Founders' Forum

Ever wondered how a simple pause could be your secret weapon in communication? We discuss the magic of well-timed beats in public speaking, and Marc draws a fascinating parallel to music, showing how silence can amplify your message. Our guest, Craig Lerch, shares a life-changing lesson from his mentor on the power of listening more and speaking less.Get ready for a fun twist on the real estate industry as we discuss evolving identities and playful nicknames. Craig, lovingly known as the "ROG" (Real Estate Opportunity, outstanding Out of the Box Over the Top, old Guy), reveals his journey of accepting this moniker and how it reshaped his social media game. We dive into the importance of authenticity, pushing boundaries, and the transformative power of coaching that reignited Craig's passion for his career.Lastly, we explore the future of real estate, moving from traditional offices to dynamic, virtual environments. Craig talks about his game-changing transition to eXp Realty, a cloud-based company with a global reach, enabling him to build teams across states and countries. We also delve into how the pandemic has redefined sales and coaching practices, the critical role of setting routines, and our ambitious vision of expanding to 1,000 global agents by 2027, all while maintaining a balance between professional ambitions and personal fulfillment.About Craig Lerch:Craig Lerch is an Associate Broker, 2 X Icon Exp Realty Internationally and Regional Expansion Leader. Selling home in the area for over 35 years, over 4000 transactions involved in the Philadelphia and suburbs, is the ROG in social media (standing for the Real Estate "Opportunity, Outstanding, Out of the box, Over the top, Old " Guy! If your not having fun, then why do it!! 2024 is the year to Grow and Glow!Connect with Craig:craiglerch.com linkedin.com/in/craiglerchrealtor instagram.com/real_estate_old_guy facebook.com/craiglerch.realestateyoutube.com/@craiglerchphiladelphiarealtor tiktok.com/@real_estate_old_guy This episode is brought to you by Craig Lerch, Exp Realty Luxury, your go-to expert in the Philadelphia area and beyond.  Go to craiglerch.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.

Ever wondered how positive thinking can reshape your business and personal life? This episode promises to be a beacon of insight and inspiration as we sit down with Dennis Gehman, a seasoned entrepreneur and home remodeling expert. Dennis opens up about his transformation from a carpenter to the owner of a flourishing remodeling business, all while grappling with recurring health issues. Inspired by Joseph Nguyen's "Don't Believe Everything You Think," Dennis shares how observing thoughts rather than letting them take over has alleviated a great deal of his suffering. We also explore strategies such as positive affirmations and daily Bible reading, which have been instrumental in maintaining his positive mindset, especially during tough times.From the initial struggles of understanding business fundamentals to the pivotal support received from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and the Freedom Brothers mastermind group, Dennis's journey is filled with valuable lessons. We delve into the emotional and spiritual aspects of home remodeling, emphasizing the kitchen as the heart of the home. Dennis recounts heartwarming stories, including a memorable trip to Egypt to meet his new grandchild, highlighting the role of faith and family in his life. This episode offers a rich tapestry of professional wisdom and personal anecdotes that underscore the profound impact of a positive mindset in both business and personal spheres.About Dennis D. Gehman, MCR, MCKBR, CLC, CRPM:Dennis Gehman is married to his wife Glenda, the father of 2 grown sons & daughters, Grandpa to 10 grandchildren with number 11 due in August. He's a carpenter who in 1990 scratched an entrepreneurial itch, becoming the owner of Gehman Design Remodeling, a national award-winning residential design build remodeling business.Connect with Dennis:Website gehmanremodeling.com LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/gehmanremodeling Facebook facebook.com/GehmanDesignRemodeling YouTube youtube.com/@1remodel This episode is brought to you by Gehman Design Remodeling; Design, Concept, and Construction for stress free remodels.  Go to gehmanremodeling.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.

What does it mean for humanity when anti-Semitism rears its ugly head once again? With heartfelt reflections, we explore the devastating repercussions of the October 7th attack on Israel and the eerie echoes of pre-World War II Germany. Our guest Josh Patrick, CFP introduces the thought-provoking concept of the "fourth turning," a period of societal upheaval recurring every 80 to 100 years, currently fixated on the Jewish community. Through raw and open dialogue, we aim to raise awareness and foster unity amidst these troubling times.Ever wondered how a simple act of recognition can transform a company's culture? Josh shares a pivotal moment in his business journey that turned the tide—acknowledging work anniversaries. Hosting quarterly appreciation events and publicly celebrating employees' contributions not only uplifted morale but also established a cherished tradition, especially for blue-collar workers. This segment highlights how valuing employees can lead to a profoundly engaged and motivated workforce.What if leadership was about serving others and continuously improving? Drawing on personal experiences, we delve into the principles of servant leadership and the transformative power of methodologies like Scrum and Total Quality Management. From flipping the organizational chart to embracing Deming's 14 points, these strategies foster an environment of respect and intelligence. We wrap up with invaluable lessons from varied business experiences, emphasizing integrity, respect, and the importance of maintaining a balanced life. Tune in for insights that could reshape your approach to business and leadership.About Josh Patrick, CFP:Josh is obsessed with what it takes to create a personally and economically sustainable business. He's blogged for the NY Times, Huffington Post, Inc.com, Open by American Express and Forbes.com. His first business started with one part-time employee and grew to 90 employees when he sold it twenty years later. He's the author of two books on creating a great business every owner would love to have.Connect with Josh:Website sustainablebusiness.co LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/askjoshpatrick This episode is brought to you by Cyberbacker; your own personal assistant for a fraction of the cost!  Go to VirtualLeverageSolutions.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.

