
Strap on your Boots
Successful technologist and filmmaker Jason Sherman gives you real world examples on how to realistically succeed in the world of entrepreneurship while helping you avoid common mistakes. His methods and strategies apply to any industry, income or education level. You will also learn from industry experts, entrepreneurs, CEOs, and business owners as they talk about their successes in his segment Zero to CEO. Lastly, you can hear about future technologies and space phenomena in Jason's favorite segment: Future Tech. So get ready to Strap on your Boots!
Latest episodes

Aug 7, 2023 • 16min
Episode 210: Zero to CEO: Unlocking wealth with self-storage investments with Fernando Angelucci
In this episode of Zero to CEO I speak to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Founder at Self Storage Syndicated Equities, Fernando Angelucci about investment into self storage and the benefits. Fernando is the Co-Founder and CEO of Self Storage Syndicated Equities, a real estate investment firm with a portfolio of $250M+ built over the past four years. They specialize in self-storage investments, purchasing existing cash-flowing assets, and building ground-up facilities nationwide. Before getting into self-storage, Fernando worked as an engineer at Dow Chemical, a Fortune 50 company, where he rolled out a flagship product estimated to gross $1B in global revenues. After a year, he left this lucrative job, and the night after he quit, he applied for 64 credit cards. He received approval for 12 and used the cards to raise $97,000 to begin his real estate investing career. He was in his early 20s at the time, and this was the only way he could think of to get capital without turning to his parents. Before turning 30, he owned a multi-million dollar portfolio of residential properties covering the Midwest, which he sold in 2018 to focus on self-storage.

Jul 31, 2023 • 16min
Episode 209: Zero to CEO: How to Set Up Systems and Processes for Sustainable Growth with Whitney Hill
In this episode of Zero to CEO, join consultant-turned-contractor Whitney Hill as she shares her expert advice on How to Set Up Systems and Processes for Sustainable Growth: Building a Strong Foundation. With practical tips and actionable strategies, Whitney discusses the importance of creating a strong infrastructure of technology and repeatable processes, outsourcing tasks, refining your target customer, and focusing on a niche for efficient growth. Learn how to give your team a platform for organic growth and become a market leader through targeted, unique, and transparent content. Tune in to hear how to build a strong foundation for your business.

Jul 24, 2023 • 16min
Episode 208: Zero to CEO: How to protect and build value in a brand with Steven Weigler
In this episode of Zero to CEO I speak to Intellectual property and business attorney, Founder and Managing Partner of EmergeCounsel, Steven Weigler. Steven is the Founder and Managing Partner of EmergeCounsel, whose mission is to provide a worldwide clientele legal counsel on the protection of intellectual property and business assets at a lower price point than large legal firms. In order to fulfill its mission, Steven developed systems-based approaches, which combine best in-class legal technology for legal research and management combined with a strong empathetic human element. We discuss the role of IP and Business Counsel, how to protect your brand nationally and internationally, legal steps to take in maximizing value in the eComm space, jow technology has changed the law firm model, and protecting SaaS models through IP and business strategies.

Jul 17, 2023 • 17min
Episode 207: Zero to CEO: The art of selling in the era of intelligence with Lee Blakemore
In this episode of Zero to CEO, I interview Lee Blakemore, CEO of Introhive, a global tech company known for its award-winning Customer Intelligence Platform. Lee’s leadership has driven Introhive’s rapid growth in Sales Intelligence and Data Quality Management. Prior to Introhive, Lee held key roles at Anthology, Blackboard, and Velocity Technology Solution, managing global operations and spearheading cloud transitions and SaaS transformations. With extensive international experience, including overseeing Blackboard’s business outside North America, Lee brings a wealth of expertise. He is also deeply committed to civil rights, economic empowerment, and poverty alleviation, serving on the board of The Black Star Project.

Jul 10, 2023 • 13min
Episode 206: Zero to CEO: How to leverage video to grow your sales by 300% with Ruben Dua
In this episode of Zero to CEO, I speak with Ruben Dua, Co-Founder and CEO of Dubb, a popular video sales platform that has helped businesses achieve remarkable growth. With over 65,000 clients, including Keller Williams and Grant Cardone, Dubb empowers sales teams to create personalized video messages for enhanced connections, conversions, and revenues. Ruben, with 20+ years of marketing experience, shares insights on leveraging video for sales growth, unleashing creativity in video marketing, mastering upselling, and leading remote sales teams effectively. Tune in for invaluable knowledge from a leader in video sales and marketing.

