grapevine is poised to revolutionize the way healthcare providers manage their supply chains, enabling them to focus on what matters most—delivering exceptional patient care. You can find out more about Grapevine here: https://www.go-grapevine.com/ Our podcast is now also available on YouTube and your favorite podcasting app.  Just search for The Unconventional Path. If you know of someone who would be a good guest for the show, let us know and we will try to get them as a guest.  We also love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected] - we will answer your questions in a future episode. Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike

In this podcast episode, Bela Musits interviews David Steele.  He is the CEO & founder of One Wealth Advisors, an independent RIA firm handling over $1B in assets, who also is a prolific restaurateur, having opened 6 restaurants in 6 years in the competitive Bay Area. And that's just the start - he's also a philanthropist, artist, yoga studio owner, and more.  David’s management style is focused on a disciplined approach: working collaboratively with partners and team members, setting clearly defined goals, developing and executing a strategic plan to achieve those goals, and constantly monitoring the results to assure the plan is successful. You can find more info about about David and his various endeavors here: https://davidsteele.xyz/ Our podcast is now also available on YouTube and your favorite podcasting app.  Just search for The Unconventional Path. If you know of someone who would be a good guest for the show, let us know and we will try to get them as a guest.  We also love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected] - we will answer your questions in a future episode. Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike

In this podcast episode, Bela Musits interviews Eran Mizrahi.  He is the co-founder of Ingredient Brothers.  Eran is a specialist in global raw, natural & specialty ingredient sourcing (former COO of nuts.com.   We had a great conversation about supply chain challenges in today's world and the many lessons he has learned about running and managing a 100% remote organization. The episode is a great example of entrepreneurship and can be inspiring to many. Be sure to give it a listen to learn more about Eran’s journey. You can find more info about about Ingredient Brothers here: https://ingredientbrothers.com/ Our podcast is now also available on YouTube and your favorite podcasting app.  Just search for The Unconventional Path. If you know of someone who would be a good guest for the show, let us know and we will try to get them as a guest.  We also love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected] - we will answer your questions in a future episode. Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike

In this podcast episode, Bela Musits interviews Joe Connelly, a former New York City paramedic who wrote the book "Bringing Out the Dead." The book was later adapted into a movie starring Nicolas Cage and directed by Martin Scorsese. Joe has since moved to a small town in upstate New York and became president of the local rescue squad. The conversation focuses on Joe's experience transforming a 100% volunteer Not For Profit (NFP) organization into one with full-time paid paramedics, serving two communities. We discuss the challenges of organizational transformation and working in a volunteer NFP where everyone in the community knows each other. The episode is a great example of entrepreneurship and can be inspiring to many. Be sure to give it a listen to learn more about Joe's journey and the transformation of the rescue squad. You can find more info about about Joe’s book here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bringing_Out_the_Dead Our podcast is now also available on YouTube and your favorite podcasting app.  Just search for The Unconventional Path. If you know of someone who would be a good guest for the show, let us know and we will try to get them as a guest.  We also love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected] - we will answer your questions in a future episode. Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike

In this episode of the podcast, Bela Musits interviews Steve Ovitt.  Steve founded Wilderness Property Management after a 30  year career as a New York State Forest Ranger.  His company works with municipalities and private organizations to provide recreational access to public and private lands properties preserving the wilderness character of the land.  This is a great example of a 2nd career that brings together Steve's expertise and passion. I found our conversation inspiring and a great example of entrepreneurship. So please give the episode a listen! You can find more info about Wilderness Property Management here: https://www.wildernesspropertymanagement.com/ Our podcast is now also available on YouTube and your favorite podcasting app.  Just search for The Unconventional Path. If you know of someone who would be a good guest for the show, let us know and we will try to get them as a guest.  We also love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected] - we will answer your questions in a future episode. Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike

In this episode of the podcast, Bela Musits interviews Robert Khoury.  Robert has held leadership positions in the financial industry as an equity derivatives trader, portfolio manager, corporate strategist, chief operating officer, and private equity investor.  He is co-founder and CEO of Agile Rainmakers, a high-impact business development consulting and advisory firm based in Chicago.  He also recently wrote a book titled, How to Intern Successfully.  In my interview with him, we focused on internships and how to make them successful for both the intern and the company. I found our conversation inspiring and a great example of entrepreneurship. So please give the episode a listen! You can find more info about Robert’s book here: https://www.amazon.com/How-Intern-Successfully-Insights-Experience-ebook/dp/B09F743KSG Our podcast is now also available on YouTube and your favorite podcasting app.  Just search for The Unconventional Path. If you know of someone who would be a good guest for the show, let us know and we will try to get them as a guest.  We also love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected] - we will answer your questions in a future episode. Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike

Welcome to The Unconventional Path: Entrepreneurship and Innovation Stories and Ideas. Today we are doing something a bit different.  As our long time listeners know, Mike and I like to change things up once in a while. Today, Mike and I interview Chris Kubisiak.  Chris is an organizational psychologist and avid sailor. We interviewed him for the sailing podcast Mike and I do.  We discussed how psychology and human behavior plays a large role in sailing.  Many aspects of our conversation also apply to business and leadership.  So, we decided to broadcast the episode on the Unconventional Path podcast. You can reach Chris at [email protected] We hope you enjoy the conversation as much as we did. So please give the episode a listen! Our podcast is now also available on YouTube and your favorite podcasting app.  Just search for The Unconventional Path. If you know of someone who would be a good guest for the show, let us know and we will try to get them as a guest.  We also love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected] - we will answer your questions in a future episode. Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike

Before Mike I record the intros to the podcast, we usually start chatting about something we are both interested in. On this occasion, I decided to hit the record button during our conversation.  As usual, we had a great conversation and we decided to turn it into an episode.  Here is a summary of what we discussed: What’s going on with Bela and Mike. Mike comes back to Michigan for a visit.  Some culture shock. Bela’s summer job working for a small commuter airline. The challenges of air travel Mike’s teaching at University of Muenster College education in Germany and the USA A little political comment. We hope you enjoy the conversation as much as we did. If you liked this episode, let us know and we will hit the record button again. Our podcast is now also available on YouTube and your favorite podcasting app.  Just search for The Unconventional Path. If you know of someone who would be a good guest for the show, let us know and we will try to get them as a guest.  We also love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected] - we will answer your questions in a future episode. Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike

In this episode of the podcast, Bela Musits interviews David Kruczlincki, the retired CEO of a large community hospital.  Bela and David discuss decision-making with limited information, culture, and the complexities of leading an organization in a highly regulated environment. This is one of our short video series podcasts where I converse with C-level business leaders about building great organizations. These interviews were originally taped several years ago when I was Dean of the Business School at Union Graduate College. I believe they deserve to be re-edited and presented to a broader audience. So, here is one of them. More to follow. Hope you enjoy our conversation We hope you found this episode interesting and thought provoking. We also appreciate if you would subscribe or follow the show.   Our podcast is now also available on YouTube and your favorite podcasting app.  Just search for The Unconventional Path. If you know of someone who would be a good guest for the show, let us know and we will try to get them as a guest.  We also love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected] - we will answer your questions in a future episode. Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike

In this episode of the podcast, Bela Musits interviews Hugh Johnson.  Hugh is a world-class financial advisor and economist.   He has appeared on many News and Finance TV shows.  This is one of our short video series podcasts where I converse with C-level business leaders about building great organizations. These interviews were originally taped several years ago, when I was Dean of the Business School at Union Graduate College. I believed they deserved to be re-edited and presented to a broader audience. So, here is one of them. More to follow. Hope you enjoy our conversation We hope you found this episode interesting and thought provoking. We also appreciate if you would subscribe or follow the show.   Our podcast is now also available on YouTube and your favorite podcasting app.  Just search for The Unconventional Path. If you know of someone who would be a good guest for the show, let us know and we will try to get them as a guest.  We also love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected] - we will answer your questions in a future episode. Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike

In this episode of the podcast, Bela Musits interviews Mary Cregut - VP of Human Resources.  This is one of our short video series podcasts where I converse with C-level business leaders about building great organizations. These interviews were originally taped several years ago, when I was Dean of the Business School at Union Graduate College. I believed they deserved to be re-edited and presented to a broader audience. So, here is one of them. More to follow. Today's guest is Mary Cregut, VP of Human Resources.  Hope you enjoy our conversation We hope you found this episode interesting and thought provoking. We also appreciate it if you would subscribe or follow the show.   Our podcast is now also available on YouTube and your favorite podcasting app.  Just search for The Unconventional Path. If you know of someone who would be a good guest for the show, let us know and we will try to get them as a guest.  We also love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected] - we will answer your questions in a future episode. Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike

In this episode of the podcast, Bela Musits interviews Michael Segal.  Michael is the founder and CEO of Skylight.  Skylight is a leading digital photo frame and digital calendar brand that helps families stay connected. Michael founded Skylight in 2014 while he was a student at Harvard Business School living hundreds of miles away from family, and was eager to invent a device that made it easy to share photos with far-away loved ones in a unique way. After raising $55K on Kickstarter, he created one of the first Wi-Fi connected digital photo frames which started shipping a few months later. Since launching, Skylight has grown to over 5 million users, and has become the #1 best-selling brand of digital photo frames on Amazon. Despite coming from a VC background, Michael has managed to grow the company profitably for nearly a decade entirely through bootstrapping. I found our conversation inspiring and a great example of entrepreneurship. So please give the episode a listen! You can find more info about Skylight  here: https://www.skylightframe.com/ Our podcast is now also available on YouTube and your favorite podcasting app.  Just search for The Unconventional Path. If you know of someone who would be a good guest for the show, let us know and we will try to get them as a guest.  We also love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected] - we will answer your questions in a future episode. Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike

In this episode of the podcast, Bela Musits interviews Erica Cole.  Erica is the founder of No Limbits.  This is a super interesting company with a mission. No Limbits was created with the goal of providing easy and accessible solutions to everyday problems.  After losing her leg in a car accident in 2018, Erica Cole found that her new prosthetic leg wasn't compatible with her existing wardrobe. So she went on to Shark Tank, received funding, and started a clothing company to solve the problem.  I found our conversation inspiring and a great example of entrepreneurship. So please give the episode a listen! You can find more info about No Limbits and Erica here: https://no-limbits.com/ Our podcast is now also available on YouTube and your favorite podcasting app.  Just search for The Unconventional Path. If you know of someone who would be a good guest for the show, let us know and we will try to get them as a guest.  We also love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected] - we will answer your questions in a future episode. Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike

In this episode, Bela Musits interviews Stephen Barden.  Stephen is a specialist in organizational leadership and strategy. He has worked with board-level leaders to help them and their successors develop and implement strategies that benefit and sustain the entire organization. Stephen has clients in Europe, the USA, the UK, and Africa. He is also the author of the book "How Successful Leaders Do Business with Their World." We had a great conversation, so be sure to listen to the episode! You can find more about Stephen here: https://www.stephenbarden.org/ Our podcast is now also available on YouTube and your favorite podcasting app.  Just search for The Unconventional Path. If you know of someone who would be a good guest for the show, let us know and we will try to get them as a guest.  We also love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected] - we will answer your questions in a future episode. Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike

In this episode, Bela Musits interviews Derek Slayton and Sean Magee, the founders and owners of Trampoline Design. They help companies develop branding and advertising campaigns to raise customer awareness and recognition. They have built their business slowly and steadily in this highly competitive field. We had a great conversation, so be sure to listen to the episode! You can find more info about Trampoline Design here: https://www.trampolinedesign.com/ Our podcast is now also available on YouTube and your favorite podcasting app.  Just search for The Unconventional Path. If you know of someone who would be a good guest for the show, let us know and we will try to get them as a guest.  We also love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected] - we will answer your questions in a future episode. Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike

In this episode of the podcast, Bela Musits interviews Jenny Tse.  She is the founder of Sipping Streams Tea Company. Jenny was born in Hong Kong but raised in Fairbanks, Alaska. She spent her summers selling her mother's vegetables at the local farmer's market and was very active in the local community. Her vision for Sipping Streams began in the summer of 2004 when she began to notice how tea brought different people together. Traveling to different tea farms in China encouraged her to teach about tea in her local community. Tse is a certified tea specialist. Her custom hand blends and specialty teas have won 1st, 2nd, and 3rd at the North American Tea Championships, 2nd place at the Global Tea Championships, and 1st place for the Top Tea Infusionist Competition at the World Tea Expo 2011. We had a great conversation so please give the episode a listen! You can find more info about Sipping Streams Tea Company and Jenny here: https://sippingstreams.com/ Our podcast is now also available on YouTube and your favorite podcasting app.  Just search for The Unconventional Path. If you know of someone who would be a good guest for the show, let us know and we will try to get them as a guest.  We also love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected] - we will answer your questions in a future episode. Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike

In this episode of the podcast, Bela Musits interviews Paul Baron, he is the founder and chief executive officer of The Wall Printer USA. Paul is responsible for all executive functions, assuring the growth of the corporation and of the businesses that purchase a Wall Printer. His decades of business experience span B2B, B2C, retail, manufacturing, distribution, international business, and franchising. Paul has personally developed and launched business concepts and supported successful revenue growth, which lead to exits for several start-ups and established businesses.   We had a great conversation so please give the episode a listen! You can find more info about The Wall Printer and Paul here: https://thewallprinter.com/en/ Our podcast is now also available on YouTube and your favorite podcasting app.  Just search for The Unconventional Path. If you know of someone who would be a good guest for the show, let us know and we will try to get them as a guest.  We also love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected] - we will answer your questions in a future episode. Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by repeat guest Devon Watson. Devon was previously featured on episodes 24 and 142. We engage in a three-way conversation with Devon, Mike, and Bela on the topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Devon has written several posts about AI and is quite knowledgeable on the subject. We discuss the potential impact of AI and some of the positive aspects it can contribute to society. We also conducted a small experiment using AI, and the response we received was 90% incorrect. You can find more info about Devon Watson here: www.Twitter.com/watsondevon https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/great-divide-how-ai-automation-creating-bifurcated-labor-devon-watson  Please give the episode a listen! Our podcast is now also available on YouTube and your favorite podcasting app.  Just search for The Unconventional Path. If you know of someone who would be a good guest for the show, let us know and we will try to get them as a guest.  We also love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected] - we will answer your questions in a future episode. Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Rick Elmore.  He is an entrepreneur, sales, and marketing expert, and former college and professional football athlete. As the Founder and CEO of Simply Noted, Rick developed a proprietary technology that puts real pen and ink to paper to scale handwritten communication, helping businesses of all industries scale this unique marketing platform to stand out from their competition and build meaningful relationships with clients, customers, and employees. Please give the episode a listen! You can find more info about Rick and Simply Noted here: https://simplynoted.com/ Our podcast is now also available on YouTube and your favorite podcasting app.  Just search for The Unconventional Path. If you know of someone who would be a good guest for the show, let us know and we will try to get them as a guest.  We also love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected] - we will answer your questions in a future episode. Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike

Today’s guest on the podcast is David Dussault, the founder of P1 Industries in Schenectady, NY.  This is part 2 of my conversation with David.  David started P1 after leaving GE and has built a solid business in machining and fabricating precision metal components for the energy and defense industry.  Listen to how David has grown this company by keeping a  keen eye on building a customer service-focused culture.  P1 is a great example of applying entrepreneurship to traditional manufacturing businesses.  This was a long conversation, so I broke it into 2 parts.  This a part 2.    Please give the episode a listen!   You can find more info about David and P1 here:  http://www.p1ind.com   Our podcast is now also available on YouTube as well as your favorite podcasting app.  Just search for The Unconventional Path. If you know of someone who would be a good guest for the show, let us know and we will try to get them as a guest.  We also love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected] - we will answer your questions in a future episode.   Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike

Today’s guest on the podcast is David Dussault, the founder of P1 Industries in Schenectady, NY.  He was a guest on the podcast black in EP-2.  David started P1 after leaving GE and has built a solid business in machining and fabricating precision metal components for the energy and defense industry.  Listen to how David has grown this company by keeping a  keen eye on building a customer service-focused culture.  P1 is a great example of applying entrepreneurship to traditional manufacturing businesses.  This was a long conversation, so I broke it into 2 parts.  This a part one. Please give the episode a listen! You can find more info about David and P1 here:  http://www.p1ind.com Our podcast is now also available on YouTube as well as your favorite podcasting app.  Just search for The Unconventional Path. If you know of someone who would be a good guest for the show, let us know and we will try to get them as a guest.  We also love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected] - we will answer your questions in a future episode. Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Anish Majumdar.  He is a career coach and an expert in the hidden job market.  We have a wonderful conversation about the most effective way to make new opportunities for yourself. Please give the episode a listen! You can find more info about Anish here: https://www.helloanish.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/anishmajumdar/ Our podcast is now also available on YouTube as well as your favorite podcasting app.  Just search for The Unconventional Path. If you know of someone who would be a good guest for the show, let us know and we will try to get them as a guest.  We also love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected] - we will answer your questions in a future episode. Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Jeremy Ryan Slate.  He is an entrepreneur, media expert, author and CEO and founder of Command Your Brand. He studied literature at Oxford University and is a former champion powerlifter that helps visionary founders to impact the world and better mankind through podcasting and new media to create trust and opinion leader status. Podcast Magazine just included Jeremy on their 2022 40 under 40 in Podcasting list.  He is also the author of “Unremarkable to Extraordinary” Please give the episode a listen! You can find more info about Jeremy here: https://commandyourbrand.com/ You can find his book here: https://www.amazon.com/Unremarkable-Extraordinary-Passion-Passive-Observer/dp/1953153682 Our podcast is now also available on YouTube as well as your favorite podcasting app.  Just search for The Unconventional Path. If you know of someone who would be a good guest for the show, let us know and we will try to get them as a guest.  We also love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected] - we will answer your questions in a future episode. Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Jonathan Jay.  Over the past 30 years, Jonathan has built and exited businesses in publishing, digital marketing, adult education, and preschool education. This experience has given him special insights into what mistakes business owners and investors should avoid in order to succeed.  His new book, “Business Buying Strategies” is a must read for anyone looking to grow their existing business or acquire a business. Please give the episode a listen! You can find more info about Jonathan Jay here: https://dealmakers.co.uk/ Our podcast is now also available on YouTube as well as your favorite podcasting app.  Just search for The Unconventional Path. If you know of someone who would be a good guest for the show, let us know and we will try to get them as a guest.  We also love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected] - we will answer your questions in a future episode. Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Steven Blue.  He is the CEO of Miller Ingenuity, a Keynote Speaker, and a Best-Selling Author.  We had a great conversation about leadership, building organizations, and focusing on your customer. If you are watching the video version of this podcast, Steven’s video was not working, so the video is just me. Please give the episode a listen! You can find more info about Steven Blue here: https://www.stevenlblue.com/ Our podcast is now available on YouTube and your favorite podcasting app.  For YouTube, just search for The Unconventional Path or use this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcihgLJ_eTFCgFXADE7_reg If you know of someone who would be a good guest for the show, let us know and we will try to get them as a guest.  We also love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected] - we will answer your questions in a future episode. Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Robin Singhvi.  He is a first-time entrepreneur.  He is the founder of SmartCue, a software as a service company (SAS) focused on helping customers sell software products and services in the B2B sector.  We had a great conversation about the challenges of starting a software company, selling software, and all of the other things founders need to do. Please give the episode a listen! You can find more info about Robin and SmartCue here: https://www.getsmartcue.com/ Our podcast is now also available on YouTube as well as your favorite podcasting app.  Just search for The Unconventional Path. If you know of someone who would be a good guest for the show, let us know and we will try to get them as a guest.  We also love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected] - we will answer your questions in a future episode. Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by  Reiner Lomb.  He is the author of “ASPIRE: Seven Essential Emotions for Leading Positive Change, No Matter Where You Are”. Reiner has been an executive at several major international corporations and turned his experience and philosophies into active coaching and leadership facilitation business. Please give the episode a listen! You can find more info about Reiner here: https://reinerlomb.com/ Our podcast is now available on YouTube and your favorite podcasting app.  For YouTube, just search for The Unconventional Path or use this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcihgLJ_eTFCgFXADE7_reg If you know of someone who would be a good guest for the show, let us know and we will try to get them as a guest.  We also love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected] - we will answer your questions in a future episode. Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Brant Cooper.  He is a New York Times bestselling author of “The Lean Entrepreneur and CEO” and founder of Moves the Needle. Brant works as a trusted adviser to startups and large enterprises around the world. With  more than 25 years of expertise in changing industrial age mindset into digital age opportunities, Please give the episode a listen! You can find more info about Brant here: Brantcooper.com Our podcast is now also available on YouTube as well as your favorite podcasting app.  Just search for The Unconventional Path. If you know of someone who would be a good guest for the show, let us know and we will try to get them as a guest.  We also love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected] - we will answer your questions in a future episode. Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Gary Frey.  Gary has served as president of four successful companies, including Bizjournals.com, a business news portal that he helped transform from a three-person organization to a $100 million company. He has done two turnarounds and held executive positions in two Fortune 100 companies. Gary leads business growth coaching and business development efforts for a regional CPA firm that serves privately held businesses and their owners. So give the episode a listen! You can find more info about Gary Frey here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garydfrey/ If you know of someone who would be a good guest for the show, let us know and we will try to get them as a guest.  We also love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected] - we will answer your questions in a future episode. Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by retired Major General Robert W. Mixon, Jr. has achieved over three decades of extraordinary leadership success in diverse organizations, including the United States Army where he commanded the 7th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, Colorado prior to his retirement in 2007. Subsequently, he served in executive leadership positions in for-profit and not-for-profit companies before starting his own leadership company, Level Five Associates, in 2014. So give the episode a listen! You can find more info about Robert Mixon here: https://www.levelfiveassociates.com/ If you know of someone who would be a good guest for the show, let us know and we will try to get them as a guest.  We also love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected] - we will answer your questions in a future episode. Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Ben Knegendorf.  He founded Paramount Pet Health.  An e-comm store for cats and dogs.  He started a business with $500 and after 2 years has achieved $11M in revenue.  It is quite a contrast to the VC-backed businesses that raise $20-$30M and still do not make it to $11M in revenue after 2 years. So give the episode a listen! You can find more info about Ben Knegendorf here: https://www.benknegendorf.com/ DropshipBreakthru.com DropshipPodcast.com

