Startup Anthology

In this episode of Startup Anthology, we have a special guest, Joseph Kopser, a retired Lt. Col. in the US Army, West Point alum, startup founder, and serial entrepreneur at the July 2025 Military Connected Monthly Mentorship Meetup (MCM3) in Austin at Capital Factory. Joseph shares his journey from the military to entrepreneurship, including founding RideScout while still serving in the Army. He also talks about his leadership experiences, the importance of mentorship, and the upcoming 'Leading to WIN' event aimed at bridging the gap between military and civilian communities. Connect with Joseph Kopser: LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephkopser/ Company | https://graylinegroup.com/joseph-kopser/ Personal | https://bit.ly/KopserKeynoteEmCeeFlyer Email | joseph@graylinegroup.com Leading to WIN 2025: Bridging the gap between generations of military service, leadership, and innovation in America's military capital. For more information on 'Leading to WIN 2025', visit https://leading2win.org/. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into startup leadership and culture. 📍Recorded live at the Military-Connected Mentorship Meetup with support from Command Post Cohort, Texas Veteran Chambers Coalition, and sponsors including, Syracuse University D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families [https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/], Combined Arms | Texas Veterans Network [https://www.combinedarms.us/texasveteransnetwork], Capital Factory [https://capitalfactory.com/], and JP Morgan Chase [https://www.jpmorganchase.com/]. 00:00 Introduction and Event Overview 00:45 Introducing Joseph Kopser 01:19 Joseph's Military Journey 07:17 Founding Ride Scout 14:46 Balancing Military and Entrepreneurship 17:54 Meeting Entrepreneurs at Gabriel's 19:01 Reflecting on the Journey 20:00 Discussing the Book 'Catalyst' 21:16 The Kodak Story and Innovation 23:58 Leadership and Creating a Moat 27:38 The Xerox Missed Opportunity 31:51 Leading to Win Conference https://commandpostcohort.com/ https://texasveteranschambers.org/ https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/ https://www.combinedarms.us/ https://capitalfactory.com/ https://www.jpmorganchase.com/ Descript - If you're a podcaster or videographer, you know how tedious editing can be. Descript makes editing audio and video in your browser easy, saving you time and effort! Join me and get a free trial with my affiliate link: https://get.descript.com/StartupAnthology #militarymentorship #veteranstories #startupjourney #networking #communitybuilding #entrepreneurship #veteransupport #militarylife #usarmy #startups #startupanthology

In this episode of Startup Anthology, I sit down with Dmitri Julius and Nathan Wang, the first hires at ICON, to unravel the intriguing debate of who truly holds the title of employee number one. Together, we explore the early days of ICON, recounting the chaos and camaraderie that fueled our groundbreaking mission to revolutionize housing through 3D printing. From humorous anecdotes about our unconventional hiring practices and operational challenges to heartfelt reflections on the lasting impact of company culture, we share the lessons learned from our unique journeys. Join us as we dive into the stories that shaped ICON and the friendships that remain a cornerstone of our experiences. #podcast #startupanthology #inspiration #startupculture #story #startupsuccess #icon #3dprinting #AppleTV #NewStory 00:00 Introduction to Startup Anthology 00:47 Meet Dmitri Julius 02:59 Nathan Wang's Journey to ICON 06:21 Defining Employee Number One at ICON 08:37 The Early Days and Challenges at ICON 19:47 ICON's First International Project 25:17 The Culture and Camaraderie at ICON 39:12 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Early Struggles 48:12 Imperial vs Metric: A Practical Choice 50:43 The Legacy of Humor in Company Culture 51:51 Building a Team: The Key to Success 58:17 Navigating Company Growth and Change 01:05:09 Reflections on Personal and Professional Growth 01:13:12 The Journey of Founding and Leaving ICON 01:25:11 New Ventures and Future Aspirations 01:29:32 Acknowledging the Team Behind the Success DISCLAIMER: "The opinions and views expressed in this podcast are those of the host/guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency or company, including Icon Technology, Inc."