Is it possible to have too much change in business and personal growth? Join us in a compelling discussion where we dissect this question through the lens of memorable examples such as Coca-Cola's notorious formula switch, Madonna's endless reinventions, and Elon Musk's aggressive ventures, including his recent acquisition of Twitter. Ang and Ryan Sullivan balance the conversation by highlighting the critical aspects of risk-taking and the speed of change, while today's guest, Jeffrey Studley, shares invaluable insights from his 30-year journey in the business world. Jeffrey's perspective on continuous technological advancements offers a nuanced view on the challenges and opportunities of constant transformation.In another segment, we explore how companies have swiftly adapted to technological advancements for live events, especially during the pandemic. We discuss how flexible roles and familiarity with virtual technologies helped one company thrive in uncertain times, yet the return of in-person events highlights our innate need for physical interaction. We also dive into the significance of long-term strategic vision for sustained success, emphasizing goal-setting and future planning over merely reacting to daily changes. Tune in for an episode packed with essential lessons and inspiration for both entrepreneurs and business leaders.About Jeffrey Studley:Jeffrey Studley is the Founder of CPR MultiMedia Solutions.  He grew up in the resort region known as the Borscht Belt in upstate New York, and went to Conell School of Hotel Administration. He got a call from cousin in audio field who saw a monochrome low-res projector at a trade show and said this would be a growth industry. After thinking he could spend a few days every other week in DC area doing the admin part of the business, Jeff had to move there because he was at the tip of the spear of this quickly growing industry. He’s since stayed at the cutting edge of new developments in this industry using the technology for live events.Connect with Jeffrey:Website cprmms.com LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/cpr-multimedia-solutions Instagram instagram.com/cprmms Facebook facebook.com/jeff.studley.94 YouTube youtube.com/@CPRMultiMediaSolutions This episode is brought to you by CPR MultiMedia Solutions; A Full Service AV Event Solutions Provider. Go to cprmms.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.

Have you ever wondered how life's curveballs can lead to unimaginable success? Join us as we chat with Shawn Gilfillan, the founder and CEO of Automotive Magic, who turned adversity into triumph. Shawn's journey from a challenging workplace to launching his own business on April Fool's Day in 2003 is a story of resilience and determination. Discover how a crucial relationship and a life-altering injury propelled him to build a thriving business with multiple locations and over 20 employees.In this heartfelt episode, we explore the emotional rollercoaster of managing a business through personal crises and the power of a supportive community. Hear the poignant story of losing a cherished team member and the fight to keep the business afloat. Listen to how a unique group interview process unearthed Albert, a dedicated new manager, and the transformative role of the Girls Auto Clinic in Havertown. We also discuss innovative recruitment methods, a 20-week program focusing on emotional intelligence, and the importance of fostering personal growth within the workplace. Tune in for a powerful narrative on resilience, community, and the magic of aligned intentions.About Shawn Gilfillan:Shawn Gilfillan is the Founder and CEO of Automotive Magic, Magic Lube and Rubber, Magical Solutions, Magic Motors, and Rabbit Wheels. Automotive Magic was founded on April 1, 2003- April Fools day! His joke to himself because now he is a business owner! He hired his first employee at the beginning of 2004, and moved from a 2100 square foot shop/2 bay shop to a 6000 square foot/7 bay shop in 2009- up the road 2 miles! He grew Automotive Magic to 14 employees in 2015, then opened up his second shop/location on August 1 2022- Magic Lube & Rubber which is a preventative maintenance center. Shawn now has 20 employees between the 2 locations and am looking for his third to open in the next 12 months.Connect with Shawn:Website automotivemagic.commagicalsolutionsgroup.com LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/shawn-gilfillan-80015413 Instagram instagram.com/automotive.magic Facebook facebook.com/AutomotiveMagicX x.com/gilfillan_shawn  YouTube youtube.com/@automotivemagic8127 This episode is brought to you by Automotive Magic; Full Service Auto Repair & Maintenance. Go to automotivemagic.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.

