Founders' Forum

Change is the only constant, so they say, and we're here to show you how to harness its power for your benefit. Dr. Scott Fried, a surgeon who champions self-healing, walks us through the landscape of change, revealing the resilience needed to thrive in the evolving arenas of work and well-being. With anecdotes from my journey in financial planning and insights from Dr. Fried's experiences, we paint a vivid picture of how change, rather than being a foe, can be the very ally that propels you towards personal growth and success.As we pivot to the health sector, we confront its current tribulations head-on, discussing bankruptcies, doctor shortages, and the often-misguided perceptions of aging and wellness. This episode is full of transformative perspectives, including the potential of conservative care, the power of educated self-care, and the fusion of lifestyle modifications with holistic and conventional medicine. A personal episode led to the inception of a revolutionary medical device, illustrating the profound impact of change when met with innovation and partnership. Listen as we bring to light the strength that lies in adaptive strategies, and the collective benefits of efficiency and adaptability in healthcare and beyond. Join us on this eye-opening journey where the readiness for change equates to a readiness for a healthier, more vibrant life.About Dr. Scott Fried:Dr. Scott Fried is the President of Doctor in the House and Chief Surgeon at The Upper Extremity Institute. He is a surgeon whose mission is to put himself out of business by helping people to heal themselves. He has come to understand that the medical system is not perfect and there are easy steps all of us can take to avoid becoming victims of the system. He learned from his father, a clinical psychologist, that healing occurs in the mind. With small lifestyle changes and use of medical devices he’s developed, they’ve helped thousands of people to heal themselves and live happier and healthier lives.Connect with Dr. Fried:Website docinthehouse.comnervepain.com LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/doctorinthehouse Facebook facebook.com/DoctorintheHouseYouTube youtube.com/@doctorinthehousewithdrscot8589 This episode is brought to you by Doctor in the House, Doctor Developed Products Helping People Heal Themselves. Go to docinthehouse.com to learn more.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

Have you ever wondered how the spirit of a city can shape the soul of an artist? Leila Lee Mitchell, the powerhouse behind LLM Design and front-woman for the Lazy Susans, joins us to unravel this mystery. We embark on a captivating journey from the historical cobblestones of Boston and Philadelphia to the bustling stages where Leila's musical talents shine. Our discussion is peppered with playful banter on whether a Philly cheesesteak could ever rival Boston's culinary scene, while also paying homage to the two cities' rich contributions to the American tapestry of music and culture.As we navigate through the complexities of human-centered design, Leila imparts wisdom on the transformative power of empathy in both business and creative endeavors. She reveals how spaces can tell stories and foster connections, a philosophy that extends to her approach in design and branding. Diving into the melodic side of life, we uncover Leila's serendipitous rise to national television with her band during the pandemic, and the powerful interplay of entrepreneurship and artistic expression. This episode promises to leave you inspired, with a newfound appreciation for the rhythms that pulse through our work and the harmonies that can emerge when passion and profession collide.About Leila Lee Mitchell:Leila Lee Mitchell is the Founder and Creative Director of LLM Design.  With over 30 years of design and academic experience, Leila has worn many different hats including architect, graphic designer, brand and marketing strategist, business owner, and professor. She is an expert at communicating identity and information to shape experiences that connect people to place. As Founder and Creative Director of LLM Design, she consistently challenges her team and students to articulate the value of thoughtful design to deliver successful solutions.Connect with Leila:Website llmdesign.com Band thelazysusans86.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/leilaleemitchell linkedin.com/company/llm-design-inc-/Instagram instagram.com/llmdesign Facebook facebook.com/LLMDesignStudio This episode is brought to you by CamaPlan, A Different Way to Invest. Go to camaplan.com/foundersforum to learn more.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

