Founders' Forum

The son of a serial entrepreneur never planned to start a business. Then 21 years in the Marine Corps, intelligence community, and U.S. Cyber Command taught him something powerful—service isn't just a mission, it's a mindset.Kevin Hyde, President of Layer 8 Security, went from defending American interests against cyber threats at the NSA to co-founding a cybersecurity firm that helps businesses stay protected and compliant. After spending decades in a world of strict hierarchy and standard operating procedures, Kevin made the leap to entrepreneurship where there's no manual—just problems to solve and clients to serve. The transition wasn't easy. Starting Layer 8 in 2014-15 meant convincing companies they needed cybersecurity before most understood the threat. Kevin and his co-founder pivoted, focusing on compliance requirements (FDA, SEC, HIPAA) as the gateway to security services. Today, with 30 employees, Layer 8 celebrates wins, invests in training, and scales quality service without dilution.Kevin's philosophy comes straight from the Marines: What have you done today to make life better for someone around you? He balances a demanding business with parenting while his wife travels, proving that work-life balance isn't about rigid schedules—it's about being present when it matters and logging back on at 10 PM when needed.Key Takeaways:Service drives everything: From military to business, leading means making life better for those around youTrain your people: Invest in employees' growth even if it makes them marketable—keep them at their bestAdapt to market conditions: Pivot from what you want to sell to what clients actually needScale without dilution: Growth means nothing if you sacrifice service qualityBe present in the moment: Progress over perfection, whether in business, parenting, or golfAbout Kevin Hyde:Kevin is a cybersecurity expert with more than two decades of experience building cyber operations for both private industry and the U.S. government. During his 21 years of service in the Marine Corps, Intelligence Community, and U.S. Cyber Command, he helped create and deploy cyber maturity models and training programs for allied nations. In the private sector, he has led business growth across technology, consulting, and e-commerce—bringing a rare blend of national security and business expertise to the cybersecurity world.Connect:Website layer8security.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/khyde/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.

Retirement? That's not in Ray Loewe's vocabulary. At an age when most slow down, Ray's launching his most meaningful venture yet.Ray Loewe, founder of The Luckiest Guy in the World, LLC and host of Changing the Rules podcast, has spent decades helping people design lives on their terms. After selling his financial planning business and running a podcast for six years with 200+ episodes, Ray discovered something powerful: everyone has incredible stories, but they're not telling them. Living in a retirement community with people who ran submarine fleets and $200 billion companies, he realized these legacies were being lost. So he's building Legacy Private Podcasts—a platform that lets people record stories in their own voice, share them selectively with family or future generations, and create cascading conversations across time.Ray believes the key isn't starting with "I was born on..." but with compelling taglines like "Did I ever tell you about the day the cop pulled a gun on me?" These short stories evoke questions and reveal who you are. His vision includes storytelling festivals, private podcast spaces, and using the platform to raise money for charities.Key Takeaways:Stories worth preserving: Your voice matters to family and generations not yet bornTaglines hook listeners: Start with compelling one-liners that spark curiosityFollow fascination: Build around passion and purpose, not just moneyUse your skills: Leverage lifetime talents in new venturesKeep designing life: Retirement means refire, rewire, aspire—never stop creatingAbout Ray Loewe:Ray Loewe is founder of The Luckiest Guy in the World, LLC, host of the Changing the Rules podcast, and creator of Legacy Private Podcasts. As a serial entrepreneur and self-described "rule breaker," Ray has spent decades helping people design lives on their own terms. His latest venture empowers individuals to preserve their stories in their own voice for family and future generations.Connect:Website theluckiestpeopleintheworld.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/raymond-loewe-b71589123/This episode is brought to you by ThermOmegaTech; a leader in innovative temperature control solutions for industrial, plumbing, aerospace, and defense markets. Visit thermomegatech.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.

