Founders' Forum

Unlock the secrets of America's manufacturing revival with insights from Tom Lawton, president and owner of TESCO. Learn why the trend of offshoring is reversing and how local production offers significant advantages, including faster problem resolution and more resilient supply chains. Tom's extensive experience managing facilities both in the U.S. and abroad provides a rich perspective on why proximity can lead to more efficient and reliable operations.Journey through the captivating entrepreneurial story of our host, who started with a pivotal decision to attend MIT and early work experiences in the oil industry. Discover the genesis of a company founded in 1984, the challenges faced in scaling a business from the ground up, and the invaluable lessons in management and leadership that emerged from these experiences. The narrative emphasizes the importance of long-term planning and the necessity for continuous learning to achieve sustained growth and success.Explore the essential components of building a values-driven manufacturing culture and the significance of future planning within an organization. Learn how clearly defined values can shape everyday decision-making and problem-solving, and the importance of internal promotions and mentorship in grooming future leaders. Finally, we delve into the aspirations and future plans of a business leader aiming for significant growth milestones, emphasizing the role of a strong senior management team and continuous reinvention to ensure a lasting legacy.About Tom :Tom Lawton, President of TESCO – The Eastern Specialty Company, founded his company in 1984, and through new product development and strategic acquisitions, TESCO now includes Knopp, Inc., Mesurina, Ltd., Power Measurements, Inc., and Nighthawk. Under his leadership, TESCO has been at the forefront of innovation in AMI technologies and EVSE charging within the electric metering industry. A graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Tom actively speaks at meter schools and utility conferences, has contributed to the latest edition of the Handbook for Electricity Metering, and is a member of ANSI C12 Metering Standards committees.tescometering.com linkedin.com/in/tomlawtontescolinkedin.com/company/tescometering  This episode is brought to you by TESCO – The Eastern Specialty Company; the forefront of electric utility innovation. Go to tescometering.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 essential strategies for embedding genuine core values into your business as we are joined by Marc Brookland, the insightful founder and CEO of SEO Locale LLC. Learn how transparency and other core values evolve from one's personal and professional journey, shaping a company's ethos and ensuring consistent alignment with clients and employees. We'll reveal our own approach to identifying and harmonizing these values among partners, offering a roadmap for other entrepreneurs aiming to create a value-driven organization.Navigating the turbulent waters of the COVID-19 pandemic, SEO Locale faced immense challenges, from significant client losses to tough staffing decisions. Marc shares how they redefined their strategy, leveraged a PPP loan, and surged ahead with a focus on digital transformation and detailed keyword research. We also delve into the importance of fostering a dynamic company culture, encouraging skill diversity and internal mobility, and setting ambitious growth goals. Join us for an inspiring discussion on resilience, strategic pivots, and building a company where dreams are realized for both clients and employees.About Marc Brookland:Marc Brookland is the Founder and CEO of SEO Locale, LLC.  He is a business owner, husband, and father of two, and a die hard Philadelphia sports fanatic.Connect with Marc:Website seolocale.com LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/marcbrookland Instagram instagram.com/seolocale Facebook facebook.com/SEOLocale YouTube youtube.com/@seolocalellc9586 This episode is brought to you by SEO Locale; A Premier Digital Marketing Agency. Go to SEOLocale.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 what it's like to sneak backstage at a Rolling Stones concert and bump into Keith Richards himself? Our guest, Gene Rice, takes us on a wild ride with his unforgettable tale of doing just that in Atlantic City, NJ. We share our own rock and roll stories, reminiscing about encounters with legends like Paul and Linda McCartney and how our concert preferences have evolved from raucous stadium shows to more intimate gigs.From humble beginnings as a franchise with Management Recruiters International to the rise of Rice Cohen International, Gene unveils the innovative strategies and bold decisions that propelled their success in the world of executive search. Learn how specialized recruitment teams and an unwavering commitment to company culture enabled them to conquer high-stakes C-level searches. Hear about the challenges faced, the strategic pivots made, and the importance of retaining top talent in becoming a leading firm.We wrap up with a deep dive into the heart of what makes a company truly exceptional: its culture. Gene shares insights on thoughtful hiring, the power of mentorship, and the magic of team-building activities that create a sense of community and belonging. Discover how initiatives like the Helping Hands program and profit-sharing plans drive employee satisfaction and retention. Finally, we explore Gene's vision of giving back post-retirement, offering valuable life lessons on enjoying the journey and making a difference.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.org linkedin.com/in/grice113 instagram.com/gradtogrownupbook facebook.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.

