Founders' Forum

What do sports, the military, and high-tech entrepreneurship have in common? For Michael Eckstein, they’ve all been part of the same playbook.Michael Eckstein, founder of Vector Sports Science and former CEO of multiple tech ventures, shares his powerful journey of discipline, reinvention, and innovation. From military school to motion-capture technology used by Major League Baseball teams, Michael’s story is packed with resilience, insights, and purpose-driven pivots. He discusses how sports shaped his leadership, how personal tragedy redirected his entrepreneurial focus, and how he’s making pro-level sports analytics accessible to youth leagues everywhere.Key Takeaways:Sports as Strategy: How early lessons in athletics and military school built the foundation for leadership and structure in business.KinaTrax Origins: Michael's creation of a markerless motion-capture system revolutionized pitcher analysis in Major League Baseball.Tech Meets the Mound: From the Phillies to the Mets to the Cubs—how sports teams adopted new tech to improve performance.Turning Tragedy into Innovation: A devastating personal loss led Michael to redefine his purpose and explore new ways to impact the world of sports.Next-Gen Tech: Why advancements in AI and mobile devices are making elite-level sports analytics available to everyone—from high school athletes to casual golfers.Legacy and Mentorship: Why Michael is now focused on passing the torch—mentoring the next generation of innovators in sports science.About Michael G. Eckstein:For over 40 years, Michael Eckstein has held leadership roles in IT strategic planning and technology business development for companies ranging from startups to Fortune 500 firms. His past positions include CEO of the technology subsidiary of PA Blue Shield and Senior US Software Executive for the State of Israel, among others. In 2013, he founded KinaTrax, a markerless motion capture technology platform designed to capture and analyze MLB pitchers during in-game performance, which is now used in 33 MLB stadiums.Connect:LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/michael-eckstein-6b7335a/This episode is brought to you by Crossover Capital; make informed decisions about your financial future. Go to crosscapadvisors.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 mean to stay ahead of the curve as a founder in the tech world? Virind Gujral’s journey, Founder & CEO of EV Bots, reveals how continuous learning and innovation drive success.Virind’s entrepreneurial journey began with a desire to learn and explore, which led him from India to the United States. Starting as a mechanical engineer, Virind’s path quickly evolved as he dove into the world of robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and autonomous vehicles. After working in the fleet management sector, he realized the inefficiencies in charging electric vehicles and founded EV Bots, a company aimed at revolutionizing the electric vehicle charging process with autonomous robots.One of Virind’s key insights is the importance of anticipating future challenges. Rather than waiting for issues to arise, he focuses on identifying solutions that benefit not only his company but the broader community. His approach emphasizes creating value for all stakeholders—customers, employees, and the environment.Key Takeaways:Lifelong Learning: Virind’s passion for learning led him to pivot across industries, proving that being adaptable and curious is essential for entrepreneurship.Innovation for Sustainability: EV Bots’ mission to automate EV charging addresses a critical need in the fleet industry while promoting sustainability.Solving Real-World Problems: The challenges Virind faced, like the lack of EV charging infrastructure, led to innovative solutions that can be scaled for a wider impact.The Power of Collaboration: By fostering partnerships and seeking advice from industry experts, Virind is building a tech solution that benefits multiple industries.About Virind Gujral:I am a Mechanical Engineer with an MBA and 17 years of experience in fuel operations management for one of the largest truck leasing companies, overseeing a $1 billion portfolio. I hold a patent in my name and have been a featured speaker at numerous industry conferences. I have over 10K followers on LinkedIn.Connect:Website www.evbots.techLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/virindgujral/This episode is brought to you by CPR MultiMedia Solutions; A Full Service AV Event Solutions Provider. Go to cprmms.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 the podcast host becomes the guest? In this special episode of Founders' Forum, the script is flipped as Ryan Sullivan, founder of Podcast Principles, interviews Marc Bernstein about his incredible journey from aspiring rock star to entrepreneurial financial advisor. Marc opens up about his early dreams of music stardom and how that passion eventually led him to law school and a career in entertainment law. But after years of navigating the entertainment industry’s challenges, Marc found a new calling — financial planning — and began reshaping the way entrepreneurs receive financial guidance.Join us as Marc shares how he reinvented financial planning with his innovative "fiscal therapy" approach, the importance of deep, purpose-driven conversations with clients, and how he’s built a business model that truly advocates for entrepreneurs.Key Takeaways:The Path to Financial Planning: Marc’s unexpected transition from law to finance and how his past experiences shaped his unique approach.Fiscal Therapy: What "fiscal therapy" is and how Marc uses it to help entrepreneurs plan their financial futures.Reinventing Financial Advisory: How Marc restructured his firm to ensure it serves as a true advocate for clients, avoiding traditional conflicts of interest.Building a Client-Centered Practice: Marc’s approach to cultivating lasting client relationships and focusing on business succession and legacy planning.Career Evolution: How seemingly unrelated experiences can come together to create a distinct and meaningful value proposition.Tune in and join the conversation. And if you found this episode valuable, share it with someone who might need to hear it!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.

