Founders' Forum

Ready to unlock the mysteries of Artificial Intelligence? We embark on a fascinating journey with Chris Carr, the maestro of AI and the mind behind Farotech. We start off our discourse with the power of small efforts and their monumental contribution to success, drawing insights from the wisdom of timeless authors such as Robert Collier and Napoleon Hill. Chris tells tales from his MIT AI study days and discusses his instrumental role in helping companies swim rather than sink in the swiftly flowing river of AI progress.We then dive into the mesmerizing world of AI through Chris's eyes. He discusses his youthful venture of seeding Farotech and nurturing its growth over the years. We plunge into the current state of AI, scrutinizing both its sparkling positives and shadowy negatives. There's a colossal AI comet hurtling towards us and Chris emphasizes the urgency to prepare for the impact. He brings us an enlightening snapshot from his comprehensive presentation on AI, focusing on its present state and the potential of large language models.We then look forward to AI's impact on the world, the wonders of the ADA code interpreter, the magic of ChatGPT in music and video creation, and the ethical conundrums that AI presents. We also chew over intriguing scenarios like the digital resurrection of Elvis and AI's capability to churn out music custom-tailored for individuals. We round off our conversation underlining the criticality of responsible AI use and predict potential hurdles in the race to AI dominance.About Chris Carr:Chris Carr is the President and CEO of Farotech. Chris started Farotech over 22 years ago and is widely considered an expert in AI technologies, Digital Marketing, Video Production. Chris is the host of two podcasts, Thought Leader Magazine and Digital Marketing Masterclass. Chris hosts AI Workshops around the country, helping to walk companies through the rapidly evolving AI space.Connect with Chris:Website farotech.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/chris-carr-84b1a02 Instagram instagram.com/farotechmarketing Facebook facebook.com/farotechmarketingTwitter twitter.com/FarotechYouTube youtube.com/c/Farotech This episode is brought to you by Farotech, Where Art and Science Meet.  Go to farotech.com to learn more.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

On the eve of Thanksgiving, we're joined by a special guest, Mike Binder, an entrepreneur in the sign and specialty construction business, for a spirited discussion about gratitude, innovation, and making a difference. As the mastermind behind the design and construction of Citizens Bank Park's home run bell, Mike brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from his industry to the table. Today, he shares with us about his latest project, the revitalization of a 143-acre property at Bader Field in Atlantic City, a massive undertaking that has been six years in the making.Mike's vision for the Renaissance at Bader Field project is nothing short of ambitious. He imagines it as a beacon for motorsports and innovation, with an emphasis on sustainability and resilience. In our chat, he elaborates on the project’s centerpiece, a 2.44-mile motor course encircled by 1,500 advanced technology residences designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. However, the project is more than just about construction. With a heart for the community, Mike ponders on how the project can positively impact Atlantic City, discussing issues like poverty and homelessness that he hopes to address.Looking into the future, Mike shares his dream of transforming Atlantic City into an education and technology hub, underscoring the paramount importance of embracing AI in enhancing individual value as employees. Water, or more specifically, water reclamation, is a major point of our discussion, with Mike gleaning insights from his work in Israel and stressing the urgent need for technological and educational solutions to solve water problems on a global scale. To wrap up our enlightening conversation, we delve into the realms of entrepreneurship, the thrill of taking risks, and ways to stay motivated and passionate about one's work. About Mike Binder:Mike Binder is the Chief Operating Officer of Deem Enterprises, and a serial entrepreneur with a strong social conscience.Connect with Mike: LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/michael-binder-306b1015  This episode is brought to you by CamaPlan, A Different Way to Invest. Go to camaplan.com/foundersforum to learn more.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