Journey to Japan: A Conversation with Missionaries Kostya and Bella Tustanovskyis On this episode of Startup Anthology, I'm joined by Brian Henson lead pastor at Trinity Community Church [https://trinitychurchtx.org/] in Cedar Park, TX. Together, we sit down with Kostya and Bella Tustanovskyis delve into their journey as missionaries, church planters and entrepreneurs. Kostya and Bella are both originally from Ukraine, but they met while Kostya was working at Sojourn Church in Uganda. They discuss how they met in Uganda, and their passion for spreading the gospel in Japan. They delve into the calling that led them to one of the world's most unreached nations and talk about the challenges and blessings that come with adapting to a new culture. The episode also covers their vision for building community and planting churches in Tokyo and the vital role of partnerships in their mission. Tune in to hear about their heartfelt journey, the impact of their work, and how they navigate their faith and family life in the mission field. 📍Recorded live at Red Horn Brewery & Roastery [https://redhornbrew.com/] in Leander, TX. To learn more about Kostya and Bella, and to partner with them on their journey to Japan, visit https://forthejoy.city/ 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into startup leadership and culture. If you're a podcaster or videographer, you know how tedious editing can be. Descript makes editing audio and video in your browser easy, saving you time and effort! Join me and get a free trial with my affiliate link: https://get.descript.com/StartupAnthology 00:00 Journey to Japan: The Mission and Vision of Kostya and Bella 00:27 Startup Anthology Intro 01:38 Introduction and Background 02:19 Meeting and Early Life 03:47 Missionary Work in Uganda 07:01 Calling to Japan 22:57 Vision Trip to Japan 28:57 Welcoming Hands and Hearts 29:43 Different Ministry Approaches in Tokyo 31:40 Choosing to Work with Soma 32:06 Choosing Soma Tokyo 32:29 Emphasis on Emotionally Healthy Discipleship 34:46 The Role of Non-Japanese Missionaries 40:11 Long-Term Vision and Patience in Church Planting 48:47 Challenges and Prayer Requests 53:30 Final Thoughts and Farewell #Acts29 #ChurchPlanting #CommunityBuilding #Descript #Discipleship #EmotionalHealth #Entrepreneur #Entrepreneurship #TheGreatCommission #Japan #Missionaries #Missionary #RedHorn Brewery_Roastery #StartupAnthology #Startup Journey

In this episode of Startup Anthology, I sit down with Johanna Wynne, an inspiring Army veteran who transitioned into the startup world. We explore her journey from a military upbringing to her decision to forgo West Point for the University of Vermont, ultimately leading to a 20-year Army career. Johanna shares her experiences at Army Futures Command, likening it to a startup within a major organization, and discusses the challenges of joining a civilian startup post-retirement. We delve into her insights on leadership, risk-taking, and the importance of passion in the entrepreneurial world. Join us for a candid conversation about the lessons Johanna learned from military service and how they apply to the fast-paced startup environment. Whether you're a veteran entrepreneur or simply interested in leadership, this episode offers valuable perspectives on navigating transitions and embracing new opportunities.

Join me, Jeremy Willis, on Startup Anthology as we dive into a riveting conversation with retired Colonel Jim Orbock in our latest episode, From West Point to Startups: Leadership Lessons from Colonel (Ret.) Jim Orbock. Recorded live at the Military Connected Mentorship Meetup, Jim shares his remarkable journey from West Point to leading troops in Afghanistan, and now to entrepreneurship with Spartan Financial. Discover the challenges of transitioning from military leadership to startup culture and how Jim leverages servant leadership to build lasting team dynamics. We explore the importance of narrowing your vision, the value of mentorship, and the art of balancing personal and organizational goals. This episode is packed with insights for anyone navigating the startup world. Tune in to learn how to lead effectively, whether you're managing a team of five or a hundred.

This highlight reel captures the candid insights and creative wisdom of Kent Richeson as he delves into the world of startups, innovation, and embracing imperfection. From quirky ideas like language-translating gum to finding inspiration from Spider-Man, this reel showcases the human side of entrepreneurship and the power of bold, imperfect thinking. 🌟 What You’ll Learn: • [00:00:00] The spark behind absurd ideas—like chewing gum that translates languages—and how imagination fuels innovation. 🧠 • [00:00:18] The 24/7 nature of startup life—beyond the 9-to-5 mindset. 💼 • [00:00:25] How even Spider-Man can inspire entrepreneurial thinking. 🕸️ • [00:00:38] The importance of vulnerability and human connection in business. 🤝 • [00:01:00] Building businesses that uplift communities and sustain others. 🌍 • [00:01:09] Why imperfection and experimentation are essential for growth. 🎯 • [00:01:36] Creating a culture where “bad ideas” are stepping stones to breakthroughs. 💬 • [00:01:50] Taking control of your narrative while balancing priorities like family and well-being. ❤️ Whether you’re an aspiring founder, a seasoned entrepreneur, or simply curious about the startup journey, this reel is packed with actionable takeaways and thought-provoking moments. 🎬✨ 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more highlights and inspiration from ShitPitch! #Startups #Entrepreneurship #ShitPitch #KentRicheson #Innovation #ImperfectIdeas #StartupCulture

Get ready to laugh, learn, and be inspired! In this highlight reel, Kent Richeson, founder of ShitPitch, shares how he’s turning the traditional startup pitch on its head. From “pigeon messaging” to “silent karaoke,” ShitPitch challenges founders to think on their feet, show their personalities, and embrace creativity in ways no pitch deck ever could. 💡 What’s Inside: • Why investors are tired of the same old pitch decks 📊 • The magic of experimenting and letting vulnerability shine ✨ • Memorable moments like “pigeon messaging” and heartfelt takes on “silent karaoke” 🎭 • How ShitPitch encourages founders to embrace failure and be their authentic selves 🌟 • Stories of engaging pitch events from New York to beyond 🗽 If you’re a founder, investor, or just love hearing innovative ideas (and hilarious pitches), this is for YOU! 👉 Watch the full episode for even more insights and stories: https://youtu.be/vHUxZsDSm60 💬 What’s your favorite highlight? Let us know in the comments! #ShitPitch #StartupLife #FounderJourney #CreativePitches #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #StartupStories

