Vinny Dotolo is a Los Angeles-based chef and restaurateur, recognized for his contributions to the city’s food scene. He is the chef and co-owner of Jon & Vinny’s and Helen’s Wines, with locations in Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Fairfax, Slauson, Studio City, and globally. He also operates Cookbook Market in Echo Park, Highland Park, and Larchmont Village, along with Carmelized Productions, a full-service catering company.Vinny has been accredited with several awards including Food & Wine’s Best New Chef (2009) and James Beard (2016) for “Best Chef West” for animal restaurant, which closed in 2023. Beyond the kitchen, he is an active supporter of many charities including No Kid Hungry, Alex’s Lemonade, and Baby2Baby.*The Founder Hour is brought to you by Outer. Outer makes the world’s most beautiful, comfortable, innovative, and high-quality outdoor furniture - ALL from sustainable materials - and is the ONLY outdoor furniture with a patented built-in cover to make protecting it effortless. From teak chairs to fire pit tables, everything Outer makes has the look and feel of what you’d expect at a 5-star resort, for less than you’d pay at a big box store for something that won’t last. For a limited time, get 10% off at www.liveouter.com/thefounderhour. Terms and conditions apply.Still using your personal phone number for your startup in 2024? OpenPhone makes it easy to get business phone numbers for your team with an app that works on both phone and computer. It integrates with CRMs like HubSpot and Salesforce, and offers AI-powered call transcripts and summaries. Plus, your whole team can access the same number. Start at $15/user/month, but The Founder Hour listeners get 20% off for 6 months. Visit https://www.openphone.com/founder to start your free trial!Stressed, sleepless, or need a health boost? Try Magnesium Breakthrough from BiOptimizers! It’s the only supplement with 7 types of magnesium, each with unique benefits like muscle recovery, heart health, and energy production. All-natural, vegan, and gluten-free. Visit www.bioptimizers.com/founderhour and use code FOUNDERHOUR for 10% off. ***Follow The Founder Hour on:Instagram | www.instagram.com/thefounderhourTwitter/X | www.x.com/thefounderhourLinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/company/thefounderhourYouTube | www.youtube.com/@thefounderhour

Joel Madden is a musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer best known as the lead vocalist for the pop-punk band Good Charlotte. Born in Maryland, Madden co-founded Good Charlotte in the mid-1990s with his twin brother, Benji Madden. The band rose to fame in the early 2000s with hits like "Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous" and "The Anthem," becoming a staple in the punk rock and alternative music scenes.Beyond his work with Good Charlotte, Madden has collaborated with various artists, worked as a coach on "The Voice Australia," and co-founded the management company MDDN. He is also a co-founder of Veeps, a live-streaming platform that has become a go-to for artists connecting with fans through virtual concerts. He also hosts the podcast "Artist Friendly," where he interviews musicians and creatives, offering insights into the music industry.*The Founder Hour is brought to you by Outer. Outer makes the world’s most beautiful, comfortable, innovative, and high-quality outdoor furniture - ALL from sustainable materials - and is the ONLY outdoor furniture with a patented built-in cover to make protecting it effortless. From teak chairs to fire pit tables, everything Outer makes has the look and feel of what you’d expect at a 5-star resort, for less than you’d pay at a big box store for something that won’t last. For a limited time, get 10% off at www.liveouter.com/thefounderhour. Terms and conditions apply.Still using your personal phone number for your startup in 2024? OpenPhone makes it easy to get business phone numbers for your team with an app that works on both phone and computer. It integrates with CRMs like HubSpot and Salesforce, and offers AI-powered call transcripts and summaries. Plus, your whole team can access the same number. Start at $15/user/month, but The Founder Hour listeners get 20% off for 6 months. Visit https://www.openphone.com/founder to start your free trial!Stressed, sleepless, or need a health boost? Try Magnesium Breakthrough from BiOptimizers! It’s the only supplement with 7 types of magnesium, each with unique benefits like muscle recovery, heart health, and energy production. All-natural, vegan, and gluten-free. Visit www.bioptimizers.com/founderhour and use code FOUNDERHOUR for 10% off. ***Follow The Founder Hour on:Instagram | www.instagram.com/thefounderhourTwitter/X | www.x.com/thefounderhourLinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/company/thefounderhourYouTube | www.youtube.com/@thefounderhour