Are you frustrated by the challenges of the American healthcare system? Join us as we tackle the pressing issues of delayed doctor appointments, exorbitant costs, and mediocre quality of care. Ang shares a personal cautionary tale about the dangers of self-diagnosing with AI-generated info from Google, stressing the importance of accurate medical guidance. We're also joined by Ryan Herd, an expert in healthcare and AI, who shares groundbreaking solutions like app-based healthcare services and innovative healthcare pods in shopping centers that promise to make healthcare more accessible and efficient.Listen to the remarkable journey of a Jersey-born entrepreneur who pivoted from cooking to creating smart home innovations, driven by a deeply personal mission to monitor his father's health during cancer treatments. Despite numerous setbacks and business failures, his resilience birthed Caregiver Smart Solutions, earning the title of hottest startup at CES 2020. We delve into the harsh realities of entrepreneurship, highlighting valuable lessons learned along the way.Ryan opens up about the evolution of company culture at Caregiver Smart Solutions, emphasizing their commitment to providing peace of mind for families with elderly loved ones. We discuss future aspirations, including reaching one million families by 2027, and explore the importance of continuous innovation and community service. Ryan shares his vision for legacy, his reading list, and his favorite music, giving us a well-rounded glimpse into the mind of an entrepreneur dedicated to making a difference.About Ryan Herd:Meet Ryan Herd, the "Smart" guy - he's an accomplished author, serial entrepreneur, patent holder, and TEDx speaker who has made a name for himself in the world of "smart" technology. However, his passion for this field goes beyond professional accolades. As a caregiver to his father, Ryan has firsthand experience of the challenges that caregivers face every day. Ryan is now the founder of Caregiver Smart Solutions which is a Simple and Effective way to know your loved ones are OK.caregiversmartsolutions.com linkedin.com/company/caregiver-smart-solutions instagram.com/css_inc_usa facebook.com/CaregiverSmartSolutionstwitter.com/CSS_Inc_USAtiktok.com/@css_inc_usayoutube.com/@caregiversmartsolutions5624Ryan's TedTalk youtube.com/watch?v=qLhlL_LPqecThis episode is brought to you by Caregiver Smart Solutions; Aging-in-Place technology solutions. Go to caregiversmartsolutions.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.

Gratitude and entrepreneurship might seem like an unusual pairing, but they're the perfect ingredients for success, as our special guest Karen Moffitt demonstrates. From her humble beginnings as a single mom to becoming the founder and president of Little Miss Moffitt, Karen shares how gratitude and kindness have been her guiding principles. Raised by a positive-minded single mother, Karen illustrates the profound impact of small acts of kindness and a supportive upbringing on one’s entrepreneurial journey.In this episode, we explore the strategic moves that propelled Karen’s business forward, including diversifying her sales channels through corporate gifting, e-commerce, and wholesale partnerships with retailers like Twin Valley Coffee and Elixir Coffee. We dig into the challenges she faced, from marketing hurdles to financial constraints, and the critical importance of building a knowledgeable team. Karen also shares her thoughts on the importance of networking and peer support among entrepreneurs, offering invaluable insights for anyone looking to expand their business.Karen also reflects on the importance of community and continuous learning in entrepreneurship. Her involvement in networks like BNI and participation in programs like Goldman Sachs 10KSB showcase her commitment to lifelong learning. Karen’s story is a testament to the power of gratitude, community, and self-compassion in achieving entrepreneurial success. Join us for this inspiring conversation and take away lessons that can help you on your own journey.About Karen Moffitt:Karen Moffitt is the Founder and President of Little Miss Moffitt. She is a single mom of 4 with a passion for spreading positivity through the gifting of sweet treats. She sends Hugs Disguised as Cookies™ and bakes kindness into every bite!Connect with Karen:Website littlemissmoffittbaker.com LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/moffittkaren Instagram instagram.com/littlemiss.moffitt Facebook facebook.com/Lilmsmoffitt This episode is brought to you by Caregiver Smart Solutions; Aging-in-Place technology solutions. Go to caregiversmartsolutions.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.

