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Dave Parker is the CEO of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), a global nonprofit network dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs. EO supports founders through peer groups, learning programs, and mentorship to help grow their businesses and themselves. With over three decades of experience in entrepreneurship, Dave has built five companies and successfully exited three, with one scaling to $32 million in revenue. He’s also a venture capitalist, author of Trajectory: Startup, and advocate for inclusive innovation and leadership in entrepreneurship. In this episode… Building a startup is a high-stakes rollercoaster ride — timing, funding, product-market fit, and personal resilience all matter. But what happens when the market moves faster or slower than your vision? Dave Parker, a seasoned founder, shares honest reflections on his five startups, including three exits, one failure, and valuable lessons learned along the way. He explains how entrepreneurs can de-risk decisions by understanding revenue models, tracking product-market fit with hard data, and staying self-aware. Dave also opens up about the emotional toll of failure and how EO creates a space for connection and support. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Dave Parker, CEO of Entrepreneurs’ Organization, about building startups, scaling community, and investing with impact. Dave also shares insights on revenue modeling, the role of timing in startup success, and why EO is critical for founders navigating growth, uncertainty, and personal development.

Elizabeth Yang is the CEO and Founder of Yang Law Offices and a Partner at OptiNizers. Yang Law Offices specializes in intellectual property and family law, while OptiNizers provides top-tier Filipino virtual talent to US businesses. Elizabeth is a best-selling author of six books and serves as the Mayor Pro Tem and Council Member for District 2 in Monterey Park, California. She holds a degree in electrical engineering and computer science from UC Berkeley and formerly worked with Raytheon and NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab. In this episode… Many professionals reach a point where they must decide between the security of employment and the freedom of entrepreneurship. But what happens when that decision involves juggling two entirely different careers — and family life? Elizabeth Yang tackled this dilemma head-on by leveraging her engineering background, legal education, and business acumen to forge her path. After experiencing the volatility of large law firms and the strain of long hours away from her children, she launched her law firm, Yang Law Offices, and simultaneously opened multiple indoor playgrounds. Elizabeth shares how she eventually decided to focus on the higher-margin legal business, how her four-year divorce led her to shift into family law, and how virtual assistants from her second company, OptiNizers, helped her scale efficiently. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Elizabeth Yang, CEO and Founder of Yang Law Offices and Partner at OptiNizers, about her multifaceted entrepreneurial journey. Elizabeth discusses how she built a law firm and indoor playground business simultaneously, what inspired her pivot to family law, and how her divorce shaped her practice. She also shares how remote teams can drive growth and her recent foray into local government.

Daniel Shemtob is the CEO and Founder of Snibbs, a company that creates ergonomically designed, slip-resistant footwear for professionals in healthcare and hospitality. He also created the acclaimed food truck brand, The Lime Truck, which gained national attention by winning Food Network’s The Great Food Truck Race twice. Building on his culinary success, Daniel opened Hatch Yakitori + Bar in Downtown Los Angeles, offering a modern take on Japanese skewers. After losing his home in the 2025 Pacific Palisades Fire, he partnered with World Central Kitchen to provide meals and Snibbs footwear to those affected. In this episode… What does it take to overcome setbacks and emerge stronger than before? From losing everything in the LA fires to weathering the tumultuous economic downturns of the past decade, resilience seems to be the cornerstone of a successful life. But how does one cultivate such tenacity in the face of adversity? Daniel Shemtob, a celebrated chef and entrepreneur, shares the candid story of his entrepreneurial journey marked by extreme highs and lows. After filing for personal bankruptcy in his early 20s following a failed real estate stint, Daniel shifted toward passion-driven work, launching the now-famous Lime Truck. Years later, when COVID-19 decimated his catering business, he doubled down on Snibbs, his footwear company, and pivoted by giving away shoes to essential workers — an act that unexpectedly catalyzed massive growth. Even after losing his home in the 2025 LA fires, Daniel partnered with World Central Kitchen to serve thousands of meals and distribute Snibbs footwear, showing that purpose and action can power recovery. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Daniel Shemtob, CEO and Founder of Snibbs, about overcoming adversity and scaling resilient brands. Daniel discusses rebounding from personal bankruptcy, how COVID-19 forced him to pivot, the inspiration behind Snibbs, and what he learned from losing his home in the LA fires.

