Masters and Founders

In this episode of Masters and Founder, host Dan Dillard sits down with Dr. Ken Wisian at Austin's Ibble Studios. Dr. Wisian is the Associate Director of the Bureau of Economic Geology's Environmental Division at the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Wisian discusses the importance of following your passions. He shares how following his passions for science fiction and military history guided him in his career path. A path that led him to a fulfilling career that he would gladly live all over again. After graduating with a physics degree from UT Austin, Dr. Wisian started his career as a navigator in the Air Force. It's there he learned that it is better to be flying over the battlefield rather than be on it. He later went on to achieve a doctorate degree in geophysics. Dr. Wisian now researches geothermal energy in hopes to solve the energy crisis within the next couple of years. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode of Masters and Founders, Host Dan Dillard welcomes his guest, fellow serial entrepreneur and long-time friend, Joshua B. Lee to the show. Dan and Josh sat down together at Austin's Ibble Studios to talk about the highs and lows of Josh's journey as an entrepreneur. Josh is the founder and CEO of StandOut Authority, which he started in 2014. StandOut Authority helps businesses grow their influence and optimize the human connection through LinkedIn. Focusing on H2H connections, rather than B2B or B2C, Josh's energy and passion comes through in everything he does. But that wasn't always so. It took a bad bet and the loss of several businesses to make him realize, you have to understand failure to be able to appreciate success.And as a founder and business owner, Josh has seen plenty of both — and learned a whole lot about what really matters along the way. He got his start in 2003 working in online marketing for businesses like MySpace and Google, and over the two decades that followed, went on to start 16 businesses and author a book called “Balance is Bullsh*t.” In their conversation, Josh shares the proudest moments in his career, why seeking counsel has been instrumental for his relationships and personal growth, and digs into why sharing stories of both successes and failures as entrepreneurs is so important for the next generation of founders.Learn more and watch the podcast at foundingAUSTIN.A founding_media production. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Cortney Jones is a social worker, Child Welfare advocate, and the Executive Director and Founder of Change 1, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support services that improve the lives of children, youth, and families that experience the Child Welfare system and other Health & Human Services systems.She joins hosts Dan Dillard and PJ Christie for the final episode of Search & Convert's Founder Spotlight series to share her experiences as a founder, the work that Change 1 accomplishes, and her involvement in Search & Convert's Black Businesses Matter initiative. Highlights include: Cortney's journey from social worker to founder and Executive Director of the nonprofit Change 1 How Change 1 works in the community to support children transitioning out of the Child Welfare system The unique challenges that entrepreneurs face when they're founding a nonprofit organizationWhy it's important for people working with Foster Youth to have lived experiences in the Child Welfare system The challenges that entrepreneurs of color face as a direct result of their raceHow you can help Change 1 manifest their goals to build a one-stop drop-in center for Foster Youth and young adults who have emancipated from the system This Founder Spotlight series is sponsored by Search and Convert, an Austin-based marketing agency that can help your business get more leads through your site. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jonathan Chaka Mahone is an artist, activist, and entrepreneur. He is one half of the dynamic hip hop duo Riders Against the Storm alongside his wife Ghislaine Qi Dada Jean, as well as the designer behind the fashion line NefrFreshr. Through this creative work, Mahone recognized and experienced injustice in how Austin supports artists of color. He shares his experiences and tells us how he created the Black Live Music Fund and DAWA to address these needs and alleviate these systemic issues.Mahone joins hosts Dan Dillard and PJ Christie for the second Founder Spotlight in Search & Convert's series to shine light on systemic issues in Austin, share how he combines art and activism to effect change in our community, and discuss his involvement in Search & Convert's Black Businesses Matter initiative. Highlights include: How Riders