Founder's Story
Louis Bélanger-Martin Spent 8 Years Building—Then He Revolutionized Air Travel | Ep. 196
Today’s guest is Louis Bélanger-Martin, the visionary co-founder of DTI Software , the company that pioneered the in-flight entertainment systems we now take for granted. From the first flicker of a boring flight to Washington D.C., Louis saw an opportunity where others saw nothing and turned it into a multi-billion-dollar industry. His entrepreneurial journey didn’t stop at takeoff. Louis is also the founder of Groupe W Inc. , a Canadian private equity firm that helps businesses scale globally with smart capital and real-world experience. In this episode, Louis shares: How a dull flight became the spark behind a global innovation What it takes to build a category-defining company over 8 long years The biggest challenges and rewards of B2B enterprise sales to major airlines His transition from entrepreneur to investor—and why he rarely backs startups The one trait he looks for in every founder he funds Why clarity, simplicity, and knowing your audience are critical in a pitch How Canadian private equity is evolving in 2025 Louis also gives founders actionable insights on how to stand out in a crowded capital market and how to approach private equity with strategy, not just ambition. 📩 Connect with Louis: Email: louis@winvestments.ca LinkedIn: Louis Bélanger-Martin Our Sponsors: * Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://www.avocadogreenmattress.com * Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY * Check out Kinsta: https://kinsta.com * Check out Plus500: https://plus500.com * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
4 abr 2025 - 33 min 49 sek
Scaling Smart: Jared Probst on Transforming an Industry with Rapid Axis | Ep. 195
Jared Probst, Founder President, Rapid A xis, details his journey from working in his stepfather’s machine shop to founding Rapid Axis—a company that revolutionizes short-term manufacturing and component fabrication. Jared shares his experience overcoming early cash flow challenges, building a robust sales system, and prioritizing operational excellence. His insights on customer service, innovative lead generation, and sustainable growth offer invaluable lessons for entrepreneurs in manufacturing and beyond. Key Discussion Points: Roots Inspiration: Transition from a family machine shop to a dynamic sales and leadership role. The vision behind Rapid Axis, born from firsthand industry experience. Overcoming Challenges: Navigating early financial hurdles and avoiding cash flow pitfalls. The importance of disciplined operations and responsive customer service. Growth Innovation: Leveraging cold outreach and digital tools for lead generation. Scaling sustainably without debt through strategic planning and resource sharing. Takeaways: Precision, persistence, and a customer-first mindset are crucial for scaling. Operational excellence and innovative sales tactics drive sustainable growth. Jared’s journey highlights the power of transforming challenges into opportunities. Our Sponsors: * Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://www.avocadogreenmattress.com * Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY * Check out Kinsta: https://kinsta.com * Check out Plus500: https://plus500.com * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
3 abr 2025 - 23 min 20 sek
Leading with Heart and Hustle: Dr. Mary Hames on Turning Pharma Challenges into Triumphs | Ep. 194
In this episode of Founder s Story, host Daniel sits down with Dr. Mary C Hames to explore her remarkable journey into the pharma industry. Driven by personal experiences with epilepsy within her family, Dr. Hames founded BioLogic Pharma Solutions to address the volatility and challenges in pharma. By pioneering an innovative fractional medical team model and leveraging AI to enhance efficiency, she is reshaping how pharma and biotech companies navigate product launches and market fluctuations. Key Topics Covered: Inspiration Personal Connection: Early family experiences with epilepsy sparked her passion for neurology and rare diseases. Industry Challenges: Tackling unpredictable product approvals and frequent team turnovers in pharma. Innovative Fractional Model: Introduction of a scalable, flexible fractional medical team to support companies during periods of flux. Leveraging AI Emerging Technologies: Using AI to draft medical communications and summarize complex data, with human oversight to ensure accuracy and compliance. Advice for Aspiring Founders: Embracing a fearless “act as if you cannot fail” mindset to seize opportunities and address unmet needs in the industry. Action Steps: Connect Learn More: Visit biologicpharmasolutions.com and connect with Dr. Hames on LinkedIn. Reflect: Consider how a flexible, multi-skilled team approach could enhance your business strategy. Final Takeaway: Dr. Mary C Hames’ insights blend personal passion with innovative business strategies, offering a compelling roadmap for success in a volatile industry. Her approach demonstrates the power of adaptability, decisive action, and the smart integration of technology in driving lasting impact. Our Sponsors: * Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://www.avocadogreenmattress.com * Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY * Check out Kinsta: https://kinsta.com * Check out Plus500: https://plus500.com * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
