Business Ninjas

In this inspiring episode of Business Ninjas, host Andrew Lippman sits down with Beth Demke, CEO of North Dakota’s Gateway to Science, to discuss how a grassroots idea grew into a 43,000-square-foot science hub serving over 130,000 people annually. Beth shares how passion, community support, and good old-fashioned organization turned a former shoe store into a state-of-the-art learning center where kids, adults, and even seniors engage with hands-on STEM education. From mobile STEM zones to joyful preschool programs, the mission is clear: science should be joyful, accessible, and community-powered.💡 Sparking Lifelong Curiosity with Purpose and PartnershipGateway to Science goes beyond exhibits. They provide statewide mobile programming, interactive lab spaces, and adult-only STEM nights, making sure curiosity doesn’t retire at any age. With deep ties to education, healthcare, and industry, their funding strategy combines public-private partnerships, thoughtful growth, and a powerful commitment to impact. Beth emphasizes the “perfect partnership” between scientists and organizers as key to their decades of success, and to a future that includes possible expansion. The vision? Keep joy at the center of learning, and lead with empathy, passion, and fearless change.🔗 Learn more about North Dakota's Gateway to Science:Website: https://gatewaytoscience.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gateway-to-science-center-inc/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gatewaytoscience Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatewaytoscience/ X: https://x.com/gateway2science 👤 Connect with Beth Demke on LinkedIn Want to be interviewed on our Business Ninjas podcast? Schedule time with us now, and we'll make it happen right away! Check out WriteForMe, more than just a Content Agency! See the Faces Behind The Voices on our YouTube Channel!

In this episode of Business Ninjas, host Andrew Lippman sits down with Nelson Dunk, Owner and Chief Creative Officer of Hammer & Anvil, a trailblazing immersive content studio reshaping how museums engage the public. Nelson shares how his passion for handcrafted storytelling and cutting-edge virtual reality tech converged to form a new kind of educational experience. One that’s high-resolution, photorealistic, and built for shared awe. From 360-degree dinosaur encounters to deep dives into exoplanets and human anatomy, Hammer & Anvil is bringing theater-level immersion to museums everywhere.💡 Immersive Education That Fits Any FootprintHammer & Anvil focuses exclusively on museums and science centers, offering them plug-and-play VR theaters that deliver world-class experiences with minimal space and maximum wow. Unlike solitary VR setups, their shared immersive theaters let up to 20 visitors explore synchronized, cinematic journeys together, complete with 3D spatial sound and emotional depth. What sets them apart? Their content-first philosophy, deep production values, and dedication to storytelling. From scanning real fossils to CGI reconstructions of ancient worlds, their “filmmakers-first” approach blends storytelling craftsmanship with technical wizardry to create unforgettable museum exhibits. With a growing content library and a focus on educational impact and access, Hammer & Anvil is leveling the playing field for institutions of all sizes.🔗 Learn more about Hammer & Anvil: https://www.hammeranvilvr.com/ 💼 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hammer-and-anvil/ 👤 Connect with Nelson Dunk: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nelsondunk/ Want to be interviewed on our Business Ninjas podcast? Schedule time with us now, and we'll make it happen right away! Check out WriteForMe, more than just a Content Agency! See the Faces Behind The Voices on our YouTube Channel!

In this episode of Business Ninjas, host Andrew Lippman chats with Michael McGuire, Chief Revenue Officer at NobelBiz, a leader in omnichannel contact center solutions and carrier services. With over 30 years of experience running and fixing call centers, Michael shares why NobelBiz stands out in a crowded tech space: it’s built by people who’ve actually lived the contact center life. From telecom cost savings and spam-call suppression to AI innovation and crisis-proof infrastructure, they unpack how NobelBiz helps companies future-proof customer experience and stay compliant in a fast-evolving landscape.💡 Carrier-Backed, Customer-Centered, and Contact-CrucialNobelBiz isn’t just a contact center platform. It’s a full-stack partner built specifically for BPOs, collections, lead generation, and customer service teams. What sets them apart? Their carrier backbone. Unlike other platforms that rely on third-party networks (and support tickets that take days), NobelBiz identifies and resolves call-quality issues in real time. They also help legit businesses avoid dreaded “spam likely” labels and equip remote teams with flexible, AI-driven tools to optimize QA, coaching, and CX, all while maintaining human empathy where it counts. With a strong focus on compliance education and community-building through webinars and live events, NobelBiz positions itself not just as a tech vendor but as the “Promise Keepers” of the contact center industry.🔗 Learn more about NobelBiz 💼 Connect to NobelBiz on LinkedIn👤 Connect with Michael McGuire on LinkedIn Want to be interviewed on our Business Ninjas podcast? Schedule time with us now, and we'll make it happen right away! Check out WriteForMe, more than just a Content Agency! See the Faces Behind The Voices on our YouTube Channel!

