We Live to Build

Thinking about bringing your manufacturing back to the U.S.? Wondering if it's worth the cost, risk, and effort?In this episode, I sit down with Samuel Fish, founder of Shield Security Doors and Shield Metal Works, who shares why he made the strategic decision to move his manufacturing from overseas back to the United States, and how it changed everything.We explore:✅ Why manufacturing where you sell can improve operations✅ The hidden impact of tariffs, currency fluctuations, and supply chain risk✅ How timing and the messenger can shape million-dollar decisions✅ The pride and power of Made in America✅ What most entrepreneurs get wrong about global productionWhether you're a founder, operator, or investor thinking about reshoring, supply chain optimization, or long-term brand positioning, this conversation will give you grounded insights from someone who's been through the fire.

Renan Devillieres is the Founder/CEO of OSS Ventures. We discuss how reshoring, automation, and shifting consumption patterns are changing the industrial landscape in the US and beyond.We dive deep into:* Why reshoring manufacturing is critical for long-term resilience* How automation and software are transforming factory design* What founders need to know about scaling production* The role of entrepreneurial spirit in revitalizing Europe's economy* How modern dealmaking and understanding your counterpart unlock real innovation

What if the smartest investment strategy in 2025... is ignoring AI completely?Travis Jamison, Founder of CapitalPad sits down with Sean Weisbrot to break down how he's making big bets on boring businesses, staying liquid in turbulent markets, and using under-the-radar SEO tactics to quietly dominate niche industries.

Do you trust AI in Architecture?Brian Corcodilos is the CEO of DesignBlendz, an AI-enabled architecture firm serving massive brands, to explore how AI, 3D visualization, and virtual reality are transforming the world of architecture. We dive into the future of building design, the rise of digital collaboration, and how emerging tech is reshaping the way we live and work.

What really drives successful private equity deals?Brandon Wolfe is the Co-Founder and Partner at Jordan Partners, a private equity firm that offers Wall Street experience and Main Street charm.Trust, emotional intelligence, and strategic capital allocation matter more than just the numbers. Risks of majority control, the emotional weight of selling a business, and how automation is reshaping private equity. Whether you're a founder or investor, this conversation is packed with real insights you won't want to miss.

Monica Garcia Duggal, Founder of Whole Health Plan, joins us to break down what most entrepreneurs get wrong about money. As the creator of the Financial Bytes method, Monica helps founders go beyond spreadsheets to build real, sustainable wealth — from budgeting and cash flow to strategic investing, taxes, and exit planning. In this episode, we dive into how to structure your business for profit from day one, why paying yourself first is non-negotiable, and how to use money as a tool for long-term legacy, not short-term stress. Whether you're bootstrapped or funded, this conversation will change how you think about financial health.

Stewart Cohen is the founder of SuperStock, a large media licensing platform.We explore licensing and ownership in the digital age. We break down the difference between copyright and licensing, reveal the traps hidden in social media T&Cs, and tackle the legal gray zones around AI-generated content. With lawsuits brewing and platforms shifting power away from creators, this episode is a must-watch for artists, photographers, filmmakers, and content creators navigating the modern landscape.

Ryan Davis is the Co-Founder of People First, which connects brands to creators.We discuss the evolving landscape of creator collaborations with brands, emphasizing the importance of niche positioning, the role of AI, and the need for authenticity in sponsored content. We explore strategies for monetization, the significance of creative control, and the metrics that influence sponsorship decisions. The dialogue also touches on innovative content creation methods and the potential for leveraging data to enhance future opportunities in the creator economy.takeaways

Is AI really objective, or just reflecting our human flaws?Daniel Nikic, the President and Founder of Cohres, explores the urgent need for auditing AI systems. We dive into how human bias, bad data, and lack of oversight are already shaping the way AI behaves and the very real ethical challenges that follow.From the dangers of unchecked algorithms to the importance of proper AI governance, this conversation will change how you think about artificial intelligence and what we must do to keep it in check.

Your website is bleeding money. Matthew Stafford, Managing Partner at Build Scale Grow, breaks down the brutal truths behind conversion rate optimization (CRO) and how AI, simplicity, and better communication can save your business from digital death.We talk about:⚙️ The CRO mistakes killing your conversions

Derrick Girard is the Owner of DGirard Consulting and the Author of Put to the Test.He shares his experiences of running a tech company while navigating the complexities of people management and the challenges posed by multiple lawsuits. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in leadership and discusses how external pressures can impact business growth. Derrick also reflects on the role of AI in management and the significance of bootstrapping in entrepreneurship. The conversation culminates in a powerful message about accountability and problem-solving without excuses.

Adam Schell is the of Brain Supreme, a 7 figure supplement business that produces a proprietary Psilocybin mushroom blend customers can use to microdose.

Arpan Nanavati is the Co-Founder & CEO of Cimphony, a Silicon Valley backed startup that recently raised over $5M USD, and the company has an AI that helps startups get access to smarter legal advice for less money.

