Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Founder2Founder with Aaron Spivak
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How to Run Your Business with True Authenticity, Momentum and The Superpower of Being Unapologetically Yourself
12 Mar 2025
01:11:50
In the first official episode of Founder2Founder, host Aaron Spivak along with Cohost Chris Meade, welcome Jake Karls. Jake is Co-founder and Chief Rainmaker of Mid-Day Squares, the better for you chocolate brand that went from a kitchen table idea to a North American sensation. Known for his unapologetic authenticity and refreshingly relatable approach, Jake has been recognized as a rising star in the business world. He made Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list for Food and Beverage, and is currently a finalist for EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year awards.
Jake shares his journey of embracing his superpower, being himself, to build momentum and scale a brand that is as real as it gets. He opens up about overcoming insecurities, the power of showing up in person, and why building friends, not just customers, has been the cornerstone of Mid-Day Squares' success. From dealing with investor pushback to navigating the pressures of being the face of a rapidly growing company, Jake’s insights are a masterclass in leadership and authenticity.
This episode is packed with actionable advice and real talk. Jake Karls is redefining entrepreneurship with authenticity and showing why embracing who you are might just be the ultimate business strategy. Be sure to rate the podcast and subscribe or follow on your favourite platform so you never miss a new episode, every Wednesday!
Chapters 00:02 - Introduction to the Founder to Founder Podcast 02:12 - How Jake Carl’s Energy and Confidence Started from Insecurity 03:23 - Overcoming Fear and Learning to Lean Into Strengths 05:56 - Finding the Right Role in Business and Letting Go of Ego 08:15 - The Power of Communication in Entrepreneurship and Partnerships 10:41 - How Conflict Can Destroy or Strengthen a Business Relationship 12:39 - The Challenges of Being a Public Figure and Representing a Brand 15:13 - Staying Authentic While Scaling a Business and Facing Public Scrutiny 17:25 - The Realities of Traveling Constantly and Maintaining Relationships 19:53 - The Sacrifices Entrepreneurship Demands and Finding Balance 24:06 - Why Communication and Therapy Are Key to Business Longevity 29:26 - Fear of Growing Up, Taking on Responsibility, and Losing Freedom 33:53 - How Proving People Wrong Became a Driving Force for Success 38:20 - Building a Personal Brand to Elevate Your Business and Career 42:03 - The Power of Showing Up and How It Opens Unexpected Doors 48:13 - How to Separate Your Identity From Your Business for Long-Term Growth 53:44 - The Role of Momentum in Success and How to Maintain It 1:01:18 - Identifying Energy Drainers and Protecting Your Time 1:07:06 - What Jake Would Tell His Younger Self About Life and Success 1:10:19 - Final Thoughts on Canadian Entrepreneurship and Community
In the short teaser trailer of Founder2Founder, host Aaron Spivak sets the stage for what listeners can expect from this raw and unfiltered podcast. Fuelled by his passion for entrepreneurship, Aaron will be sharing the real stories behind building a business, from the late nights and brutal setbacks, to the game-changing moments that make it all worthwhile. His goal is simple: to bring candid conversations with fellow founders to a bigger stage, diving deep into the grit, growth, and the mindset needed to keep pushing forward when most would quit.
Whether it’s solo episodes exploring Aaron’s own entrepreneurial journey or interviews with visionaries who have carved out their own paths, Founder2Founder promises to deliver the truth about what it takes to build something that truly matters. New episodes drop every Wednesday on all major platforms, so tune in, subscribe and rate this podcast to stay up to date on all the amazing conversations to come!
How to Go From Nothing to a Multimillion-Dollar Brand Without Outside Funding
26 Mar 2025
01:11:35
In this episode of Founder2Founder, host Aaron Spivak sits down with Lior Ohayon. Lior is a serial entrepreneur from Toronto, now based in Miami with his family. Finding early success in the internet marketing world, he eventually transitioned into tech and landed on e-commerce. His most recent co-founded business Hush, sold to a publicly traded company for a landmark $48M deal. Now he spends his time helping other startups find their voice and refine their story for a major exit.
Lior Ohayon shares how he went from dropping out of school to building Hush into one of North America's top weighted blanket brands. He breaks down the key decisions that shaped his path, from leveraging SEO to fund his early ventures, taking calculated risks, and scaling a product-based business from the ground up.
He reflects on the turning points that defined his journey, from struggling with seasonality, to launching a record-breaking Kickstarter and ultimately exiting the company. This conversation gets into the mindset and strategies behind real business growth. Be sure to rate the podcast and follow on your favourite platform, so you never miss a new episode every Wednesday!
Chapters: 03:07 The Decision to Drop Out of School 06:02 First Steps into Entrepreneurship 08:55 Transitioning to Software and SEO 11:54 The Birth of Hush and Partnership Dynamics 14:54 Navigating Challenges and Scaling the Business 17:54 The Kickstarter Success Story 21:07 Building Trust and Collaboration 23:56 Celebrating Small Wins and Validation 26:50 Overcoming Seasonal Challenges 30:06 The Power of Belief and Support 32:59 Lessons Learned from Partnership 38:12 The Power of Problem Solving 39:46 Goal Setting: A Catalyst for Success 42:52 The Importance of Hard Work and Team Dynamics 45:15 Learning Through Experience: The Journey of Entrepreneurship 48:46 The Role of Preparation in Business Success 51:48 Navigating Growth and Change During COVID-19 54:34 The Importance of Values in Business 01:01:16 Reflections on Personal Growth and Future Aspirations
Using a Relentless Mindset to Build and Sell a Nine-Figure Empire
19 Mar 2025
01:38:48
In this episode of Founder2Founder, host Aaron Spivak sits down with Anne Mahlum. Anne is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and speaker known for building impactful businesses. She founded Back on My Feet, a nonprofit helping individuals experiencing homelessness, and [solidcore], one of the nation’s fastest-growing fitness brands. Under her leadership, [solidcore] expanded to 120+ locations and raised $210M. After successfully exiting in 2023, Anne now invests, advises, and speaks on leadership, risk-taking, and living boldly.