What if your next customer never touches a search results page? That's the reality David Sonn spotted early—and it's transforming digital marketing.David Sonn, Founder and President of Arc Intermedia, launched one of Philadelphia's first digital-only customer acquisition agencies in 2010. People now learn about brands inside AI assistants, asking longer questions and trusting comprehensive answers over traditional search. By early 2024, Dave retooled his SEO practice into "organic visibility and AI" programs. The results? More qualified leads from AI platforms than Google.Dave's journey spans from a 90s web startup to a modern agency with zero layoffs in 15 years. AI forced a return to fundamentals: revenue, pipeline quality, and close rates. With limited AI analytics, success now means rising brand searches and higher-intent visits. His philosophy: treat people like family and focus on balance sheet results—not vanity metrics.Key Takeaways:AI is new search: More qualified leads from AI than GoogleCulture starts at top: Treat people like family for stabilityResults over metrics: Focus on balance sheet impactSales is lifeblood: Prioritize funding and sales from day oneThink like owner: Make decisions as if it's your businessAbout David Sonn:As one of the first digital-only, customer acquisition agencies in the Philadelphia area, Dave launched Arc Intermedia in January 2010. Arc was built to deliver measurable results, not vanity metrics, and he structured the company for long-term stability, creating a culture of trust and accountability, with zero layoffs since day one. His role within the agency is to lead sales and business operations with a responsibility of attracting and supporting highly talented digital experts that provide the agency’s clients with the best solutions.Dave has the belief that every initiative must begin with a clearly defined business goal, ensuring every dollar spent supports tangible growth. His recommendations to clients come easily as he approaches every decision as if each business were his own: his money, his staff, his responsibility, guiding him to bring a practical, real-world perspective to strategy, execution, and performance. Under Dave’s leadership, Arc Intermedia continues to drive consistent results for clients across many industries, as a successful agency they can count on in the future.Connect with David:Website arcintermedia.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/davidsonn/This episode is brought to you by Arc Intermedia; A proven digital marketing agency increasing customer acquisition for companies seeking growth since 2010. Go to arcintermedia.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.

Starting a business in 2017 meant navigating COVID supply chain nightmares and now tariff challenges. But for Nik Mondo, bootstrapping through chaos became the ultimate test of creativity and integrity.Nikolas Mondo, founder and CEO of Mondo Media Solutions, built a thriving commercial AV and technology integration company from the ground up—no private equity, no shortcuts, just grit and word-of-mouth growth. From his early days working on a Lancaster farm to running live events at the White House, Nik's journey took him through a failed first partnership before he found his footing in Philadelphia. Today, his company serves clients from New York to Florida with 36 employees and nearly 80 total team members, providing everything from security cameras to conference room systems as a single-source solution. By slowing down to upgrade systems and staying laser-focused on integrity and quality control, Nik positioned his company for explosive growth—including landing the largest privately held company in the United States as a client.Key Takeaways:Integrity drives growth: Zero marketing spend—all growth from word-of-mouth built on keeping promises and fixing mistakesSlow down to speed up: Spent 13 months overhauling systems to create the foundation for scaling to $70MBootstrap creatively: Limited resources demand innovation, like forming peer networks during COVID shortagesValues guide hiring: Lead with core principles to ensure culture alignment during rapid expansionBalance your life: Success includes personal goals—Nik's prioritizing his pilot's license and getting back to cyclingAbout Nikolas Mondo:Nikolas Mondo is an entrepreneur and founder of Mondo Media Solutions, a Philadelphia-based commercial A/V and technology integration company. With a passion for both business growth and building strong client relationships, he focuses on delivering innovative solutions that bring people, spaces, and technology together.Connect with Nikolas:Website www.mmsproav.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/nikolasmondo/, linkedin.com/company/mmsproav/Instagram instagram.com/mmsproav/Facebook facebook.com/mmsproav/X x.com/mmsproavThis episode is brought to you by Mondo Media Solutions; Your total technology partner for IT, security, and conference room solutions. Go to mmsproav.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.

No college degree. Dyslexia. A childhood spent tinkering with code on AOL. None of it stopped Todd R. Kueny, Jr. from building AI solutions that are transforming how pharmaceutical companies navigate FDA compliance.Todd R. Kueny, Jr., Co-founder and CTO of PatientWing and Claris AI, shares his unconventional journey from childhood coding on AOL to leading cutting-edge AI solutions in life sciences. With no formal college degree, Todd built over 20 years of software development experience through relentless self-learning and problem-solving. His company Claris AI is now deploying live AI solutions that help pharmaceutical companies navigate FDA regulations and streamline compliance. From co-founding PatientWing to address clinical trial enrollment challenges to acquiring Energy Edge and building AI connectors, Todd demonstrates how focusing on your strengths—not your weaknesses—can lead to extraordinary success.Key Takeaways:Self-learning overcomes obstacles: Todd turned dyslexia and lack of formal education into strengths through problem-solving and trusted learning sourcesPlay to your strengths: Partner with people who complement your skills rather than fixing weaknessesPivot when needed: PatientWing shifted from data collection to solving clinical trial enrollment challengesAI in action: Claris AI delivers live FDA compliance tools for pharmaceutical companiesCulture matters: "Politely blunt" communication builds transparency and accountability without fearDefine your own success: Sustainable growth and real client ROI beat chasing billion-dollar exitsAbout Todd R. Kueny, Jr.:With over 20 years of software development experience and 10 years of technology leadership, I am the co-founder and CTO of Claris AI and PatientWing.At Claris AI, our mission is to transform raw data into actionable insights while ensuring compliance and driving innovation across regulated industries like financial services, life sciences, and manufacturing.PatientWing is a patient-centric cloud-based platform for clinical trials. My mission is to connect patients, sites, and sponsors, and optimize the trial enrollment process using cutting-edge technologies and data-driven solutions.Connect with Todd:LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/toddkuenyjr/Website clarisai.coThis episode is brought to you by Workshop Strategy; Merging experience, innovation, and purpose. Go to workshopstrategy.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.