In this episode of Business Ninjas, Andrew sits down with Elizabeth Ji, CEO and Managing Attorney at The Ji Law Firm, to unpack what makes a truly client-centered approach to immigration law. From work visas to employer-sponsored green cards, Elizabeth brings a personal touch, deep expertise, and refreshingly candid communication to a space often clouded by bureaucracy and burnout.Whether she’s guiding individuals through self-petitions or helping companies sponsor international talent, Elizabeth doesn’t sugarcoat the path—it’s about clarity, focus, and fighting smart. She shares insights on what really differentiates The Ji Law Firm: responsiveness that builds trust, multiple solution paths when possible, and a firm refusal to let clients feel ghosted. Her firm’s mission is to not just navigate immigration law—but to do it with heart, transparency, and fierce advocacy.The Ji Law Firm is trusted by both businesses and individuals for their integrity and efficiency. If you're searching for a business immigration partner who won’t leave you guessing, you just found them.🔗 Learn more about The Ji Law Firm: https://myjilaw.com/💼 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thejilawfirm/👤 Connect with Elizabeth Ji: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-ji-business-immigration/-----Do you want to be interviewed for your business?  Schedule time with us, and we'll create a podcast like this for your business: https://www.WriteForMe.io/-----https://www.facebook.com/writeforme.iohttps://www.instagram.com/writeforme.io/https://twitter.com/writeformeiohttps://www.linkedin.com/company/writeforme/https://www.pinterest.com/andysteuer/Want to be interviewed on our Business Ninjas podcast? Schedule time with us now, and we'll make it happen right away! Check out WriteForMe, more than just a Content Agency! See the Faces Behind The Voices on our YouTube Channel!

In this episode of Business Ninjas, Andrew Lippman chats with John Polk, President of John Polk & Associates, about how smart businesses turn data into influence—not just reports. With a background in strategy, analytics, and leadership at Capital One, John now helps companies refine their presentation and storytelling skills to better connect with audiences, drive decision-making, and sharpen their strategic messaging.John’s firm focuses on much more than pretty slides. They help clients—ranging from Fortune 500s to startups and even medical professionals—develop clear strategies, eliminate communication gaps, and blend data with narrative to influence stakeholders. He also shares insight into his upcoming book, Presentation Pitfalls (Wiley, September), a practical guide for avoiding the most common traps professionals fall into when building and delivering presentations in both in-person and virtual settings.Whether you're pitching, presenting, or persuading, John Polk & Associates teaches you how to speak with clarity and lead with confidence.🔗 Learn more about John Polk & Associates: https://johnpolkandassociates.com/📘 Check out the book: https://johnpolkandassociates.com/book/ 💼 Connect on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/johnpolkandassociates/ 👤 Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnwpolk/-----Do you want to be interviewed for your business?  Schedule time with us, and we'll create a podcast like this for your business: https://www.WriteForMe.io/-----https://www.facebook.com/writeforme.iohttps://www.instagram.com/writeforme.io/https://twitter.com/writeformeiohttps://www.linkedin.com/company/writeforme/https://www.pinterest.com/andysteuer/Want to be interviewed on our Business Ninjas podcast? Schedule time with us now, and we'll make it happen right away! Check out WriteForMe, more than just a Content Agency! See the Faces Behind The Voices on our YouTube Channel!

