Founders' Forum

What if you could transform the veterinary industry and inspire future leaders? Join our conversation with Dr. George Melillo, the founder and chief veterinary officer of Heart + Paw, as he shares the secrets behind successful entrepreneurial growth and talent acquisition in a rapidly evolving field. Discover how aligning individual strengths with business needs through tools like the Kolbe Profile can revolutionize your approach to nurturing talent and driving innovation. Learn how to maintain a forward-thinking mindset amid labor shortages and the importance of dreamers in pushing the boundaries of what's possible.Dr. Melillo's journey from veterinary practice to launching groundbreaking startups in human pharmaceuticals unveils a unique perspective on dealing with compassion fatigue and burnout in the veterinary world. By understanding the deep emotional bonds between people and their pets, and the financial pressures that can amplify caregiver stress, Dr. Melillo's experience brings to light the importance of minimal stress handling for animals. This heartfelt narrative not only rekindles his passion for innovation in veterinary care but also highlights how personal experiences can inspire meaningful change.With technology transforming the landscape of veterinary care, Dr. Melillo discusses the pioneering model Heart + Paw is spearheading. By integrating AI diagnostics and online booking systems, they are setting new standards in meeting modern consumer demands. Whether it's co-ownership models that empower veterinarians or strategies to attract diverse young talent, this episode promises to reshape your understanding of what makes the veterinary profession both fulfilling and sustainable.About George Melillo, VMD:Dr. Melillo is the Founder and Chief Veterinary Officer at Heart + Paw, a corporate veterinary practice with 28 locations in ten states. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1985 and prior to starting Heart + Paw has experience as a private practice owner in Delaware County, PA as well as nine years of corporate practice at Mars. He has also been part of two previous start-ups in human pharmaceutical.heartandpaw.comlinkedin.com/in/georgemelilloinstagram.com/heartandpawThis episode is brought to you by Heart + Paw, your pet’s wellness goes beyond veterinary care. Go to heartandpaw.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 embracing loss could profoundly change the way you live each day? Join us as we share deeply personal stories of loss and reflect on how these experiences have reshaped our approach to life, with our guest Richard 'RJ' Kedziora, MBA offering heartfelt insights from the passing of his in-laws, urging us to live with intention and joy. Through these poignant moments, we remind ourselves of the incredible value in living a purposeful life.Embark on a thrilling journey through the world of technology and entrepreneurship as we recount the unexpected path from dreaming of a PhD in computer science to founding Estenda Solutions, a trailblazer in health technology innovation. From early roles in mainframe and web programming to consulting and collaborating with pharmaceutical giants, the narrative captures the non-linear yet rewarding path of building a company dedicated to bettering lives through technology. Dive into the challenges and successes faced along the way, highlighting the essential role of commitment and innovation in making a real impact.Discover the transformative power of empathy and purpose in shaping the future of work in the healthcare tech sector. We explore how fostering a culture that encourages personal growth and understanding of patient experiences can create self-leadership and engagement among technologists. The conversation also delves into the influence of literature and the exciting potential of generative AI. Together, we aim to inspire you to seek meaningful contributions in your career and life, leveraging both timeless and cutting-edge ideas to fuel personal and professional growth.About Richard 'RJ' Kedziora, MBA:Mr. Kedziora, co-founder of Estenda, has over 25 years of software product design, development, consulting, and management experience. At Estenda, he focuses on people and process management and provides strategic technical direction, guidance, and innovative insights into creating cost-effective digital health solutions that make a difference in people’s lives, helping them live longer and healthier. His work has won multiple awards including a HIMSS Davies Award and recently he received the Health 2.0 Outstanding Leadership Award.Connect RJ:Website estenda.com LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/rjkedziora This episode is brought to you by Estenda Solutions, empowering your healthcare organization. Go to estenda.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.