Against the Storm was an entry point for Mahone to start NefrFreshr, the fashion lineHow NefrFreshr combines ancestral wisdom and present perspective to share a message while looking fresh at the same timeHow Austin fails to support Black musicians, and how the Black Live Music Fund helps to address that issue How DAWA aids community frontliners and artists of color in times of crisis How to recognize your community's needs and provide solutions to those needsThe importance of being involved in the community to uproot systemic issues and keep them from getting worseThis Founder Spotlight series is sponsored by Search and Convert, an Austin-based marketing agency that can help your business get more leads through your site. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Shannon Stott, improviser, teacher, and founder of Improv | On and Off the Stage, sits down with founder of Search & Convert PJ Christie and our host Dan Dillard to talk about her experiences as a founder and her involvement in Search & Convert's Black Businesses Matter initiative. Highlights include: Stott's journey from corner office to entrepreneur How improvisational skills can translate in our day-to-day lives, helping us connect to ourselves and others Why Search & Convert believes you have to get to know a client before you can provide SEO services to them The challenge that Black entrepreneurs face when they are looking for support but want to avoid being in service of empty, performative gestures Stott and Christie's advice for entrepreneursThis Founder Spotlight episode is sponsored by Search and Convert, an Austin-based marketing agency that can help your business get more leads through your site. Read more, listen, and watch at foundingAUSTIN. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week Dan is sitting down with Don Donovan of Baker Street Solutions. Don is an inventor, data junkie, and author of The Right to Succeed™, a marketing approach guaranteed to deliver. With 20 years of client experience at Procter & Gamble in brand, category and general management, and 15 years of marketing consulting as founder and CEO of Baker Street Solutions, Don is Baker Street’s “Discovery” guru. Don’s vision for how consumer behavior is translated into predictive modeling is the basis for his extraordinary career.Guest: Don Donovan Host: Dan DillardProducer: Myrriah GossettAudio Engineer: Jake WallaceLearn more about Don and Baker Street: https://bakerstreetsf.comFounding Media YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLyxQReKL3jHiwd0BXsTcGQPacking Taste Podcast: https://shows.pippa.io/packing-taste A Founding Media PodcastFounding Austin See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week Dan is chatting with Chris Condit. Chris along with his now wife Mandy founded the Texas 4000 in 2004. Chris is a Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivor having been diagnosed at age 11. He created the Texas 4000 as a way to continue the fight against cancer by raising funds for research and sharing hope, knowledge, and charity throughout the continent. Chris felt that creating the longest charity bicycle ride in the world, from Texas to Alaska, would be an appropriate way to fight the nation’s greatest disease threat.Guest: Chris ConditHost: Dan DillardProducer: Myrriah GossettAudio Engineer: Jake WallaceLearn more about Chris and the Texas 4000: https://www.texas4000.orgFounding Media YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLyxQReKL3jHiwd0BXsTcGQA Founding Media PodcastFounding Austin See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week Dan is chatting with Jody Goehring. Jody is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Hyde Park Ventures. and previously served as Vice President and Head of Corporate and Business Development at digital promotions giant RetailMeNot, Inc. Jody was an Associate Director in the Technology, Media, Telecom investment banking group at UBS Investment Bank in New York where he advised on a number of M&A and financing transactions. He also gained management consulting experience at Booz Allen Hamilton. Hyde Park Ventures' portfolio includes Boston-based Hyde Park Burgers, and the third largest Five Guys franchisee in the United States.Guest: Jody Goehring Host: Dan DillardProducer: Myrriah GossettAudio Engineer: Jake WallaceLearn more about Jody and his work: www.hydeparkventures.comFounding Media YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLyxQReKL3jHiwd0BXsTcGQA Founding Media PodcastFounding Austin See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week Dan is sitting down with Prentice Howe, Owner and Chief Creative Officer of Door Number 3. Prentice has worked with some of America’s most iconic brands including Minute