Sze Wong is the Co-founder and General Partner of Zenith Venture Studio, which focuses on building AI startups.

Matthew Yahes is the CEO of Extend Your Team, a 7 figure, fully remote staffing agency that gets mid to high level remote employees to fill out your team.

David Miller is the Founder and CEO of Alchemy of Scale, a coaching practice that helps entrepreneurs systematize their operations and unlock true business growth.

Ryaan Ibtisam is the Co-Founder & Head of Legal of Cimphony, a Silicon Valley backed startup that recently raised over $5M USD, and the company has an AI that helps startups get access to smarter legal advice for less money.

Vol Goloshuk is the Founder and CEO of AI Champ.

Joshua Hale is the owner of JH Media and Consulting, which leverages cutting-edge AI technology and strategic business insights to help entrepreneurs realize their full potential.

Brook Shepard is the CEO and Managing Partner of Mason Interactive, a performance marketing agency that helps Higher Education and D2C brands with their Media buying strategy and execution, SEO, Creative, and Email Marketing.

Salim Rennewi is the Founder and CEO of SellAbroad, which helps brands expand into the MENA market (Middle East).

Russell Brand is the Founder & Managing Director of Resonsible, which consults companies on their IT and general strategy.

Matt Strippelhoff is the Partner and CEO/CRO of Red Hawk Technologies, which develops game-changing custom software and platform integration solutions for private equity and mid-market clients.

Ken Lundin is the Founder & CEO of RevHeat, which has taught businesses how to sell over $1B USD to date.In this episode we talk all about sales, the AI takeover, building a sales team, and more.

Cameron Bishop is the Managing Director of Raincatcher, which helps entrepreneurs build, buy, and sell amazing companies.In this episode we talk all about how to build a company someone wants to buy.

Ed Kang is the Chief Strategy Officer of Startups.com, which has helped thousands of startups grow faster and wiser.In this episode we talk about many ways in which e-commerce brands succeed and fail.

Saahil Mehta is the Co-Founder of Resnet World, which helps businesses increase profitability. In this episode we talk about how we think as angel investors so you are more likely to attract us to invest in you.

Jeff Sauer is the Co-Founder of MeasureU.com, which helps brands better understand the data which runs their business.

Anthony Nitsos is the Founder of SaaS Gurus, a fractional CFO firm which serves growing SaaS brands.

Rabi Guha is the Co-Founder of thesys, a Generative UI application for businesses, and they recently raised a $4.2M seed round.

John Golden is the Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer for Pipeliner CRM.

Almaz Edilbaev is the Founder of chAngels, a Chicago based Angel Syndicate.

Breen Sullivan is the Founder of The Fourth Effect, a funded startup that helps educate founders on developing a board of advisors, and then connects them with the best advisors to fill their needs so investors feel more confident to invest in them.

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Jeffrey Klubeck is an executive coach, keynote speaker, and the author of The Integrity Game. We spoke about integrity, accountability, and how we show up for our family even when it's not easy.

Skip Wilson is the Founder of Draft Media Partners, which helps professional marketers productize and scale their businesses. We talked about time management and other things.

Bryan Debois is the Director of Industrial AI at RoviSys, a $300M ARR firm focused on industrial manufacturing in the USA, and we discussed the current state of manufacturing in the USA.

Hope Timberlake is the founder of Forte Consulting, which helps executives hone their team alignment, branding, presentation, and other various leadership skills.00:00:00 - From Climate Change to Consulting00:04:24 - Adapting Business in Challenging Times00:08:37 - Work-Life Balance00:12:39 - Health and Productivity00:17:00 - Business Evolution00:21:00 - Delegating Work00:24:56 - Power of Subscriptions00:29:25 - Learning from Costly Mistakes00:33:35 - Balancing Growth with Personal Goals00:37:39 - Hiring and Mentoring Strategies00:41:55 - Leveraging Collective Knowledge00:45:57 - To Sell or Not to Sell the Business

Rom Lakritz is the founder of Anchor, a platform that helps companies focus on being a business while they take care of your billing. He has founded multiple companies in different industries, raised tens of millions of dollars, and had very nice exits from several of the businesses.00:00 - Investor Communication02:35 - From Selling Flowers to Starting Companies05:49 - Integrity08:30 - Raising Funds vs. Bootstrapping11:45 - Honesty14:50 - Managing Investor Expectations17:44 - When to Pivot20:47 - Emotional Impact of Selling24:11 - Costly Lessons27:36 - Adapting to Market Changes30:41 - Sustainable vs Speedy Growth33:42 - Maturity

Jason Todd is the Founder and Managing Director of Thinker Ventures, which connects aspiring entrepreneurs, small businesses and mid-marketing executives with education, opportunity, and implementation services across a variety of disciplines.00:00:00 - Skydiving00:05:32 - Fear and Opportunity00:11:04 - Handling Stress and Anxiety00:16:52 - Mistakes and Failures00:22:21 - Building Resilience00:27:49 - Expanding Comfort Zones00:33:24 - Trust00:38:28 - Cultural Adaptation00:44:09 - Balancing Structure with Flexibility00:49:39 - Dreams vs Reality00:54:59 - Intuition00:59:55 - Vulnerability

Ray Blakney is the Founder/CEO of Podcast Hawk, a SaaS platform that helps businesses and influencers find and pitch podcasts on auto-pilot. He's also the Founder/CEO of Live Lingua, an award-winning online language school.

