Episode #294: Vladimer Botsvadze
Vladimer Botsvadze is a world-renowned, multi-award-winning digital transformation and social media thought leader, influencer, keynote speaker, professor, startup advisor, Fortune 500 consultant, and internet personality. Ranked as the No. 1 Global Marketing, Social Media, and Retail Thought Leader by Thinkers360, Vladimer has built a personal brand from scratch—proving that with passion, grit, and smart storytelling, anyone can rise to the top.
Episode #235: Shawn Shewchuk
Shawn Shewchuk, Change Your Results — Turning Fear Into Fuel Shawn Shewchuk is “THE Productivity Speaker” and a results-driven advisor to high achievers. With 28+ years in the trenches, 43 companies launched, and two bestselling books, he helps leaders trade busywork for outcomes and build businesses that run on systems—not stress. If you’ve ever felt stuck firefighting instead of scaling, Shawn’s mindset-first, results-always approach will hit home. Why he matters: Shawn’s philosophy is simple and surgical: fear lives only in your head, and progress starts the moment you make an irrevocable decision. From breaking audacious goals into hourly actions to designing teams for peak productivity, he shows entrepreneurs how to create their own economy—on purpose. Key Takeaways: Fear is mental, not material. Move from your head to your heart, make one decisive first step, and walk through the “paper-mâché” terror barrier. Results over titles. “Coach” is meaningless without measurable outcomes. Everything—business, career, relationships—goes on the table to remove hidden anchors. Decisions drive destiny. Success is the compounding effect of conscious choices; default mode equals drift. Know where you’re going, then reverse-engineer yearly → monthly → daily → hourly actions. Productivity is precision. It’s any action that moves you toward your goal. One extra hour of high-productivity per person, per day, can transform the bottom line. Lead people, design systems. Put players in roles where they win, cross-train for context, and build a company that functions if you step away for 90 days. Catch the full story on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZnpXiY0U0E Memorable Quote: “Fear exists nowhere except in your head—make an irrevocable decision to move forward.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Shawn Linkedin Globe Globe
Episode #180: Weston Seid – Building Opportunities with Oppti
Weston Seid: Building Opportunities with Oppti Weston Seid, founder and CEO of Oppti, is on a mission to bridge the gap between ambitious students and real-world work experience. A USC Marshall graduate and the youngest planning commissioner in his city’s history, Weston brings a unique mix of strategic thinking and entrepreneurial drive to solving a critical problem: helping students find internships that align with their passions while giving businesses an easy way to nurture future talent. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9zz-gTPaRU Top 5 Takeaways from the Episode: From Commissioner to Entrepreneur – Weston transitioned from being the youngest planning commissioner to building a platform that connects students and employers nationwide. Solving the Internship Gap – Oppti addresses the lack of internship opportunities, especially for high school students, by streamlining how businesses create and manage internship programs. Bootstrapping for Success – Rather than rushing into venture capital, Weston and his team bootstrapped Oppti to stay true to their mission and build a platform that truly works for students and businesses alike. Virtual Internships are the Future – The shift toward remote work opened new possibilities for businesses and students, making internships more accessible regardless of location. End-to-End Solution for Businesses – From recruiting and screening to training and performance tracking, Oppti handles the heavy lifting so businesses can focus on integrating interns into meaningful projects. Watch the full episode now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9zz-gTPaRU Memorable Quote: “It’s not just about giving students opportunities—it’s about helping them make informed decisions that shape their future careers.” – Weston Seid Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Weston Linkedin
Episode #205: John Beane
John Beane of MemComputing: Disrupting the Future of Computing John Beane, the founder and CEO of MemComputing, Inc., is a true startup junkie and serial entrepreneur with seven startups under his belt and over $1.5 billion in exits for investors. With MemComputing, John is leading a revolution in computing architecture, helping businesses solve some of the world’s toughest optimization problems—faster, cheaper, and with a massive environmental impact. Top 5 Takeaways from the Episode: Startup DNA: John thrives in the high-risk, high-reward startup environment, building companies where innovation and grit drive success. MemComputing Explained: The company’s breakthrough technology combines processing and memory in a way that dramatically reduces computation times—transforming industries from logistics to AI. Massive Impact: MemComputing is already working with Fortune 100 clients like Lockheed Martin, Space Force, and ArcelorMittal, proving its ability to save time, money, and resources at scale. Fail Fast, Learn Faster: John emphasizes the importance of pushing hard, learning from failure, and never letting doubt dictate your next move. Team Over Product: Investors often back teams more than ideas—building the right culture and mindset is key to startup success. Watch the full episode now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6DpYlmpzC8 Memorable Quote: “This company is not going to fail by the lack of me trying.” – John Beane Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with John Linkedin
Episode #191: David Wald – Co-Founder & CEO of Aclaimant
David Wald – Co-Founder & CEO of Aclaimant David Wald is the Co-Founder and CEO of Aclaimant, a Chicago-based risk management platform helping businesses keep their people safe and reduce workplace risk. With a background in consulting, venture capital, and startup growth—including time with Groupon’s early venture fund—David brings a unique blend of entrepreneurial experience and operational discipline. His journey shows how risk management, when digitized, can transform business safety and efficiency at scale. Key Takeaways from the Episode From Investor to Founder: David began his career at Bain & Company before joining Lightbank, Groupon’s venture fund, where he learned firsthand how successful founders iterate and scale. The Spark for Aclaimant: What started as his girlfriend’s (now wife’s) father’s insurance idea became a thriving company with 60 employees and Series B funding. Fixing Outdated Systems: Aclaimant moves risk management out of the “paper form era” into digital workflows—helping companies prevent accidents, manage incidents, and reduce insurance costs. Family Business Done Right: Building a company with his father-in-law wasn’t without challenges, but David credits honesty, trust, and shared passion as the keys to success. The Future of Risk & Tech: Beyond insurance, David sees Web 3.0 and blockchain as technologies that will revolutionize industries—though like 3D printing, it will take time to mature. Catch the full conversation with David Wald and host Ken on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRF9c8hv9kY Memorable Quote: “If you don’t know how to lose, you can never really win. In startups, you’re getting your butt kicked all the time—what matters is how you learn from it.” – David Wald Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with David Linkedin Globe