31 mar 2025 - 17 min 20 sek
Ivan Misner: How a Quiet Introvert Built BNI into a $16 Billion Referral Powerhouse | Ep. 193
Back by popular demand, Dr. Ivan Misner, founder and Chief Visionary Officer of BNI, returns to Founder s Story. Fresh from hanging out with Richard Branson on Necker Island and preparing for an adventure to Antarctica, Ivan shares incredible insights, personal anecdotes, and powerful business lessons. This interview was originally recorded live in 2021. Episode Highlights: How Ivan founded BNI in 1985 and scaled it to over 10,400 chapters globally, driving 11.5 million referrals and $16 billion in annual business for its members. The transformative Brody Moment that took BNI from 20 chapters to a worldwide network. His journey from humble beginnings and financial challenges to becoming a networking powerhouse. Insights into his latest book, Who’s In Your Room? , explore the profound impact of personal relationships and core values. Why successful businesses focus on mastering a few key activities rather than chasing multiple distractions. Networking strategies emphasize farming relationships instead of transactional hunting. Ivan’s revelation about being a “situational extrovert” and practical tips for introverts to succeed in networking. Techniques to overcome social anxiety and build authentic connections. The critical distinction between mere contacts and genuine connections. Ivan s proven 24-7-30 follow-up system for nurturing relationships. Leadership principles are centered around motivation and inspiration rather than management alone. Favorite wine recommendations from Ivan s impressive 1,600-bottle cellar. Creating harmony in life instead of chasing the elusive idea of perfect balance. Resources and Books Mentioned: IvanMisner.com Books: Who’s in Your Room? , Networking Like a Pro , The World’s Best-Known Marketing Secret Recommended Reads: How to Work a Room by Susan RoAne, Endless Referrals by Bob Burg Our Sponsors: * Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://www.avocadogreenmattress.com * Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY * Check out Kinsta: https://kinsta.com * Check out Plus500: https://plus500.com * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
27 mar 2025 - 01 t 21 min 08 sek
He Said No to Goldman Sachs. Said Yes to $3B+ — Michael Paulus' Journey from Underdog to Billionaire Builder | Ep. 192
In this inspiring episode of Founder’s Story , we sit down with self-made billionaire and serial entrepreneur Mike Paulus. From humble beginnings on a blueberry farm to founding multi-billion dollar companies like Adapar and Assurance IQ, Mike shares powerful insights into building businesses that last, navigating liquidity events, and why he still identifies as a gritty operator rather than a yacht-dwelling billionaire. What You’ll Learn: Why saying no early in your career can lead to massive opportunity The underrated power of bootstrapping and how it sharpens your edge How to think like an investor—even as a founder The future of lean teams, AI, and the one-person billion-dollar business Practical advice for young professionals entering the workforce today What it means to build with conviction and stay close to the customer Quotes to Remember: “I like to think of myself as the underdog, even now.” “Your customer is your real boss—not the VC.” “Put your investor hat on before you commit your time.” “Find a rocket ship. Don’t ask what seat. Just get on.” Follow Mike Paulus: 💼 LinkedIn 🌐 EncoreInvestment.com Our Sponsors: * Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://www.avocadogreenmattress.com * Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY * Check out Kinsta: https://kinsta.com * Check out Plus500: https://plus500.com * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
21 mar 2025 - 36 min 33 sek
The Future of AI is Private: Gavin Whyte's Bold Vision at Brew AI | Ep. 191