Unlock the secrets of leadership adaptability with lisa wise, entrepreneurial powerhouse and founder of Flock DC, and Leonard Heflich, the mind behind "Balanced Leadership." This enthralling conversation peels back the layers of what makes a leader truly effective in diverse environments. We dig into the essence of leading with service, empowering your team to thrive, and the crucial role that self-leadership plays in this dynamic. With lisa's emphasis on curiosity, passion, and persistence, we explore how these traits are the bedrock of a learning and growth-oriented business culture.Embark on an inspiring journey with lisa as she shares her climb from housing insecurity to real estate innovator, without forgetting the human element that's so often overlooked in business. Her unique blend of autonomy and support marks a leadership style that's as compassionate as it is effective, setting the tone for a company culture that's anything but ordinary. By shedding light on lisa's approach to co-living spaces and her responsive methods during the pandemic, we capture a snapshot of an industry being reshaped with care at its core.About lisa wise:lisa wise is an entrepreneur, speaker, and author of “Self-Elected: How to Put Justice Over Profit and Soar in Business,” which released in October of 2022 in print and in 2023 on audio. She is the founder and owner of Flock DC, a family of residential management companies tending to homes and residents in 2.5 billion dollar Washington, DC portfolio.  In 2020, lisa founded and launched birdSEED, a housing justice foundation which gives no-strings down payment grants to first-time BIPOC home buyers. In 2022, birdSEED was named a world-changing idea by Fast Company and to date, thirteen families bought homes with birdSEED support.Connect with lisa:Website birdseed.orgnest-dc.com LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/lisawise Instagram instagram.com/lisawisedc Facebook facebook.com/lisa.wise This episode is brought to you by Family First Intervention, Change is possible, they can help.  Don’t wait for permission to ask for help, your family’s well-being is the priority.  Call 1-888-571-6248 or visit family-intervention.com and take the first step towards healing today.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

Get ready to unearth the power of innovation with Leonard Heflich, the founder of Innovation for Success LLC, and the man behind the lives-changing C60 product. Leonard, with his rich and diverse background in chemistry, writing, and entrepreneurship, offers unique insights on how creating unique and hard-to-replicate products through continuous innovation can lead to surprising results. We also get a peek into his newest literary work, "Live as Long as you Dare," where he discusses the profound impact of vision on health and longevity.Stepping into the second part of our conversation, we turn the spotlight on Leonard’s reverence for questions and the potential they hold in opening up new avenues. We delve into his mantra of breaking down your aspirations into manageable microsteps, something he beautifully encapsulates through James Dean's quote, "Live like you're going to die tomorrow, dream like you're going to live forever." We also invite you to join us as we explore Leonard's world of literature, his fondness for timeless classics, and his eclectic taste in music.This episode is also a testament to Leonard's resilience and determination. Hear firsthand about the personal hurdles he faced and how he transformed them into opportunities. We wrap up the episode discussing his C60 product and its potential healing capabilities, and Leonard's future plans, which include wanting to ensure the success of his projects and leaving a lasting legacy. So, if you're curious about innovation, personal growth, overcoming adversity, or the healing potential of unique products, this episode is just for you.About Leonard W. Heflich:Leonard W. Heflich is an Innovator, writer, inventor, Baker and business founder. Connect with Leonard:Website antioxskincream.combiomebaking.com Book on Amazon a.co/d/7wkjfdWLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/leonard-heflich-38a629b Instagram instagram.com/lenheflich  This episode is brought to you by the book, “Live as Long as You Dare! A Journey to Gain Healthy, Vibrant Years” by Leonard W. Heflich.  Available on Amazon, makes a great gift!📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

Ready to unlock the mysteries of Artificial Intelligence? We embark on a fascinating journey with Chris Carr, the maestro of AI and the mind behind Farotech. We start off our discourse with the power of small efforts and their monumental contribution to success, drawing insights from the wisdom of timeless authors such as Robert Collier and Napoleon Hill. Chris tells tales from his MIT AI study days and discusses his instrumental role in helping companies swim rather than sink in the swiftly flowing river of AI progress.We then dive into the mesmerizing world of AI through Chris's eyes. He discusses his youthful venture of seeding Farotech and nurturing its growth over the years. We plunge into the current state of AI, scrutinizing both its sparkling positives and shadowy negatives. There's a colossal AI comet hurtling towards us and Chris emphasizes the urgency to prepare for the impact. He brings us an enlightening snapshot from his comprehensive presentation on AI, focusing on its present state and the potential of large language models.We then look forward to AI's impact on the world, the wonders of the ADA code interpreter, the magic of ChatGPT in music and video creation, and the ethical conundrums that AI presents. We also chew over intriguing scenarios like the digital resurrection of Elvis and AI's capability to churn out music custom-tailored for individuals. We round off our conversation underlining the criticality of responsible AI use and predict potential hurdles in the race to AI dominance.About Chris Carr:Chris Carr is the President and CEO of Farotech. Chris started Farotech over 22 years ago and is widely considered an expert in AI technologies, Digital Marketing, Video Production. Chris is the host of two podcasts, Thought Leader Magazine and Digital Marketing Masterclass. Chris hosts AI Workshops around the country, helping to walk companies through the rapidly evolving AI space.Connect with Chris:Website farotech.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/chris-carr-84b1a02 Instagram instagram.com/farotechmarketing Facebook facebook.com/farotechmarketingTwitter twitter.com/FarotechYouTube youtube.com/c/Farotech This episode is brought to you by Farotech, Where Art and Science Meet.  Go to farotech.com to learn more.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