Loretta Markevics is the Founder and Chief Strategist at Sēd Communications, which focuses on helping startups quickly achieve hypergrowth through sharp public relations communications methods.00:00 - From Hosting to Promotion04:11 - Trials and Community Support08:39 - Crossing a Million in Revenue12:51 - Financial Security16:59 - Investing in Growth21:00 - Overcoming Bottlenecks25:11 - Flexibility and Client Relationships29:23 - Lead Generation Strategies33:47 - Cold Outreach38:03 - Executive Assistants42:18 - Internships and Gen Z Insights46:35 - Customer Service Challenges

Kaitlyn Merola is the founder and CEO of Möve Marketing, which helps startups find their voice so customers can find their product.00:00 - Introduction04:10 - Challenges of Working with Startups08:23 - Importance of Transparency in Marketing12:45 - SEO Strategies and Blogging Tips16:44 - Inbound Marketing Strategies for Startups20:55 - Using Data and PR for Business Growth25:20 - Building a Community and Engaging Clients29:32 - Dealing with Burnout and Delegation33:43 - Hiring and Managing a Growing Team37:57 - Setting Goals and Measuring Success42:04 - Acquiring Companies and Scaling Up45:48 - Staying True to Your Vision

Jarrod Lopiccolo is the Founder and CEO of Noble Studios, a web design consulting firm that uses his experience as an architect to build solid foundations for their clients.We talked about how his background informs him on managing his business and his clients, as well as much more.

Donald Booth is the Founder & CEO of American Institute of Nondestructive Testing, a leading provider of online, blended, and traditional classroom NDT training. 00:00 - Starting a Business in Non-Destructive Testing04:26 - Challenges of Living and Working in Alaska09:03 - Building Curriculum and Google Ads Success13:25 - Importance of Quality Control in Manufacturing17:54 - Financing Education and Student Loans22:05 - Trades vs. Traditional College Degrees26:25 - Marketing Strategies for Trade Schools30:40 - Exploring TikTok for Marketing and Engagement35:25 - Innovations in Training Delivery Systems39:56 - Hybrid Learning and Competitor Challenges44:20 - Future of Augmented Reality in Training48:44 - Adapting to New Generations in the Workforce

Lyle Myers is the Chief Development Officer of iFlex Stretch Studios, Frank & Furters, and Sparkle.He develops companies that turn into franchises and manages the franchising process.00:00 - Introduction to franchising03:08 - Why is franchising good?06:22 - Franchise systems 09:22 - Franchise support12:21 - Franchise disclosure document 15:16 - Fees, Royalties, & Equity 18:18 - Franchise Portfolio 21:24 - Assisted stretching 24:36 - Marketing for franchise licenses 27:45 - Human touch 30:42 - Conversions 33:43 - Global franchising

Tom Verboven is the Senior Director of The Talent Enterprise, which provides high level strategic consulting for Fortune 500 companies. 00:00 - Introduction03:31 - Leadership success profiles07:11 - Assessing creativity and innovation10:41 - The roles of execs is changing14:44 - Sourcing and assessing executives18:30 - Mitigating bias and noise22:16 - AI and diversity/inclusion25:57 - AI in the hiring process29:49 - The bias of AI33:33 - The future of work37:16 - Embracing technology40:53 - Leadership dynamics

Bryan Farris is the President of Goldfish Code, which employs a feedback loop focused on the positive Psychological aspect of motivation to deploy the best products possible for clients so that end users are excited to engage.00:00 - Empathy03:33 - Parenting07:20 - Ideation11:02 - Behavioral Psychology14:56 - Creating Engagement18:50 - Morning Routines22:40 - Cultural Immersion26:31 - Economic Independence30:01 - Global Perspectives33:10 - Strategy36:55 - Adventure40:48 - Positive Motivation

Sean Weisbrot is the Founder & CEO of We Live to Build, a consulting firm focused on supply chain, marketing, and finance. It also hosts this podcast!00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast and Host01:47 - Challenges Faced by the Host03:38 - Finding Purpose and Direction05:26 - Professionalizing the Podcast07:01 - Upgrading Equipment and Skills08:38 - Connecting with Guests and Audience10:22 - Monetizing the Podcast12:08 - Living in Portugal13:50 - Quality of Life in Portugal15:34 - Social Activities and Community17:14 - Dating and Relationships in Europe18:57 - Personal Growth and Future Plans