In this conversation, Anne shares how she bet on herself, overcame self-doubt, and made bold decisions to scale her business rapidly. She breaks down key lessons in leadership, risk-taking, and negotiating high-stakes deals while navigating challenges like lawsuits and the pandemic. Her story is a masterclass in resilience and strategic thinking, making this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to build and exit a successful company.
Continue to subscribe and share this podcast with someone you might think could benefit from it! We appreciate your support!
Chapters: 02:10 - Anne’s Early Entrepreneurial Journey and Founding Back on My Feet 06:30 - Transitioning from Nonprofit to Launching [solidcore] with $175K 10:45 - Scaling [solidcore] Rapidly and the Subway Expansion Strategy 15:20 - The Art of Negotiation: How Anne Secured Favourable Lease Terms 20:50 - Breaking Away from Supplier Dependencies and Legal Battles 25:26 - Leading Through Crisis: How Anne Navigated [solidcore] Through The Pandemic 30:43 - Transitioning Out of the CEO Role and Preparing for Exit 35:16 - Selling [solidcore] for Nine Figures and Lessons in Wealth Management 41:32 - Strategic Decisions That Scaled [solidcore] to Over 120 Locations 46:27 - Why Entrepreneurs Need to Deeply Understand Their Numbers 51:47 - The Importance of Surrounding Yourself with the Right People 56:55 - Life After Exit: Navigating Identity and Purpose Beyond Business 1:03:46 - Shutting Down Ambition and Embracing a New Chapter 1:08:06 - Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energy as a Female Founder 1:15:26 - The Truth About Relationships, Success, and Finding the Right Partner 1:28:08 - The Power of Momentum and How to Create It in Business and Life 1:35:17 - Anne’s Advice to Her Younger Self: Stay Curious and Keep Doing
From 3D Printer to Multimillion-Dollar Brand: The Playbook for Turning Simple Ideas Into Real Revenue – Without Chasing the Spotlight
02 Apr 2025
01:31:51
In this episode of Founder2Founder, host Aaron Spivak sits down with Jay Conohan. Jay Conohan is the founder of The Loud Cup Company, a serial entrepreneur, inventor, and proud father of three. With a relentless drive to figure things out, he’s built his career on resilience, hard lessons, and a willingness to bet on himself. From launching the Bath n Play, to juggling multiple ventures while holding a day job, Jay has faced failures head-on and turned them into stepping stones. He believes in fairness, brutal honesty, and proving people wrong when they count him out. With no degree but an unstoppable mindset, he’s built a life around innovation, family, and pushing limits—both in business and beyond.
Jay dives into the critical moments that shaped his path, from making tough financial decisions to refining operations and leadership. He breaks down the mindset shifts that helped him scale and the lessons he learned along the way. This conversation is packed with real insights on what it takes to grow a business against the odds. Don’t miss this deep dive into the mindset and strategies behind real entrepreneurial success.
Be sure to rate the podcast and subscribe or follow on your favorite platform so you never miss a new episode, every Wednesday!
Chapters: 03:07 Early Entrepreneurial Experiences and Lessons Learned 05:51 The Impact of COVID on Business Ventures 08:59 The Birth of the Bath and Play Product 11:53 Networking and the Founders Club Experience 15:02 The Role of Support Systems in Entrepreneurship 17:59 Navigating Success and Self-Discovery 21:01 Finding Purpose Beyond Business 23:49 The Importance of Relationships in Business 27:09 Facing Fears and Embracing Growth 29:33 The Innovative Cup: A Unique 3D Printing Experience 31:10 Building Connections: The Power of Networking 32:43 Kickstarter Journey: From Concept to Launch 34:10 Trusting the Process: Lessons in Entrepreneurship 38:40 Scaling Up: The Transition from Kickstarter to E-commerce 41:13 Achieving Rapid Growth: From Zero to Seven Figures 44:43 Navigating Success: Balancing Business and Personal Life 54:42 Reflections on Opportunity Cost 57:53 Strategic Partnerships and Growth Potential 01:01:35 The Power of Networking and Self-Awareness 01:03:40 Lessons from Business Setbacks 01:10:41 Turning Challenges into Opportunities 01:19:11 Finding Purpose After Success 01:26:28 Messages to My Younger Self
The Secret to Scale? It Wasn’t Capital — It Was Community.
09 Apr 2025
01:42:25
In this episode of Founder2Founder, host Aaron Spivak sits down with Gary Lipovetsky. Gary Lipovetsky is a digital entrepreneur, strategist, and creator with a track record of building and scaling online businesses. As the co-architect of Valeria Inc., he helped transform Valeria’s audience into a thriving global media company. Before that, he founded a top 100 global website with 200 million monthly sessions at its peak, built multiple successful social platforms, and raised $32 million in venture capital for an eCommerce startup within its first year. Now, Gary also mentors hundreds of creators through Creator Method, an academy helping them master monetization, community growth and even personal development through content creation. As the host of RISE podcast, he uncovers the strategies of top entrepreneurs and industry leaders. With 30 years in digital media, he continues to guide brands and creators in building lasting, impactful communities, resulting in the achievement of their business goals.
He talks about the early days of hustle, knocking on doors, cold calling local businesses, and hand-delivering coupon deals before DealFind ever became a household name. Gary opens up about the scaling phase and what he learned from building a company at lightning speed. He shares why launching a personal YouTube channel was never part of the original plan, how he built it to over a million subscribers, and what the platform taught him about branding and storytelling. Now in his next chapter with Free, he reflects on how his priorities have evolved, what he’s building towards, and why success today looks very different than it used to. This episode is a candid look at growth, reinvention, and staying grounded through it all.
Be sure to rate the podcast and subscribe or follow on your favorite platform so you never miss a new episode, every Wednesday!