On the eve of Thanksgiving, we're joined by a special guest, Mike Binder, an entrepreneur in the sign and specialty construction business, for a spirited discussion about gratitude, innovation, and making a difference. As the mastermind behind the design and construction of Citizens Bank Park's home run bell, Mike brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from his industry to the table. Today, he shares with us about his latest project, the revitalization of a 143-acre property at Bader Field in Atlantic City, a massive undertaking that has been six years in the making.Mike's vision for the Renaissance at Bader Field project is nothing short of ambitious. He imagines it as a beacon for motorsports and innovation, with an emphasis on sustainability and resilience. In our chat, he elaborates on the project’s centerpiece, a 2.44-mile motor course encircled by 1,500 advanced technology residences designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. However, the project is more than just about construction. With a heart for the community, Mike ponders on how the project can positively impact Atlantic City, discussing issues like poverty and homelessness that he hopes to address.Looking into the future, Mike shares his dream of transforming Atlantic City into an education and technology hub, underscoring the paramount importance of embracing AI in enhancing individual value as employees. Water, or more specifically, water reclamation, is a major point of our discussion, with Mike gleaning insights from his work in Israel and stressing the urgent need for technological and educational solutions to solve water problems on a global scale. To wrap up our enlightening conversation, we delve into the realms of entrepreneurship, the thrill of taking risks, and ways to stay motivated and passionate about one's work. About Mike Binder:Mike Binder is the Chief Operating Officer of Deem Enterprises, and a serial entrepreneur with a strong social conscience.Connect with Mike: LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/michael-binder-306b1015  This episode is brought to you by CamaPlan, A Different Way to Invest. Go to camaplan.com/foundersforum to learn more.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

Ever wondered how a 91-year-old continues to make strides in the field of mental health and substance misuse? We sit down with the incredible Dr. Terry Webb, a world-renowned leader in the area of substance use and mental health disorders, and her PR representative Kris Parsons. Dr. Webb's wisdom and decades of experience bring to light the reality of addiction, its profound impact on families, and the sheer importance of seeking help. She also gives us an insider's look into her latest initiative, Trust Terry, designed to offer straight answers to the most pressing questions about mental health and substance misuse. If you run or are thinking of starting a nonprofit, take note as we tackle the unique hurdles you might face, paralleling some challenges with for-profit businesses.Hosts Marc and Ang take a deep dive into the world of mental health and addiction. Dr. Webb paints a vivid picture of her personal journey and professional expertise, highlighting the urgent need for understanding and support in these areas. Ang steps up, offering her own personal encounter with addiction, further emphasizing the importance of addressing these often-stigmatized issues. We touch on the role of insurance companies and governments in making treatment accessible, and the beacon of hope that resources like Dr. Webb's work provide. This intimate conversation promises to enlighten, educate, and inspire, as we tackle the topic of mental health and addiction head-on.About Dr. Terry Webb:Dr. Terry Webb is the founder of the GOAL (Global Outreach for Addiction Leadership) Project, Inc. She has thirty-five years of international and local experience and expertise in prevention and treatment for those affected by the disease of substance misuse and addiction with a doctorate in family and marriage and addiction intervention and a masters in education.Connect with Dr. Webb:Website marytheresawebb.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/mary-theresa-webb-706965abInstagram instagram.com/mary_theresa_webbFacebook facebook.com/terry.webb.5477Twitter twitter.com/trustingterryThis episode is brought to you by Trust Terry, straight answers to questions about mental health and substance misuse issues.  Call 717-464-0962 or email terrywebb@gmail.com about your concerns and where to find help.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