What happens when a successful recruiter transitions into a passionate advocate for underprivileged children? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Gene Rice, co-founder of Rice Cohen International and founder of the Plant a Seed, Inspire a Dream Foundation. From a moving meditation inspired by Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes' "Wake Up Everybody" to Gene's personal account of meeting Art Garfunkel, this episode is filled with emotional depth and meaningful stories. Gene reflects on the social messages of 1970s music, setting the stage for his journey from a lucrative career in recruiting to creating positive change for the next generation.Discover the incredible impact of the Foundation as Gene shares heartwarming stories about the children they've helped. Gene's narrative underscores the power of mentorship and financial support in empowering youth, demonstrating how guided opportunities can lead to profound personal growth and success.In a world where job dissatisfaction is rampant, Gene offers valuable insights into finding true fulfillment through passion and purpose. Finally, delve into Gene's Amazon bestseller, "Grad to Grown Up," packed with practical tips for transitioning from education to employment. Tune in to understand how you can support or benefit from the foundation's mission and be inspired by stories of lives transformed through dedication and care.About Gene Rice:Gene Rice cofounded Rice Cohen International in 1989 and the firm grew to be one of the 30 largest executive retained search firms in America. He was also recognized by recruited.com as one of the hundred most influential people in the history of recruiting. In 2008, Gene and his wife cofounded The Plant a Seed Inspire a Dream Foundation, which helps youth from the underserve community pursue their passions. The charity has helped over 800 kids and was featured and People Magazine. Gene with his daughter cowrote the Amazon bestseller, "Grad to Grown-Up." Gene believes in giving back at every opportunity.gradtogrownup.complantaseedfoundation.orglinkedin.com/in/grice113instagram.com/gradtogrownupbookfacebook.com/profile.php?id=100071156958203 This episode is brought to you by The Plant a Seed Inspire a Dream Foundation; Empower a Child’s Passion. Go to plantaseedfoundation.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.

Unlock the secrets of America's manufacturing revival with insights from Tom Lawton, president and owner of TESCO. Learn why the trend of offshoring is reversing and how local production offers significant advantages, including faster problem resolution and more resilient supply chains. Tom's extensive experience managing facilities both in the U.S. and abroad provides a rich perspective on why proximity can lead to more efficient and reliable operations.Journey through the captivating entrepreneurial story of our host, who started with a pivotal decision to attend MIT and early work experiences in the oil industry. Discover the genesis of a company founded in 1984, the challenges faced in scaling a business from the ground up, and the invaluable lessons in management and leadership that emerged from these experiences. The narrative emphasizes the importance of long-term planning and the necessity for continuous learning to achieve sustained growth and success.Explore the essential components of building a values-driven manufacturing culture and the significance of future planning within an organization. Learn how clearly defined values can shape everyday decision-making and problem-solving, and the importance of internal promotions and mentorship in grooming future leaders. Finally, we delve into the aspirations and future plans of a business leader aiming for significant growth milestones, emphasizing the role of a strong senior management team and continuous reinvention to ensure a lasting legacy.About Tom :Tom Lawton, President of TESCO – The Eastern Specialty Company, founded his company in 1984, and through new product development and strategic acquisitions, TESCO now includes Knopp, Inc., Mesurina, Ltd., Power Measurements, Inc., and Nighthawk. Under his leadership, TESCO has been at the forefront of innovation in AMI technologies and EVSE charging within the electric metering industry. A graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Tom actively speaks at meter schools and utility conferences, has contributed to the latest edition of the Handbook for Electricity Metering, and is a member of ANSI C12 Metering Standards committees.tescometering.com linkedin.com/in/tomlawtontescolinkedin.com/company/tescometering  This episode is brought to you by TESCO – The Eastern Specialty Company; the forefront of electric utility innovation. Go to tescometering.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.

Discover the essential strategies for embedding genuine core values into your business as we are joined by Marc Brookland, the insightful founder and CEO of SEO Locale LLC. Learn how transparency and other core values evolve from one's personal and professional journey, shaping a company's ethos and ensuring consistent alignment with clients and employees. We'll reveal our own approach to identifying and harmonizing these values among partners, offering a roadmap for other entrepreneurs aiming to create a value-driven organization.Navigating the turbulent waters of the COVID-19 pandemic, SEO Locale faced immense challenges, from significant client losses to tough staffing decisions. Marc shares how they redefined their strategy, leveraged a PPP loan, and surged ahead with a focus on digital transformation and detailed keyword research. We also delve into the importance of fostering a dynamic company culture, encouraging skill diversity and internal mobility, and setting ambitious growth goals. Join us for an inspiring discussion on resilience, strategic pivots, and building a company where dreams are realized for both clients and employees.About Marc Brookland:Marc Brookland is the Founder and CEO of SEO Locale, LLC.  He is a business owner, husband, and father of two, and a die hard Philadelphia sports fanatic.Connect with Marc:Website seolocale.com LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/marcbrookland Instagram instagram.com/seolocale Facebook facebook.com/SEOLocale YouTube youtube.com/@seolocalellc9586 This episode is brought to you by SEO Locale; A Premier Digital Marketing Agency. Go to SEOLocale.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.