Maid, The UPS Store, Anheuser-Busch and JBL. Prentice’s work has been recognized nationally and internationally in prestigious shows such as Cannes Lions, London International Advertising Awards, the Webby Awards and Communication Arts. Dan, Ryan Francis, and Prentice go over how he got his start and why values are an important part of any brand strategy.Guest: Prentice HoweHost: Dan Dillard, Ryan FrancisProducer: Myrriah GossettAudio Engineer: Jake WallaceLearn more about Prentice and his work: https://www.dn3austin.com/peopleFounding Media YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLyxQReKL3jHiwd0BXsTcGQA Founding Media PodcastFounding Austin See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week Dan is sitting down with venture capitalist, political strategist and writer, Bradley Tusk. Bradley is the Founder and CEO of Tusk Holdings, which includes Tusk Ventures, Tusk Strategies, Kronos Archives, Ivory Gaming and Tusk Philanthropies. Tusk Ventures is the world’s first venture capital fund to work with and invest solely in high growth startups facing political and regulatory challenges. Bradley recently wrote a memoir called The Fixer: My Adventures Saving Startups From Death By Politics, and hosts a podcast called Firewall. Previously, Bradley served as campaign manager for Mike Bloomberg, as Deputy Governor of Illinois, as Communications Director for Senator Charles Schumer and as Uber’s first political strategist. Guest: Bradley TuskHost: Dan DillardProducer: Myrriah GossettAudio Engineer: Jake WallaceBradley's Podcast, Firewall: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/firewall/id1199693682 Founding Media YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLyxQReKL3jHiwd0BXsTcGQ A Founding Media PodcastFounding Austin See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week Dan is sitting down with entrepreneur, a self-made billionaire and philanthropist John Paul DeJoria. John is probably most known as the co-founder of Paul Mitchell line of hair products and The Patrón Spirits Company. His generosity is also a key feature to his work and his life. Guest: John Paul DeJoriaHost: Dan DillardProducer: Myrriah GossettAudio Engineer: Jake Wallace A Founding Media Podcast Founding AustinMasters and Founders Facebook Group See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week Dan is sitting down with Gordy Quist. Gordy is probably known best as one of the members of Band of Heathens. He had a very interesting path, starting out in finance and eventually making his way back to his passion in music. Dan and Gordy talk about working in the music industry and all the steps it took Gordy to make it where he is today. Guests: Gordy QuistHost: Dan DillardProducer: Myrriah GossettAudio Engineer: Jake WallaceBand of Heathens Founding AustinMasters and Founders Facebook Group See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week Dan is sitting down with Louis Black. Louis is one of the founders of the Austin Chronicle and the SXSW festival. He has also directed a documentary, executive produced a few films, and was a founding member of the Austin Film Society. Dan digs in and finds out how Louis got his start and what he loves about music, culture, and film. Guests: Louis BlackHost: Dan DillardProducer: Myrriah GossettAudio Engineer: Jake WallaceMusic by: Scott HolmsFounding AustinMasters and Founders Facebook Group See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ash Almonte is an Austin multimedia artist. She is primarily inspired by beautiful color, incredible music, and outrageous fashion . She is also moved by the process of change, individuals who are doing kind things in the world for others, and hearing about miraculous stories of the past and present. In essence, Ash is moved by life and inspired by every minute of it. She is represented by Lisa Russell, owner and operator of The Russell Collection Fine Art Gallery in Austin, Texas. Her and Dan explore her history and inspiration in this week's episode.Guests: Ash AlmonteHost: Dan DillardProducer: Myrriah GossettAudio Engineer: Jake WallaceMusic by: Scott HolmsFounding AustinMasters and Founders Facebook Group See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Stuart Thomajan has found the magical formula for restaurant investments. He has made sure not to put himself or his company into a box giving them room to invest where they think it's smart, and be able to make big moves in Austin. Dan and Ryan jump into conversation this week to hear more about how Stuart got his start and where he sees Austin's restaurant scene moving into the future. Guests: Stuart ThomajanHost: Dan Dillard, Ryan FrancisProducer: Myrriah GossettAudio Engineer: Jake WallaceMusic by: Scott HolmsFounding AustinMasters