Founders' Forum

Can you tiptoe your way from a rocket scientist to launching a self-directed IRA company? Our guest for this episode, Carl Fischer, has done just that! As the CEO and co-founder of CamaPlan, Carl joins us to share his incredible journey from Cornell University to the Kennedy Space Center, and finally, to the world of alternative investments. We kick off our conversation with a deep dive into the concept of resilience, drawing from our personal war stories and Carl's own rollercoaster ride. As we unravel Carl's transition from space science to finance, we discover how his early years in Fort Lauderdale and his stint at NASA influenced his approach towards business. He generously offers insights on the importance of honesty and education, and reveals how taxes, if not handled wisely, can be a significant drain on your income. In the final segment, we explore how Carl fostered a culture of trust at CamaPlan. He shares his hiring criteria, the lessons he learned from his mistakes, and how resilience played a part in his journey. As we wrap up, Carl leaves us with his views on legacy, tips on teaching values, and valuable advice on self-directing IRAs. Tune in to discover the fascinating world of Carl Fischer, a rocket scientist turned financial guru!About Carl Fischer, Founder of CamaPlan:Carl Fischer is a Cornell University graduate and third-generation real estate developer. Carl began his investing career in the 1970s when he was employed as a rocket scientist at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. He is presently one of the founders and principals of CAMA Self-Directed IRA, LLC (dba CamaPlan). CamaPlan is a national company headquartered in Ambler, PA.Carl has implemented plans and managed over 20 million dollars in real estate transactions.  Carl’s unique background, education, experience, and empirical knowledge relating to business, finance, technical requirements, scheduling, and overall management make him a key element in the success of his clients in controlling their own financial future.Connect with Carl:Website camaplan.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/camaplanInstagram instagram.com/cama_planFacebook facebook.com/camaplanTwitter twitter.com/CamaPlan512YouTube youtube.com/camaplan1This episode is brought to you by CamaPlan, A Different Way to Invest. Go to camaplan.com/IRA 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.

Join us on this inspired journey as we welcome the legendary coach, Andy Talley, the architect of the Villanova football team's resurgence in the 1980s. Not only has he gifted us with thrilling sports moments, but he's also the founder of the life-saving Andy Talley Bone Marrow Foundation. Expect to gain some profound insights into leadership, love, and living a life of service as we traverse his incredible journey, both on and off the field. We also resonate with the profound message in the song "Soldier of Love" by Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, as we navigate the challenges of weaponization and polarization in our society today.We don't stop at sports and music. We also spotlight some incredible organizations and the work they're doing to uplift society. Expect to be moved by the stories from the Wounded Warrior Project and how they're aiding our veterans. Be prepared to witness the heroic efforts of American Humane in their relentless fight for animal rights. This conversation explores the intersection of sports, love, and entrepreneurship, taking you on a journey that promises to inspire, elevate and provoke thought. Buckle up for this amazing episode that will leave you with plenty to reflect on and hopefully, fuel your own journey towards making a difference.About Andy Talley, Head Football Coach Emeritus of Villanova University and Founder and President of the Andy Talley Bone Marrow Foundation:With access to ninety young, healthy football players, Coach Talley began his mission to educate and promote awareness about the importance of marrow donor registration by holding his first on-campus testing in the Jake Nevin field house at Villanova University. Coach Talley and his team registered over 200 student athletes and coaching staff from the Villanova University community that fall.Coach continued to organize registration drives over the ensuing years on the Villanova campus, tirelessly raising funds from independent donors to cover the cost of tissue-typing kits (which now consist solely of a cheek swab). Then, on one spring day in 2008, Coach Talley received a phone call from Be The Match®. Be The Match® wanted to partner with Coach Talley to expand his on-campus drive efforts. Together they formed the “Get in the Game. Save a Life” (GITG) initiative.Over the past twelve years, Coach Talley has enlisted over 169 other college football programs to participate in GITG. Each program hosts their own on-campus donor drives each spring.Connect with Andy:Website talleybonemarrow.orgLinkedIn linkedin.com/company/the-andy-talley-bone-marrow-foundationInstagram instagram.com/talleybonemarrowFacebook facebook.com/talleybonemarrowTwitter twitter.com/talleybonemarroT📅 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 journey through time, perseverance, and the path to success? We're thrilled to introduce Arlene Zizza, the brains behind Zizza Highway Services, as she shares her inspiring entrepreneurial journey. Together, we'll dissect the tricky concept of time, how it seems to stand still in moments of adversity and how it races during moments of triumph. We'll also explore the grit and determination that fuels persistence, taking a leaf from the book of none other than New York City real estate tycoon, Barbara Corcoran.Brace yourself for a story of defiance that turned the tables during a pivotal meeting with a corporate giant. We'll delve into the moment of truth when we stood ground, earning the respect and support of everyone in the room. Reflecting on personal experiences, we'll discuss the cultural challenges and family expectations faced while pursuing higher education and the importance of a balanced perspective. Shifting gears, we'll then step into the family dynamics of Arlene's business, showcasing the highs and lows, the growth-driven conflicts and the core belief in learning through failure. Let's break down the barriers, inspire, and grow together!About Arlene Zizza, Founder of Zizza Highway Services:Arlene is a highly accomplished mechanical, technical entrepreneur defined by demonstrated business success in various diverse industries. She started her career as an auto mechanic and excelled in a non-traditional industry to become one of the first women in the State of Pennsylvania to obtain a State Inspection license. She founded a certified Women-Owned (WBE/DBE) business which provides highly trained Landscaping and Construction Labor Services such as: Tree & Brush Removal, Landscaping, Herbicide/Pesticide Application, Flagging/Gang Watchman and Janitorial Services. Support clients in Railroads/ High Rail, Rights of Way, Government and Commercial locations.Connect with Arlene:Website zizzahighwayservices.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/arlene-zizza-319913b1This 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.