Chapters: 01:35 Motivations Behind Success 02:12 Early Life and Challenges 04:30 Taking Control of One's Future 06:01 First Steps into Entrepreneurship 14:06 Defining Entrepreneurial Identity 16:01 Partnerships and New Ventures 22:36 The Impact of Content Creation 30:52 The Dynamics of Relationships and Support 33:22 The Power of Quick Implementation 37:49 The School of Execution: Learning by Doing 40:04 Community vs. Audience: The Shift in Content Creation 46:03 The Importance of Focus in Content Creation 57:54 The Birth of Creator Method: Community and Purpose 01:08:55 Empowering Others: The Mission Behind Creator Method 01:10:28 The Power of Collaboration Among Creators 01:12:30 Shifting Perspectives: From Competition to Community 01:13:00 Debunking the Algorithm Myth 01:20:00 Redefining Masculinity: Supporting Your Partner's Growth 01:30:32 Embracing Mortality: Living with Intention 01:39:10 Choosing Gratitude: A Perspective Shift
A Framework for Founders On How To Check In Before You Check Out
16 Apr 2025
01:32:32
In this episode of Founder2Founder, host Aaron Spivak sits down with Adam Klasner. Adam Mordechai Klasner is a widely respected personal growth facilitator, committed to empowering individuals and nurturing meaningful relationships. He masterfully integrates diverse modalities and techniques, including Breathwork, NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), Family Constellations, and Imago facilitation, to guide his clients on transformative journeys. Adam's approach centers on a holistic comprehension of his clients' inner worlds and their connections with others. By harmoniously merging these aspects, he skillfully helps clients achieve profound self-awareness, heal past wounds, enhance communication, and foster profound harmony in their relationships.
In addition to his professional endeavours, Adam leads a fulfilling personal life. Happily married and the proud parent of ten children, he appreciates the significance of balancing personal and professional pursuits, while infusing joy into both.
Adam shares how facing himself 12 years ago began a life-altering shift, leading him to help men reconnect with their authentic selves. The conversation dives into the concept of “checking in”, a practice of emotional awareness, and how that self-awareness can transform how we lead, live, and relate to others. With a blend of vulnerability, spiritual insight, and grounded leadership, Adam offers tools for founders to identify emotional triggers, address inner wounds, and lead from a place of truth rather than fear.
If you enjoyed the episode please subscribe and share this podcast with someone you think could benefit from it!
Chapters: 01:30 Who Is Adam Klasner? 02:40 The Internal Crisis That Changed Everything 05:03 The Workshop That Triggered a Life Transformation 06:35 Why Most Men Say “I’m Good” And What They're Missing 08:32 Aaron’s First Workshop Experience in Montreal 11:06 How a Check-In Transformed a Meeting 13:19 What Is a Check-In? A Tool for Real Vulnerability 17:00 Why We Hide Behind Masks in Business and Life 20:13 How Childhood Stories Shape Leadership Patterns 23:08 Authenticity vs. Connection: The Tension We All Face 25:33 Why Every Founder Must Balance Both to Lead 26:50 Practical Daily Tools to Access Your Inner World 30:06 Triggers Are Clues: How to Work with Emotional Discomfort 32:43 Journaling, Breathwork, and Self-Inquiry: Building a Practice 36:41 Aaron’s Real-Time Trigger: A Business Partner Conflict 49:27 Discovering the Root Need Beneath the Reaction 53:04 Why Real Growth Requires Revisiting the Past 58:40 Aaron’s “I’m Not That Good” Belief and Where It Began 01:04:01 The Power of Acknowledging What Is 01:05:59 Where to Start: Journaling and Awareness 01:10:25 Gratitude for the Past: Why Everything Happens for a Reason 01:14:12 What Spiritual Practice Taught Adam About Leadership 01:19:56 The Moment Adam’s Father Told Him “You Can Do Anything” 01:30:08 Message To Younger Self
Rebuilding Purpose After a Major Exit and How The Work Doesn’t End When You Succeed
23 Apr 2025
01:14:43
In this episode of Founder2Founder, host Aaron Spivak sits down with serial entrepreneur David Segal, best known for building DAVIDsTEA into a $200M brand and now serving as President of Highbeam. David shares the full arc of his entrepreneurial journey, starting with the humble beginnings of DAVIDsTEA, through the grind of expansion and the thrill of going public, to the surprising emotional lows that followed a major exit. With refreshing honesty, he opens up about his feelings after selling the company, how he found renewed purpose, and the process of reshaping his identity beyond his business.
David and Aaron explore the hidden cost of scaling quickly, the emotional whiplash of sudden wealth, and the importance of defining success beyond financial freedom. The conversation is packed with invaluable takeaways for founders at every stage, from negotiating working capital terms that change your bottom line, to the mindset shifts required when stepping into a new venture. Whether you’re in the trenches or on the other side of a win, David’s story is a powerful reminder that the work never really ends, it just evolves. Don’t forget to subscribe, share with a fellow founder, and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.
Chapters: 01:10 – Starting DAVIDsTEA: The Idea Nobody Was Doing 04:32 – Early Failures and Lessons in Persistence 07:27 – From 4 Stores to 30: What Changed? 08:45 – Building for Scale: The Highs and Pitfalls 11:55 – Expansion Mistakes in the U.S. Market 14:33 – Handing Over the CEO Role: Ego and Learning 16:02 – The Power of Process (Without Bureaucracy) 20:23 – Leaving DAVIDsTEA and Losing Identity 22:15 – From Rock Bottom to Highbeam: A New Beginning 25:50 – Life-Changing Money Doesn’t Mean Life-Changing Fulfillment 28:15 – What Founders Need to Know About Life After the Exit 31:00 – Starting Mad Radish and Firebelly: Lessons in Patience 34:50 – David Now vs. Then: Maturity in Decision Making 38:52 – Sleep On It: Slowing Down to Make Better Decisions 40:09 – Working Capital Masterclass: The Deal That Can Save Millions 44:03 – Lifestyle Business or Unicorn? How to Decide 46:41 – Operating for Cash Flow vs. Chasing the Exit 48:57 – The Power of Compounding and Long-Term Operating 50:33 – Managing Post-Exit Wealth: Keep It Simple 54:56 – David on Legacy and Still Being “Just Getting Started” 58:20 – The Power of Environment and a Supportive Partner 1:01:25 – Entrepreneurship is a Personal Journey 1:03:39 – Advice to 19-Year-Old David: Put in the Work, Keep Showing Up 1:06:19 – Meditation, a “Digital Sabbath”, and Mental Resilience as a Founder 1:11:07 – Final Reflections: Inputs Over Outcomes
Built in Her Memory: How Losing His Sister Redefined His Life, Business, and Legacy
07 May 2025
01:23:55
In this episode of Founder2Founder, host Aaron Spivak sits down with Josh Goldstein. Josh was a high-level college baseball player and MBA student when a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to appear on reality TV changed everything. After the tragic and very public loss of his sister on national television, Josh turned unimaginable grief into powerful growth. Now, just a few years later, he’s built a seven-figure online fitness business empowering thousands of women, launched a supplement brand rooted in positivity, and created a personal brand focused on mindset, transformation, and authenticity.