What happens when parents can't find safe, dignified housing for their adult child with autism? They build it themselves—and create a blueprint for communities nationwide.Jim and Nancy Richardson are changing the future of neuro-inclusive housing in America. As parents of a 31-year-old son with autism, they faced a heartbreaking reality: no housing options existed that would keep Michael safe, independent, and connected after they're gone. Instead of accepting this gap, they founded Front Porch Cohousing, a nonprofit creating intentional communities where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities live alongside neurotypical neighbors as homeowners. Their first 50-home development in Hilltown Township, Pennsylvania, features innovative front-porch-focused design that fosters genuine community connection and combats the loneliness many adults with disabilities face.Key Takeaways:Ownership model breakthrough: Unlike other disability housing, Front Porch Co-housing enables residents to own their homes, building equity they can leverage throughout their lives50/50 community design: Half the homes are deed-restricted for adults with autism or intellectual disabilities; the other half are market-rate units for neurotypical residentsReverse-engineered neighborhoods: Traffic flows around the perimeter while homes face inward with front porches, intentionally designed to bring neighbors together258 families and counting: The need is massive, with hundreds of families across the region seeking dignified housing solutionsScalable vision: This isn't a one-time project—the Richardsons plan multiple communities to address a nationwide crisisAbout Jim and Nancy Richardson:Jim and Nancy Richardson, Co-Founders of Front Porch Cohousing — and parents of a 31-year-old son with developmental differences — know the struggles families face around lifelong housing. Their mission: build neuroinclusive communities where belonging, dignity, and independence are the standard.Connect with Jim and Nancy:Website frontporchcohousing.orgLinkedIn linkedin.com/company/frontporchcohousing/, linkedin.com/in/frontporchcohousing/This episode is brought to you by Front Porch Cohousing; Building neuro-inclusive communities where belonging, dignity, and independence are the standard. Go to frontporchcohousing.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.

A foundation in hospitality can teach lessons that last a lifetime — especially when it comes to building businesses rooted in people and purpose. In this episode of Founders' Forum, co-hosted by Armon Vincent, Founding Partner of Catalyst Technology Partners, Gray Brandeis, Founder and CEO of Scholar Hotels LLC, shares how his background in hospitality has shaped his approach to building authentic, human-centered brands.Gray opens up about the lessons learned from years of serving people face-to-face — and how those same principles of empathy, trust, and experience design now guide his work helping founders elevate their businesses. From client relationships to leadership philosophies, Gray shows that success isn’t just about numbers — it’s about connection.Key takeaways:How hospitality experience can create a strong foundation for entrepreneurshipThe importance of empathy and genuine connection in business growthWhy founders should prioritize brand experience as much as product or service qualityPractical ways to build long-term relationships that drive customer loyaltyWith grounded insights and relatable stories, Gray reminds us that people remember how you make them feel — and that’s what builds lasting brands.About Gary Steven Brandeis:Gary is the CEO and Co-Founder of Scholar Hotels LLC. He began his real estate career in 1990, and his experience and expertise include development, finance, acquisitions, dispositions, asset management, and joint ventures. He has been the principal partner in four real estate investment funds, including PB Funds I & II, investing over $350 million across all property types and investment strategies since 2005.Connect with Gary:Website scholarhotels.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/garybrandeis/This episode is brought to you by Gehman Design Remodeling; Design, Concept, and Construction for stress free remodels.  Go to gehmanremodeling.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.