Discover the secret to finding happiness even when life feels overwhelming as we sit down with Dave Raymond, the original Phillie Phanatic, and learn about his journey to becoming the mascot that spread joy across stadiums for 16 years. Dave shares how laughter and creativity fueled his passion and shaped his career, offering insights on sustainable happiness. Our conversation unveils how the Beatles' latest single and grounding with nature can transform everyday moments into ones of joy and rejuvenation. Through personal stories and laughs, we explore the art of finding bliss in the mundane and integrating fun into our lives, regardless of external stressors.We then highlight the evolving landscape of corporate leadership, where creating emotional connections with employees is transforming workplaces. Dive into stories of purposeful leadership, like those of Steve Penkala, who believes in showing appreciation through genuine acts of kindness. We discuss how enlightened leaders are fostering environments of loyalty and productivity, while young professionals seek out meaningful work over traditional perks. Get inspired to embrace joy at work and home, bringing your whole self into every aspect of life for a more fulfilling experience.About Dave Raymond:Dave is an international keynote speaker, author and thought leader on sustainable happiness. Today he will share lessons he's learned through his truly unique life and career - as the original Phillie Phanatic.Dave's is The Hero of Happiness and his work has been featured everywhere from Jimmy Kimmel Live, to ESPN, The New York Times and HBO Real Sports.He now speaks to companies, associations and teams who want to leverage his Power of Fun Message to motivate teams to believe in and follow a simple process that can change and SAVE lives.Connect with Dave:Website daveraymondspeaks.comon TEDx talk youtube.com/watch?v=Jvw4liTidgkon HBO Real Sports vimeo.com/738058015 on Jimmy Kimmel Live vimeo.com/729358759 on GMA - youtube.com/watch?v=3qycSJyGDesThis episode is brought to you by Kershner Office Furniture, Workplace Furniture Solutions.  Go to kershneroffice.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 struggled to truly disconnect from work during a vacation? We explore this common challenge among entrepreneurs while sharing our own experiences with finding the right balance between work and relaxation. Inspired by Dan Sullivan’s time management strategies, we discuss the importance of structuring focus, free, and buffer days, and our guest Rob Kaimowitz shares his insights on short, rejuvenating breaks. Ang opens up about her struggle to disconnect, emphasizing the value of a consistent morning routine to kickstart her day away from work. This episode is a thoughtful examination of why intentional time off is essential for mental well-being, even amidst the relentless demands of entrepreneurship.Rob Kaimowitz is the innovative mind behind Nexteon Technologies, whose journey of resilience offers inspiration in the face of adversity. From overcoming a debilitating battle with Lyme disease to navigating his company's challenges during a government shutdown and the COVID-19 pandemic, Rob’s story is a powerful testament to perseverance. We also touch upon the exciting potential of space technology to combat the effects of changing weather patterns, especially in critical areas like aviation. It's a captivating conversation with promises of more engaging discussions in future episodes, where we continue to explore the intersection of entrepreneurship, resilience, and technological advancement.About Rob Kaimowitz:Rob Kaimowitz is the Founder of Nexteon Technologies, which brought route optimization services to commercial airlines - like "Waze" for Airplanes. Prior to founding Nexteon, Rob has a 20 year Wall St. career, first, as the #1 Analyst in Commercial Space & Satellites and then as a Hedge Fund Manager and Founder of Bull Path Capital management. His Wall St career ended when was diagnosed with chronic untreated Lyme Disease.Connect with Rob:Website nexteon.aerogloballymealliance.orgpeertopeer.globallymealliance.orgLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/robert-k-587722a9This episode is brought to you by the Global Lyme Alliance; Fighting for a Lyme-free world. Go to globallymealliance.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.

Ever wondered how a simple pause could be your secret weapon in communication? We discuss the magic of well-timed beats in public speaking, and Marc draws a fascinating parallel to music, showing how silence can amplify your message. Our guest, Craig Lerch, shares a life-changing lesson from his mentor on the power of listening more and speaking less.Get ready for a fun twist on the real estate industry as we discuss evolving identities and playful nicknames. Craig, lovingly known as the "ROG" (Real Estate Opportunity, outstanding Out of the Box Over the Top, old Guy), reveals his journey of accepting this moniker and how it reshaped his social media game. We dive into the importance of authenticity, pushing boundaries, and the transformative power of coaching that reignited Craig's passion for his career.Lastly, we explore the future of real estate, moving from traditional offices to dynamic, virtual environments. Craig talks about his game-changing transition to eXp Realty, a cloud-based company with a global reach, enabling him to build teams across states and countries. We also delve into how the pandemic has redefined sales and coaching practices, the critical role of setting routines, and our ambitious vision of expanding to 1,000 global agents by 2027, all while maintaining a balance between professional ambitions and personal fulfillment.About Craig Lerch:Craig Lerch is an Associate Broker, 2 X Icon Exp Realty Internationally and Regional Expansion Leader. Selling home in the area for over 35 years, over 4000 transactions involved in the Philadelphia and suburbs, is the ROG in social media (standing for the Real Estate "Opportunity, Outstanding, Out of the box, Over the top, Old " Guy! If your not having fun, then why do it!! 2024 is the year to Grow and Glow!Connect with Craig:craiglerch.com linkedin.com/in/craiglerchrealtor instagram.com/real_estate_old_guy facebook.com/craiglerch.realestateyoutube.com/@craiglerchphiladelphiarealtor tiktok.com/@real_estate_old_guy This episode is brought to you by Craig Lerch, Exp Realty Luxury, your go-to expert in the Philadelphia area and beyond.  Go to craiglerch.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.