This episode dives deep into what it means to find clarity through pain, the strategy behind monetizing real impact, and how trusting your gut can outwork any perfect plan. Josh opens up about going all-in on business, his unique approach to brand building, and the deeper mission driving every decision. Whether you're dealing with pressure, looking to turn a setback into a launchpad, or want to build with real intention, this conversation delivers. Don’t forget to subscribe, share with a fellow founder, and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.
Chapters 02:07 – Growing Up Around Sports and Early Lessons in Discipline 09:08 – Self-Confidence Through Sports, COVID’s Impact, and Falling in Love with Sales 12:30 – Saying Yes to Love Island 17:07 – Tragedy: Losing His Sister During Filming 20:22 – Returning Home and Navigating Grief 25:10 – Starting a Business With Meaning and Honouring Her Legacy 27:17 – Serving Women in Fitness and Emotional Connection to the Mission 30:45 – The “Other 23 Hours” Philosophy in Fitness 33:28 – Josh’s Fitness Program Structure and Growth 35:46 – Personal Transformation and What He’s Still Working On 41:26 – Public Figure Pressures and Dating After Reality TV 48:05 – Business Future: Exit, Scale, or Legacy 49:20 – Starting the Supplement Company Reevyv 51:25 – Impact on Family Dynamics and Healing Through Growth 56:22 – Motivation to Repay His Parents’ Sacrifices 58:12 – Journaling, Morning Routine, and Structure 1:04:21 – Mindset as the Foundation of Transformation 1:06:13 – Avoiding Hard Conversations and Their Cost 1:11:15 – The ROI of Investing in Yourself 1:14:32 – Advice to Younger Josh: Don’t Let Others Define You 1:16:27 – Environment, Loneliness, and Finding Your Circle 1:22:38 – Final Message: Don’t Take Life Too Seriously
The Unfair Founder Advantage: How Dominic Used Crypto Profits and 1 Job to Build an Empire
30 Apr 2025
01:30:56
In this episode of Founder2Founder, host Aaron Spivak sits down with Dominic Purpura. Dominic Purpura is the founder and owner of MELA, a rapidly growing watermelon water company. After acquiring the business in 2021 following a successful cryptocurrency investment, he completely rebranded it, transforming a $25,000 monthly operation into one approaching $1 million monthly with national 7-Eleven distribution on the horizon. Influenced by his entrepreneurial father and uncle, Purpura implements a structured goal-setting system across five categories: health, wealth, wisdom, happiness, and travel. He's known for his equity-sharing leadership approach, treating employees as partners. His mission is to establish watermelon water as a major beverage category, with plans to scale MELA until, in his words "it stops being fun."
Dominic shares his journey from a young entrepreneur to achieving a major exit, breaking down the real process behind rebranding and scaling MELA. He talks about discovering MELA while building experience in the CPG industry, using cryptocurrency profits to acquire the brand, and scaling the company to an eight-figure exit. From growing up questioning traditional paths, to implementing equity-sharing leadership, to navigating life after a major acquisition, Dominic brings tactical lessons around resilience, strategic thinking, building a brand true to your values and learning to trust your gut.
Chapters: 00:43 – Introduction, Early Exposure to Entrepreneurship and Family Influence 02:05 – Growing Up Questioning Normality 03:56 – Are Entrepreneurs Born or Made? 04:33 – Learning From Father Figures and Environment 06:16 – Early Businesses, Crypto, and Falling in Love With the CPG Business Model 10:03 – Building a Beef Jerky Brand and Learning Systems 12:47 – Finding MELA and the Initial Spark 18:52 – Building Wealth Through Cardano and Crypto Strategy 22:22 – Timing the Crypto Exit and Creating Opportunity 24:08 – Acquiring MELA ,Rebranding, Restructuring, and Relaunching 29:23 – Early Wins and Rapid Product-Market Fit 30:45 – Brick-by-Brick Growth: Selling Store by Store 32:13 – Yearly Growth and the Journey From 300K to Millions 35:32 – Why MELA Worked for the Mass Market 38:15 – Building a Brand for the 99%, Not the 1% 43:29 – Losing His Father and Going All-In on Entrepreneurship 46:25 – Turning Pain Into Focus, Drive, and Daily Discipline 48:27 – Staying Focused Through Grief and Hardship 50:00 – Selling MELA and Sharing the Exit With the Team 52:31 – Navigating Identity Shifts Post-Exit 53:12 – Why Slowing Down After Success Matters 58:24 – Honouring the Journey: Reflection and Growth 1:06:12 – Building a Community: The Vision Behind Founders Club 1:14:29 – Giving First, Protecting Energy, and Scaling Smart 1:18:45 – Advice to 23-Year-Old Dominic: Trust the Journey 1:26:10 – Finding Meaning in Pain and Why It Matters
Kevin O’Leary’s Advice on Mastering Focus and Scaling Faster
21 May 2025
00:20:22
In this episode of Founder2Founder, Chris Meade sits down with Kevin O'Leary, a successful entrepreneur and investor also known as "Mr. Wonderful”, appearing on shows such as Dragons' Den and Shark Tank. Kevin dives into the current landscape of advertising, explaining why he's pivoting his portfolio companies towards television through his new platform, WonderAds. He breaks down how TV has become a powerful yet under-utilized channel for brands looking to scale cost-effectively, offering a competitive edge over rising social media costs.
Kevin also discusses the critical components of successful brand scaling, the importance of mastering Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC), and why multi-channel strategies are essential for long-term growth. He closes with valuable insights on entrepreneurship, including how to prioritize signal over noise, the art of listening, and the necessity of knowing when to pivot. Join Chris and Kevin as they uncover the strategies behind building resilient brands, leveraging television for growth, and the key principles every entrepreneur should know. Don’t forget to subscribe, share with a fellow founder, and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.