Troy Arntsen, co-founder and president of Voluspa, transformed a simple idea into a global luxury candle brand renowned for its exquisite scents and impeccable quality. Hailing from Minnesota, Troy was a self-described "daydreamer" who defied expectations when he traded a promising engineering career for the world of essential oils. His decision, met with initial doubts from his family, was fueled by an unshakable entrepreneurial spirit.In 1999, armed with only a few thousand dollars and the unwavering support of his partner, Troy relocated to Southern California with a dream to create Voluspa. What began as a humble kitchen operation—where late-night candle pouring was the norm—evolved into a global brand, with Voluspa candles now sold in over 80 countries. The company’s success stems from its commitment to using premium, natural ingredients and a dedication to elegant design, setting it apart in a market saturated with generic offerings.Troy’s engineering background proved invaluable as he developed Voluspa’s signature coconut wax blend, a unique innovation that remains central to the brand's identity. Over the past 25 years, he navigated the complexities of scaling a business, from building a team to mastering the e-commerce landscape, all while staying devoted to his family.Today, Voluspa is a leader in luxury home fragrances, with Troy still passionately steering the ship. His journey from a small-town Minnesota dreamer to a successful entrepreneur is a powerful testament to the importance of pursuing one's passions, upholding core values, and building a business with integrity and perseverance.*The Founder Hour is brought to you by Outer. Outer makes the world’s most beautiful, comfortable, innovative, and high-quality outdoor furniture - ALL from sustainable materials - and is the ONLY outdoor furniture with a patented built-in cover to make protecting it effortless. From teak chairs to fire pit tables, everything Outer makes has the look and feel of what you’d expect at a 5-star resort, for less than you’d pay at a big box store for something that won’t last. For a limited time, get 10% off at www.liveouter.com/thefounderhour. Terms and conditions apply.Still using your personal phone number for your startup in 2024? OpenPhone makes it easy to get business phone numbers for your team with an app that works on both phone and computer. It integrates with CRMs like HubSpot and Salesforce, and offers AI-powered call transcripts and summaries. Plus, your whole team can access the same number. Start at $15/user/month, but The Founder Hour listeners get 20% off for 6 months. Visit https://www.openphone.com/founder to start your free trial!Stressed, sleepless, or need a health boost? Try Magnesium Breakthrough from BiOptimizers! It’s the only supplement with 7 types of magnesium, each with unique benefits like muscle recovery, heart health, and energy production. All-natural, vegan, and gluten-free. Visit www.bioptimizers.com/founderhour and use code FOUNDERHOUR for 10% off. ***Follow The Founder Hour on:Instagram | www.instagram.com/thefounderhourTwitter/X | www.x.com/thefounderhourLinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/company/thefounderhourYouTube | www.youtube.com/@thefounderhour

