The Turning Pro Podcast

Rohit Bhadange, co-founder and CEO of Zamp, shares his journey from the structured world of Wall Street to the dynamic tech startup scene. In founding Zamp, a tax compliance solution for e-commerce and SaaS businesses, Rohit combines his investment expertise with a passion for problem-solving in the compliance space. In this episode, Rohit delves into the initial challenges and key learnings from the early stages of Zamp, discussing the importance of founder-led sales, hands-on customer acquisition, and building relationships. He touches on his approach to network management and partnerships, revealing how a personal touch in interactions can yield long-term gains.

Brett Perlmutter, founder and CEO of Bulletpitch, has crafted a distinctive path in venture media by blending investment with media-driven platforms. Drawing inspiration from the media strategies of top VCs, Brett identified a unique opportunity to foster connections between founders and investors by creating an innovative ecosystem around Bulletpitch. With its weekly newsletter and well-curated events, Bulletpitch rapidly grew, attracting over 100,000 subscribers eager for the next big opportunity. In this episode, Brett dives into the foundational strategy behind Bulletpitch, revealing how he bridges the gap between investment and media. He discusses the platform’s evolution, his approach to partnerships, and the strategic decisions that shaped Bulletpitch’s syndicate model.

Matt Rosenfeld, founder and CEO of CRUSH, has built a unique Amazon-focused agency that’s distinguishing itself in a crowded digital marketplace. With an eye for strategic growth and a commitment to transparency, Matt has led CRUSH to become a boutique agency dedicated to helping brands optimize their Amazon presence while prioritizing client relationships. In this episode, Matt delves into the nuances of running a service-oriented business, including the importance of choosing the right clients and fostering trust through transparent communication. He shares how CRUSH has evolved from a solo venture into a team of 22, as well as the lessons learned from managing a lean, high-performing agency.

Samantha Coxe, founder and CEO of Flaus, shares her journey from corporate law to disrupting the dental care industry with a groundbreaking new invention. Driven by her experience as a self-admitted reluctant flosser, Samantha identified a need for a more accessible flossing solution, especially for individuals with limited dexterity or visual impairments. This insight led her to create Flaus - an electric flosser. In this episode, Samantha reflects on her experience as a female founder in a male-dominated field, navigating “queen bee syndrome” and championing other women in business. She shares the highs and lows of building a hardware startup, including an intense Shark Tank appearance and managing production setbacks.

Michael Chernow is the entrepreneurial force behind Kreatures of Habit and the Meatball Shop. Growing up in the heart of New York City, Michael faced early challenges, including a turbulent family life and the allure of nightlife, leading to a struggle with substance abuse. Following a near-fatal overdose, he committed to sobriety with the help of a mentor who introduced him to Muay Thai kickboxing. In this episode, Michael opens up about how martial arts and a regimented lifestyle set him on the path to becoming a successful restaurateur and founder of a wellness brand that embodies his passion for fitness, nutrition, and disciplined daily habits. He also discusses the rigorous structure he’s built into his days to maintain peak performance and balance, from early morning workouts to family time.

Cyrus Shirazi, founder and CEO of Haven, is revolutionizing the accounting and finance landscape for startups with a customer-first approach. By focusing on building an obsessively responsive company, Cyrus has created a horizontal platform that serves the comprehensive tax, finance, and accounting needs of businesses, not just in the U.S. but across English-speaking countries. In this episode of Turning Pro, Cyrus discusses his journey from early-stage startup experiences to leading Haven, a profitable business that’s scaling fast. He shares his insights on the importance of speed, obsession, and surrounding yourself with high-energy, ambitious individuals. He also dives into how listening to customer feedback shaped Haven's product development and why staying close to the customer is crucial for long-term success.

Liv Schreiber, founder of Hot and Social, Camp Social, and Brand Cafe, has made a name for herself by creating spaces where people connect and build authentic relationships. With a community of over 60,000 people, Liv’s work centers on curating events where strangers leave as friends, from exclusive New York City gatherings to transformative adult sleepaway camps. In this episode of Turning Pro, Liv dives into the hustle behind running multiple ventures, managing influencer partnerships, and staying true to herself amidst the chaos. She shares insights on balancing work with personal life, overcoming adversity, and maintaining authenticity on social media.

Shlomit Malka, co-founder and CEO of Happ, transitioned from a decade-long career in modeling to launching a platform designed to empower creative freelancers. After experiencing the limitations of the creative industry firsthand, Shlomit and her team built Happ to streamline the business side of freelancing, helping creatives manage contracts, payments, and project milestones while staying in their creative flow. In this episode of Turning Pro, Shlomit shares her personal and professional transformation, including how the COVID-19 pandemic and her move to New York sparked a journey of self-discovery and entrepreneurship. She reflects on the importance of following intuition, the role of spiritual practices in staying grounded, and how her passion for supporting creatives shaped Happ into the innovative platform it is today.

John Sampogna, Co-Founder and CEO of Wondersauce, has built one of the most respected digital agencies by recognizing opportunities for service expansion and staying hyper-focused on client needs. Founded on the principle of transparent communication and consistent delivery, Wondersauce has grown by incubating new services and scaling its offerings organically to meet market demands. In this episode of Turning Pro, John shares how Wondersauce has evolved from its early days to competing with top-tier agencies for major clients. He reflects on pivotal moments in his career, the challenges of scaling a service business, and his approach to maintaining personal fulfillment and work-life balance as a leader in the creative industry.

Ellis Fried, Vice President at Vanterra Ventures, made the leap from founding a health-focused snack brand to becoming an investor in the consumer health space. After studying economics at the University of Michigan and launching SMPL, Ellis shifted to venture capital. In this episode of Turning Pro, Ellis discusses his transition from founder to investor, offering insights into the skills required to succeed in both roles. He reflects on how his operational experience shapes his current work, supporting founders in sectors like branded products and digital health.