In this episode of Business Ninjas, Andrew Lippman sits down with Jay Jung, founder and principal of Embarc Advisors, a boutique investment banking and M&A advisory firm serving the middle market. With a background at Goldman Sachs and McKinsey, Jay has worked on major deals like Yahoo’s sale to Verizon and MuleSoft’s acquisition by Salesforce. Now, he’s bringing that elite-level execution and insight to 7- and 8-figure mergers and acquisitions for founders and private businesses across industries—from SaaS and healthcare to industrials and business services.Embarc Advisors is flipping the traditional investment banking model on its head. Instead of commission-based success fees, they operate on a transparent hourly billing model, helping clients plan and optimize their exits months or even years in advance. Their fully remote team offers CFO services, quality of earnings reports, and end-to-end deal support. Embarc’s industry-agnostic approach allows them to bring unique insight across verticals, creating higher ROI and less friction throughout the M&A process. It’s no surprise they’ve been named to Axial’s Top 25 Middle Market Investment Banks.🔗 Connect with Embarc Advisors:Website: https://embarcadvisors.com/Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/embarc-advisors/Jay’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/embarc/-----Do you want to be interviewed for your business?  Schedule time with us, and we'll create a podcast like this for your business:  https://www.WriteForMe.io/-----https://www.facebook.com/writeforme.iohttps://www.instagram.com/writeforme.io/https://twitter.com/writeformeiohttps://www.linkedin.com/company/writeforme/https://www.pinterest.com/andysteuer/Want to be interviewed on our Business Ninjas podcast? Schedule time with us now, and we'll make it happen right away! Check out WriteForMe, more than just a Content Agency! See the Faces Behind The Voices on our YouTube Channel!

Radon, founder and CEO of Recovered and Free, and TEDx Southlake speaker. Don shares his raw, personal journey from addiction to long-term recovery, and how it inspired him to build a radically different kind of recovery program. Unlike traditional treatment centers driven by insurance payouts and clinical detachment, Recovered and Free is a peer-led, private-pay men’s program that prioritizes real connection, honest dialogue, and practical freedom.Based in small-town Hubbard, Texas, Recovered and Free stands apart by staying intentionally lean and fiercely human. No insurance. No “spa treatment.” No clinicians with clipboards. Just recovered addicts helping other addicts find their way out—because they’ve lived it. Don’s approach centers on restoring dignity and equipping men with sustainable tools for long-term sobriety, so they can re-enter life as better husbands, fathers, and neighbors. Alumni regularly return, not out of obligation, but to stay grounded and give back. It’s not treatment—it’s transformation.🔗 Connect with Recovered and Free:Website: https://recoveredandfree.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveredandfreeRAFNonprofit Partner: https://www.accesstofreedomtx.org/LinkedIn (Don Radon): https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-radon-90920420/Don’t miss Don’s upcoming podcast and his acclaimed TEDx Southlake talk—both continuing the mission to smash the stigma of addiction and share what real recovery looks like.-----Do you want to be interviewed for your business?  Schedule time with us, and we'll create a podcast like this for your business:  https://www.WriteForMe.io/-----https://www.facebook.com/writeforme.iohttps://www.instagram.com/writeforme.io/https://twitter.com/writeformeiohttps://www.linkedin.com/company/writeforme/https://www.pinterest.com/andysteuer/Want to be interviewed on our Business Ninjas podcast? Schedule time with us now, and we'll make it happen right away! Check out WriteForMe, more than just a Content Agency! See the Faces Behind The Voices on our YouTube Channel!