Charlie Garcia is the Managing Partner at R360, a global invite-only community for ultra-high-net-worth individuals. R360 is dedicated to helping members and their families flourish across six capital dimensions: financial, intellectual, social, human, emotional, and spiritual. Charlie is a decorated United States Air Force veteran and has advised six US presidential administrations. He also founded Sterling Financial Investment Group, one of the fastest-growing private companies in the US, and has served on several corporate and governmental boards. In this episode… For many high achievers, building wealth and success doesn't always translate to fulfillment or impact. Entrepreneurs often face burnout, decision fatigue, or isolation, especially after a major liquidity event or business exit. Without the right community or purpose, even the most successful individuals can feel directionless or disconnected from their true potential. Charlie Garcia, a former Air Force captain turned financial entrepreneur, offers a compelling framework to shift this narrative. Drawing from his journey through military service, founding Sterling Financial, and advising six US Presidents, Charlie emphasizes aligning personal values with purpose. Through his leadership at R360, he encourages ultra-wealthy individuals to focus not just on financial growth but on flourishing across six dimensions of capital — financial, intellectual, social, human, emotional, and spiritual. He also shares how peer-based accountability, strategic mentorship, and lifelong learning communities like YPO and Vistage helped him evolve as a leader. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Charlie Garcia, Managing Partner at R360, about building purpose-driven wealth and community. Charlie shares insights into scaling Sterling Financial, lessons from the White House Fellowship, and how values-based leadership shaped the creation of R360. The conversation highlights the significance of aligning one's life purpose with personal and professional goals and the value of authentic leadership.

Sean Bourquin is the President and Founder of Full On Lighting, a premium lighting company specializing in high-performance mountain bike lights. With over two decades in the lighting industry, he previously founded First Light Technologies, a solar-powered outdoor lighting firm that became one of Canada's fastest-growing companies. Full On Lighting blends Sean’s technical engineering expertise with his passion for cycling, while XLYNX Materials, another of his ventures, focuses on pioneering molecular bonding solutions for industrial applications. In this episode… Many entrepreneurs face a moment when their secure, stable job no longer aligns with their deeper passions or curiosity. What happens when someone dares to leave that behind to pursue a vision no one else believes in? Sean Bourquin, a Canadian entrepreneur and engineer, shares how he transitioned from a shipyard apprentice to a leader in solar-powered lighting. When his ideas were dismissed by corporate leadership, Sean leaped to build his own company, innovating in solar lighting through smart, efficient designs and bold engineering. Focusing on municipalities and refining the sales approach through direct outreach and feedback, he scaled First Light Technologies into one of Canada’s fastest-growing companies. He shares how identifying municipalities as his core customer base, designing adaptive lighting systems that required no external configuration, and staying agile in sales execution were key to long-term growth. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Sean Bourquin, President and Founder of Full On Lighting, about starting, growing, and ultimately moving on from a wildly successful solar lighting business. Sean discusses his engineering-led sales strategy, the founding of Full On Lighting, and lessons from navigating founder conflict, legal battles, and reinvention.

Henish Pulickal is the Founder and CEO of CalHomeCo, a San Diego-based full-service real estate company. CalHomeCo specializes in investment property acquisition, fix-and-flip, pre-foreclosure acquisitions, and property management. Henish has over a decade of experience in real estate and is known for his integrity-driven approach, creative financing strategies, and commitment to empowering both clients and agents. He is also affiliated with ARO Real Estate of America and is an active Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) member. In this episode… Navigating the world of real estate can feel overwhelming, especially when foreclosure or financial uncertainty looms large. For many homeowners, understanding their options — or even having someone trustworthy to talk to — can make all the difference. But how do you build a business that not only thrives on these conversations but also transforms communities? Henish Pulickal, a seasoned real estate investor, shares how he built a diverse real estate business by leading with service, creativity, and integrity. Henish discusses his unique approach to pre-foreclosure outreach, how he developed infill properties in high-demand California markets, and why ethical deal-making consistently wins over both clients and team members. From flipping homes to redeveloping a boutique hotel, Henish brings valuable lessons in entrepreneurship and relationship-building. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Henish Pulickal, Founder and CEO of CalHomeCo, about using real estate to create value and solve problems. Henish shares insights into flipping homes, infill development, ADUs, team leadership, and staying agile during market shifts. Whether you're an aspiring investor or an experienced entrepreneur, this episode promises valuable lessons on creating opportunities and sustaining success in the real estate industry.

Kathy Weidner, known professionally as Kathy Mills Chang, is the CEO and Founder of KMC University, a company specializing in comprehensive consulting, training, and support services designed to help chiropractic practices streamline operations and improve profitability. Her team — composed of certified specialists with over 250 years of combined experience — offers a wealth of knowledge to the chiropractic community.  Kathy holds multiple certifications, including Certified Medical Compliance Specialist (MCS-P), Certified Professional Compliance Officer (CPCO), Certified Professional Chiropractic Coder (CCPC), and Certified Clinical Chiropractic Assistant (CCCA). She is also actively involved in the Entrepreneurs' Organization, currently serving as the US West Regional Growth Director. In this episode… Many entrepreneurs hit a wall when they realize their hard-earned expertise doesn’t automatically translate into a profitable business. How do you take what you know and turn it into scalable products or services that others will pay for? Kathy Weidner, a veteran of the chiropractic industry, faced these exact challenges and found success by turning her deep knowledge of chiropractic billing and compliance into a scalable, online education business. She shares how she built KMC University by first solving urgent pain points for practitioners and then transforming that expertise into structured training and consulting services. Kathy emphasizes the importance of being solution-oriented, creating systems that work beyond herself, and leaning into opportunities like public speaking and community involvement to grow her influence and impact. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Kathy Weidner, Founder and CEO of KMC University, about building a business from niche expertise. Kathy talks about her entrepreneurial journey, the evolution of her online education platform, and the power of community through EO. She shares lessons on leadership, client retention, and creating scalable business models.