Jul 3, 2023 • 17min
Episode 205: Zero to CEO: How to build a competitive clothing brand with Chris Cronin
Join us on this episode of Zero to CEO as I sit down with Chris Cronin, Co-Founder and CMO of Kitanica, a renowned clothing brand, to delve into the secrets of building a competitive clothing brand. Chris brings his expertise in manufacturing apparel in the USA, shedding light on the challenges and significance of local production. He also shares invaluable insights and entrepreneurial lessons learned throughout his journey of growing Kitanica. Tune in as we explore what sets Kitanica apart as “Next Level” outdoor gear, uncover the untold stories behind running a successful Kickstarter campaign, discuss the hurdles of producing gear in the USA, and gain invaluable knowledge on launching and scaling a thriving outdoor clothing and gear brand. Discover why the “Made in the U.S.A.” label is gaining momentum and get a glimpse into the future of the outdoor fashion industry. Don’t miss this episode packed with actionable advice and insider tips from an industry expert.

Jun 26, 2023 • 16min
Episode 204: Zero to CEO: The Future of Cryptocurrency with Eric McDonald
In this episode of Zero to CEO I speak to CEO and Board Chairman of CoinLion, Eric McDonald. CoinLion is a cryptocurrency auto trading platform that has executed over 530K trades worth $1B+. Eric shares his insights on why investors are turning to crypto as a safe-haven for their money in these uncertain times, and how beginners can start trading crypto profitably. We also discuss the future of cryptocurrency beyond 2023, and the challenges and opportunities for leaders in the industry. We will discuss the current state of the cryptocurrency market and why it’s attracting investors in uncertain times. How CoinLion’s auto trading platform simplifies cryptocurrency investing for beginners and experts alike. Lessons learned from the collapse of the cryptocurrency exchange FTX and how to avoid similar pitfalls. The future of cryptocurrency beyond 2023 and the potential impact on the financial industry. Eric’s experience building and leading tech companies through market uncertainty and how he approaches long-term growth strategies.

Jun 19, 2023 • 17min
Episode 203: Zero to CEO: How remote hiring can help tech companies attract talent with Frank Licea
On this episode of Zero to CEO, Frank Licea, Co-Founder and CTO of Howdy, discusses how remote hiring can help tech companies attract and retain world-class talent while building a more diverse workplace. Howdy is a startup that helps US companies hire and manage talented software developers from Latin America. With a focus on the Latin American talent market, Howdy assists US companies in capitalizing on the influx of tech talent in the same time zone as their headquarters, saving time, international logistics and communication headaches. They offer talent sourcing, payroll, local HR benefits, equipment, and ongoing mentorship to be the outsourced people and culture team companies need to support the hybrid working needs of teams today. Frank shares insights on Howdy’s success, including raising $21M from investors who funded companies such as Twitch, Airbnb, GitLab, Coinbase, and Heroku, and recruiting 170+ senior developers in six countries for 45+ US-based companies. Additionally, Frank addresses the severe shortage of experienced software developers in the US and the growing need for technical talent at both large and small businesses. Join us for a discussion on the future of work, investment opportunities in the new world of remote work, and the bigger impact of changes happening in the workspace and recruitment industry.

Jun 12, 2023 • 17min
Episode 202: Zero to CEO: The secrets on how to grow your fortune with Elliot Kallen
In this episode of Zero to CEO, join me in an enlightening conversation with financial planning authority Elliot Kallen. We delve deep into the intricacies of wealth growth, family or business protection, estate preservation, and legacy creation for your family or charity. Elliot, the founder of Prosperity Financial Group, boasts of managing over $300M in assets and has guided thousands, including professionals, entrepreneurs, and retirees, toward financial independence. Our discussion explores the four pillars of family wealth management, offering insights into growing wealth and establishing a legacy. We consider the financial requirements for a comfortable retirement, efficient investment strategies for maximizing retirement goals with minimal risk, and ways to avoid common financial pitfalls such as groupthink tendencies and emotional investing. We also shed light on the common mistakes made in wealth accumulation and the challenges of staying on course in today’s dynamic world. Lastly, Elliot shares his thoughts on cultivating the right mindset for financial freedom and building trust with financial planners. So, join us and take a step closer to your financial goals.

Jun 5, 2023 • 16min
Episode 201: Zero to CEO: How To Balance Entrepreneurship With A Full-Time Job with Brian Wong
Join me in this episode of Zero to CEO as I sit down with Brian Wong, Co-Founder of Green Work Apparel and the parent company of NORMANS, a sustainable men’s fashion brand. Brian takes us on a journey through his remarkable career, sharing valuable insights on juggling a corporate job and entrepreneurship while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. He delves into the challenges of balancing traditional business goals with his aspirations for creating social impacts. Discover how Brian successfully built a thriving business from scratch, all while working remotely. Gain valuable perspectives on pivoting into different roles and industries throughout a professional career, and explore the constant mindset shifts between being a corporate employee and a co-founder. Don’t miss this engaging conversation with Brian Wong, a true trailblazer in the world of sustainable fashion.