What does it mean to be a "river person" in business? Bobby Reed’s entrepreneurial journey shows how following your passion with determination can lead to success.Bobby's path to founding Loaded Pixel began with a high school teacher handing him a camera, sparking a lifelong passion for video production. From Super Bowl broadcasts to the Olympics, Bobby built his career by doing what he loved. But the turning point came when NBC Sports relocated, and Bobby chose entrepreneurship over a corporate path. With mentorship and a leap of faith, he founded his own company, facing the typical startup challenges.One of Bobby's key insights is the importance of building a strong company culture, even with a mostly freelance team. By paying contractors before the usual net-30 terms, he fostered loyalty and collaboration, which became essential for his business’s success.Key Takeaways:From Passion to Business: Bobby turned his passion for video production into a thriving business.Facing Challenges: He navigated common entrepreneurial hurdles, including cash flow and client expectations.Building Loyalty: Prompt payments created a culture of trust among freelancers.Sustainable Growth: Bobby’s vision focuses on growth that supports a balanced life for his team.About Bobby Reed:Bobby Reed is the founder and executive producer of Loaded Pixel, a full-service video production company based in Philadelphia. With over 20 years of experience in live sports, branded content, and commercial campaigns, Bobby has worked on everything from Super Bowl broadcasts to food spots for beloved brands like Wawa.Known for combining creative instinct with production savvy, he has built a company that moves fast, thinks big, and skips the unnecessary layers. Whether he's directing behind the camera or guiding clients through the creative process, Bobby is all about turning ideas into visuals that hit.Connect:Website www.loadedpixelcreative.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/bobby-reedInstagram instagram.com/bobbyreedtv/This episode is brought to you by MultiFunding Business Loan Advisors, Fund Your Vision, Fuel Growth. Go to MultiFunding.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 turn a brand-new technology into something that changes an entire industry? In this episode, Armon Vincent, the founding partner of Catalyst Technology Partners, shares his incredible journey from tech outsider to a trailblazer in healthcare innovation. Armon started out building websites for pharmaceutical companies but soon realized the power AI could have in transforming healthcare. Back when AI was seen as more science fiction than science fact, Armon took the leap, pushing through skepticism to build groundbreaking AI-driven solutions that are changing the game.Join us as Armon talks about his entrepreneurial evolution, the ups and downs he’s faced, and how he’s leading the charge today at Catalyst Technology Partners. He also dives into how AI is helping businesses scale, the importance of company culture, and how he built a remote team that thrives on innovation.Key Takeaways:AI in Healthcare: How Armon introduced AI into healthcare, even when most didn’t believe it could work.From Failure to Success: How Armon’s journey wasn’t always smooth, but his setbacks turned into stepping stones.Building a Culture of Innovation: Armon’s approach to fostering creativity and collaboration, especially with a remote team.The Future of AI: Armon’s thoughts on where AI is headed, and why it’s just getting started.A New Venture: How Catalyst Technology Partners is helping businesses unlock the power of AI to drive growth.If you're curious about how AI is shaping the future of healthcare—and business in general—this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to hear how Armon’s journey is making waves in the tech world.About Armon Vincent:Armon Vincent is a seasoned healthcare and life sciences technology executive with a track record of innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship. As the founder and Catalyst Technology Partners, he is helping companies harness emerging technologies to redefine current offerings and launch new products.Connect:Website: catalysttechpartners.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/avincent/This episode is brought to you by Center City Dermatology; Comprehensive, Contemporary & Customized Skin Care. Go to centercitydermatology.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 a food scientist and bodybuilder creates a snack that’s as nutritious as it is delicious? Dr. Juan Salinas, founder of Perfect Life Nutrition and creator of Pnuff Crunch, joins the Founders’ Forum to share his journey from Honduras to Shark Tank and beyond.After two decades in the food industry, Dr. Salinas launched Pnuff Crunch—a high-protein, peanut-based snack designed for performance and taste. In this episode, he talks about the entrepreneurial highs and lows, his Shark Tank experience, and what it’s like to have Mark Cuban as a business partner.He also shares how he's combining fitness, food, and purpose to inspire healthier lifestyles, and why he believes collaboration is key to scaling sustainable manufacturing.Key Takeaways:Creating snacks that taste great and fuel performanceThe real impact of appearing on Shark TankOvercoming manufacturing and scaling challengesUsing fitness as a brand-building toolWhat legacy means to Dr. JuanAbout Dr. Juan Salinas:Dr. Juan Salinas is the founder and CEO of Perfect Life Nutrition LLC, a manufacturer of peanut-based and other plant-based protein snacks. A native of Honduras and now a resident of New Jersey, he holds a Ph.D. in Food Science from Rutgers University and a Master’s in Sports Nutrition from the International Olympic Committee. He started the company after spending over 20 years working as a snack innovator and product developer for several of the largest CPG food companies in the U.S. Combined with his passion for health and fitness, and his experience as a professional natural bodybuilder and amateur endurance athlete, he is on a quest to create snacks that are not only delicious but also nutritious. Connect:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/pnuff/, linkedin.com/in/juan-salinas-76a7783Instagram: instagram.com/pnuffcrunch, instagram.com/drjuanpnuffFacebook: facebook.com/pnuffcrunch/, facebook.com/drjuanpnuff/TikTok: tiktok.com/@pnuffcrunch, tiktok.com/@drjuanpnuffYouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=wp45o5i7zhEThis episode is brought to you by The Plant a Seed Inspire a Dream Foundation; Empower a Child’s Passion. Go to plantaseedfoundation.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.