What does it take to overcome life’s toughest obstacles and build a successful business? Thomas J. Knox, Chairman and CEO of Pinpoint Health Benefits, shares an entrepreneurial journey that’s a true testament to perseverance, lifelong learning, and seizing opportunities in the face of adversity.Tom’s story begins in public housing, where he sold newspapers, caddied, and started working from a young age. After serving in the U.S. Navy, Tom entered the insurance industry, starting with small, door-to-door sales of basic life insurance policies. His commitment to self-improvement and relentless work ethic catapulted him to build businesses from the ground up, including Homestead Smart Health Plans and Pinpoint Health Benefits.One of Tom’s core business philosophies is the importance of innovation and adaptability. His ventures, such as Pinpoint Health Benefits, focus on providing small businesses with affordable, high-quality health insurance plans, proving that even in the face of large competitors, there’s always room for creative solutions.Key Takeaways:From Humble Beginnings to Entrepreneurial Success: Tom's early experiences shaped his strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit.Learning and Growth: Despite a limited formal education, Tom’s commitment to reading and self-education helped him excel in his industry.Building a Business with Innovation: Tom revolutionized the health insurance market by offering affordable, competitive plans with added benefits.Leadership in Politics and Business: As Deputy Mayor of Philadelphia, Tom helped balance the city’s budget, showing his ability to lead both in business and government.About Thomas J. Knox, PHD, CLU, ChFC, FCPP:Tom Knox is a successful entrepreneur and insurance industry professional. In addition to being the Chairman and CEO of Pinpoint Health Benefits, Mr. Knox is the Founder of Homestead Smart Health Plans and the current Chairman of Homestead Insurance Company. As CEO of UnitedHealthcare from 2004 to 2006, Mr. Knox was responsible for overseeing all of UnitedHealthcare's operations in Pennsylvania and the surrounding jurisdictions.Connect:Website pinpointhealthbenefits.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/tomknoxphilly/This episode is brought to you by Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association; empowering people with disabilities through adaptive outdoor recreation. Visit glasa.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.

What happens when life throws you off course? For Coach Malcolm Allison Hairston, CEO of Raku Products LLC and inventor of The Hipsetter, those moments became the training ground for greatness.In this episode of Founders' Forum, Marc talks with Coach Malcolm—a leader, educator, and motivator—about how he turned personal and professional challenges into a blueprint for success. Drawing from his experiences in sports and coaching, he shares powerful lessons on discipline, mindset, and leadership that every entrepreneur can apply.From overcoming adversity to helping others unlock their potential, Coach Malcolm’s journey is a masterclass in turning pressure into progress. His insights go beyond the game, offering real-world strategies for staying consistent, purposeful, and resilient—no matter what life brings.Here’s what you’ll learn:Why mindset is the foundation of every success storyHow to transform obstacles into opportunities for growthThe connection between sports discipline and business leadershipPractical ways to stay motivated through life’s toughest seasonsAbout Coach Malcolm Allison Hairston:I am a lifelong entrepreneur, having owned several successful businesses, including property inspection services for large insurance carriers, custom cabinetry, granite and marble, music production, and athletic coaching at the age group, high school, and college levels.Connect:Website hipsetterwpc.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/malcolm-hairston-42840246/Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091494637248Instagram instagram.com/hipsetter_wpc/This episode is brought to you by Hipsetter; a revolutionary tool designed to help you walk with balance, strength, and confidence. Go to learn.hipsetterwpc.com/walk 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.

What if scaling your business wasn’t about doing more, but choosing better? In this inspiring Founders’ Forum episode, host Marc Bernstein talks with Shikha Miglani, co-founder of Saarthee, a global strategy, analytics, and AI firm helping enterprises across telecom, media, retail, banking, and healthcare make smarter, fairer decisions with data.From being the only woman engineer on India’s factory floor to leading a respected AI company, Shikha shares a journey that proves you can balance innovation with empathy, and scale without losing authenticity.She opens up about how Saarthee’s mission was built on a timeless idea from the Mahabharata: choose the strategist over the army. For Shikha, that means focusing on better partners, better principles, and better impact, not just faster growth.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to align analytics and AI with real business outcomesThe power of duality—balancing hard metrics with soft empathyWhy authenticity beats polish when leading through biasHow to reduce bias in AI through inclusive, transparent data designWhy “quality over quantity” is the foundation of lasting growthAbout Shikha Miglani:Shikha Miglani is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Saarthee, a strategy, analytics, technology, and AI company that empowers enterprises through transformative insights. With an engineering background and decades of consulting experience, she has led multimillion-dollar initiatives across industries, seamlessly bridging data analytics with business strategy.A strong advocate for the power of mentorship, she serves as a passionate Board Member of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Shikha also leads Maithee, where she spearheads the collaborative development of AI-driven solutions.Connect:Website saarthee.aiLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/shikha-miglani-40a1ba5/This episode is brought to you by Workshop Strategy; Merging experience, innovation, and purpose. Go to workshopstrategy.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.