Gavin Whyte is a visionary leader with over a decade of expertise in artificial intelligence. Transitioning from a background in design and mathematics to becoming a pioneer in secure, private AI, Gavin has redefined what’s possible in enterprise technology. His journey, marked by roles as Deloitte Australia’s chief scientist and adjunct professor, underscores a relentless pursuit of innovation. HIS JOURNEY Unconventional Beginnings: Gavin’s story began in design, where his passion for aesthetics and creativity merged with a natural talent for mathematics. A pivotal shift led him to computer science, igniting his lifelong commitment to AI. Career Milestones: With significant stints at Deloitte Australia and as director of data science at KPMG, Gavin honed his skills in predictive analytics, neural networks, and deep learning. His academic and industry experience set the stage for founding Brew AI, where he now leads cutting-edge research and development. VISION IMPACT At Brew AI, Gavin is dedicated to building secure, private large language models that empower industries such as law, finance, and government. His work ensures data integrity while driving scalable innovation. By developing advanced AI solutions that reduce hallucinations and enhance predictive accuracy, Gavin is transforming how organizations harness data. INNOVATION THE FUTURE OF AI Gavin’s forward-thinking approach centers on integrating deep reasoning models and AI agents to create smarter, more efficient systems. His vision is to unlock the full potential of AI, enabling businesses to make better, faster decisions while safeguarding their intellectual property. CONNECT Learn more about Brew AI and explore Gavin’s transformative journey at brewai.com . Connect with Gavin on LinkedIn for further insights into the future of artificial intelligence. Our Sponsors: * Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://www.avocadogreenmattress.com * Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY * Check out Kinsta: https://kinsta.com * Check out Plus500: https://plus500.com * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
18 mar 2025 - 30 min 44 sek
Unlocking Peak Human Performance: How Vedant Pradeep Is Revolutionizing Alcohol Habits and Elevating Sobriety with Liquid Luck | Ep. 190
Vedant Pradeep shares his journey into creating Reframe App , a neuroscience-based platform designed to help individuals reduce alcohol consumption and achieve peak human performance. Driven by his own struggles with OCD and unhealthy coping strategies, Vedant developed 10-minute daily lessons that empower users to rewire their mindsets and build sustainable, healthier habits. Key Discussion Points: Personal Journey Inspiration: Vedant’s battle with OCD and alcohol as a coping mechanism led to the creation of Reframe. His passion for achieving peak human condition drives his mission to transform lives. Reframe App Neuroscience-Based Approach: How 10-minute daily lessons help rewire thought patterns and promote mindful living. The impact of the platform has already helped over three million people reduce their alcohol consumption. Launch of Liquid Luck: Introduction of Liquid Luck, a new functional elixir designed to combat cravings and support healthier lifestyle choices. This innovative drink complements Reframe’s mission by offering a practical, daily solution for alcohol reduction. Takeaways: Embrace neuroscience-based strategies to create healthier habits and achieve peak performance. Reframe App offers a sustainable way to rewire your mindset with just 10 minutes a day. Liquid Luck is a groundbreaking addition, providing a functional beverage solution to combat alcohol cravings. Resource: Reframe App Liquid Luck: JoinReframeApp.com/LiquidLuck-Functional-Elixir Our Sponsors: * Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://www.avocadogreenmattress.com * Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY * Check out Kinsta: https://kinsta.com * Check out Plus500: https://plus500.com * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
16 mar 2025 - 23 min 43 sek
Breaking the Scalpel Ceiling: Dr. Paula Ferrada’s Trailblazing Journey in Trauma Surgery | Ep. 189
Dr. Paula A. Ferrada, MD , is a trailblazer trauma surgeon who has shattered barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field. Hailing from Colombia, her remarkable journey to becoming a leading surgeon in the U.S. exemplifies resilience, innovation, and unwavering determination. Her groundbreaking work redefines trauma care and paves the way for future generations of women in medicine. HER JOURNEY: FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO THE OR Early Life Inspiration: Born in Colombia, where her nurse mother and surgeon father introduced her to medicine at a very young age. “Surgery picked me,” she recalls, having witnessed deliveries and surgeries as a child. Path to the U.S.: Moved to the United States to train at renowned institutions such as Emory, Grady Memorial, and eventually Harvard—becoming the first Colombian woman to graduate from a Harvard surgery program. Further honed her skills through fellowships in Pittsburgh, Maryland’s Shock Trauma center, and over a decade of practice at Virginia Commonwealth University. BREAKING BARRIERS LEADING WITH EMPATHY Overcoming Challenges: Latina physicians represent only 6.3% of the U.S. physician pool, with Latina female physicians making up less than 2.4%. Dr. Ferrada’s achievements speak volumes about perseverance in a challenging field. Leadership Style: Believes in vulnerability, teamwork, and creating a culture where