Ever wondered how a 91-year-old continues to make strides in the field of mental health and substance misuse? We sit down with the incredible Dr. Terry Webb, a world-renowned leader in the area of substance use and mental health disorders, and her PR representative Kris Parsons. Dr. Webb's wisdom and decades of experience bring to light the reality of addiction, its profound impact on families, and the sheer importance of seeking help. She also gives us an insider's look into her latest initiative, Trust Terry, designed to offer straight answers to the most pressing questions about mental health and substance misuse. If you run or are thinking of starting a nonprofit, take note as we tackle the unique hurdles you might face, paralleling some challenges with for-profit businesses.Hosts Marc and Ang take a deep dive into the world of mental health and addiction. Dr. Webb paints a vivid picture of her personal journey and professional expertise, highlighting the urgent need for understanding and support in these areas. Ang steps up, offering her own personal encounter with addiction, further emphasizing the importance of addressing these often-stigmatized issues. We touch on the role of insurance companies and governments in making treatment accessible, and the beacon of hope that resources like Dr. Webb's work provide. This intimate conversation promises to enlighten, educate, and inspire, as we tackle the topic of mental health and addiction head-on.About Dr. Terry Webb:Dr. Terry Webb is the founder of the GOAL (Global Outreach for Addiction Leadership) Project, Inc. She has thirty-five years of international and local experience and expertise in prevention and treatment for those affected by the disease of substance misuse and addiction with a doctorate in family and marriage and addiction intervention and a masters in education.Connect with Dr. Webb:Website marytheresawebb.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/mary-theresa-webb-706965abInstagram instagram.com/mary_theresa_webbFacebook facebook.com/terry.webb.5477Twitter twitter.com/trustingterryThis episode is brought to you by Trust Terry, straight answers to questions about mental health and substance misuse issues.  Call 717-464-0962 or email terrywebb@gmail.com about your concerns and where to find help.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

We're thrilled to welcome Steve Penkala, the entrepreneurial mind behind Wisconsin-based Binding Edge Inc., in today's riveting exchange. Imagine a sports fan comparing the performance of two of his favorite teams, the Philadelphia Phillies and the Green Bay Packers, to his own business. Steve, an ardent Packers aficionado, takes a unique perspective at how the principles of dynasty and legacy ripple through the sports and business worlds. Together, we navigate the delicate balance of continuous striving and avoiding the pitfall of complacency in both arenas.Steve's journey from childhood to the helm of a successful company in the printing and paper converting industry is nothing short of inspiring. Hear about the audacious investment decision he made against his advisors' recommendations and the subsequent triumph that affirmed his risk-taking. When the corporate world and faith intersect, magic happens, and Steve, a man of faith, is determined to leave a positive and lasting legacy for his employees. Of course, the path of entrepreneurship is strewn with challenges, and Steve's is no exception. The COVID-19 pandemic brought with it a unique hurdle – finding and retaining employees. We discuss Steve's strategies to combat this, including wage increases and automation investment, all while fostering a positive company culture. Steve's love for homemade Italian pasta and his commitment to his employees' well-being, even amidst business pivots during the pandemic, paint a picture of a leader worth emulating.About Steve Penkala:Steve Penkala is the founder and owner of Binding Edge, Inc. and Quality Coil.  He has 47 years experience in the printing, graphic finishing and paper converting industry. His experience ranges from machine operation, sales, sales management and business ownership. His ultimate goal is to integrate his faith into his workplace with the desire to have an eternal impact on those he works alongside.Connect with Steve:Website bindingedge.com Website qualitycoil.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/stevepenkala LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/bindingedge Facebook facebook.com/BindingEdgeInc This episode is brought to you by Binding Edge, Inc., mechanical binding, finishing, and custom services with a “can-do” customer-focused attitude.  Go to bindingedge.com to learn more.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

This week we welcome Gina Schaefer, the mastermind behind a flourishing empire of Ace Hardware stores. With the grit and tenacity of an underdog, Gina shares how she transcended the title of 'tech reject' to build a business spanning 13 locations, 300 teammates, and an impressive revenue of over $50 million. What’s more, she gives us a sneak peek into her unique company culture, her strategies to thrive amidst e-commerce giants, and the inspirational narrative of navigating the turbulent tides of business.Pulling back the curtain, Gina unveils her journey of transitioning from her CEO role and the creation of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), a model she deems a wealth generator and an equity bridge. She also touches on her company's unexpected reputation as a Recovery Hardware store, affirming the power of community support for individuals in recovery. Wrapping up, Gina broaches why she chose ESOP for her empire and muses on why many private companies steer clear from it. Tune in for invaluable insights and moving stories. We promise it's not one to miss!About Gina Schaefer:Gina Schaefer is the founder and former CEO of a chain of hardware stores as a part of the Ace Hardware Cooperative. With her team, she grew the business to 13 locations with 300 teammates and 50M in revenue. She is also the author of Recovery Hardware which chronicles their growth while hiring from the local recovery community.Connect with Gina:Website recoveryhardware.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/gina-schaefer-56380a8Instagram instagram.com/recoveryhardwareThis episode is brought to you by Recovery Hardware, how a female-owned hardware business changed the path for people in recovery and helped transform a community.  Learn more at RecoveryHardware.com.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