and Founders Facebook Group See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Christy Pipkin is the executive director of the Nobility Project, as the director she creates motivating documentaries and short films, as well as overseeing educational outreach in the US and abroad. She believes that by improving conditions in one community you improve the state of the global community. Dan and Ryan jump into conversation this week to hear more about how Christy came to the Nobility project, and how learn how we can all do more as global citizens. Guests: Christy PipkinHost: Dan Dillard, Ryan FrancisProducer: Myrriah GossettAudio Engineer: Jake WallaceMusic by: Scott HolmsFounding AustinMasters and Founders Facebook Group See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

With interests spanning from VC funding to real estate Gregg Alvarez has been at the forefront of innovation in multiple industries. Always asking why something doesn't exist or being done better, Gregg has kept a watchful eye on how technology is rapidly changing how business works. Dan and Ryan jump into conversation this week to talk all things innovation and how to make sure you keep the right people in your circle. Guests: Gregg Alvarez Host: Dan Dillard, Ryan Francis Producer: Myrriah GossettAudio Engineer: Jake WallaceMusic by: Scott HolmsFounding AustinMasters and Founders Facebook Group See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Randy Cohen wanted to make buying tickets to your favorite event easier, and he has done just that. With over 30 years of experience making customers happy, and experiences happen all over the country for millions of people, Randy knows what it takes to create amazing customer service moments. Sitting down with Dan and Ryan this week we dig in to find out how to make your hustle your happy place.Guests: Randy CohenHost: Dan Dillard, Ryan FrancisProducer: Myrriah GossettAudio Engineer: Jake WallaceMusic by: Scott HolmsFounding AustinMasters and Founders Facebook Group See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

John Arrow of Mutual Mobile kicked off his career as an innovator and entrepreneur at the young age of 22. Taking his company onto the Fortune 2011 Most Promising Companies list, at number one in the state of Texas, it has quickly expanded from the college dorm to over 300 employees. John has a way of seeing gaps in the market and making unique things happen. This week Dan talks to John about where he started, and how he has learned from success and failures in his career.Guests: John ArrowHost: Dan DillardProducer: Myrriah GossettAudio Engineer: Jake WallaceMusic by: Scott HolmsFounding AustinMasters and Founders Facebook Group See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Frank Krasovec may have started with humble roots as a paper boy to as he began his journey to business greatness, but his drive has taken him far beyond his childhood home. From building empires at home and abroad Frank has been able to take all of his ventures far and beyond their original footprint and scale them into international successes. Guests: Frank KrasovecHost: Dan Dillard, Ryan FrancisProducer: Myrriah GossettMusic by: Scott HolmsFounding AustinMasters and Founders Facebook Group See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Masters and Founders is pleased to present a preview for another show within the Founding Austin Productions group. Masters of Cloth, coming soon, will interview leaders in the fashion industry who are changing how we dress, and where technology intersects with fashion. Our first guest is Joshua Bingaman of Helm Boots, a company that brought together new and old industries a like to take boots and footwear to new levels right here in Austin. Guests: Joshua Bingaman Host: Dan Dillard, Ross Bennett, Ryan Francis Producer: Myrriah GossettMusic by: Scott HolmsFounding AustinMasters and Founders Facebook Group See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

With an ever expanding population, how humans use the earth's natural resources has to get more efficient, and there is a need to diversify how we power our world. Mark Russell and his team at HyperSciences are disrupting the the energy and drilling fields with their new drilling technology. This week Dan jumps into conversation with Mark to talk about his journey as an engineer and now as a founder and CEO. Guests: Mark RussellHost: Dan DillardProducer: Myrriah GossettMusic by: Scott HolmsFounding AustinMasters and Founders Facebook Group See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Sam Hellman Mass is not only known for his amazing food, but now his business sense. With three successful projects in Austin Sam pushed the envelope and helped make Farm to