Ever wondered how positive thinking can reshape your business and personal life? This episode promises to be a beacon of insight and inspiration as we sit down with Dennis Gehman, a seasoned entrepreneur and home remodeling expert. Dennis opens up about his transformation from a carpenter to the owner of a flourishing remodeling business, all while grappling with recurring health issues. Inspired by Joseph Nguyen's "Don't Believe Everything You Think," Dennis shares how observing thoughts rather than letting them take over has alleviated a great deal of his suffering. We also explore strategies such as positive affirmations and daily Bible reading, which have been instrumental in maintaining his positive mindset, especially during tough times.From the initial struggles of understanding business fundamentals to the pivotal support received from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and the Freedom Brothers mastermind group, Dennis's journey is filled with valuable lessons. We delve into the emotional and spiritual aspects of home remodeling, emphasizing the kitchen as the heart of the home. Dennis recounts heartwarming stories, including a memorable trip to Egypt to meet his new grandchild, highlighting the role of faith and family in his life. This episode offers a rich tapestry of professional wisdom and personal anecdotes that underscore the profound impact of a positive mindset in both business and personal spheres.About Dennis D. Gehman, MCR, MCKBR, CLC, CRPM:Dennis Gehman is married to his wife Glenda, the father of 2 grown sons & daughters, Grandpa to 10 grandchildren with number 11 due in August. He's a carpenter who in 1990 scratched an entrepreneurial itch, becoming the owner of Gehman Design Remodeling, a national award-winning residential design build remodeling business.Connect with Dennis:Website gehmanremodeling.com LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/gehmanremodeling Facebook facebook.com/GehmanDesignRemodeling YouTube youtube.com/@1remodel 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 mean for humanity when anti-Semitism rears its ugly head once again? With heartfelt reflections, we explore the devastating repercussions of the October 7th attack on Israel and the eerie echoes of pre-World War II Germany. Our guest Josh Patrick, CFP introduces the thought-provoking concept of the "fourth turning," a period of societal upheaval recurring every 80 to 100 years, currently fixated on the Jewish community. Through raw and open dialogue, we aim to raise awareness and foster unity amidst these troubling times.Ever wondered how a simple act of recognition can transform a company's culture? Josh shares a pivotal moment in his business journey that turned the tide—acknowledging work anniversaries. Hosting quarterly appreciation events and publicly celebrating employees' contributions not only uplifted morale but also established a cherished tradition, especially for blue-collar workers. This segment highlights how valuing employees can lead to a profoundly engaged and motivated workforce.What if leadership was about serving others and continuously improving? Drawing on personal experiences, we delve into the principles of servant leadership and the transformative power of methodologies like Scrum and Total Quality Management. From flipping the organizational chart to embracing Deming's 14 points, these strategies foster an environment of respect and intelligence. We wrap up with invaluable lessons from varied business experiences, emphasizing integrity, respect, and the importance of maintaining a balanced life. Tune in for insights that could reshape your approach to business and leadership.About Josh Patrick, CFP:Josh is obsessed with what it takes to create a personally and economically sustainable business. He's blogged for the NY Times, Huffington Post, Inc.com, Open by American Express and Forbes.com. His first business started with one part-time employee and grew to 90 employees when he sold it twenty years later. He's the author of two books on creating a great business every owner would love to have.Connect with Josh:Website sustainablebusiness.co LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/askjoshpatrick This episode is brought to you by Cyberbacker; your own personal assistant for a fraction of the cost!  Go to VirtualLeverageSolutions.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.

Is it possible to have too much change in business and personal growth? Join us in a compelling discussion where we dissect this question through the lens of memorable examples such as Coca-Cola's notorious formula switch, Madonna's endless reinventions, and Elon Musk's aggressive ventures, including his recent acquisition of Twitter. Ang and Ryan Sullivan balance the conversation by highlighting the critical aspects of risk-taking and the speed of change, while today's guest, Jeffrey Studley, shares invaluable insights from his 30-year journey in the business world. Jeffrey's perspective on continuous technological advancements offers a nuanced view on the challenges and opportunities of constant transformation.In another segment, we explore how companies have swiftly adapted to technological advancements for live events, especially during the pandemic. We discuss how flexible roles and familiarity with virtual technologies helped one company thrive in uncertain times, yet the return of in-person events highlights our innate need for physical interaction. We also dive into the significance of long-term strategic vision for sustained success, emphasizing goal-setting and future planning over merely reacting to daily changes. Tune in for an episode packed with essential lessons and inspiration for both entrepreneurs and business leaders.About Jeffrey Studley:Jeffrey Studley is the Founder of CPR MultiMedia Solutions.  He grew up in the resort region known as the Borscht Belt in upstate New York, and went to Conell School of Hotel Administration. He got a call from cousin in audio field who saw a monochrome low-res projector at a trade show and said this would be a growth industry. After thinking he could spend a few days every other week in DC area doing the admin part of the business, Jeff had to move there because he was at the tip of the spear of this quickly growing industry. He’s since stayed at the cutting edge of new developments in this industry using the technology for live events.Connect with Jeffrey:Website cprmms.com LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/cpr-multimedia-solutions Instagram instagram.com/cprmms Facebook facebook.com/jeff.studley.94 YouTube youtube.com/@CPRMultiMediaSolutions 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.

