Philly Tech Connect by Philadelphia Tech Entrepreneurs

Russ Starke, CEO of Think Company, joins Dave to discuss the evolution of digital solutions, the impact of AI on human experiences, and the importance of engaging with differing opinions for societal improvement. Russ emphasizes a human-centric approach in both business and technology, sharing insights on leadership, community involvement, and the balance between technological advancement and preserving human creativity. 📌 Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introducing Russ Starke 00:00:41 - Russ’s early digital solutions 00:01:19 - Evolution of internet solutions 00:03:54 - Transition to CEO 00:06:53 - Managing with a human touch 00:08:53 - Volunteering and community involvement 00:09:50 - Navigating the AI landscape 00:11:58 - Importance of open dialogue 00:16:58 - Connecting with Russ 🔸 Connect with the guests: Russ’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russstarke/ 🔹 Join Our Community: Philly Tech Connect is more than just a podcast. It's a hub for innovation and connection. Join us for monthly meetups and workshops to engage with like-minded tech enthusiasts and expand your network. 🤝 Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/philadelphia-e... Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/phillytechen... LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/philadelphia-tech-entrepreneurs/  👍 Like, Share, and Subscribe for more insightful stories and expert advice straight from the heart of Philadelphia's tech scene. 🎬 This content was produced and edited by Lifetime Value Media. Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com  #PhillyTechConnect #StartupChallenges #EntrepreneurialJourney #TechInnovation #Philadelphia

In this episode of the Philly TechConnect podcast, Patrick Thompson shares his journey from PR and marketing to running his own incubator, Bootstrap First, which helps very early stage founders achieve success with their ideas. He discusses the key differences between incubators and accelerators, and highlights the importance of resources, accountability, and structured frameworks for startups at the idea stage.   📌 Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introducing Patrick Thompson 00:01:19 - From PR to incubators 00:02:19 - Learning from both successes and struggles 00:03:54 - Incubator vs. accelerator 00:05:47 - Ideal stage for an incubator 00:08:12 - Bootstrap First model and success 00:09:47 - Bootstrapping philosophy 00:12:07 - Preparing for the second cohort 00:12:47 - How to connect with Bootstrap First   🔸 Connect with the guests: Patrick’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bootstrappat/   🔹 Join Our Community: Philly Tech Connect is more than just a podcast. It's a hub for innovation and connection. Join us for monthly meetups and workshops to engage with like-minded tech enthusiasts and expand your network. 🤝   Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/philadelphia-e... Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/phillytechen... LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/philadelphia-tech-entrepreneurs/    👍 Like, Share, and Subscribe for more insightful stories and expert advice straight from the heart of Philadelphia's tech scene.   🎬 This content was produced and edited by Lifetime Value Media. Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com    #PhillyTechConnect #StartupChallenges #EntrepreneurialJourney #TechInnovation #Philadelphia

Lisa DellaPorta is a technical writer, servings now as a consultant and a previous veteran of six SaaS startups.  She talks with Dave on why knowledge management begins the day you start your company, and how to avoid the dreaded “brain drain” when a key individual inevitably leaves. 📌 Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introducing Lisa DellaPorta 00:01:15 - Defining knowledge management 00:02:00 - Challenges of scaling knowledge 00:03:20 - Signs of a knowledge gap 00:04:45 - Risks of losing institutional knowledge 00:06:15 - Starting with knowledge management 00:07:45 - Keeping knowledge up to date 00:09:20 - Common mistakes in knowledge management 00:11:00 - Best practices for documentation 00:12:15 - Connecting with Lisa DellaPorta 🔸 Connect with the guests: Lisa’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-dellaporta-92032b33/ 🔹 Join Our Community: Philly Tech Connect is more than just a podcast. It's a hub for innovation and connection. Join us for monthly meetups and workshops to engage with like-minded tech enthusiasts and expand your network. 🤝 Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/philadelphia-e... Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/phillytechen... LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/philadelphia-tech-entrepreneurs/  👍 Like, Share, and Subscribe for more insightful stories and expert advice straight from the heart of Philadelphia's tech scene. 🎬 This content was produced and edited by Lifetime Value Media. Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com  #PhillyTechConnect #StartupChallenges #EntrepreneurialJourney #TechInnovation #Philadelphia