every team member feels empowered to speak up. Asserts that true leadership in trauma is about trusting your team and maintaining a patient-centered focus, even under pressure. PASSION FOR RESEARCH MENTORSHIP Advancing Medicine: Authored over 130 peer-reviewed articles, driving forward innovation in trauma care by challenging old paradigms. Empowering the Next Generation: A dedicated mentor whose guidance has inspired many young surgeons to achieve their goals. Passionate about building a legacy based not on accolades but on the lives she’s helped shape. THE HUMAN SIDE OF TRAUMA SURGERY Thriving Under Pressure: Embraces the intensity of trauma surgery, where split-second decisions make a life-or-death difference. Wellness Resilience: Focuses on gratitude, maintaining autonomy, and cherishing the little moments of joy (like catching a glimpse of the sunshine) as key elements to avoid burnout and keep passion alive. Learn more at: https://www.inova.org/doctors/paula-a-ferrada-md Our Sponsors: * Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://www.avocadogreenmattress.com * Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY * Check out Kinsta: https://kinsta.com * Check out Plus500: https://plus500.com * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
15 mar 2025 - 19 min 21 sek
Zero Debt, 100 Stores: The Truth About Scaling Nobody Talks About with Brian Treu | Ep. 188
Brian Treu, CEO and Founder of Intelvio . shares his remarkable journey from bypassing traditional education to building a thriving, debt-free enterprise in medical training. With his innovative “Miracle Hour” strategy, Brian reveals how early-morning focus transformed his daily grind from mere maintenance into breakthrough momentum. He discusses balancing a day job with entrepreneurial pursuits, overcoming fear, and the power of strategic delegation. Brian’s candid insights offer actionable lessons for entrepreneurs striving to scale sustainably and achieve long-term success. Key Discussion Points: The Spark of Entrepreneurship: Embracing an entrepreneurial spirit early on despite unconventional beginnings. Transitioning from a day job to fully committing to his business dream even after many years working both. The Miracle Hour Strategy: Leveraging uninterrupted early-morning productivity to drive growth. Shifting focus from maintenance tasks to creating real momentum. Overcoming Challenges: Balancing multiple roles while learning from failures. The critical importance of delegation and risk-taking in scaling. Takeaways: Structured routines and early-morning focus can fuel breakthrough growth. Resilience and strategic delegation are key to long-term success. Embrace change, overcome fear, and build momentum to scale your business. www.intelvio.com Our Sponsors: * Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://www.avocadogreenmattress.com * Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY * Check out Kinsta: https://kinsta.com * Check out Plus500: https://plus500.com * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
14 mar 2025 - 24 min 34 sek
The Supplement Industry Is Broken: How Two Athletes Fixed It with Caroline & Sebastian Graeff | Ep. 186
Caroline and Sebastian Graeff share their inspiring journey from professional athletes to pioneering health supplement innovators. Growing up in a sports-centric family in France, they combined their athletic passion and entrepreneurial spirit to launch NAIAD . Focused on natural, clinically tested supplements for joint health, stress management, muscle recovery, and weight management, they emphasize authenticity, sustainable practices, and community empowerment to transform personal wellness and contribute to a greener future. Key Discussion Points: Origins Inspiration: Their formative years in a sports-driven, entrepreneurial family and the transition from athletic challenges to addressing health needs. Identifying the gap in the U.S. market for natural, high-quality supplements. Product Innovation Sustainability: Development of simple, single-ingredient formulas that are clinically tested and naturally derived. Commitment to eco-friendly packaging and carbon-neutral shipping. Community Consumer Empowerment: Building a supportive community that educates and inspires sustainable, healthy lifestyles. Integrating wellness education with product offerings to foster long-term habit change. Takeaways: Authentic, sustainable products can redefine personal wellness and environmental impact. Community engagement and education are essential to long-term health success. A clear vision and commitment to quality drive innovation in the competitive wellness industry. https://naiadshop.com/ Our Sponsors: * Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://www.avocadogreenmattress.com * Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY * Check out Kinsta: https://kinsta.com * Check out Plus500: https://plus500.com * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
14 mar 2025 - 20 min 06 sek