Alexandra Gabriele Kaplan is the Founder and CEO of Kaplan Interpreting Services, a leading provider of certified medical and court interpreting services across the United States. With over 17 years of experience as a certified Spanish court interpreter, she is renowned for her precision in high-stakes environments, including courtrooms, hospitals, and corporate negotiations. In 2017, Alexandra founded Kaplan Interpreting Services, which now offers services in over 200 languages, supported by a global network of over 7,000 certified linguists. She holds a master’s degree in healthcare administration from Washington University and is also an alumna of the Latino Business Action Network's business scaling program at Stanford University. In this episode… Running a business based on freelancers can feel like a juggling act — especially when you’re also raising four kids. How do you manage a team of independent interpreters, serve critical healthcare and legal clients, and still preserve your family time? Alexandra Gabriele Kaplan answers this challenge by sharing the systems, mindset, and professional networks that allowed her to scale from solo interpreter to founder of Kaplan Interpreting Services. Drawing on her healthcare administration background, Alexandra highlights how she built trust with clients, vetted contractors, and responded with resilience during crises like COVID-19, all while maintaining personal balance. Her strategy of building strong relationships with both clients and interpreters has been key to her success, proving that clear communication and mutual respect are crucial in maintaining a well-functioning business ecosystem. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Alexandra Gabriele Kaplan, Founder and CEO of Kaplan Interpreting Services, about scaling a nationwide interpreting network. Alexandra discusses managing quality across languages, adapting during the pandemic, and the entrepreneurial programs that shaped her leadership. She also offers insights on building reputation, navigating AI disruption, and balancing work and family.

Ethan King is the Co-founder of Zeus' Closet and Stuff4GREEKS, two custom apparel companies known for their creative designs and advanced embroidery for fraternities, sororities, and the entertainment industry. He is a TEDx speaker, global keynote presenter, former president of the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) Atlanta chapter, and communications expert for EO US East. Ethan is recognized internationally for his leadership and innovation in business. He is also the author of ChatGPT to Double Your Business in 90 Days and a strong advocate for leveraging AI and automation to enhance productivity." In this episode… Hiring more staff isn’t always the answer when trying to scale your business. In today’s AI-powered world, the right tools and mindset can help double the output without expanding your payroll. But how can business owners shift from a traditional model to one fueled by automation and digital tools? A creative entrepreneur turned AI strategist, Ethan King, shares how a legal battle led him to embrace automation — and how AI has since transformed his entire approach to business. Faced with the dilemma of either downsizing dramatically or finding innovative solutions, Ethan chose to invest in marketing automation. This decision not only salvaged his business but also doubled its revenue with fewer employees. Recognizing the power of AI, he began helping other companies integrate AI into their processes, leading to remarkable productivity gains. His expertise extends to building custom AI solutions, such as AI-driven marketing campaigns and digital avatars for business development. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Ethan King, Co-founder of Zeus' Closet, about integrating AI into business operations. Ethan shares insights on brand-specific GPTs, digital assistants, and overcoming employee resistance while exploring tools like Claude, Perplexity, and Sora.

Josh Dunn is the Founder and CEO of Premier Media Group, a full media company with print, digital, social, and live event marketing. Since its inception in 2001, Premier Media Group has grown to include several publications, including 425 Magazine, 425 Business, South Sound Magazine, South Sound Business, and Northwest Travel & Life. Josh has been recognized for his volunteer work, including being named Community Volunteer of the Year by the Master Builders Association of Pierce County. He also founded TEDxTacoma and has been involved in various nonprofit initiatives. In this episode… The future of local journalism often seems bleak in a world dominated by digital media and shrinking attention spans. But what does it take to not only keep a regional media company alive, but make it thrive? How can a small publication evolve in a landscape ruled by AI, social media, and global platforms? Josh Dunn, an entrepreneur with nearly 25 years of experience in regional media, answers this question with vision and heart. Josh shares how he built Premier Media Group into a thriving organization by focusing on community-centered content, intentional acquisitions, and non-polarizing storytelling. Despite obstacles like 9/11 and COVID-19, his optimism and strategic acquisitions have enabled his company to expand into business and travel publications. His approach involves offering human-generated, non-polarizing content and forming partnerships with larger media outlets to enhance distribution. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Josh Dunn, Founder and CEO of Premier Media Group, about thriving as a regional media entrepreneur. Josh discusses scaling through strategic acquisitions, the impact of strong company culture, and his take on AI in journalism. He also shares insights on events, social media partnerships, and mentoring freelance journalists in today’s changing media landscape.