Nolan Makatche is a multidisciplinary engineer-turned-entrepreneur with a rapid-fire approach to finding his “big win.” He and Dave break down the strategy. 📌 Timestamps: 00:00:00 - The Philly TechConnect Podcast 00:01:02 - Meet Nolan Makatche 00:01:32 - Selling lemonade 00:02:36 - From Penn State to e-commerce 00:03:17 - Pivot to web development 00:04:36 - Embracing small bets 00:05:34 - Ideation and constraints 00:07:04 - Inspiration behind SafeSelect 00:09:56 - MVP development status 00:11:12 - How to connect with Nolan 🔸 Connect with the guests: Nolan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-mak/ 🔹 Join Our Community: Philly Tech Connect is more than just a podcast. It's a hub for innovation and connection. Join us for monthly meetups and workshops to engage with like-minded tech enthusiasts and expand your network. 🤝 Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/philadelphia-e... Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/phillytechen... LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/philadelphia-tech-entrepreneurs/  👍 Like, Share, and Subscribe for more insightful stories and expert advice straight from the heart of Philadelphia's tech scene. 🎬 This content was produced and edited by Lifetime Value Media. Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com  #PhillyTechConnect #StartupChallenges #EntrepreneurialJourney #TechInnovation #Philadelphia

Stefanie Smith has a storied career, most notably with famed furniture retailer IKEA.  But she has a new mission now: helping every idea see the light of day. 📌 Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introducing Stefanie Smith 00:01:10 - Journey with IKEA 00:03:03 - Scandinavian corporate culture 00:04:36 - Unveiling the core process 00:06:19 - Simplifying business planning 00:07:43 - Identifying market competition 00:09:50 - Engaging financial planning 00:11:14 - Ideal candidates for the core process 00:13:07 - Impactful high school project 00:15:41 - Future plans and community involvement 🔸 Connect with the guests: Stefanie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefaniesmith7/ 🔹 Join Our Community: Philly Tech Connect is more than just a podcast. It's a hub for innovation and connection. Join us for monthly meetups and workshops to engage with like-minded tech enthusiasts and expand your network. 🤝 Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/philadelphia-e... Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/phillytechen... LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/philadelphia-tech-entrepreneurs/  👍 Like, Share, and Subscribe for more insightful stories and expert advice straight from the heart of Philadelphia's tech scene. 🎬 This content was produced and edited by Lifetime Value Media. Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com  #PhillyTechConnect #StartupChallenges #EntrepreneurialJourney #TechInnovation #Philadelphia

Tim Garrity is an accomplished Realtor serving the Greater Philadelphia area and having spent the past decade running a very successful independent brokerage.  After disbanding that brokerage earlier this year, Tim joins the pod to discuss the pros and cons of partnerships and going into business with others. 📌 Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Is a Partnership Right for You? 00:01:09 - From Corporate America to Real Estate 00:02:13 - Founding Your Own Business 00:05:30 - Building a Business 00:07:19 -  Defining a Partnership 00:10:23 - Ending the Partnership 00:17:20 - What’s Next 00:19:55 - Like, comment, and subscribe! 🔸 Connect with the guests: Tim’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothygarrity/ 🔹 Join Our Community: Philly Tech Connect is more than just a podcast. It's a hub for innovation and connection. Join us for monthly meetups and workshops to engage with like-minded tech enthusiasts and expand your network. 🤝 Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/philadelphia-e... Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/phillytechen... LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/philadelphia-tech-entrepreneurs/  👍 Like, Share, and Subscribe for more insightful stories and expert advice straight from the heart of Philadelphia's tech scene. 🎬 This content was produced and edited by Lifetime Value Media. Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com  #PhillyTechConnect #StartupChallenges #EntrepreneurialJourney #TechInnovation #Philadelphia

Mike Martin climbed the ranks of the corporate world for 30 years before striking out on his own with Top Down Strategies Consulting.  In preparing for this moment, Mike became a TEDx speaker, wrote a book, and started his own podcast.  He joins Dave to discuss it all.   📌 Timestamps: 00:02:07 - The self-fulfilling prophecy 00:04:08 - Mental fitness 00:06:10 - Positive self-talk 00:08:14 - Mastering self-command 00:10:13 - The key to successful writing 00:14:15 - Economies of language 00:18:25 - Like, comment, and subscribe!   🔸 Connect with the guests: Mike’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemartin/   🔹 Join Our Community: Philly Tech Connect is more than just a podcast. It's a hub for innovation and connection. Join us for monthly meetups and workshops to engage with like-minded tech enthusiasts and expand your network. 🤝   Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/philadelphia-e... Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/phillytechen... LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/philadelphia-tech-entrepreneurs/    👍 Like, Share, and Subscribe for more insightful stories and expert advice straight from the heart of Philadelphia's tech scene.   🎬 This content was produced and edited by Lifetime Value Media. Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com    #PhillyTechConnect #StartupChallenges #EntrepreneurialJourney #TechInnovation #Philadelphia