Join us as we take a thrilling ride alongside Alex Wolfe, a man whose life is a testament to courage, tenacity, and entrepreneurial spirit. His journey transcends his fears and takes him to the skies as a commercial pilot before paving the way to becoming the founder of multiple ventures. This is not just any story - it's Alex's story, brimming with lessons and insights about surmounting fears, taking calculated risks, and embracing opportunities.Alex doesn't just stop at overcoming personal challenges; his curiosity leads him into the fascinating world of functional mushroom wellness. Prepare to be intrigued as he narrates his transition from a consumer to a proactive co-creator, studying the complex interplay between the gut biome, sun, soil, fungi, and the brain. Alex's innovative product, Eon Smart Mushroom Coffee, and his vision for Circadian Wellness, are just as inspiring as the man himself. His admiration for Alan Watts is infectious, and you might find yourself exploring more about this British philosopher after hearing Alex speak.As we wrap up our chat, Alex emphasizes the power of networking and being open to opportunities, drawing from his own experiences with current projects and his upcoming appearance at Mind Valley in Estonia. His tale is a powerful reminder that success often lies just beyond our comfort zone, waiting for us to take that leap of faith. Buckle up and join us for an exhilarating conversation with Alex Wolf - from conquering fear to embracing entrepreneurship, his journey is sure to spark that fire in you.About Alex Wolfe, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Circadian Wellness:Alex has over 12 years of experience in sales and business development in the Cannabis, micro-brewing, high-end hospitality and management sectors.  Over the course of his well-rounded career, Alex has produced massive growth and outstanding sales achievements in the cannabis and beer industry. As well as held high profile leadership positions in the high-end hospitality sector, effectively managing and organizing staffs of over 300 people.Before co-founding Cannara And ShopCBD.com, Alex oversaw Operations at Air Canada where he nurtured key relationships and engendered strategic partnerships that led to significant revenue growth. This experience, among others, has formed Alex into a specialist in forming strategic alliances and programs that add value to the customer relationship.Connect with Alex:Website circadianwellness.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/alex-wolfe-50b895158Instagram instagram.com/mr.alexwolfeThis episode is brought to you by CamaPlan, A Different Way to Invest. Go to camaplan.com/IRA 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 wonder how a successful business is born, nurtured, and evolved over time? Well, we have a fantastic tale of passion, discipline, and a relentless desire for excellence straight from the horse's mouth. Our guest, a seasoned business owner with a heart full of stories, Frank Ventresca, founder of Ventresca Limited, unravels his life journey and how he sculpted his business from the ground up. He takes us down memory lane, sharing his captivating experiences from his early days around his father and grandfather's tailoring business to his present-day venture that includes custom tailoring and ready-wear for both men and women. We also probe into the intriguing correlation between the fashion industry and health, plus the impact of black-tie events on his business.As we delve into the future of Ventresca Limited, Frank sheds light on the art of providing value for money and how this ethos resonates with the growing demand for his store. He candidly expresses his views on the contemporary, informal society, and the still persistent need for clothing that symbolizes success and pride. As the conversation matures, Frank emphasizes the importance of integrity in individuals, reflecting on how this virtue has helped his business flourish. Our discussion takes a futuristic turn as we explore the significance of apprenticeships in the fashion industry and how Frank is fostering the new generation for a thriving career in fashion. Frank also reveals his secret strategies to tackle the unpredictable fashion trends. Brace yourself for an inspiring conversation that promises insightful takeaways and a wealth of wisdom from an industry veteran!About Frank Ventresca, Founder of Ventresca Limited:Custom tailoring is in Frank Ventresca’s blood. A third-generation tailor, he is continuing the family tradition as the owner and president of Ventresca Ltd., which recently celebrated 40 years in business. Ventresca’s attention to detail, quality and value has always been his priority—and it shows. Ventresca’s suits and tuxedos have consistently met the highest standards for four decades, providing a great shopping experience for men’s clothing.Being supportive of the Doylestown community as a whole is also of the utmost importance to Ventresca. His positive energy and steadfast support have been given to the school district, the Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club and other businesses throughout the community for years. For Ventresca, it’s all about making tomorrow better than today for his family, friends, community and business.Connect with Frank:Website ventresca.