Taylor Hill's life took an unexpected turn at the age of 14 when she was discovered at a dude ranch in Colorado. Born in Illinois but raised in the mountains of Colorado, Taylor grew up snowboarding and enjoying the outdoors with her family. Her mother, a former hairdresser turned stay-at-home mom, instilled in her a sense of creativity and diligence that would serve her well in her future career.That fateful day at the ranch, a photographer mistook Taylor and her siblings for hired models. Within 24 hours, she found herself shooting her first catalog for Belk. This serendipitous encounter launched her into the world of modeling, a career she hadn't previously considered.At 14, Taylor signed with IMG Models and began her whirlwind journey in the fashion industry. With her mother by her side, she navigated the complexities of the modeling world, learning to balance work and personal growth.As Taylor's modeling career soared, she became a familiar face in major fashion shows and campaigns. Her work with Victoria's Secret became a significant part of her journey, participating in their iconic fashion shows and growing alongside the brand as it evolved over the years.Throughout her modeling career, Taylor found a constant companion in her dog, Tate. This Labradoodle became more than just a pet; he was her soulmate and teacher, showing her the meaning of unconditional love and responsibility. Tate accompanied her to photoshoots in New York, becoming a beloved mascot in the fashion world.Tragically, Tate's battle with lymphoma opened Taylor's eyes to the gaps in the pet care industry. This experience inspired her to create Tate & Taylor, a company aimed at revolutionizing the pet space. Through this venture, Taylor seeks to blend her experiences in fashion and social media with her passion for pets, creating a platform that offers curated products, educational content, and a supportive community for pet owners.Today, Taylor continues to balance her successful modeling career with her entrepreneurial pursuits. She's set to return to the Victoria's Secret runway later this year, while also working tirelessly to grow Tate & Taylor.*The Founder Hour is brought to you by Outer. Outer makes the world’s most beautiful, comfortable, innovative, and high-quality outdoor furniture - ALL from sustainable materials - and is the ONLY outdoor furniture with a patented built-in cover to make protecting it effortless. From teak chairs to fire pit tables, everything Outer makes has the look and feel of what you’d expect at a 5-star resort, for less than you’d pay at a big box store for something that won’t last. For a limited time, get 10% off at www.liveouter.com/thefounderhour. Terms and conditions apply.Customers are flocking to your store—do you have a reliable point-of-sale system? Shopify POS is your retail command center, handling payments, inventory, and more. Choose from hardware options like smartphone, tablet, or Shopify's POS Go device. With award-winning support, Shopify helps you succeed every step of the way. Get started with a $1/month trial at www.shopify.com/founderhour.Still using your personal phone number for your startup in 2024? OpenPhone makes it easy to get business phone numbers for your team with an app that works on both phone and computer. It integrates with CRMs like HubSpot and Salesforce, and offers AI-powered call transcripts and summaries. Plus, your whole team can access the same number. Start at $15/user/month, but The Founder Hour listeners get 20% off for 6 months. Visit https://www.openphone.com/founder to start your free trial!Stressed, sleepless, or need a health boost? Try Magnesium Breakthrough from BiOptimizers! It’s the only supplement with 7 types of magnesium, each with unique benefits like muscle recovery, heart health, and energy production. All-natural, vegan, and gluten-free. Visit www.bioptimizers.com/founderhour and use code FOUNDERHOUR for 10% off. ***Follow The Founder Hour on:Instagram | www.instagram.com/thefounderhourTwitter/X | www.x.com/thefounderhourLinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/company/thefounderhourYouTube | www.youtube.com/@thefounderhour

Joe Gebbia, co-founder of Airbnb and the design studio Samara, shares his fascinating journey from a ball boy for the Atlanta Hawks to a culinary entrepreneur. He discusses overcoming challenges while founding Airbnb and the pivotal role his art background played in reframing obstacles into opportunities. Joe also delves into his new venture, Samara, focused on innovative home design and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), emphasizing flexibility in living spaces and sustainable materials as part of future solutions to housing crises.

Michelle Wahler is an entrepreneur, business leader and mother. In 2005, she co-founded the active lifestyle company Beyond Yoga, where as CEO, she built the product and brand from the ground up. What started as a mere concept led to a global wholesale business, e-commerce site and opening of six retail stores, selling tens of millions of units around the world over the course of nearly 20 years. Michelle built a female-focused organization with an unwavering commitment to inclusivity, diversity and empowerment among both employees and customers. She skillfully navigated negotiations and led her team through the brand’s acquisition by Levi Strauss & Co. in 2021. Post-acquisition, she continued her role as CEO of Beyond Yoga and joined the Executive Leadership Team of Levi Strauss.Michelle was awarded Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young in 2021 and as a DEIA Visionary by the LA Times in 2023.Michelle is originally from Maryland and began her career while living in New York City. She lives in Los Angeles and is married with two children and two dogs. Michelle is active in several philanthropic causes through the family foundation she created with her husband. She also finds joy in painting, reading, and exploring through travel.***The Founder Hour is brought to you by Outer. Outer makes the world’s most beautiful, comfortable, innovative, and high-quality outdoor furniture - ALL from sustainable materials - and is the ONLY outdoor furniture with a patented built-in cover to make protecting it effortless. From teak chairs to fire pit tables, everything Outer makes has the look and feel of what you’d expect at a 5-star resort, for less than you’d pay at a big box store for something that won’t last. For a limited time, get 10% off at www.liveouter.com/thefounderhour. Terms and conditions apply.Customers are flocking to your store—do you have a reliable point-of-sale system? Shopify POS is your retail command center, handling payments, inventory, and more. Choose from hardware options like smartphone, tablet, or Shopify's POS Go device. With award-winning support, Shopify helps you succeed every step of the way. Get started with a $1/month trial at www.shopify.com/founderhour.Still using your personal phone number for your startup in 2024? OpenPhone makes it easy to get business phone numbers for your team with an app that works on both phone and computer. It integrates with CRMs like HubSpot and Salesforce, and offers AI-powered call transcripts and summaries. Plus, your whole team can access the same number. Start at $15/user/month, but The Founder Hour listeners get 20% off for 6 months. Visit https://www.openphone.com/founder to start your free trial!Stressed, sleepless, or need a health boost? Try Magnesium Breakthrough from BiOptimizers! It’s the only supplement with 7 types of magnesium, each with unique benefits like muscle recovery, heart health, and energy production. All-natural, vegan, and gluten-free. Visit www.bioptimizers.com/founderhour and use code FOUNDERHOUR for 10% off. ***Follow The Founder Hour on:Instagram | www.instagram.com/thefounderhourTwitter/X | www.x.com/thefounderhourLinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/company/thefounderhourYouTube | www.youtube.com/@thefounderhour