Can our thoughts truly shape our reality? Discover how your mindset can transform your life as we break down Joseph Nguyen's "Don't Believe Everything You Think." We analyze the neutrality of thoughts and how our interpretations of them influence our actions and worldview. We'll discuss the pervasive impact of media and societal pressures on our thinking patterns and how taking control of our mental processes can mitigate these negative influences. Drawing from Norman Vincent Peale's "The Power of Positive Thinking" and "The Magic of Thinking Big," we set you up for an intriguing exploration into the power of mindset, especially in the context of entrepreneurial endeavors.We also explore the mental game in golf, inspired by Fred Shoemaker's focus on natural swings and mindfulness, and how these principles apply to business. Special guest Ryan R. Sullivan joins us to share his fascinating journey from a young YouTube content creator to the CEO of Podcast Principles. Ryan offers a unique perspective on the evolution of podcasting, its parallels to the early days of radio, and the promising future of this dynamic medium. Learn how podcasts can be an educational tool and a powerful platform for reaching diverse audiences. Join us for a captivating conversation on thoughts, mindset, and the ever-evolving landscape of podcasting.About Ryan R. Sullivan:Ryan R. Sullivan is a founder, producer, rapper and full-time CEO. After leaving his job as a mechanic in 2018 to pursue podcasting, he found himself giving free advice on the topic. This led to founding Podcast Principles, a boutique podcast company for B2B founders and marketers.Connect with Ryan:Website podcastprinciples.com LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/sullybop Instagram instagram.com/sullybop YouTube youtube.com/@podcastprinciples 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.

What if the essence of freedom is more profound than we think? Join us for an enlightening conversation with our guests Regina Black Lennox and Ed Satell from the Satell Institute. We delve into the fundamental principles of American democracy, the historical significance of the upcoming semi-quincentennial, and the vital role of free enterprise. Ed provides a rich historical context, comparing the U.S. governance model to monarchies, and sheds light on the continuous pursuit of democracy and innovation.Explore the mission of the Satell Institute, a trailblazing organization dedicated to enhancing corporate social responsibility. Discover how this initiative encourages CEOs to make significant financial commitments to nonprofits, thereby addressing critical community issues. With over $74m in contributions in the Philadelphia area alone, the Institute's collaborative environment allows business leaders to learn from each other, fostering impactful community support with plans for expansion to other cities.Finally, learn about the unique benefits that nonprofit organizations gain through their engagement with the Satell Institute. By building strong partnerships between for-profit companies and nonprofits, the Institute promotes community strength and mutual respect.About Ed:An innovative entrepreneur and principled business and civic leader for more than 60 years, Ed Satell founded and served as CEO and Chairman of a multi-division media ecommerce provider headquartered in the Philadelphia region. His company has been well-known for a strong, supportive culture of accountability and dedication to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Today, Ed’s vision and energy are dedicated to the Satell Institute, a Think and Do Tank Dedicated to CSR. In 2016, at age 80, rather than retiring, Ed chose to create this unique independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit grounded in free enterprise principles, and he fully endowed the Institute with $15m, so there are no fees or dues to participate. Ed’s vision for serving the greater good—think WE, not just me—continues to grow and thrive.satellinstitute.org linkedin.com/in/ed-satell-86a29996 About Regina:Regina is the Executive VP & Chief of Staff at The Satell Institute.linkedin.com/in/regina-black-lennox-aa39b61 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 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.