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/frank-ventresca-ba098634Instagram instagram.com/ventrescaltdFacebook facebook.com/VentrescaltdmensstoreThis episode is brought to you by Ventresca Limited, one of the Delaware Valley's large📅 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 felt that striving for perfection is holding you back? It's time to reframe your perspective. In a rich conversation with our guest, the remarkable Ray Loewe, we put a spotlight on the power of progress. Ray, with his storied experience in the financial services business, shares his journey from striving for unattainable perfection to accepting progress as a true measure of success. This narrative isn't just ours, it's interwoven with lessons learned from failures, and the realization that progress, not perfection, sets us on the path to reaching our potential.But there's more to life than just chasing targets. Inspired by Ray’s insights, we venture into the art of designing one's life. We challenge the myth that success is all about focusing on our weaknesses and instead, we explore the power of individuality, of crafting our destinies, and the importance of leaving an unfinished project for a lasting legacy. And as we navigate through these thought-provoking topics, we also touch base with sports, drawing inspiration from Michael Jordan's journey. We look at how luck, education, networking, and yes, even podcasting play a role in shaping our opportunities. So join us, as we embark on this enlightening journey of self-discovery and growth.About Ray Loewe, The Luckiest Guy in the World:A few years ago, Ray sold his 45-year-old financial advisory business to a team that he carefully chose to be caretakers of his clients, many of whom had become personal friends. This done, Ray immediately started a new business, one based on his strengths, skills, passions and what he felt is needed and important.Ray is a two-time All American US Masters swimmer, looking forward to competing in his 80’s, 90’s and perhaps beyond. Ray and his wife of over 55 years, Sandy, have traveled the world together, visiting all seven continents, and 47 of the 50 states, and continue to travel!Connect with Ray:Website theluckiestpeopleintheworld.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/raymond-loewe-b71589123Facebook facebook.com/WorldsluckiestguyThis episode is brought to you by American Humane.  Learn how to help animals in need of rescue and adoption at americanhumane.org and be a hero to our best friends in their worst times.📅 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.

Strap in for an enlightening journey with Kevin Michals, someone who has defied odds and embraced reinvention in his pursuit of success. Kevin's story takes us from an accountant's desk to a stockbroker's hustle and ultimately to his current status as a real estate developer. He reveals the gritty realities of entrepreneurship and the inspiring drive behind his current real estate development project in Bala Cynwd. You'll be inspired by the tenacity and resilience that punctuate Kevin's entrepreneurial journey.As we continue our exploration, we uncover the transformative power of curiosity and coaching with the help of Ang Onorato. Challenge the norm, ask the tough questions, and dare to reinvent – that’s the message we delve into. We also hear about Kevin's experience creating Tiger 21, and Ang's courageous journey overcoming traumatic experiences, emphasizing the role of therapy and coaching. The conversation takes a deep dive into the psychology of money, examining the relationship between wealth and happiness. You'll find the discussion on fiscal therapy particularly enlightening, as we dissect how our relationship with money can shape our lives. Join us and leave with a fresh perspective on success, entrepreneurship, and self-discovery.About Kevin Michals, Co-Founder of Cross Properties:Kevin Michals is the Co-Founder of Cross Properties and Chair of the Philadelphia Chapter of Tiger 21, an ultra-high-net-worth entrepreneur membership group.Connect with Kevin:Website crossprop.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/kevinmichalsInstagram instagram.com/crosspropertiesFacebook facebook.com/crosspropThis episode is brought to you by the Wounded Warrior Project. Go to woundedwarriorproject.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.