Are you ready for an emotional rollercoaster? This episode will take you from the heartache of the Phillies losing the Championship to the ongoing tumult in Ukraine and the Middle East with our special guest, Daria Torres, founder of the Walls Torres Group. This isn't just a discussion about the world's disappointments, it's a lesson in finding strength, hope, and unity amidst adversity. Together, we try to unravel the complexities of divergent beliefs and the challenging task of finding common ground.As we shift gears, we'll journey through Daria's life from her humble origins in New Jersey to her illustrious career as a systems engineer and consultant. You'll hear about the profound influence of her parents and her transformative experiences at Lockheed Martin and the University of Pennsylvania. We'll also explore her inspiring battle against adversity with the help of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Through her story, we aim to illustrate the intersection of business, psychology, and leadership in the making of a successful entrepreneur. Finally, we delve into Daria's future vision, offering a glimpse of what success in the coming year looks like for her.About Daria Torres:Daria Walls Torres is the Managing Partner of Walls Torres Group. She is a board director, university lecturer, and executive-level advisor with over two decades of multi-sector management consulting experience. In 2004, after her tenure at McKinsey & Company, Daria founded Walls Torres Group, and prior to consulting she was a top secret/SCI-cleared systems engineer with Lockheed Martin. Daria serves on the board of Columbia Bank (Nasdaq:CLBK), and as an advisor to several rapidly-scaling, logistics-oriented enterprises.Connect with Daria:LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/dariatorresThis episode is brought to you by Giving Cycle, Philanthropy Can Begin Earlier Than You Think!  Go to givingcycle.org to learn more.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

Imagine the thrill of being a die-hard sports fan, riding the highs and lows of a season with your beloved team. That's what life is like for our guest, Tina, an unwavering Eagles fan and a passionate entrepreneur. Tina also shares her unique heritage as the daughter of a Holocaust survivor and a Cuban refugee, painting a vivid picture of her upcoming journey to explore her roots in Cuba.Running a business comes with its fair share of challenges and successes. Tina gives us a front-row seat to her journey: navigating market research, process building, hiring, and HR outsourcing. We uncover the importance of having the right team and the art of effective delegation. Tina's invaluable insights stem from her experience with the 2007-08 market crash, providing a wealth of wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs. We can’t ignore the impact of AI on various industries and the job market. We dive into these potential long-term effects and the call for businesses to recognize and prepare for them. Tina also recommends the insightful white paper, "The Complete Guide to HR Outsourcing", a must-read for those seeking to understand HR's evolving landscape, available on the myHRPartner site.About Tina:Founder and CEO of myHR Partner, Inc., a 3x Inc5000 recipient along with multiple Best Places to work awards both statewide and nationally. She oversees the organization and represents myHR Partner through her involvement in the community, nationwide speaking engagements and writing her monthly newspaper column and Inc.com quarterly column. She is also involved the global Entrepreneurs’ Organization.Prior to founding myHR Partner, Tina was the owner/operator of a staffing service franchise. After a corporate merger, she took advantage of the sell-back opportunity and founded myHR Partner. She has two red-headed granddaughters who are the light of her life, and is the daughter of a Holocaust survivor and a Cuban refugee. Tina was born and raised in Northeast Philadelphia, where she started her employment experience working at her father’s corner deli.Website myhrpartnerinc.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/tinahamiltonmyhr linkedin.com/company/myhr-partnerFacebook facebook.com/Tinaihamilton facebook.com/myHRpartnerincEpisode is brought to you by myHR Partner. HR the way you like it: on someone else’s desk.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