How does an experienced lawyer turn a struggling business into a thriving global leader? Justin B. Wineburgh, Esq, President and CEO of Alkemy X, shares how he transitioned from law to leading a post-production studio, transforming it into a powerhouse in media and entertainment.Joined by guest co-host Sean Dawes, Co-Founder of Modded Euros, Justin discusses his journey from building a media and entertainment practice to taking the helm at Alkemy X. What started as a company on the brink of bankruptcy has grown into a leader with clients like Amazon, Netflix, and HBO.Justin reflects on navigating business challenges, especially during the pandemic, and positioning the company for long-term growth. He shares his insights into leadership, resilience, and the importance of kindness in building a lasting legacy.Key Takeaways:From lawyer to CEO: Justin’s journey to leading Alkemy X.Turning adversity into opportunity: Overcoming business challenges and leading a successful turnaround.Entrepreneurship in media: How Justin navigated the ever-evolving media landscape.Building a legacy: The importance of mentorship and kindness in leadership.About Justin B. Wineburgh, Esq:As President and CEO of Alkemy X, Justin Wineburgh has transformed the 44-year-old company from a local Philadelphia post-production studio into a solutions-driven media and entertainment powerhouse. The company has expanded its expertise into some of the industry's hottest sectors. Over his nine years at the helm of Alkemy X, Wineburgh has rejuvenated and positioned the global company as an award-winning creative partner at the intersection of entertainment, advertising, and technology.Under his leadership, the Alkemy X team has worked on top hit series and films, including the The Walking Dead franchise on AMC, Amazon Prime’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, STARZ’s Power franchise, HBO’s The Gilded Age and Westworld, and Wednesday on Netflix. They've also contributed to Academy Award-winning films like The Whale and The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar. Additionally, the company has worked on original unscripted series such as TLC’s award-winning hit Dragnificent! and Restaurant: Impossible on The Food Network, while growing its slate of branded productions for clients like Amazon, T-Mobile, Electronic Arts, Hulu, Wayfair, Bud Light, Samsung, and more.Connect:Website alkemy-x.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/justin-wineburgh/Facebook facebook.com/jwineburghInstagram instagram.com/justinofalkemyx/This episode is brought to you by The Satell Institute; the leading CEO organization dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility. Go to satellinstitute.org to learn m📅 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 truly mean to overcome? Jason Sfire’s journey shows that triumph comes not from avoiding hardship, but transforming through it.Continuing from his first fall, Jason reveals how a routine ninth back surgery in 2013 turned catastrophic when he contracted MRSA in his spine. Over four years, he endured 22 surgeries, sepsis, kidney failure, and 1,300+ IV antibiotic doses—all while leading his companies. When specialists couldn’t find answers, his wife Nettie’s support became his turning point.Dr. Tyler Kosky finally diagnosed an infection colonizing spinal hardware, leading to surgeries that left Jason permanently disabled. Yet, he embraced his new reality: “It was time to find my wheels instead of my legs.”Now, Jason advocates for adaptive athletes, coaches wheelchair sports, and prepares to launch a new real estate venture with his father. His advice: “Think more before we react… take a discerning look at decisions,” reflecting hard-earned wisdom.Co-hosted by Sari Greene, cybersecurity entrepreneur and community advocate, this episode explores how perseverance and adaptability can sustain us through life’s greatest challenges. What will you do when faced with your own impossible situation?Key Takeaways:Turning hardship into strength and purpose.The power of unwavering support.Adapting entrepreneurial skills to new realities.Wisdom gained through adversity.About Jason A. Sfire:I have had a 33-year career in our family-owned Real-Estate Development business. Since I was 16 years old, I have held virtually every possible role in our family companies. My initial offering to the company was running our construction arm, named Fidelity Construction Co. Inc. In my years running the construction arm of our business, we completed hundreds of projects, from one-room remodels to 450,000-square-foot shopping centers built from the ground up. It has been an incredible journey that now has me leading all 18 companies and managing the family’s 1.8 million-square-foot real-estate portfolio as President/COO. Thankfully, God has blessed our family and business at levels that I never dreamed possible.Connect:Website www.fgltd.netLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/jason-sfire-a6652716b/Instagram instagram.com/jaswheels/?hl=enThis 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.