🎙️ Welcome to another episode of the Startup Anthology Podcast! Join me and Kent Richeson, the entrepreneur behind ShitPitch, as we explore his innovative approach to startup pitches. Discover how he's reimagining the traditional pitch deck, emphasizing founder personality and vision. Kent also shares insights from his unique startup journey. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The story behind ShitPitch and its mission to highlight the person behind the pitch. Why most traditional startup pitch events fall flat and how Kent’s approach changes the game. The challenges of building Shit Pitch from scratch—experimenting with formats, engaging investors, and scaling globally. How founders can improve their communication and self-awareness to build better teams and secure investments. Why experimenting, being curious, and embracing vulnerability are keys to entrepreneurial success. 🎥 Plus, Kent talks about Shit Pitch’s plans for the future, including hosting events in over 20 locations next year, collaborating with Expert Dojo and Google HQ in India, and exploring possibilities for a TV show to bring the unique ShitPitch experience to a global audience. 📌 Key Highlights: [00:01:35] The inspiration for Shit Pitch—showcasing founders’ authenticity. [00:06:10] The evolution of pitch formats—how impromptu “bad ideas” reveal a founder’s true strengths. [00:12:22] Silent karaoke, pigeon messaging, and the surprising depth behind humorous pitches. [00:18:00] Expanding globally: From Utah to New Delhi and beyond. [00:28:00] Sponsorship strategy and building lasting relationships with partners. [00:37:16] Balancing startup life and family—Kent’s take on involving his kids in his entrepreneurial journey. [00:45:53] Lessons learned: Being open to new ideas, taking risks, and learning through experimentation. 🔥 Whether you’re a founder, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just curious about the future of startups, this episode is packed with insights, humor, and inspiration. Don’t miss it! 👉 Connect with Kent Richeson and learn more about Shit Pitch: Website: https://shitpitch.com/ LinkedIn [Kent Richeson]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kentricheson/ LinkedIn [ShitPitch]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shit-pitch/ Instagram [Kent Richeson]: @KentRicheson Instagram [ShitPitch]: @ShitPitch 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more startup stories and founder insights. 00:00 Welcome to Startup Anthology 00:52 Introducing Kent Richeson 01:35 The Concept of Shitpitch 05:26 Challenges and Early Stages 08:10 Experimenting with Pitch Formats 19:28 Expanding to New Territories 27:06 Sponsorship and Transparency 35:16 Balancing Family and Career 38:01 Mentorship and Lessons Learned 39:35 The Importance of Curiosity and Vulnerability 45:53 Taking Risks and Experimentation 48:59 Employee Mindset and Entrepreneurial Thinking 53:02 Advice to My Younger Self 55:43 Future Vision for ShitPitch 58:27 Connecting and Networking in Startups 01:03:00 Final Thoughts and How to Connect #StartupAnthology #ShitPitch #Entrepreneurship #StartupPitches #FoundersJourney #StartupPodcast #Podcast #Descript #StartupLife

🌟 What does it take to leave a secure job at Netflix and start your own EdTech company? Dive into this inspiring highlight reel of Jose Moreno’s journey to founding Neulight, where he’s revolutionizing education with world-class software inspired by Netflix principles.🔗 Connect with Startup Anthology: 🌟 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupanthology 👍 Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/StartupAntholo/ 🎵 TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@startupanthology 💼 LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/startupanthologyllc/ 🐦 X (Twitter):https://www.twitter.com/StartupAntholo 00:00 Creating Value at Netflix 00:12 Applying Netflix Principles to Neulight 00:27 Personal Touch in Customer Service 00:38 Learning from Failure 00:48 Inspiring Leadership 01:13 Persistence and Discipline 01:31 Progress and Patience #startup #edtech #innovation #inspiration #StartupJourney #FromNetflixToStartup #EdTechInnovation #NeulightAI #EntrepreneurshipStories #StartupSuccess #AIInEducation #MTSSFramework #JoseMorenoStory #StartupAnthology

Jose Moreno, a former Netflix engineer and the founder of Neulight, shares his journey from tech giant to ed-tech innovator. He reveals the mission behind Neulight to enhance education using AI-driven support systems. The challenges of educator overwhelm and student-to-teacher ratios are discussed, along with innovative solutions through the MTSS framework. Jose emphasizes the importance of persistence in startup success and overcoming imposter syndrome. His insights not only inspire entrepreneurs but also highlight the transformative power of technology in education.