We're thrilled to welcome Steve Penkala, the entrepreneurial mind behind Wisconsin-based Binding Edge Inc., in today's riveting exchange. Imagine a sports fan comparing the performance of two of his favorite teams, the Philadelphia Phillies and the Green Bay Packers, to his own business. Steve, an ardent Packers aficionado, takes a unique perspective at how the principles of dynasty and legacy ripple through the sports and business worlds. Together, we navigate the delicate balance of continuous striving and avoiding the pitfall of complacency in both arenas.Steve's journey from childhood to the helm of a successful company in the printing and paper converting industry is nothing short of inspiring. Hear about the audacious investment decision he made against his advisors' recommendations and the subsequent triumph that affirmed his risk-taking. When the corporate world and faith intersect, magic happens, and Steve, a man of faith, is determined to leave a positive and lasting legacy for his employees. Of course, the path of entrepreneurship is strewn with challenges, and Steve's is no exception. The COVID-19 pandemic brought with it a unique hurdle – finding and retaining employees. We discuss Steve's strategies to combat this, including wage increases and automation investment, all while fostering a positive company culture. Steve's love for homemade Italian pasta and his commitment to his employees' well-being, even amidst business pivots during the pandemic, paint a picture of a leader worth emulating.About Steve Penkala:Steve Penkala is the founder and owner of Binding Edge, Inc. and Quality Coil.  He has 47 years experience in the printing, graphic finishing and paper converting industry. His experience ranges from machine operation, sales, sales management and business ownership. His ultimate goal is to integrate his faith into his workplace with the desire to have an eternal impact on those he works alongside.Connect with Steve:Website bindingedge.com Website qualitycoil.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/stevepenkala LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/bindingedge Facebook facebook.com/BindingEdgeInc This episode is brought to you by Binding Edge, Inc., mechanical binding, finishing, and custom services with a “can-do” customer-focused attitude.  Go to bindingedge.com to learn more.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

This week we welcome Gina Schaefer, the mastermind behind a flourishing empire of Ace Hardware stores. With the grit and tenacity of an underdog, Gina shares how she transcended the title of 'tech reject' to build a business spanning 13 locations, 300 teammates, and an impressive revenue of over $50 million. What’s more, she gives us a sneak peek into her unique company culture, her strategies to thrive amidst e-commerce giants, and the inspirational narrative of navigating the turbulent tides of business.Pulling back the curtain, Gina unveils her journey of transitioning from her CEO role and the creation of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), a model she deems a wealth generator and an equity bridge. She also touches on her company's unexpected reputation as a Recovery Hardware store, affirming the power of community support for individuals in recovery. Wrapping up, Gina broaches why she chose ESOP for her empire and muses on why many private companies steer clear from it. Tune in for invaluable insights and moving stories. We promise it's not one to miss!About Gina Schaefer:Gina Schaefer is the founder and former CEO of a chain of hardware stores as a part of the Ace Hardware Cooperative. With her team, she grew the business to 13 locations with 300 teammates and 50M in revenue. She is also the author of Recovery Hardware which chronicles their growth while hiring from the local recovery community.Connect with Gina:Website recoveryhardware.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/gina-schaefer-56380a8Instagram instagram.com/recoveryhardwareThis episode is brought to you by Recovery Hardware, how a female-owned hardware business changed the path for people in recovery and helped transform a community.  Learn more at RecoveryHardware.com.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

Are you ready for an emotional rollercoaster? This episode will take you from the heartache of the Phillies losing the Championship to the ongoing tumult in Ukraine and the Middle East with our special guest, Daria Torres, founder of the Walls Torres Group. This isn't just a discussion about the world's disappointments, it's a lesson in finding strength, hope, and unity amidst adversity. Together, we try to unravel the complexities of divergent beliefs and the challenging task of finding common ground.As we shift gears, we'll journey through Daria's life from her humble origins in New Jersey to her illustrious career as a systems engineer and consultant. You'll hear about the profound influence of her parents and her transformative experiences at Lockheed Martin and the University of Pennsylvania. We'll also explore her inspiring battle against adversity with the help of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Through her story, we aim to illustrate the intersection of business, psychology, and leadership in the making of a successful entrepreneur. Finally, we delve into Daria's future vision, offering a glimpse of what success in the coming year looks like for her.About Daria Torres:Daria Walls Torres is the Managing Partner of Walls Torres Group. She is a board director, university lecturer, and executive-level advisor with over two decades of multi-sector management consulting experience. In 2004, after her tenure at McKinsey & Company, Daria founded Walls Torres Group, and prior to consulting she was a top secret/SCI-cleared systems engineer with Lockheed Martin. Daria serves on the board of Columbia Bank (Nasdaq:CLBK), and as an advisor to several rapidly-scaling, logistics-oriented enterprises.Connect with Daria:LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/dariatorresThis episode is brought to you by Giving Cycle, Philanthropy Can Begin Earlier Than You Think!  Go to givingcycle.org to learn more.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.