Jason Sfire’s entrepreneurial journey, Founder of multiple family-owned businesses defies the odds. At 25, after a devastating 35-foot fall that led to 54 surgeries over 25 years, he refused to let physical challenges stop his drive. Despite shattered bones and ongoing recovery, Jason built a real estate empire of 18 companies and 1.8 million square feet.Joining Marc as guest co-host is Sari Greene, a cybersecurity entrepreneur, author, educator, investor, and community activist, adding her perspective to this powerful conversation.Early in the episode, Jason reflects on social media’s impact on identity, setting the stage for his story of resilience. From teenage carpenter to business leader and father of four, he shares candid insights on balancing ambition with personal limits, warning about the dangers of an unchecked "achiever mentality" and how it affected his health. His straightforward business approach reveals the grit behind his success.Key Takeaways:Resilience in overcoming life-altering injuries and building a business.Growing and managing a real estate empire despite personal challenges.Balancing drive with self-care to sustain success.Pursuing passion and purpose beyond physical limits.Part two will be released next week, where we’ll explore how Jason continues to thrive—competing nationally in golf from a wheelchair.About Jason A. Sfire:I have had a 33-year career in our family-owned Real-Estate Development business. Since I was 16 years old, I have held virtually every possible role in our family companies. My initial offering to the company was running our construction arm, named Fidelity Construction Co. Inc. In my years running the construction arm of our business, we completed hundreds of projects, from one-room remodels to 450,000-square-foot shopping centers built from the ground up. It has been an incredible journey that now has me leading all 18 companies and managing the family’s 1.8 million-square-foot real-estate portfolio as President/COO. Thankfully, God has blessed our family and business at levels that I never dreamed possible.Connect:Website www.fgltd.netLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/jason-sfire-a6652716b/Instagram instagram.com/jaswheels/?hl=enThis 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.

Sari Greene’s path from a successful tech entrepreneur to a dedicated public servant reveals the evolving role of cybersecurity in today’s world. As founder of Sage Data Security, Sari was ahead of her time—building a company focused on protecting sensitive information long before cybersecurity became mainstream.In this episode, Sari shares candid insights into launching a tech company in the early 2000s, navigating investor challenges that threatened her company culture, and making tough decisions to preserve her team’s integrity. She reflects on how her entrepreneurial spirit evolved into a mission-driven commitment to protect public trust.More than just a technology expert, Sari views cybersecurity as a civic duty—a responsibility to safeguard the private data people entrust to institutions. Now, she mentors the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, empowering them to defend companies, communities, and countries against growing digital threats and internal complacency.Join us, along with guest co-host Jason Sfire, President and Founder of multiple family-owned businesses, for a deep dive into the intersection of technology, ethics, and leadership with Sari Greene, whose journey embodies resilience, vision, and service.Key Takeaways:From tech founder to public servant: evolving roles in cybersecurityPreserving company culture amid investor challengesCybersecurity as a civic duty protecting public trustMentoring future leaders to combat digital threatsAbout Sari Greene:Sari Stern Greene is a cybersecurity entrepreneur, best-selling author, educator, and investor. She serves on the Bangor Savings Bank Board of Directors and chairs the Enterprise Risk Management Committee. She was appointed by the Governor Maine to the Maine Gambling Control Board and served as Election official for the City of South Portland. Sari, is a NACD Board Fellow and has earned numerous tech and cybersecurity related certifications. She is an enthusiastic traveler, avid sailor and an active Rotarian. Connect:Website: www.sarigreenegroup.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarigreene/This episode is brought to you by Join Talent; elevate your hiring capability. Go to jointalent.net 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.