In this episode of Business Ninjas, Andrew Lippman sits down with Russell Baris, Founder and President of eLumindata, to explore how businesses can uncover powerful insights hiding in plain sight—within their own data. From AI-powered data automation to next-gen healthcare solutions, Russell explains how eLumindata helps organizations cut through the chaos and bring clarity to decision-making.With nearly two decades of experience, eLumindata has worked across industries including pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, grocery, real estate, insurance, and retail. Their expertise lies in helping companies navigate heterogeneous markets by identifying what’s working, for whom, and why. Russell also reveals how their latest innovation is transforming personalized patient care by giving doctors access to actionable, centralized medical data.Whether it’s rescuing a struggling product launch or giving healthcare pros better tools to treat patients, eLumindata turns messy datasets into growth strategies and game-changing decisions.🔗  Learn more about eLumindata: https://www.elumindata.com/https://www.elumindata.com/ 💼  Connect on LinkedIn: eLumindata Inc. https://www.linkedin.com/company/elumindata-inc/  👤  Connect with Russell Baris: Russell Baris on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-baris/-----Do you want to be interviewed for your business?  Schedule time with us, and we'll create a podcast like this for your business:  https://www.WriteForMe.io/-----https://www.facebook.com/writeforme.iohttps://www.instagram.com/writeforme.io/https://twitter.com/writeformeiohttps://www.linkedin.com/company/writeforme/https://www.pinterest.com/andysteuer/Want to be interviewed on our Business Ninjas podcast? Schedule time with us now, and we'll make it happen right away! Check out WriteForMe, more than just a Content Agency! See the Faces Behind The Voices on our YouTube Channel!

In this episode of Business Ninjas, Andrew speaks with Isaac Salem, Vice President at Teknos Associates, about the art—and science—behind accurate startup valuations. With a sharp focus on tech and biotech sectors, Isaac explains how Teknos bridges deep industry expertise with data-driven analysis to deliver valuation services that go far beyond spreadsheets.Whether it’s a Series A startup gearing up for funding or a late-stage company preparing for IPO or acquisition, Teknos partners with clients to deliver honest, actionable insights. Instead of over-relying on automation or billing like the Big Four, they take a relationship-driven approach. Isaac also shares thoughts on how AI is shaking up EdTech, why judgment still matters in finance, and how Teknos helps founders avoid false precision in a world obsessed with data.Teknos Associates is a full-service valuation consulting firm with deep experience in financial reporting, tax compliance, and 409A valuations. Known for their industry-specific insights and commitment to integrity, Teknos supports venture-backed companies across their full lifecycle—from early funding to acquisition and IPO.🔗  Learn more about Teknos Associates: https://www.teknosassociates.com/💼  Connect on LinkedIn: Teknos Associateshttps://www.linkedin.com/company/teknos-associates-llc/👤 Connect with Isaac Salem: Isaac on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/isaac-salem-32b9b457-----Do you want to be interviewed for your business?  Schedule time with us, and we'll create a podcast like this for your business:  https://www.WriteForMe.io/-----https://www.facebook.com/writeforme.iohttps://www.instagram.com/writeforme.io/https://twitter.com/writeformeiohttps://www.linkedin.com/company/writeforme/https://www.pinterest.com/andysteuer/Want to be interviewed on our Business Ninjas podcast? Schedule time with us now, and we'll make it happen right away! Check out WriteForMe, more than just a Content Agency! See the Faces Behind The Voices on our YouTube Channel!

In this episode of Business Ninjas, Andrew Lippman chats with John Anastasi, founding partner at Lando & Anastasi (L&A), a boutique intellectual property firm based in Boston. John shares his unique journey from engineer to IP attorney, and how that dual perspective empowers his team to protect cutting-edge innovations—from software and AI to consumer products and life sciences. Tune in for a deep dive into the ever-shifting landscape of patent law, how the firm navigates the complexities of AI-related IP, and why L&A’s “seat at the table” approach keeps clients coming back decade after decade.Lando & Anastasi is a mid-sized IP law firm that punches above its weight, offering highly technical and strategic patent, trademark, and copyright counsel without the bloated billables of big law. With deep roots in the Boston tech and life sciences scene, L&A has built a reputation for delivering quality work and real partnership—especially with startups navigating high-growth challenges. Whether helping a client secure FDA approval, protect proprietary AI models, or scale their IP portfolio globally, L&A offers senior-level attention, engineering fluency, and true client alignment. It's not just law—it’s long-term collaboration.🔗 Connect with Lando & Anastasi: Website: https://lalaw.com LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/lando-&-anastasi-llp LinkedIn (John Anastasi): https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnanastasi/Want to be interviewed on our Business Ninjas podcast? Schedule time with us now, and we'll make it happen right away! Check out WriteForMe, more than just a Content Agency! See the Faces Behind The Voices on our YouTube Channel!