Chapters: 01:40 – Why TV Advertising is Making a Comeback 02:48 – Introducing WonderAds: TV for Emerging Brands 03:34 – Measuring Success on TV: CAC and ROAS 04:02 – Why Brands Give Up on TV Too Early 04:27 – Television’s Cost Efficiency vs. Social Media 04:52 – Mastering Customer Acquisition Costs 05:58 – The Importance of Personal Branding for Founders 07:08 – Building for Both Retail and Direct-to-Consumer 08:19 – Retail Rollouts: How to Secure and Succeed 10:35 – Signal vs. Noise: How to Focus Your Time 13:33 – The Art of Pivoting When Things Go Wrong 14:06 – Planning Liquidity Events and Exits 15:06 – Industries Ripe for Disruption: Healthy Snacks and Beverages 15:52 – Kevin’s Background in Photography and Film 16:52 – Embracing Discomfort: Why Founders Should Take Risks 17:39 – Lessons from Kevin's Mother: Integrity and Trust
The Relentless Drive to Win: How IQBAR Was Built One Chapter at a Time
14 May 2025
01:43:00
In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Will Nitze, Founder & CEO of IQBAR, the leading brain-and-body nutrition startup in America. Will shares how his competitive spirit and obsession with winning drove him to build a thriving brand dedicated to brain food and cognitive nutrition. He reflects on his journey from playing competitive sports to attending Harvard, where he first realized that building something impactful was more important than just making money.
Will also discusses launching IQBAR through a successful Kickstarter campaign, scaling with major retailers, and maintaining a lean, efficient team. He opens up about running the business alongside his wife, the importance of horizontal mentorship, and how he plans to build for acquisition and legacy.
Chapters: 00:44 – The Opportunist Mindset: Learning from Sam Zell 03:06 – Building the Competitive Spirit Through Sports 08:26 – Harvard Experience and Finding Direction 12:25 – First Steps into Entrepreneurship 14:02 – Negotiating Half-Time Work for Full-Time Hustle 15:21 – Starting IQBAR: Building Brain Food from Scratch 19:31 – Kickstarter Strategies: Guerrilla Tactics and Validation 22:01 – Manufacturing at Scale and Finding Co-Packers 24:38 – The Importance of Horizontal Mentorship 27:46 – Scaling the Business with a Lean Team 30:25 – Expanding into Major Retailers and Hitting Volume 33:43 – Navigating Trends and Pivoting the Brand 36:40 – Maintaining Control While Scaling Fast 38:29 – Hiring the Right People and the Hub-and-Spoke Model 41:06 – Working In the Business, Not Just On It 46:40 – Running a Business with His Wife 49:05 – Moving to Miami and the Evolution of IQBAR 52:13 – Building for Acquisition and Legacy 1:06:01 – Overcoming Challenges: Tariffs, COVID, and Market Shifts 1:07:50 - Building a Personal Brand 1:11:04 - The ROI of Personal Branding 1:25:10 - The Emotional Impact of Exiting a Business 1:31:11 - The Role of Partnerships in Business Success 1:34:46 - Advice for Younger Entrepreneurs
Tune in to hear Will’s raw insights on scaling a consumer brand from the ground up, the sacrifices required, and the mindset needed to build something that lasts. Don't forget to subscribe, share with a fellow founder, and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.
Making 250k in 10 Days With No Product: How This Founder Figured "It" Out
28 May 2025
01:00:54
In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Jason Wong, founder of Paking Duck, a packaging company trusted by leading DTC brands like Arrae, Quest Nutrition, and Madhappy. Jason shares his journey from a teenager running affiliate blogs and viral meme businesses, to building a powerhouse in the packaging space, blending creativity with operational excellence.
Jason dives into how packaging became his passion, why it’s one of the highest-leverage parts of the customer journey, and how investing in people has helped him scale multiple businesses. He also opens up about building confidence through action, earning trust through execution, and how one key mentor changed his entire trajectory. Tune in to hear Jason’s powerful insights on brand-building, mentorship, and executing with speed. Subscribe, share with a fellow founder, and leave a review if this episode resonated with you.
Chapters: 01:36 – Meet Jason Wong 02:53 – How Jason fell in love with packaging 03:57 – What top CPG brands get right 05:01 – Growing up: immigrant hustle and early ambition 06:19 – Starting a blog and making $30K/month in high school 08:04 – The viral launch of the Holy Meme Bible 09:25 – Transitioning to a product business 11:47 – Launching Doe Lashes with $500 13:11 – Building with friends and early team culture 14:17 – Growing up without parents and living in a garage 15:35 – Why Jason never gave up 16:36 – Raising your ceiling through community 18:18 – Sacrifices and discipline in the early years 20:16 – Entrepreneurship and relationships 22:08 – Becoming secure in your identity 24:49 – Creating your own luck through exposure 26:36 – Meeting Michelle Phan and her mentorship 29:42 – The power of sharing stories and giving back 31:07 – Jason’s philosophy on packaging and unboxing 34:09 – Most impressive packaging Jason has seen 37:44 – 3 ways packaging makes money 41:08 – Why packaging is part of the product 42:14 – Defining success and freedom 46:16 – Achieving milestones through material rewards 47:21 – Building multiple businesses through people 50:53 – Jason’s story of finding a superstar on Upwork 53:48 – A masterclass in relationship-driven leadership 56:46 – Advice to his 23-year-old self 58:00 – Just go do it — the power of action
From Selling Shaved Ice to Scaling a National Food Empire
18 Jun 2025
01:04:30
In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Gaston Becherano Cohen, CEO of Smorgasburg—the largest weekly open-air food market in the U.S. Gaston shares how a solo trip to Japan reignited his entrepreneurial drive and ultimately led him from shaved ice vendor to acquiring the entire Smorgasburg brand. His journey includes launching, and losing, a café during COVID, starting over in Miami, and building markets that now draw millions of visitors.
He speaks candidly about scaling with lean teams, trusting his instincts, and launching his Japanese tea brand, Motorcycle Matcha. This conversation dives deep into the mindset, resilience, and strategic pivots behind building a cultural institution rooted in food, community, and creativity. Subscribe, share with a fellow founder, and leave a review if this episode resonated with you!
Chapters: 02:56 – Leaving IBM: Realizing He Wasn’t Built for Corporate Life| 03:54 – A Solo Trip to Japan That Changed His Trajectory 04:26 – Discovering Hospitality as His Lane 08:58 – Getting Accepted as a Shaved Ice Vendor in Brooklyn 09:49 – Launching Bonsai Café and Learning the Business 11:24 – COVID Hits: Closing the Café and Moving Back to Miami 14:00 – Starting Over with a Farmers Market in Aventura 18:48 – Seeing the Vision for Smorgasburg Miami 20:05 – Convincing the Landlords and Licensing the Brand 22:25 – The Grueling Process of Getting Permits Approved 24:56 – Opening Day in Wynwood: 15,000 Attendees and Flying Tents 27:38 – Sustaining Demand Week After Week 28:20 – Acquiring the Entire Smorgasburg Brand 30:51 – Reframing Entrepreneurship as a “Grand Adventure” 32:01 – Building Motorcycle Matcha in the Japanese Countryside 34:00 – Sourcing, Storytelling, and Building a Passion-Driven Brand 36:17 – Growing Up in a Tight-Knit, Entrepreneurial Community 38:40 – “Entrepreneurship Is Like Riding a Motorcycle” 41:15 – Gaston’s Vision for Smorgasburg as a National Incubator 43:58 – The Emotional Cost of Growth and Staying Positive 45:57 – Detaching From the Rollercoaster of Business 48:30 – Running Lean: 16 Full-Time Staff, Millions of Visitors 49:51 – Leadership Through Empowerment and Humility 51:50 – Advice to Younger Gaston: Enjoy the Ride 58:45 – The Magic of Type 2 Fun in Entrepreneurship 1:00:09 – Final Words: Start Young, Start Naive, Start Now
Rejection, Sexism, and 100 Investor No’s: How She Still Raised $500K and Changed an Industry
11 Jun 2025
01:12:43
In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Rajia Abdelaziz, Founder & CEO of invisaWear—a groundbreaking company creating discreet safety tech inside stylish jewelry. A Forbes 30 Under 30 cover honoree and a standout in the personal safety space, Rajia has built an eight-figure brand, raised over $3 million, and secured major partnerships with ADT and TELUS.
Rajia shares how she turned down a job at Google to pursue a college project that would go on to save lives. She opens up about facing rejection, fundraising setbacks, and personal sacrifice, all while building a mission-driven brand from the ground up. From a 3D-printed prototype built by her 14-year-old brother to a product that’s now sold nationwide, this episode is a powerful look at purpose, perseverance, and building with impact. Subscribe, share with a fellow founder, and leave a review if this episode resonated with you!
Chapters: 02:11 – Rajia’s first taste of entrepreneurship at 8 years old. 04:26 – Childhood hustle and early business ideas. 06:18 – Dreaming of an ice cream empire at 16. 07:57 – Growing up in a one-bedroom apartment and chasing the American Dream. 09:58 – The pressure to be perfect and the cost of high expectations. 11:32 – Choosing engineering and learning to build apps. 13:25 – The incident that sparked the idea for invisaWear. 16:02 – Launching invisaWear as a college project. 19:29 – Turning down Google and betting on a mission. 22:12 – Convincing her family to support her startup journey. 25:05 – Building with her co-founder Ray. 27:14 – A woman at demo day validates the mission. 28:56 – Handwritten thank-you notes from survivors. 30:42 – Sacrificing her 20s to build a mission-driven brand. 34:08 – Facing sexism and ageism in early fundraising. 35:30 – 14-year-old brother’s 3D print closes their first round. 39:45 – National news story puts invisaWear on the map. 43:00 – A health scare forces a mindset reset. 48:10 – 10 years of co-founder chemistry with Ray. 59:41 – What Rajia wants to be remembered for. 1:02:37 – Advice to her 21-year-old self. 1:04:52 – Rajia’s 5-year and 10-year vision.
Shelby Sapp Didn’t Just Break Into Sales, She Rebuilt It For Women Everywhere
25 Jun 2025
01:15:20
In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Shelby Sapp, the founder of She Sells Academy, the world’s largest all-women remote sales academy. After beginning her career in door-to-door pest control sales, Shelby realized traditional sales models weren’t built for women or the lifestyle they wanted. With She Sells, she’s built a community of over 3,000 women mastering high-ticket remote sales, unlocking financial independence and freedom along the way.
Shelby discusses her journey from figure skater to powerhouse sales trainer, the critical role of mindset and visualization in success, and how her mother and grandfather influenced her fiercely independent drive. She shares candid reflections on building her business, dealing with imposter syndrome and online hate, and the nuances of masculine and feminine dynamics in both sales and relationships. Shelby’s story is a powerful example of how vision, grit, and being a “calculated psychopath” can not only change your own life, but the ripple effect of others.
Chapters 00:00 – Shelby’s Sales Origin Story 02:55 – Discovering Remote Sales As A “Cheat Code” 03:26 – Mindset, Manifestation, And The Impact Of Figure Skating 06:13 – Growing Up With A Hardworking Single Mom 07:35 – Living The Life She Once Dreamed 08:53 – Proving Herself In Male-Dominated Sales Teams 10:53 – Who Joins She Sells And Why 13:09 – Selling What You Believe In 15:56 – Helping Women Find Financial Independence 17:26 – Who Supports The Leader 20:53 – Navigating Friendships During Rapid Growth 25:03 – The Early Vision That Sparked She Sells 30:14 – Balancing Masculine Energy In Business And Relationships 34:18 – Should Salespeople Seek Equity? 36:22 – Dealing With Online Hate 41:56 – Do Women Perform Better In Sales? 44:14 – The Nuances Of Women Selling To Women 45:43 – Staying Authentic As A Founder 48:34 – What Shelby Wants To Be Remembered For 51:15 – The Legacy Of Her Grandfather 56:23 – Loving Pressure And Building Through It 57:44 – Embracing Being “Delulu” As an Entrepreneur 1:01:19 – Clarity In Vision And Decision-Making 1:06:22 – Adjusting To Success And A New Lifestyle 1:09:24 – How Shelby Manages Her Money 1:11:45 – Final Message: Be A Calculated Psychopath 1:13:13 – The Power Of Belief And Presence
The Realest Founder Story Yet: No English, No Money, and 5 Kids- Here’s How She Did It
09 Jul 2025
01:26:43
In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with his own mother, Rachel Spivak, for an intimate and powerful conversation that spans generations, continents, and entrepreneurial journeys. Born in the small Israeli town of Ofakim as one of 13 siblings, Rachel shares her story of resilience, ambition, and unwavering love for her family. From leaving her home at age 13 to go off to school, to raising five boys in Canada, her life is a testament to grit, sacrifice, and entrepreneurial instinct.
Rachel recounts building a new life in Canada with no job, no English, and three kids under three, eventually launching multiple businesses, including a successful care agency and retail ventures. She opens up about losing everything overnight, rebuilding from scratch, and instilling entrepreneurial values in her children, all of whom became business owners. Rachel offers timeless wisdom on parenting, perseverance, and how to build a meaningful life from the ground up.
Chapters: 01:20 – Growing Up in Ofakim With 13 Siblings 04:13 – Childhood Lessons in Strength 05:13 – “Don’t Be Afraid of Fear” – A Life Mantra 07:12 – Leaving Home at 13 for a Different Life 14:01 – Moving to Canada With Three Young Children 15:52 – Starting Over Without English or a Job 21:03 – Building Businesses From Scratch 24:15 – Cleaning Houses and Driving a School Bus to Survive 27:56 – From House Cleaner to Care Agency Owner 30:42 – Losing a Business Overnight, Starting Again With Jewelry Sales 33:02 – Teaching Her Kids To Build and Rebuild 36:30 – Leading By Example: The Power of Silent Sacrifice 39:27 – Parenting Wisdom for the Modern Generation 41:55 – Encouraging Entrepreneurship From a Young Age 44:34 – Working Through Setbacks and Always Showing Up 46:49 – Why She’s a Mom, Not a Friend 49:11 – Raising Five Boys and Navigating Marriage, Business, and Life 53:52 – How Many Kids Should People Have Today? 56:37 – Parenting Without Complaints, Even in the Digital Age 1:00:22 – Still Working: Showing Up at Early to Lead By Example 1:03:56 – Working With Family: The Greatest Challenge 1:05:44 – Family Unity Above All: Why Fighting Was Never an Option 1:11:06 – Dealing With Distance: Moving to Miami and Family Bonds 1:20:00 – What Rachel Would Tell Her 18-Year-Old Self 1:24:47 – Her New Mission: Creating Memories With Her Grandkids
How Integrity, Grit, and Real Estate Deals Built Mark Shapiro's Legacy
02 Jul 2025
01:30:06
In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak speaks with Mark Shapiro, founder of Shapiro Capital, a seasoned real estate investor with over four decades of experience. Mark shares his journey from selling gum in elementary school to building a multimillion-dollar real estate empire. He offers valuable insights into the mindset, drive, and strategies that led him to success, as well as the lessons learned from both his victories and setbacks.
Mark delves into his early real estate experiences, creative financing tactics, and the importance of simplicity and discipline in both business and life. His approach to mentoring others, navigating personal struggles, and focusing on authentic relationships is a powerful example of how real success is built over time.
Chapters: 00:00 – Mark’s Entrepreneurial Spark In Elementary School 04:00 – Early Lessons From The Family Business 07:40 – Snowblowing Driveways And Learning Value 10:47 – The Influence Of Mark’s Father 13:28 – First Business Deal With His Dad At 23 18:06 – Overcoming Personal Loss And Finding Purpose 22:51 – Discovering Real Estate Through Family And Books 25:42 – Scaling Early: From College Deals To 58 Units 38:22 – Addiction To The Chase: Why Mark Loves The Game 43:20 – Taking Big Risks At 26 And The $3M Payday 49:16 – How Success Complicated Personal Life 54:20 – The Wisdom Of Grinding It Out 58:33 – Life Lessons On Margin, Simplicity, And Consistency 1:04:06 – Teaching Real Estate: Building A High-Touch Mentorship Model 1:06:42 – Lydia’s Journey: 0 To 24 Units In A Year 1:08:57 – From Scratch: Helping Beginners Get Their First Deal 1:13:48 – For Founders With Capital: How To Start In Real Estate 1:16:39 – The Power Of Community And High-Touch Guidance 1:22:00 – Reflecting On Regrets And Legacy 1:28:12 – Living With Integrity And Spiritual Anchors
Swan Sit on The Future of Belonging: Defining a New Era By Building Real Community in a Disconnected World
16 Jul 2025
01:30:06
In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Swan Sit, a trailblazing operator and creator at the intersection of corporate leadership, digital transformation, and consumer connection. With an impressive background as the Global Head of Digital Marketing at Nike, Revlon, and Estée Lauder, Swan now advises startups, sits on public company boards, and brings value to millions as a creator and speaker.
Swan shares her journey from a disciplined immigrant upbringing to transforming some of the world’s most iconic brands. She opens up about navigating the dot-com crash, pivoting into the creator economy through Clubhouse, and ultimately discovering her purpose: democratizing access, information, and opportunity. This is a rich conversation on resilience, relevance, and redefining success on your own terms.
Chapters: 03:06 – Immigrant Upbringing and Early Discipline 05:35 – Childhood Dreams and Retail Tech Fascination 07:37 – Going Against the Grain: Startup Over Goldman 10:57 – Dot-Com Crash, Layoffs, and Lessons Learned 12:58 – Study Abroad and Breaking From Family Influence 15:24 – Finding Self Through Distance and Travel 17:27 – Product Marketing, Emotional Branding, and Grad School 21:18 – Joining Estee Lauder and Building Early E-Com 22:05 – Leading Digital at Revlon and Nike 23:57 – Navigating Change: Why Adaptability Wins 25:49 – Making AI Useful Without Getting Lost in It 28:43 – Personalized Content and the Future of Storytelling 31:58 – Using Social Graphs to Build Digital Communities 34:52 – NFTs, Ownership, and Reframing Value 37:29 – Clubhouse Origins: Mentorship and Scale 41:44 – Creator vs. Influencer: Making Real Impact 47:19 – Defining Purpose: Access, Information, and Equity 50:39 – Family, Scarcity, and Quiet Generosity 54:14 – Rest as a Strategy: Recharging for Performance 57:36 – Public Speaking: From Corporate to Global Stages 1:00:13 – Live Speaking Tips: Energy, Feedback, and Q&A 1:02:37 – From Corporate Leader to Founder Mindset 1:05:31 – Reading the Room: Intuition and Audience Engagement 1:10:21 – Where Empathy Comes From 1:13:45 – Identity, Belonging, and Owning Your Story 1:17:49 – Advice to Her Younger Self: “Go Be Your Freak Self” 1:21:22 – Detaching Worth From Titles and Roles 1:23:13 – Legacy, Impact, and Reversing Into Purpose
She Walked Away From Law School, Then Built a Top Global Agency
30 Jul 2025
01:07:44
In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Larysa Nakonecznyj, CEO of Nako Creative, an award-winning digital marketing agency known for driving measurable results through innovation and tailored strategy. With a background in communications and advertising, Larysa has helped global brands grow fast and grow smart. She’s been recognized with the 2024 Global Recognition Award and was nominated for the Women Empowerment Foundation’s “Rising Star” award.
Larysa unpacks the exact moment her path shifted after a single shift waiting tables, and how she walked away from law school to build something of her own. She shares the story behind her first pitch, scaling too fast, bouncing back from burnout, and the mindset work that’s kept her going. This conversation is a powerful look at what it takes to build a solo agency to seven figures while staying grounded in vision and values.
Chapters: 01:40 – Realizing She Wasn’t Meant to Work for Anyone 03:23 – First Corporate Job & Red Flags 04:59 – The Shift at The Keg That Changed Everything 06:12 – Pitching an Agency She Hadn’t Built Yet 07:33 – The Woman Who Believed in Her First 08:33 – Faking a Florida Trip to Buy Time 09:38 – Where Her Standard for Excellence Comes From 11:29 – Walking Away From Law School 12:57 – Breaking the News to a Traditional Family 14:10 – Seeing Opportunity Everywhere 15:59 – Manifesting Confidence Before the Pod 17:44 – Prepping for the Next Hour, Always 19:15 – Discovering “The Secret” and Shifting Mindset 22:54 – When Scaling Too Fast Breaks the System 24:46 – Burnout and Questioning It All 26:14 – Almost Going Back to School 28:14 – Saying No Becomes the New Strategy 30:01 – Doing It Alone Without a Co-Founder 32:08 – From Doubting to Betting on Herself 33:47 – Building Confidence Through Results 35:29 – Curating a Circle That Believes In You 37:54 – Two Types of Friends (Choose Wisely) 39:17 – Life After Exit and the Power of Community 41:54 – The Mental Weight of Being a Young CEO 44:54 – “Move With Confidence”, The One Conversation That Shifted Everything 46:54 – Building Systems Through Mistakes 48:08 – Why Most Agencies Don’t Work Hard Enough 50:18 – The Ferrari x Art Basel Win 52:59 – The Internal Team Mentality Clients Love 55:20 – Advice to Her 20-Year-Old Self 56:13 – Designing a Business Around the Life She Wants 59:35 – Naivety Can Be a Superpower 1:01:09 – The Truth About Building a Business 1:04:31 – Retention as the Ultimate KPI 1:05:32 – Final Word: Show Up, Work Hard, Win!
Two Exits Before 20: What This Young Founder Knows About Building, Leading & Letting Go
23 Jul 2025
01:08:18
In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak is joined by Austin Copeland—a 21-year-old founder who’s already built and sold two companies, including COMPREADY, acquired by CosmicWire. From founding a nonprofit at 13 that delivered over 13,000 shoes to kids in Africa, to managing a 25-person team at global esports giant TSM, Austin’s journey is driven by one mission: improving people’s lives.
He unpacks how he went from gaming enthusiast to building an analytics model that led to six-figure player buyouts, what it takes to stay true to yourself in high-pressure environments, and why being surrounded by the right people can accelerate everything. Now overseeing COMPREADY under CosmicWire, Austin is focused on optimizing computer performance at scale—all while continuing to grow into the entrepreneur he was built to be.
Chapters:
02:24 – A Childhood Immersed in Business 03:40 – First Taste of Entrepreneurship: Beachside Hustles 04:51 – Flipping Burgers at 13: Real-World Lessons 06:03 – Rejecting the “Right Path” and Going His Own Way 07:51 – Selling His First Business at 19 08:03 – Gaming as Passion and Profit 09:29 – Building a Data-Driven Talent Engine 11:30 – COVID’s Influence and Seizing Opportunity 13:28 – The First Exit: Acquired at 16 14:17 – Earning $80K and Managing 25 People 15:43 – The Spark Behind COMPREADY 17:19 – Leaving a Safe Role to Build Again 18:46 – Sacrifice and Identity in the Startup Grind 20:22 – Going All In at 18 22:35 – Choosing College Amid Success 24:37 – The Moment He Knew It Was Real 25:50 – Exit #2: COMPREADY Acquired by CosmicWire 27:03 – Leadership Mistakes and Learning the Hard Way 28:40 – Not Everyone Has Your Fire 30:13 – Making Decisions Through Noise 31:27 – Becoming Unapologetically Himself 33:46 – Vision for 30 and Long-Term Fulfillment 35:45 – The Mentors Who Changed the Game 38:41 – “It’s OK”: How Reassurance Moves Founders Forward 42:44 – Experience Over Theory, Every Time 45:50 – Giving First and Building Reputation 47:11 – Manifesting the Jet and What It Represents 50:59 – Freedom, Frustration, and Fuel 52:04 – You’re Only Out When You’re Dead 54:25 – Don’t Judge What You Haven’t Tried 56:39 – Volunteering to Learn and Grow 58:22 – Advice to His 15-Year-Old Self 1:03:29 – Life in Reverse: Start From the End 1:04:49 – Your Environment Won’t Always Grow With You 1:06:28 – The Power of Being Good Energy