In this episode of The Founder Hour, we have an insightful conversation with Max Levchin, a true trailblazer in the tech world. Max’s journey began in Ukraine, where he grew up in a family of scientists who instilled in him a deep respect for knowledge and discovery. After his family relocated to Crimea to escape the fallout from the Chernobyl disaster, Max discovered his passion for programming at a young age. With no computer at his disposal, he began teaching himself to code by writing programs on paper.In 1991, Max’s family moved to the U.S., settling in Chicago. It was here that he found his footing at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a pivotal moment that set the stage for his future success. Immersed in the early internet scene, Max’s path eventually led him to Silicon Valley, where a chance meeting with Peter Thiel at Stanford’s lecture halls sparked the creation of what would become PayPal. Initially conceived as a secure way to store and transfer encrypted data, PayPal evolved into a groundbreaking online payment system that transformed the way we conduct financial transactions.Max takes us through the early days of PayPal, sharing stories of tackling complex challenges like document encryption and fraud prevention. But his entrepreneurial journey didn’t stop there. He went on to found Slide, and later Affirm, a company dedicated to providing honest financial products that align with consumers' best interests. Throughout the conversation, Max discusses his guiding philosophy of HVF—hard, valuable, and fun—and how it shapes his approach to building companies that aim to make a positive impact on the world.We also explore Max’s thoughts on the future of technology, exploring AI's potential, the evolving landscape of fintech, and the importance of aligning financial interests with customers. Tune in to uncover the story of an engineer at heart, a visionary leader, and a man who continues to shape the future of finance and technology.***The Founder Hour is brought to you by Outer. Outer makes the world’s most beautiful, comfortable, innovative, and high-quality outdoor furniture - ALL from sustainable materials - and is the ONLY outdoor furniture with a patented built-in cover to make protecting it effortless. From teak chairs to fire pit tables, everything Outer makes has the look and feel of what you’d expect at a 5-star resort, for less than you’d pay at a big box store for something that won’t last. For a limited time, get 10% off at www.liveouter.com/thefounderhour. Terms and conditions apply.Customers are flocking to your store—do you have a reliable point-of-sale system? Shopify POS is your retail command center, handling payments, inventory, and more. Choose from hardware options like smartphone, tablet, or Shopify's POS Go device. With award-winning support, Shopify helps you succeed every step of the way. Get started with a $1/month trial at www.shopify.com/founderhour.Still using your personal phone number for your startup in 2024? OpenPhone makes it easy to get business phone numbers for your team with an app that works on both phone and computer. It integrates with CRMs like HubSpot and Salesforce, and offers AI-powered call transcripts and summaries. Plus, your whole team can access the same number. Start at $15/user/month, but The Founder Hour listeners get 20% off for 6 months. Visit https://www.openphone.com/founder to start your free trial! ***Follow The Founder Hour on:Instagram | www.instagram.com/thefounderhourTwitter/X | www.x.com/thefounderhourLinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/company/thefounderhourYouTube | www.youtube.com/@thefounderhour

Joe Kudla, the innovative founder and CEO of Vuori, shares his unconventional journey from fashion and accounting to creating a transformative activewear brand. He highlights a prophetic encounter that steered his entrepreneurial spirit and his passion for yoga that sparked the idea for Vuori. Joe discusses the impressive investments that fueled Vuori's growth, along with the challenges of maintaining quality while scaling. He emphasizes the importance of community, personal values, and resilience in building a meaningful brand.