Have you ever wondered how a humble beginning can lead to executive success? Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Bobby Keyes, the architect behind Elite Salons and Suites. Born and raised in North Philadelphia, Bobby’s journey to success is one of inspiration and determination. His career path saw him rise up the ranks at Enterprise Holdings to become Vice President, and General Manager, before he took the bold plunge into entrepreneurship. Bobby lays it all out for us, sharing how he fostered his entrepreneurial spirit, navigated the transition from retirement to owning a business, and empowered numerous beauty professionals to reach their dreams along the way.Bobby doesn't just stop at sharing his own success story. He talks about the evolution of Elite Salons and Suites, explaining how he took a blank canvas in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and transformed it into a thriving business model. Bobby's vision for growth is inspiring. He’s set his sights on expanding the successful venture to 20 locations by 2026, built on the solid foundation of customer service and magnificently designed spaces. If that isn't enough to pique your interest, Bobby's discussion on the importance of customer service in building a strong business model definitely will!This episode is not just about business and entrepreneurship. It’s also about leadership, responsibility, and giving back. Drawing from the wisdom of Winston Churchill and current events like the war in Israel, Bobby talks about the challenges leaders face during turbulent times. He also sheds light on his role in the community and the importance of giving back, emphasizing the pivotal role entrepreneurs play in their communities. From executive success to community service, join us for an enlightening conversation with Bobby Keyes that will leave you filled with insights and inspiration.About Bobby Keyes:Bobby Keyes is the founder and CEO of ELITE Salons & Suites.  He is the retired executive with Enterprise Holdings. Bobby spent 33 years with EHI, with the last 15 as the VP/GM in the Philadelphia Region. He founded ELITE Salons & Suites in 2019, which now has 10 locations throughout Southeast Pennsylvania and New Jersey.Connect with Bobby:Website elitesalonsandsuites.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/keyesrobertInstagram instagram.com/elitesalonssuitesFacebook facebook.com/elitesalonsuitesThis episode is brought to you by ELITE Salons & Suites, a premier independent provider of custom luxurious salon suites. Go to elitesalonsandsuites.com to learn more.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

Join us on a remarkable journey featuring the extraordinary Joe Staiber, who takes us on a heartfelt exploration of community, friendship, and the enduring bonds of love. Resonate with Joe's touching account of preserving the legacy of a cherished friendship, even beyond the final curtain call. Step into his shoes, as he pays homage to his passed friend by carrying his ashes along his travels, sharing his story and spirit with the world, and forming a unique community of shared experiences and connections.Take a detour through the pivotal chapters of Joe's life as he navigates his path from a blue-collar upbringing to a prosperous entrepreneur. Savor the wisdom gleaned from his unique journey, as he opens up about the influence of his sons on his career and his passionate endeavor into the music industry. Hear the spine-tingling story of how one phone call ignited the creation of a life-altering charity, raising over $1.5 million to date. This episode promises to be a testament to the beauty of friendships, the power of community, and the unparalleled joy of giving back. Come, be a part of this inspirational journey.About Joe Staiber:Joe Staiber is the founder of Rotation Holdings, Rotation Records, and Rotation Productions.Connect with Joe:Website rotation-records.comThis episode is brought to you by CamaPlan, A Different Way to Invest. Go to camaplan.com/foundersforum to learn more.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

How often do we get the chance to peer into a seasoned entrepreneur's playbook and extract valuable insights? Kevin Gottlieb, founder of KRG Enterprises, joins us today and we promise, you'll take away a wealth of knowledge from this episode. The value of understanding your business's proposition, the significance of customer needs, and the essence of problem-solving are just a few of the gold nuggets Kevin shares. We pull back the curtain on Kevin's entrepreneurial journey - an intriguing transition from crafting kitchen cabinets to retail display pieces. He reveals how a seemingly random encounter with an eccentric old man and his mother's influence guided him to his current business. But it wasn't all smooth sailing; hear how Kevin bravely stood his ground when his rights were threatened by a client. The conversation takes a deeper dive as we explore the essence of building successful partnerships and adapting to change. Kevin enlightens us on the power of collaboration, transparency, and communication in fostering strong client relationships. We also delve into the challenges brought about by technology and how Kevin reinvented his team to keep up. Plus, ever wonder how to maintain a positive company culture while transitioning to new leadership? Kevin offers a candid look at how he did just that, ensuring the enduring legacy of KRG Enterprises. This is a memorable journey packed with invaluable insights!About Kevin Gottlieb:Kevin Gottlieb is the founder of KRG Enterprises.  After many years of growth and expansion, founder, Kevin Gottlieb, remains an integral part of daily operations. He continuously brainstorms with engineering about new approaches to store programs and solves intricate design challenges that are frequently encountered. He is an owner/operator involved in all aspects of the business.Connect with Kevin:Website krgenterprises.comThis episode is brought to you by KRG Enterprises, Specialists In High-Quality Custom Millwork, Retail Fixtures and Displays.  Go to krgenterprises.com to learn more.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.