Founder Secrets with Taylor and Flaviu

In this candid episode of Founder Secrets, host Taylor sits down with Jennifer Williams, the founder behind the beloved custom pet replica company, Cuddle Clones. Jennifer shares the rollercoaster journey of creating a brand that resonated deeply with pet owners, starting from a rough prototype to generating millions in revenue and a successful sale in 2021.

Learn how the team dealt with manufacturing complex, one-off products in a ...

Join us on this episode of Founder Secrets as we dive into the incredible journey of Chad Coulter, founder of the rapidly expanding breakfast concept, Biscuit Belly!

Chad shares his story of leaving a career in pharmacy to build a restaurant empire from scratch. Discover the secrets to Biscuit Belly's success, the challenges of franchising, and invaluable advice for any entrepreneur looking to scale. Get ready for a dose of insp...

In this episode of Founder Secrets, Collin Hart (ERE Healthcare Real Estate) reveals how doctors secretly build wealth through real estate. From hidden investment strategies to why companies like Starbucks rent instead of own, Collin shares the insider knowledge that every entrepreneur and investor needs.

You’ll also hear his productivity hacks, why discipline beats motivation, and how finding your business niche can change everythi...

In this episode of Founder Secrets, Principal Engineer at Microsoft Jeff Harrington takes us through his career journey — from early coding experiments to building the restaurant-tech startup Cardoona, and eventually returning to the corporate world. Jeff shares candid insights on fundraising challenges, breaking into relationship-heavy industries, and how AI agents are changing the future of software development. Whether you’re a ...

In this engaging conversation, Arian Radmand shares his experiences with technology, particularly focusing on his journey with IgnitePost and CoachUp. He discusses the evolution of IgnitePost, the importance of handwritten communication in a digital world, and the challenges of funding and profitability. Arian emphasizes the significance of personal connections in business and how IgnitePost differentiates itself in a competitive m...

Jon Matzner shares his journey from government work to entrepreneurship, discussing the importance of building a global team and the innovative membership model of his company, Sagan. He emphasizes the challenges of scaling small businesses, particularly in the home services sector, and the role of AI and automation in transforming traditional business practices. Matzner also highlights the significance of co-founders, effective co...

In this episode, Kyle Matthys shares his journey as a young entrepreneur passionate about sustainability and community building. He discusses his work with Triibe.us, a nonprofit supporting youth-led initiatives in climate action, and his role at Turtle.com, a 102-year-old energy company focusing on sustainability. Kyle emphasizes the importance of community, mentorship, and funding for young nonprofits, while also addressing the c...

In this episode of Founder Secrets, Zach Getrost shares his unique perspective on education, entrepreneurship, and the outbound email landscape. He discusses his journey from early ventures in robotics to mastering outbound strategies for businesses. The conversation delves into the startup ecosystem in Charlotte, common mistakes founders make in outbound efforts, and the importance of mentorship. Zach also shares insights on scali...

Joe Germanotta (Lady Gaga's father) shares his journey from childhood food memories to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the restaurant and technology sectors. He discusses the evolution of his businesses, including the creation of Wi-Fi services for hotels and the challenges of running a restaurant post-COVID. Joe emphasizes the importance of creating unique dining experiences, supporting emerging artists, and encouraging crea...

In this conversation, Flaviu and Matt discuss their entrepreneurial journey, including the challenges they faced while building and selling their company, the health issues that impacted their work, and the lessons learned about company culture and navigating exits. They also touch on Matt's transition to a new venture in the consumer space and share practical life hacks for organization and productivity.

Chapters

04:31 The Journey o...

Join us as Brandon Dawkins, a former Spotify product manager turned NYC dating coach, shares his unexpected journey from corporate life to founding Beyond Nice, a coaching service revolutionizing love for nice guys. With a CPA background, a passion for community, and a fresh take on dating, Brandon delivers a story brimming with humor, hustle, and heart.

In this episode, Brandon unpacks his pivot from layoffs in December 2023 to lau...

Join us as Alan Lin, a design veteran turned food innovator, shares his wild journey from China’s booming creative scene to launching Liquid Salad, a health food disruptor that hit the market on March 24, 2025. With 12 years of experience design, a knack for turning chaos into opportunity, and a fresh take on greens powder, Allen delivers a story packed with entrepreneurial hustle, cultural flair, and a dash of absurdity.

In this ep...

Join us as Adrianne Nickerson, a healthcare innovator and founder of Oula, shares her inspiring journey from co-founding a cancer support startup to revolutionizing maternity care for women across the U.S. With a data-driven passion and a knack for building community, Adrianne offers a fresh perspective on transforming a broken system into a warm, evidence-based experience,starting with her own life-changing birth story.

In this...

Join us as Joel Duncan, a former Marine and corporate finance professional turned entrepreneur, shares his remarkable transition from a structured career in Michigan to owning Spray Patch Road Repair, a niche pothole repair business. With a blend of military grit, financial acumen, and a leap of faith, Joel offers a gripping tale of self-education, strategic acquisition, and hands-on leadership in a blue-collar world.In this episod...

Join us as Paul Adams, a seasoned entertainment industry veteran with a distinctive British accent, shares his extraordinary journey from a working-class background in northern England to managing global superstars like Duran Duran, Justin Timberlake, Radiohead, and Jay-Z. As a key player in music management and co-owner of Phoenix Rising FC, Paul delivers a compelling narrative of persistence, human connection, and navigating the ...

Join us as Gabby Gabriel, the visionary founder of GAB Inc. and GAB China, shares her incredible journey from teaching English in Shanghai to leading a global marketing empire. With an adventurous spirit and a talent for turning challenges into opportunities, Gabby transformed a spontaneous move to China into a decad of entrepreneurial success. From building one of China’s largest LGBTQ communities to launching GAB China—a powerhou...

Join us as Manik Bhat, the visionary behind Healthify, shares his remarkable journey from medicine to tech entrepreneurship, driven by a mission to improve health outcomes through social services. With a background in philosophy, health care, and a knack for innovation, Manik has made significant strides in integrating technology with social welfare. Healthify is a platform that connects families to essential social services, aimin...

Join us as Addy Malhotra, Co-Founder & CEO of Enhanced Nature, shares his journey from an accidental discovery to revolutionizing agriculture with beneficial fungi. With a background in electrical engineering and a family legacy in manufacturing, Addy has pivoted to create a brand that leverages nature's efficiency for sustainable farming solutions. Enhanced Nature isn't just about agriculture; it's about harnessing...

Join us as Desiree Verdejo, the founder of Hyper Skin, shares her inspiring journey of transforming personal struggles into a skincare revolution. With a background in law and a passion for beauty, Desiree has built a brand focused on addressing skin concerns like hyperpigmentation, particularly for deeper skin tones. Hyper Skin is not just about beauty; it's about inclusivity and empowerment in skincare.

In this episode, Des...