Have you ever wondered how life's curveballs can lead to unimaginable success? Join us as we chat with Shawn Gilfillan, the founder and CEO of Automotive Magic, who turned adversity into triumph. Shawn's journey from a challenging workplace to launching his own business on April Fool's Day in 2003 is a story of resilience and determination. Discover how a crucial relationship and a life-altering injury propelled him to build a thriving business with multiple locations and over 20 employees.In this heartfelt episode, we explore the emotional rollercoaster of managing a business through personal crises and the power of a supportive community. Hear the poignant story of losing a cherished team member and the fight to keep the business afloat. Listen to how a unique group interview process unearthed Albert, a dedicated new manager, and the transformative role of the Girls Auto Clinic in Havertown. We also discuss innovative recruitment methods, a 20-week program focusing on emotional intelligence, and the importance of fostering personal growth within the workplace. Tune in for a powerful narrative on resilience, community, and the magic of aligned intentions.About Shawn Gilfillan:Shawn Gilfillan is the Founder and CEO of Automotive Magic, Magic Lube and Rubber, Magical Solutions, Magic Motors, and Rabbit Wheels. Automotive Magic was founded on April 1, 2003- April Fools day! His joke to himself because now he is a business owner! He hired his first employee at the beginning of 2004, and moved from a 2100 square foot shop/2 bay shop to a 6000 square foot/7 bay shop in 2009- up the road 2 miles! He grew Automotive Magic to 14 employees in 2015, then opened up his second shop/location on August 1 2022- Magic Lube & Rubber which is a preventative maintenance center. Shawn now has 20 employees between the 2 locations and am looking for his third to open in the next 12 months.Connect with Shawn:Website automotivemagic.commagicalsolutionsgroup.com LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/shawn-gilfillan-80015413 Instagram instagram.com/automotive.magic Facebook facebook.com/AutomotiveMagicX x.com/gilfillan_shawn  YouTube youtube.com/@automotivemagic8127 This episode is brought to you by Automotive Magic; Full Service Auto Repair & Maintenance. Go to automotivemagic.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 successful recruiter transitions into a passionate advocate for underprivileged children? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Gene Rice, co-founder of Rice Cohen International and founder of the Plant a Seed, Inspire a Dream Foundation. From a moving meditation inspired by Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes' "Wake Up Everybody" to Gene's personal account of meeting Art Garfunkel, this episode is filled with emotional depth and meaningful stories. Gene reflects on the social messages of 1970s music, setting the stage for his journey from a lucrative career in recruiting to creating positive change for the next generation.Discover the incredible impact of the Foundation as Gene shares heartwarming stories about the children they've helped. Gene's narrative underscores the power of mentorship and financial support in empowering youth, demonstrating how guided opportunities can lead to profound personal growth and success.In a world where job dissatisfaction is rampant, Gene offers valuable insights into finding true fulfillment through passion and purpose. Finally, delve into Gene's Amazon bestseller, "Grad to Grown Up," packed with practical tips for transitioning from education to employment. Tune in to understand how you can support or benefit from the foundation's mission and be inspired by stories of lives transformed through dedication and care.About Gene Rice:Gene Rice cofounded Rice Cohen International in 1989 and the firm grew to be one of the 30 largest executive retained search firms in America. He was also recognized by recruited.com as one of the hundred most influential people in the history of recruiting. In 2008, Gene and his wife cofounded The Plant a Seed Inspire a Dream Foundation, which helps youth from the underserve community pursue their passions. The charity has helped over 800 kids and was featured and People Magazine. Gene with his daughter cowrote the Amazon bestseller, "Grad to Grown-Up." Gene believes in giving back at every opportunity.gradtogrownup.complantaseedfoundation.orglinkedin.com/in/grice113instagram.com/gradtogrownupbookfacebook.com/profile.php?id=100071156958203 This 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.