Table a house hold term in Austin. His fascination with amazing ingredients and making the most out of what you have in the kitchen has resulted into a delicious empire. Guests: Sam Hellman MassHost: Dan Dillard, Ryan FrancisProducer: Myrriah GossettMusic by: Scott HolmsFounding AustinMasters and Founders Facebook Group See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Turk Pipkin joined us during SXSW this past year to talk about his expansive career. As a writer and an actor he has become a mainstay in popular culture as he turns his eye to charity work. With his Book of the Every-Other-Month club Turk is using his skills as an author to help build libraries in Kenya with the Nobility Project. Guests: Turk PipkinHost: Dan Dillard, Ryan Francis Producer: Myrriah GossettMusic by: Scott HolmsFounding AustinMasters and Founders Facebook Group See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

With an ever growing list of accomplishments William Hurley, more commonly known as whurley, has made his mark on the tech industry. From talks on quantum computing, to moving the needle towards gender equality in tech whurley is always at work. He has quite a few stories and lessons to share from his time becoming a master and being a founder to a number of successful startups. Guest: whurleyHost: Dan Dillard, Ryan Francis Producer: Myrriah GossettMusic by: Scott HolmsFounding AustinMasters and Founders Facebook Group See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Artists are often overlooked when it comes to conversations around entrepreneurship. But being an independent artist, or a freelancer is frequently how many student become working artists after college. Dean Dempster from the College of Fine Arts at UT Austin is looking to make changes in how artists are being educated to work in todays workforce. From better transitional educational experiences to incredible makers spaces on campus, Dean Doug Dempster is making changes from the ground up in fine art education. Guests: Dean Doug DempsterHost: Dan DillardProducer: Myrriah GossettMusic by: Scott HolmsFounding AustinMasters and Founders Facebook Group See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week we dive into the world of housing and eco home improvement with Treehouse founder, Jason Ballard. We talk about how he turned his love for the Texas environment into a life long mission to disrupt the norms in home development. Guests: Jason BallardHost: Dan Dillard, Ryan Francis Producer: Myrriah GossettMusic by: Scott HolmsFounding AustinMasters and Founders Facebook Group See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Special sneak peek episode of another FoundingAUSTIN podcast, Neurotrition. Hosted by Libby HIll and Adrianne Pacsoza, the two fantastic hosts chatted with Shayda Torabi and Sydney Torabi during SXSW 2018 about all things food, healthy lifestyles, and how to maximize your time during the festival.Guests: Shayda Torabi, Sydney Torabi Host: Libby Hill and Adrianne PacsozaProducer: Myrriah GossettMusic by: Scott HolmsFounding AustinMasters and Founders Facebook Group See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dan and guest co-host Ryan sit down with marketing master, Mike Dillard of the Self Made Man Podcast. From his humble beginnings working at a restaurant to learning he wanted to work for himself, Mike has a wealth of wisdom to share as an entrepreneur and marketing expert. Guests: Mike Dillard Host: Dan Dillard, joined by Ryan FancisProducer: Myrriah GossettMusic by: Scott HolmsFounding AustinMasters and Founders Facebook Group See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week Masters and Founders host Dan Dillard is joined by fellow entrepreneurial enthusiast Ryan Francis as they interview Finery founders, Brooklyn Decker and Whitney Casey. The dynamic duo are full of great advice about working as co-founders, staying organized, and thinking outside of the box when making your pitch. Guests: Brooklyn Decker and Whitney Casey of Finery, The Wardrobe Operating SystemHost: Dan Dillard, joined by Ryan Fancis Producer: Myrriah GossettMusic by: Scott HolmsFounding AustinMasters and Founders Facebook Group See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In the premier episode of Masters and Founders, host Dan Dillard talks guitars, cars, and turning a master skill into your profession with Texas Music legend, Jimmie Vaughan. Recorded in the historical Antone's music club in Austin, TX Dan dives into Jimmie's childhood and how he became motivated to pickup a guitar in the first place.Guest: Jimmie VaughanHost: Dan DillardProducer: Myrriah GossettMusic by: Scott HolmsFounding AustinMasters and Founders Facebook Group See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.