Can conditioning your mind with positive affirmations really transform your life? Join us as we explore this profound question with our special co-host, Regina Black Lennox, a seasoned educator who has seen the lasting benefits of positive thinking firsthand. Drawing inspiration from David Nguyen's book "Don't Believe Everything You Think," we dive into how Regina's morning affirmations and mindful meditation have significantly shaped her personal and professional life. Regina shares compelling stories from her teaching days, illustrating the long-term impact of positive affirmations on her students. We also welcome our guest, Ed Satell, who offers invaluable insights into living a life guided by positivity and ethical leadership.Discover the pivotal role of ethical leadership and sound financial habits in building lasting success. Ed Satell takes us back to the days when saving for quality household items was a rite of passage, illustrating how early financial discipline can pave the way for responsible adulthood. Learn how Ed's entrepreneurial journey with American Future Systems in Philadelphia was grounded in the principles of quality, ethics, and customer service. We discuss the importance of providing opportunities for college students to develop leadership skills, and delve into key business lessons, including the power of referrals and integrity. This episode reveals how great service and honesty are the cornerstones of long-term business success.About Ed Satell:An innovative entrepreneur and principled business and civic leader for more than 60 years, Ed Satell founded and served as CEO and Chairman of a multi-division media ecommerce provider headquartered in the Philadelphia region. His company has been well-known for a strong, supportive culture of accountability and dedication to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Today, Ed’s vision and energy are dedicated to the Satell Institute, a Think and Do Tank Dedicated to CSR. In 2016, at age 80, rather than retiring, Ed chose to create this unique independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit grounded in free enterprise principles, and he fully endowed the Institute with $15m, so there are no fees or dues to participate. Ed’s vision for serving the greater good—think WE, not just me—continues to grow and thrive.satellinstitute.org linkedin.com/in/ed-satell-86a29996 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 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 the relentless pursuit of busyness actually holding us back? Join us as we tackle this critical question and explore the phenomenon of busyness in modern entrepreneurship, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Ang delves into the psychological aspects, explaining how busyness can sometimes be a defense mechanism against deeper personal issues. Our guest, Will Schmahl, adds a fresh perspective on balancing personal fulfillment with societal pressures to stay busy, emphasizing the nuances introduced by remote work.We journey through the entrepreneurial life of a remarkable individual who turned childhood inspirations and family legacy into a myriad of successful ventures. From a unique start in bird breeding to the launch of the website Content Place, his story is a testament to the power of creativity and adaptability. Learn about the pivotal moments that redirected his career, including an unexpected injury that led to a transformative shift into the tech and startup world, culminating in their latest innovative project—HousMthr, an app designed to streamline group travel and household management.Will shares his entrepreneurial journey, underscoring the value of credible advice and strategic partnerships with major booking platforms. The episode also highlights the importance of blending creativity with business acumen, demonstrating how artistic endeavors can enhance problem-solving and brand development. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on the synergy between creative and analytical minds in building a successful venture.About Will Schmahl:Will Schmahl is a seasoned entrepreneur and the CTO of HousMthr, an innovative app designed to streamline travel experiences for groups through AI and ML-powered tools. With a rich background in launching and scaling startups, including his first venture ContentPlace, Will brings a wealth of experience and a passion for solving complex problems in the travel industry. Originally from NYC, he is currently based in Philadelphia while leading HousMthr's launch.Connect with Will:Website housmthr.com LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/schmahl Facebook facebook.com/HousMthrTwitter x.com/HousMthr This episode is brought to you by HousMthr; an app crafted to be your travel co-pilot. Go to housmthr.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.

Can you keep up with the pace of today's ever-changing business landscape? Join us as we uncover the secrets to navigating rapid transformations in technology, politics, and social dynamics. Our guest, Freda Thomas, shares her invaluable tips on leveraging LinkedIn for growth and how a positive mindset can turn challenges into opportunities. We take you on an extraordinary journey of a woman influenced by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and raised by inventive parents in Atlanta. From crafting costumes for Broadway shows to touring with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, her versatile career culminates in a surprising pivot to the greeting card industry. Her story is a testament to resilience and the power of adaptability.Feeling the strain of burnout or uncertain about when to pivot your business? We discuss practical strategies to tackle these challenges head-on. Learn how to stand out in the era of artificial intelligence and become a thought leader in your field.About Freda Thomas, MBA, CPC, ACC, CPRW, ELI-MP:Freda holds two distinct coaching credentials —certified by both the International Coaching Federation and the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching. Additionally, she holds titles as a New York State Certified Business Advisor, Certified Professional Resume Writer, and Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner. Recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Career Path Planning, Freda excels as a corporate trainer in HR-related disciplines, offering expertise in career and professional development. Beyond training, Freda provides personalized 1:1 coaching for career professionals and strategic counsel to high-growth enterprises, facilitating their scalability and success. Notably, Freda has proudly served as a Business Advisor for the Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women Black in Business program, showcasing her commitment to fostering success in the business community. Freda stands out as a true winner, making impactful contributions to individual and corporate growth.Connect with Freda:Website consultflt.com LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/freda-l-thomas-mba-careercoach Instagram instagram.com/consultfreda  This episode is brought to you by Freda L. Thomas, your certified professional coach and growth catalyst. Go to consultflt.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.