Rachel Winchester is a serial freelancer with more than a little entrepreneurial streak.  She chats with Dave about her many irons in the fire, and how she once won a pitch competition against all odds. 📌 Timestamps: 00:00:00 - The Grim Reaper 00:01:44 - Better web presentations 00:03:42 - Death to slide decks and killing powerpoints 00:05:43 - Common mistakes in making presentations 00:07:35 - Introducing Focus Assistants 00:09:26 - The power of accountability partners 00:11:25 - The fundraising phase 00:13:21 - Winning a pitch against all odds 00:15:09 - Rachel’s contact info 00:17:06 - Like, comment, and subscribe!   🔸 Connect with the guests: Rachel’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/winchesterachel/ 🔹 Join Our Community: Philly Tech Connect is more than just a podcast. It's a hub for innovation and connection. Join us for monthly meetups and workshops to engage with like-minded tech enthusiasts and expand your network. 🤝 Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/philadelphia-e... Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/phillytechen... LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/philadelphia-tech-entrepreneurs/  👍 Like, Share, and Subscribe for more insightful stories and expert advice straight from the heart of Philadelphia's tech scene. 🎬 This content was produced and edited by Lifetime Value Media. Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com  #PhillyTechConnect #StartupChallenges #EntrepreneurialJourney #TechInnovation #Philadelphia

Brian Fitzpatrick has been around the block, having served as a CEO for several different Philadelphia-area technology companies and leading all but one to a successful exit.  He joins Dave to share his most valuable lessons. 📌 Timestamps: 00:00:00 - The evolution of the Philadelphia tech scene 00:01:53 - The Philly scene, then and now 00:03:41 - Seek wisdom 00:05:38 - Effective leadership 00:07:36 - The role of authenticity in leadership 00:09:22 - Embracing failure 00:11:26 - The candyman 00:13:31 - Learning from all facets 00:15:40 - Understanding others 00:17:47 - Like, comment, and subscribe!   🔸 Connect with the guests: Brian’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briankfitzpatrick  🔹 Join Our Community: Philly Tech Connect is more than just a podcast. It's a hub for innovation and connection. Join us for monthly meetups and workshops to engage with like-minded tech enthusiasts and expand your network. 🤝 Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/philadelphia-e... Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/phillytechen... LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/philadelphia-tech-entrepreneurs/  👍 Like, Share, and Subscribe for more insightful stories and expert advice straight from the heart of Philadelphia's tech scene. 🎬 This content was produced and edited by Lifetime Value Media. Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com  #PhillyTechConnect #StartupChallenges #EntrepreneurialJourney #TechInnovation #Philadelphia

Craig Eppler, founder of his eponymous investment firm, joins Dave to discuss running his firm from vibrant downtown Philadelphia, and his strategy for generating consistent returns for his clients. 📌 Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:33 - Transition to Real Estate Investment 00:03:11 - The Nightmare of the First Rental Property 00:04:44 - What is a Portfolio in Real Estate Investing? 00:06:16 - Investing in Other Ventures 00:07:48 - Secret unlocked: Aircraft Parts Business 00:09:15 - Due Diligence and Asset Backing 00:10:45 - Providing Stable Income During Retirement 00:12:14 - Diversifying your Investment Portfolio 00:13:45 - Like, comment, and subscribe!   🔸 Connect with the guests: Craig’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceppler 🔹 Join Our Community: Philly Tech Connect is more than just a podcast. It's a hub for innovation and connection. Join us for monthly meetups and workshops to engage with like-minded tech enthusiasts and expand your network. 🤝 Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/philadelphia-e... Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/phillytechen... LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/philadelphia-tech-entrepreneurs/  👍 Like, Share, and Subscribe for more insightful stories and expert advice straight from the heart of Philadelphia's tech scene. 🎬 This content was produced and edited by Lifetime Value Media. Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com  #PhillyTechConnect #StartupChallenges #EntrepreneurialJourney #TechInnovation #Philadelphia