Niki Nakayama’s cooking is driven by intuition. At her two-Michelin-starred restaurant, n/naka in West Los Angeles, she masters modern kaiseki, a Japanese dining discipline focused on taste, texture, and presentation. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Nakayama began her culinary career at Takao restaurant in Brentwood and refined her skills in Japan. She later opened Azami Sushi Café, gaining fame for her omakase menu.At n/naka, Nakayama creates exquisite, seasonally-inspired dishes, making it one of L.A.’s toughest reservations. The restaurant has been on the Los Angeles Times’ “101 Best Restaurants” list annually since 2013 and has garnered widespread media attention. Nakayama was a James Beard Foundation Award finalist for Outstanding Chef in 2023.Sustainability is key at n/naka, with 70% of ingredients sourced locally. Nakayama’s kaiseki philosophy highlights natural flavors and seasonal purity. During the pandemic, Nakayama and her wife, Carole Iida-Nakayama, launched n/soto in West Adams, starting as a takeout restaurant and later becoming an izakaya-inspired eatery.***CHA-CHING! Customers are rushing to your store. Do you have a point-of-sale system you can trust or is it (ahem) a real P.O.S.? You need Shopify for retail.Shopify POS is your command center for your retail store. From accepting payments to managing inventory, Shopify has EVERYTHING you need to sell in person. Get hardware that fits your business. Take payments by smartphone, transform your tablet into a point-of-sale system, or use Shopify’s POS Go mobile device for a battle-tested solution.Plus, Shopify’s award-winning help is there to support your success every step of the way.Do retail right with Shopify. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at www.shopify.com/founderhour. Once again, go to www.shopify.com/founderhour to take your retail business to the next level today.***The Founder Hour is brought to you by Outer. Outer makes the world’s most beautiful, comfortable, innovative, and high-quality outdoor furniture - ALL from sustainable materials - and is the ONLY outdoor furniture with a patented built-in cover to make protecting it effortless. From teak chairs to fire pit tables, everything Outer makes has the look and feel of what you’d expect at a 5-star resort, for less than you’d pay at a big box store for something that won’t last.For a limited time, get 10% off at www.liveouter.com/thefounderhour. Terms and conditions apply. ***Follow The Founder Hour on:Instagram | www.instagram.com/thefounderhourTwitter/X | www.x.com/thefounderhourLinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/company/thefounderhourYouTube | www.youtube.com/@thefounderhour

Larry Fitzgibbon is the co-founder and CEO of Tastemade, a global video platform with hundreds of millions of monthly viewers. Under his leadership, Tastemade has created a vibrant community around its Food, Travel, and Home & Design programming, available across digital, mobile, streaming, and TV platforms. Larry helped raise over $130 million in venture capital from partners including Redpoint Ventures, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Amazon.Before Tastemade, Larry was a founding team member at Demand Media, leading the company through its 2011 IPO and growing its audience to over 140 million unique visitors. He also held executive roles at CitySearch and Intertainer, focusing on business development and distribution strategies.***CHA-CHING! Customers are rushing to your store. Do you have a point-of-sale system you can trust or is it (ahem) a real P.O.S.? You need Shopify for retail.Shopify POS is your command center for your retail store. From accepting payments to managing inventory, Shopify has EVERYTHING you need to sell in person. Get hardware that fits your business. Take payments by smartphone, transform your tablet into a point-of-sale system, or use Shopify’s POS Go mobile device for a battle-tested solution.Plus, Shopify’s award-winning help is there to support your success every step of the way.Do retail right with Shopify. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at www.shopify.com/founderhour. Once again, go to www.shopify.com/founderhour to take your retail business to the next level today.***The Founder Hour is brought to you by Outer. Outer makes the world’s most beautiful, comfortable, innovative, and high-quality outdoor furniture - ALL from sustainable materials - and is the ONLY outdoor furniture with a patented built-in cover to make protecting it effortless. From teak chairs to fire pit tables, everything Outer makes has the look and feel of what you’d expect at a 5-star resort, for less than you’d pay at a big box store for something that won’t last.For a limited time, get 10% off at www.liveouter.com/thefounderhour. Terms and conditions apply. ***Follow The Founder Hour on:Instagram | www.instagram.com/thefounderhourTwitter/X | www.x.com/thefounderhourLinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/company/thefounderhourYouTube | www.youtube.com/@thefounderhour