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Steven Adjei.  He is a fascinating, multi-faced individual who is an author, poet, healthcare consultant, and entrepreneur. He is the founding partner of BlueCloud Health (www.bluecloudhealth.com), a UK-based, African-focused healthcare firm that exists to provide solutions to health businesses in Sub-Saharan Africa. So give the episode a listen! You can find more info about Steven Adjei here: https://www.stevenadjei.com/ If you know of someone who would be a good guest for the show, let us know and we will try to get them as a guest.  We also love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected] - we will answer your questions in a future episode. Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike

In this episode of the podcast, Mike and I chat about what is going on in our lives and some current events.  This is another one of those pre-podcast recordings that we decided to upload for those of you who are interested.  We talk about sailing, family, life in general, the economy, politics, the Jan 6th hearings, and energy prices in both the USA and Germany. If you like this episode, let us know, as it is a bit different. If you know of someone who would be a good guest for the show, let us know and we will try to get them as a guest.  We also love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected] - we will answer your questions in a future episode. Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Michelle Seiler Tucker.  She is a 20-year veteran of the mergers and acquisitions industry where she is a leading authority on buying, selling, financing, and growing businesses. We had a fascinating conversation about how founders and company leaders often do not think about positioning the company for a successful acquisition. So give the episode a listen! You can find more info about Michelle Seiler Tucker here: https://seilertucker.com/ If you know of someone who would be a good guest for the show, let us know and we will try to get them as a guest.  We also love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected] - we will answer your questions in a future episode. Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by  Devon Watson, Devon is the Executive Vice President of Global Banking & Chief Marketing Officer at Diebold-Nixdorf. Within his organization, he is also responsible for business development and acquisitions. The most common exit for entrepreneurs is being acquired or merged with another company. In my conversation with Devon, we discussed, what qualities Diebold-Nixdorf looks for in a potential acquisition,  how Diebold-Nixdorf evaluates acquisitions, and why a good strategic fit is critical. You can find more info about Diebold-Nixdorf here: https://www.dieboldnixdorf.com/en-us/about-us/ If you know of someone who would be a good guest for the show, let us know and we will try to get them as a guest.  We also love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected] - we will answer your questions in a future episode. Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Brad Svrluga.  Brad is co-founder of primary Ventures based in New York City.  Primary is one of the premier early-stage VC firms in the United States.  He has over 20 years of experience in early-stage investing and Primary is the second VC firm Brad has co-founded.  We discuss how differentiating Primary from the crowded VC space has played a critical role in the firm's success.  Brad also shares his investing hot buttons and how elusive success can be in the entrepreneurial community. You can find more info about Primary Ventures here: https://www.primary.vc/ If you know of someone who would be a good guest for the show, let us know and we will try to get them as a guest.  We also love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected] - we will answer your questions in a future episode. Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Jim Senall.  Jim runs the Rochester Angel Network, (RAN) in Rochester NY.  We discussed how angel investing plays a critical role in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.  Jim also described how RAN has evolved during the last 20 years, both in terms of its structure and the characteristics of the investments it makes. So give the episode a listen! You can find more info about RAN here: http://www.rochesterangels.com/ If you know of someone who would be a good guest for the show, let us know and we will try to get them as a guest.  We also love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected] - we will answer your questions in a future episode. Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike