The What It Takes Podcast is your front-row seat to stories of success from high achievers who’ve cracked the code on thriving in both corporate and non-corporate worlds. Hosted by Naftuly Kraus, founder of Blackbird Recruiting, this podcast features exclusive interviews with employees who've made over $300K, revealing the strategies, mindset, and hustle that propelled them to the top. Whether you're looking to level up your career or understand what it really takes to break through, you’ll get actionable insights, real stories, and inspiration from those who’ve done it. Tune in and start lear
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I Built My First Company at 16 | Lessons That Fueled a $50M Empire Decades Later
Sunday, January 25, 2026 • Duration 01:13:33
In this episode of the What It Takes Podcast, we sit down with Abe Breuer, CEO of John To Go—a self-made entrepreneur who built a multi-million-dollar empire in an essential but often overlooked industry and achieved a successful private equity exit.
Abe breaks down his 20-year journey from selling his first computer company as a teenager to scaling a portable sanitation business into a $50M national leader. He shares the unfiltered reality of entrepreneurship: the partner who quit during the first brutal winter, near-death cash flow moments, and the unconventional employee strategy that turned a secretary into a $280k-a-year partner.
This conversation is a masterclass in resilience, operational scaling, and leadership mindset. Whether you’re starting a service business, struggling to scale, or curious about exits and life after selling, this episode delivers hard-earned lessons you won’t find in textbooks.
💡 In This Episode, We Cover:
◼️ How Abe built his first company at 16 and sold it for $25k◼️ The “walk between the drops” philosophy learned from his parents◼️ Scaling revenue to $50M without losing control◼️ The partner who walked away—and the brother who stayed to build a legacy◼️ Managing ADHD as a superpower using pen, paper, and ruthless systems◼️ Why Abe never gives raises—and the bonus system that creates extreme loyalty◼️ The New Yorker article that changed everything and attracted private equity◼️ The harsh reality of scaling too fast and running out of cash◼️ Selling the business: identity loss, regret, and what comes next◼️ His current venture in the challenging world of assisted living (ALFs)
⏱️ Chapters:
0:00 Intro – Meeting in the Shul & the Founder of John To Go10:11 Early Hustle – Selling a Computer Company at 1616:11 First Major Bet – Buying a 24-Unit Building with $400k20:20 The Birth of John To Go – A Partner, a Stick Shift Truck & the First Winter23:02 The Pivot – Bringing His Brother in as the Right Partner32:20 Scaling Secrets – From $400k to $50M in Revenue39:45 The New Yorker Call That Changed Everything
57:32 The $280k Employee – A Bonus System That Creates Partners1:04:14 Life After the Exit – Identity, Travel & Starting Over1:07:37 Final Advice – Would He Do It All Again?
Sponsored by Blackbird Recruiting. Tired of sorting through unqualified résumés? Blackbird Recruiting helps you hire top talent—so you can focus on growing your business.Visit blackbirdrecruiting.com to learn more.
Building a Startup Nearly Broke Me | What It Takes to Leave a Secure Career
Sunday, January 11, 2026 • Duration 01:22:27
In this episode of the What It Takes Podcast, we sit down with Hershy Goldstein, CEO and Co-Founder of FRIDAY—a SaaS founder who went from unemployment to building a thriving tech startup serving over 1,200 customers.
Hershy breaks down his journey from leaving a secure career to bootstrapping and scaling a profitable, remote-first business. He shares the unfiltered reality of entrepreneurship: the moments he almost shut everything down, the pressure of scaling fast, and the leadership decisions that come with being the one in charge.
This conversation is a masterclass in career decisions, startup growth, and building a sustainable business. Whether you’re considering leaving a corporate job, building a startup, or leading a remote team, this episode delivers insights you won’t hear anywhere else.
💡 In This Episode, We Cover:
◼️ How Hershy turned unemployment into a SaaS startup success story ◼️ The pivotal moment that almost ended the company ◼️ Scaling to 1,200 customers without investors or venture capital ◼️ Building a fully remote team across multiple states ◼️ Recognizing when to leave a secure career to pursue entrepreneurship ◼️ Handling founder burnout and mental pressure while growing a company ◼️ How to identify, retain, and lead high-performing employees ◼️ Lessons from the accidental product pivots that saved the business ◼️ Hershy’s non-negotiable advice for first-time founders
⏱️ Chapters:
0:00 Intro - The $250k Question
11:54 The Breakthrough: Conquering Imposter Syndrome at Fingercheck
19:24 The 9-Year Grind: From Support to Manager to $250k
22:30 The Coaching Epiphany: Discovering a Hidden Superpower
37:19 The Final Straw: Why I Quit My Cushy Job
Why I Left $250k+ Corporate Job | The Secret to Scaling A Tech Startup ft. Avi Singer
Sunday, December 28, 2025 • Duration 01:07:25
In this episode of the What It Takes Podcast, we sit down with Avi Singer, Founder and CEO of Showd.me - a leader who hacked the corporate ladder from day one and later built a multi-million-dollar SaaS company without raising a single dollar of venture capital.
Avi breaks down his journey from a $65k entry-level role at DoubleClick (later acquired by Google) to bootstrapping and scaling a profitable, remote-first business. He shares the unfiltered reality of entrepreneurship: the moments he nearly quit, the pressure of making payroll, and the tough leadership decisions that come with being the one in charge.
This conversation is a masterclass in strategic career planning, sustainable company building, and rejecting Silicon Valley hype in favor of real, durable success. Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder, building a startup, or trying to lead a team that actually cares, this episode delivers insights you won’t hear anywhere else.
💡 In This Episode, We Cover:
◼️ How Avi leveraged an Ivy League degree to land his first $65k job◼️ Adopting a “future VP” mindset from day one in corporate life◼️ Why he tells 99% of people not to start a tech startup◼️ The accidental pivot from a “nice-to-have” to a true “must-have” product◼️ Building a 50-person remote team across 13 states—with no office◼️ The hardest CEO skill: knowing when to walk away from easy money◼️ How to identify, promote, and retain rockstar employees—and when to let go◼️ The servant-leadership philosophy that creates real loyalty◼️ Navigating founder identity crises and near burnout◼️ Why most software companies fail—and how to avoid the same traps◼️ Avi’s non-negotiable advice for first-time founders
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 From Columbia to Corporate: Hacking the $65k Start
11:45 The Terminal Degree: Planning Your Career Like a Chess Game
14:27 Why I Left a $250k+ VP Job to Start From Scratch
21:42 The Pivot That Saved the Business
From CEO to Employee to CEO Again | The Hard Reality of Entrepreneurship
Monday, December 15, 2025 • Duration 47:22
In this powerful episode of the What It Takes Podcast, we sit down with Sam Shvarzblat, a contractor and entrepreneur who has lived both realities—being the boss and walking away from being the boss. Sam built a construction company from scratch in his early 20s, scaled it to multiple large projects, battled cash-flow pressure, burnout, family expectations, and eventually made the toughest decision an entrepreneur can make: closing his own company.
This conversation is brutally honest. Sam opens up about the identity crisis founders face, the ego tied to “being your own boss,” how cash flow really works behind the scenes in construction, and why moving his family to a new community changed everything. Whether you're an entrepreneur, contractor, or someone who’s ever wondered if stepping away is failure or growth—this episode will hit home.
This is a raw masterclass in humility, rebuilding, and what it really takes to balance business, family, faith, and your own well-being.
💡 In This Episode, We Discuss:
◼️ Sam’s early journey into construction and why he skipped working for others ◼️ The harsh truth about being a young business owner in the trades ◼️ Why most contractors struggle with cash flow—and how to fix it ◼️ The “friends & family discount” myth ◼️ The realities of managing 10+ simultaneous construction projects ◼️ Burnout, identity, and the moment Sam knew he had to step away ◼️ Moving from Lakewood to Monsey: lifestyle, community, and values ◼️ Economic slowdown, stalled projects, and clients pulling deposits ◼️ What it feels like to shut down your own company ◼️ How Sam rebuilt his life, career, and sense of direction ◼️ What every new entrepreneur should understand before starting
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 When the Dream of Being Your Own Boss Starts to Crack
2:19 Why I Refused to Become a Copy-Paste Contractor
The One Skill That Will Make You Irreplaceable in Marketing | Career Blueprint from a CMO
Episode 15
Sunday, November 30, 2025 • Duration 42:40
In this insightful episode of the What It Takes podcast, we sit down with Morris Isaacson, the Chief Marketing Officer of Empeon, whose career spans more than two decades across brand strategy, digital marketing, and high-growth tech leadership. Morris has led marketing for iconic global brands like Polaroid, played a key role in a $1.1B IPO, and built data-driven marketing engines inside fast-scaling organizations.
He breaks down the real evolution of modern marketing—from the creativity-first “Mad Men” era to the analytics, attribution, and performance-driven landscape companies operate in today. This episode is packed with career lessons, leadership insights, and a behind-the-scenes look at how top CMOs build brands that grow revenue, teams, and long-term impact.
This is a masterclass in building a valuable career, leading high-performance teams, and staying ahead in one of the fastest-changing industries in the world.
💡 In This Episode, We Discuss:
◼️ Morris’s unconventional start: From psychology major to entertainment marketing◼️ Why marketing has shifted from art to science◼️ How to prove your value and win budget from data-driven CFOs◼️ The Polaroid comeback: Rebranding a nostalgic icon◼️ How to build a marketing team from zero◼️ The real ROI of trade shows — and how to execute them right◼️ Aligning sales and marketing for accurate pipeline data◼️ Career compensation: When your salary finally reflects your value◼️ What Morris looks for when hiring modern marketing talent◼️ The one skill that will make you irreplaceable today◼️ Final advice: Why doing what you love leads to a fulfilling career
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 Introduction & Podcast Purpose1:11 Guest Introduction: Morris Isaacson, CMO of Empeon2:18 The Unforgettable First Job Interview5:27 Early Career: From IDT to Yeshiva University9:21 The Polaroid Turnaround Story11:29 Building & Managing Marketing Teams16:35 The Evolution of Marketing: Data vs. Creativity19:08 Mastering Trade Shows & Proving ROI32:20 Career Advice: Compensation, Mistakes, and Hiring40:01 Final Thoughts: The 22-Year Career Reflection
I Became a CFO Without a Finance Degree | How to Finally Choose Your Career Path ft. Esther Bergman
Episode 16
Sunday, November 16, 2025 • Duration 55:09
How does faith rewire your entire career? In this powerful episode of the What It Takes podcast, we sit down with Mrs. Esther Bergman, the CFO of Chai Lifeline, who oversees a massive $45 million budget dedicated to helping families with critically ill children.
Esther takes us on her incredible journey from a Spanish-speaking immigrant taking a job as a store greeter to becoming the financial leader of one of the most impactful non-profits. She pulls back the curtain on her unique philosophy that you don't work for your boss—you work for God—and shares how this mindset opened doors no résumé ever could. She reveals how a prayer for fish in Costa Rica was directly answered, the time she saved a $100M organization from collapse, and why she schedules her “depression” for 5 AM.
This is a raw, inspiring, and deeply spiritual conversation about the power of showing up, the true meaning of money, and how to lead with compassion—even when you have to let someone go.
💡 In This Episode, We Discuss:
◼️ Esther’s journey from Costa Rica to CFO without a finance degree
◼️ The Costa Rica “Fish Market Miracle” and talking to God in everyday life
◼️ Her grandmother’s powerful lesson: “Money is like fire”
◼️ The brutal cash flow crisis that threatened to shut down a $100M organization
◼️ How to transition from an individual contributor to a leader who builds other leaders
◼️ The art of firing someone with kindness and a prayer for their future
◼️ Why being multi-talented can be a curse for your career
◼️ The $15 million secret behind Chai Lifeline’s volunteer force
◼️ How to make a lateral career move that sets you up for long-term success
◼️ Her advice for anyone wanting to build a meaningful career in finance or non-profit
The Brutal Truth About Being A Creative Director | How a Borough Park Kid Landed HBO, Polaroid, and Brother ft. Sam Ash
Sunday, November 2, 2025 • Duration 46:22
The Brutal Truth About Being A Creative Director | How a Borough Park Kid Landed HBO, Polaroid, and Brother ft. Sam Ash
How data and storytelling can build a career? In this episode of the What It Takes podcast, we sit down with Sam Ash (not the music store!), a marketing powerhouse and the unconventional creative mind behind iconic campaigns for HBO, Brother, Polaroid, and countless brands in the frum world.
Sam takes us on a hilarious and insightful journey from his Borough Park Yeshiva days to the top of the advertising world, pulling back the curtain on how he launched the Brother P-Touch, made Paint fascinating, and why he never wears the same "professional" face twice. He shares profound lessons on faith, family, and why today's consumers don't want to think, they want to feel.
This is a raw, funny, and deeply authentic conversation about the power of a great idea, the importance of knowing your "why," and what Jewish marketing is missing.
💡 In This Episode, We Discuss:
◼️ Sam’s journey from a Yeshiva kid in Borough Park to a sought-after creative director
◼️ The hilarious story of launching the Brother P-Touch and the "aha" moment that created a new product category
◼️ His philosophy that you're not selling the drill, you're selling the hole! Why benefits always beat features
◼️ The challenge of balancing a demanding creative career with family life and faith
◼️ Why the frum community is the last great bastion of print advertising and how to use it effectively
◼️ His unexpected encounter with John Ratzenberger (Cliff from "Cheers") and the life lesson about money and family
◼️ How to "niche yourself" to break into a creative career
◼️ The problem with AI, SEO, and why they can't replace true talent and insight
Every Jew Outside Israel Is Living in Denial - Hillel Fuld.
Episode 14
Sunday, October 5, 2025 • Duration 54:26
Episode made possible by Blackbird Recruiting. Check em out Blackbirdrecruiting.com
After building a tech business and working with giants like Google and Microsoft, Hillel Fuld SHUT IT ALL DOWN after October 7th. He now commands one of the most powerful pro-Israel voices online, reaching BILLIONS of impressions. In this bombshell conversation, he exposes the uncomfortable truths about Zionism, the open miracles happening in Israel, and why he believes there is "zero justification" for any Jew to live outside their homeland today.
Hillel Fuld is a leading Israeli tech strategist and a powerhouse advocate for Israel, with a massive following across social media platforms.
IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS:
◼️ The shocking reason Israel is being "decimated" in the PR war—and what they're doing wrong
◼️ How Zionism is as core to Judaism as Shabbat, and the Gemara that proves it
◼️ The modern-day "gun to your head" argument for why Jews must leave now
◼️ Debunking the biggest Aliyah myths: salaries, language, and quality of life
◼️ Incredible, open miracles from the war that prove divine intervention
◼️ How the Israeli job market really works (it's not about your resume)
◼️ The one thing that still drives him crazy about living in Israel after 30 years
00:31 The Accidental Tech Guru: Hillel's Origin Story
What It Takes Podcast Ep 13: What If Everything You Knew About Hiring Was Wrong? Ft Aaron Klein
Episode 13
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 • Duration 01:04:54
What If Everything You Knew About Hiring Was Wrong? featuring Aaron KleinHow to build an all-star team without the sky-high costs? In this episode, we crack the code on hiring amazing talent from around the world.Tuli Kraus chats with Aaron Klein from Real Hires, who spills all the secrets on finding incredible offshore remote talent, from executive assistants and bookkeepers to tech whizzes.We explored which countries are best for specific roles, how to avoid common hiring mistakes, and the mindset shift that turns a remote hire from a cost into your best investment. If you're thinking about hiring remotely but nervous about how to make it actually work. This conversation is your game plan.💡 In This Episode, We Discuss:◼️ Transitioning from Outsourcing Problems to a Direct-Hire Remote Model◼️ Categorizing Remote Roles into Three Distinct Responsibility Tiers◼️ Matching Country-Specific Talent Strengths to Specific Job Functions◼️ Humanizing Remote Work to Build Loyalty and Increase Productivity◼️ Shifting the Focus from Employee Presence to Measurable Output◼️ The Critical Difference Between Delegating Tasks and Delegating Responsibilities◼️ Accessing a Global Talent Pool for a Better Return on Investment◼️ Avoiding the Impulsive "Shiny Penny" Approach to Hiring Remote Talent◼️ Why the Highest-Level Operational Roles Often Need to Be Local◼️ Building a Multi-Country Sourcing Strategy to Avoid Talent Shortages⏱️ Timestamps00:00 The Betrayal That Started It All5:34 From Employee to Boss: The Ultimate Power Move7:38 The Secret Global Talent Map13:27 The Shocking "Lunch Break" Mass Exodus19:50 The Big Lie About Remote Work24:56 The "Bystander Effect" is Killing Your ROI40:31 How to Build a Cult (Culture) Remotely51:55 We Hired a NASA Engineer & a Fox News Booker58:29 The TRUTH About the "Return to Office" Order1:03:23 How to Find Us & Steal Our Talent🔗 Connect with Aaron Klein Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realhires/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronklein-rh/🔗 Connect with Tuli KrausX (Twitter): https://x.com/TuliKraus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbird.recruiting/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tuli-kraus/
What It Takes Podcast Ep 12: Car Industry Secrets ft. Rob Farmer
Friday, August 29, 2025 • Duration 53:04
The Car Industry Secrets | How China Is Beating Everyone at Making Cars ft. Rob FarmerHow a car goes from a simple sketch to a vehicle on the road or how a massive company like Nissan decides what to build next? In this episode, we sit down with Rob Farmer, a former top executive at Nissan, to pull back the curtain on the auto industry. From managing a global team of 50 to navigating the massive shifts caused by electric vehicles and AI, Rob shares incredible insider stories.He told us how market research is being revolutionized, why some cars get discontinued, and what it really takes to build a leadership career in a multi-billion-dollar corporation.💡 In This Episode, We Discuss:◼️ The 5-year process of building a car and why companies are desperate to cut that time in half◼️ Managing a global team of 50 people across four countries and the challenges of modern hiring◼️ Why you can’t just poach talent from Tesla or China and the creative partnerships Nissan used to upskill its workforce◼️ How AI is creating “synthetic customers” to replace focus groups and get 80% of the insights for 20% of the cost◼️ The one simple AI tool that saved Rob hours each week and why “unlearning” is the most important career skill◼️ A behind-the-scenes look at Nissan’s billion-dollar marketing budget and how they track what’s working◼️ The surprising story behind the Nissan Arya and why its interior space defies expectations◼️ How and why car companies “kill” a model from the Titan truck to the quirky Cube◼️ The future of the auto market: the coming split between “blue state” and “red state” car lineups◼️ Practical career advice on promotions, salary expectations, and balancing ambition with family life⏱️ Timestamps00:00 This Is What a Top Executive's Day Actually Looks Like2:59 You Can't Just Hire the Talent You Need Anymore7:46 AI Won't Steal Your Job, But Someone Using It Will10:44 I Saved Hours a Week With This Simple AI Hack12:02 We Replaced Focus Groups With AI Personalities17:01 How We Tracked a Billion-Dollar Marketing Budget21:37 The "Too Small" Car That Surprised Everyone27:34 From a Simple Idea to a Car on the Road44:45 Here's the Career Advice I Wish I Knew Sooner50:50 These Are the Discontinued Cars I Still Miss🔗 Connect with Rob FarmerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-farmer-1522992/ Website: https://www.rob-farmer.com/🔗 Connect with Tuli KrausX (Twitter): https://x.com/TuliKraus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbird.recruiting/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tuli-kraus/
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Sponsored by Blackbird RecruitingTired of sorting through unqualified résumés? Blackbird Recruiting helps you hire top talent—so you can focus on growing your business.Visit blackbirdrecruiting.com to learn more.
30:12 Hiring (and Firing) for a Team That Runs Without You
34:50 Building a Remote Culture That Actually Works
53:48 The Vacation Test: How to Know You’re a Good Leader
1:03:03 From Unicorn Dreams to Building a Real Business
Sponsored by Blackbird Recruiting. Tired of sorting through unqualified résumés? Blackbird Recruiting helps you hire top talent—so you can focus on growing your business. Visit blackbirdrecruiting.com to learn more.
6:19 Friends, Family & the Truth About ‘Discount Work’
7:06 Why Friends Should Pay MORE—Not Less
8:26 At My Peak: Running 10 Projects with a Tiny Team
10:25 The Cash-Flow Trap That Destroys Most Contractors
13:10 The Question I Never Wanted to Answer: Why I Closed My Company
16:46 The Commute That Broke Me: 4:30 AM Drives & Endless Inspections
17:55 When Clients Pump the Brakes & the Economy Turns on You
26:56 The Identity Shift of Going from a Boss to an Employee
34:49 Being an Employee vs Doing Your Own Thing
37:35 The Biggest Lessons I’ve Learned in These Chapters of My Life
This episode is sponsored by Blackbird Recruiting. Tired of sifting through unqualified résumés? Let Blackbird Recruiting find you top talent so you can focus on growing your business. Visit blackbirdrecruiting.com to learn more.
This episode is sponsored by Blackbird Recruiting. Tired of sifting through unqualified résumés? Let Blackbird Recruiting find you top talent so you can focus on building your business. Visit blackbirdrecruiting.com to learn more.
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 Meet Esther Bergman: The CFO Who Works for God
1:04 The Costa Rica Fish Market Miracle
7:50 Immigrant Story: First Job as a Store Greeter in Brooklyn
10:53 The Kleinfeld Bridal Breakthrough
22:56 Switching from Customer Service to Finance
34:51 How to Fire Someone with Compassion
38:25 The $45M Budget of Chai Lifeline & The $15M Secret
43:02 The Crisis: A $100M Organization Frozen by Fraud
44:37 The Brilliant Idea That Saved the Company
50:50 Final Advice: How to Build a Career with Purpose
This episode is sponsored by Blackbird Recruiting. Tired of sifting through unqualified resumes? Let Blackbird Recruiting find you top talent so you can focus on building your business. Visit blackbirdrecruiting.com to learn more.
◼️ What most Jewish marketing is missing and the agencies that are getting it right
◼️ His advice for business owners on how to choose the right creative agency
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 Meet Sam Ash: The Unconventional Creative
3:09 From Borough Park to Big Brands: A Yeshiva Kid's Origin Story
5:07 The Brother P-Touch Launch: Selling the Hole, Not the Drill
22:45 Faith in the Workplace: Wearing a Kippah in Corporate America
27:16 The John Ratzenberger Story: A $150,000 Lesson on Priorities
35:48 How to Break Into a Creative Career: Niche Yourself
41:29 The State of Jewish Marketing: The Last Bastion of Print
43:10 Sam's Final Advice: How to Pick the Right Creative Agency