Ever wondered what it's like to sneak backstage at a Rolling Stones concert and bump into Keith Richards himself? Our guest, Gene Rice, takes us on a wild ride with his unforgettable tale of doing just that in Atlantic City, NJ. We share our own rock and roll stories, reminiscing about encounters with legends like Paul and Linda McCartney and how our concert preferences have evolved from raucous stadium shows to more intimate gigs.From humble beginnings as a franchise with Management Recruiters International to the rise of Rice Cohen International, Gene unveils the innovative strategies and bold decisions that propelled their success in the world of executive search. Learn how specialized recruitment teams and an unwavering commitment to company culture enabled them to conquer high-stakes C-level searches. Hear about the challenges faced, the strategic pivots made, and the importance of retaining top talent in becoming a leading firm.We wrap up with a deep dive into the heart of what makes a company truly exceptional: its culture. Gene shares insights on thoughtful hiring, the power of mentorship, and the magic of team-building activities that create a sense of community and belonging. Discover how initiatives like the Helping Hands program and profit-sharing plans drive employee satisfaction and retention. Finally, we explore Gene's vision of giving back post-retirement, offering valuable life lessons on enjoying the journey and making a difference.About Gene Rice:Gene Rice cofounded Rice Cohen International in 1989 and the firm grew to be one of the 30 largest executive retained search firms in America. He was also recognized by recruited.com as one of the hundred most influential people in the history of recruiting. In 2008, Gene and his wife cofounded The Plant a Seed Inspire a Dream Foundation, which helps youth from the underserve community pursue their passions. The charity has helped over 800 kids and was featured and People Magazine. Gene with his daughter cowrote the Amazon bestseller, "Grad to Grown-Up." Gene believes in giving back at every opportunity.gradtogrownup.complantaseedfoundation.org linkedin.com/in/grice113 instagram.com/gradtogrownupbook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071156958203 This episode is brought to you by The Plant a Seed Inspire a Dream Foundation; Empower a Child’s Passion. Go to plantaseedfoundation.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.

Are you frustrated by the challenges of the American healthcare system? Join us as we tackle the pressing issues of delayed doctor appointments, exorbitant costs, and mediocre quality of care. Ang shares a personal cautionary tale about the dangers of self-diagnosing with AI-generated info from Google, stressing the importance of accurate medical guidance. We're also joined by Ryan Herd, an expert in healthcare and AI, who shares groundbreaking solutions like app-based healthcare services and innovative healthcare pods in shopping centers that promise to make healthcare more accessible and efficient.Listen to the remarkable journey of a Jersey-born entrepreneur who pivoted from cooking to creating smart home innovations, driven by a deeply personal mission to monitor his father's health during cancer treatments. Despite numerous setbacks and business failures, his resilience birthed Caregiver Smart Solutions, earning the title of hottest startup at CES 2020. We delve into the harsh realities of entrepreneurship, highlighting valuable lessons learned along the way.Ryan opens up about the evolution of company culture at Caregiver Smart Solutions, emphasizing their commitment to providing peace of mind for families with elderly loved ones. We discuss future aspirations, including reaching one million families by 2027, and explore the importance of continuous innovation and community service. Ryan shares his vision for legacy, his reading list, and his favorite music, giving us a well-rounded glimpse into the mind of an entrepreneur dedicated to making a difference.About Ryan Herd:Meet Ryan Herd, the "Smart" guy - he's an accomplished author, serial entrepreneur, patent holder, and TEDx speaker who has made a name for himself in the world of "smart" technology. However, his passion for this field goes beyond professional accolades. As a caregiver to his father, Ryan has firsthand experience of the challenges that caregivers face every day. Ryan is now the founder of Caregiver Smart Solutions which is a Simple and Effective way to know your loved ones are OK.caregiversmartsolutions.com linkedin.com/company/caregiver-smart-solutions instagram.com/css_inc_usa facebook.com/CaregiverSmartSolutionstwitter.com/CSS_Inc_USAtiktok.com/@css_inc_usayoutube.com/@caregiversmartsolutions5624Ryan's TedTalk youtube.com/watch?v=qLhlL_LPqecThis episode is brought to you by Caregiver Smart Solutions; Aging-in-Place technology solutions. Go to caregiversmartsolutions.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.