Episode #127: Specialty Fitness – Chuck Herman
Chuck Herman of Specialty Fitness Equipment: Turning Setbacks into Strength in the Fitness Industry Chuck Herman, founder of Specialty Fitness Equipment, joined the Clicks & Bricks Podcast to share his incredible journey from employee to entrepreneur. With over 25 years of hands-on fitness industry experience, Chuck has built a thriving business despite facing legal hurdles like a tough non-compete agreement. His story is packed with practical advice for entrepreneurs navigating legal contracts, launching businesses, and balancing personal fitness with business success. This Episode’s Highlights Non-Competes Can Be a Trap: Chuck learned the hard way that signing a non-compete agreement early in your career can haunt you years later—always consult an attorney before signing. Persistence Beats Adversity: Despite legal battles and financial struggles, Chuck stayed focused and ultimately built a successful company serving commercial fitness clients nationwide. Family Support Matters: During his lowest moments, it was his wife’s encouragement that pushed Chuck to keep building his business instead of giving up. Start Simple with Fitness: For busy professionals, Chuck recommends resistance bands as a low-cost, high-impact way to stay fit. Tech in Fitness Has Limits: While connected fitness gear is trendy, Chuck warns that basic, durable equipment often lasts longer and delivers more value. Watch Chuck Herman’s full story on Episode 127 of the Clicks & Bricks Podcast and learn how to turn career roadblocks into business success. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7eBs7916_Y Memorable Quote: We didn’t pay all this money to settle for you to go work for somebody—you’re great at what you do. I trust you. I have your back. Let’s get going. Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Chuck Globe Facebook Linkedin Globe
Episode #119: Nice-Pak – Nevin
Nevin Aurora of Nice-Pak: Marketing Leadership at a Billion-Dollar Wipes Empire Nevin Aurora, Marketing Lead for Household Wipes at Nice-Pak, joins Clicks & Bricks to share how a third-generation, family-owned company built a global footprint in the wipes industry. As the leader of a billion-dollar portfolio, Nevin breaks down practical marketing strategies and explains why staying fast, nimble, and consumer-focused is critical in today’s rapidly changing world. This Episode’s Highlights Wipes Are Everywhere: Nice-Pak manufactures household wipes for major retailers like Costco’s Kirkland and Walmart’s Equate—products most people use without even knowing it. Know Your Consumer Deeply: Nevin emphasizes building detailed customer personas to craft messaging and products that meet real consumer needs. Speed Wins: Whether it’s a pandemic or market shift, companies that move fast and adapt quickly capture the opportunity—those that don’t, miss out. Focus Before Patents: Instead of fixating on patents, get your product to market quickly, learn from real-world feedback, and refine as you go. Personalization Is the Future: As consumers demand more tailored solutions, companies must evolve to offer customizable products and experiences. Watch the full episode of Clicks & Bricks to hear Nevin’s practical advice on scaling product marketing and staying ahead of your competition. Check it out now at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUOrq2YoOXw&list=PL-aGDTmvrRSNUYOSG_x0JG7BNLmjoLWZs&index=53 Memorable Quote: Your ability to adapt and respond creates either an opportunity—or you completely miss the marketplace. Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Nevin Facebook Linkedin Globe X-twitter
Episode #116: Luvafoodie – Michelle Mazzara
Michelle Mazzara, Founder of Luvafoodie: From Dating for Foodies to Clean Eating Success Michelle Mazzara took a leap of faith when she left the security of corporate America to chase her entrepreneurial dreams. What started as a dating site for food lovers evolved into Luvafoodie, a thriving clean eating and holistic product brand. In this episode, Michelle shares her inspiring journey of pivots, passion, and perseverance, showing what it takes to build a brand from scratch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9GtX6Sh55g&list=PL-aGDTmvrRSNUYOSG_x0JG7BNLmjoLWZs&index=50 This Episode’s Highlights Big Leaps Pay Off: Michelle left her corporate career at Sara Lee to build something entirely her own—starting in a completely new industry with zero experience. Pivoting with Purpose: When the online dating space proved too competitive, she quickly shifted Luvafoodie into a consumer products company focused on clean, natural foods. Problem Solving with Passion: A short shelf life for her first product, caramels, led her to develop longer-lasting chocolates, spices, and eventually salt-free spice blends inspired by her personal health journey. Health-Driven Mission: After battling heart disease, Michelle became a champion for clean eating and created products that help others lead healthier lives, including a spice line for pets. Entrepreneurial Grit: Michelle built Luvafoodie without investors, driven by her passion to help people eat better and create products that genuinely make people smile. You have to want this more than anything else you’ve ever wanted, because you’re going to work harder than you ever anticipated. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9GtX6Sh55g&list=PL-aGDTmvrRSNUYOSG_x0JG7BNLmjoLWZs&index=50 Memorable Quote: You have to want this more than anything else you’ve ever wanted, because you’re going to work harder than you ever anticipated. Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Michelle Facebook Globe Instagram X-twitter
Episode #109: CrossFit 43 North – Clayton Borah
Clayton Borah of CrossFit 43 North: Making Fitness Accessible for Every Body Clayton Borah, founder of CrossFit 43 North in Nampa, Idaho, joined the Clicks & Bricks Podcast to share how he’s redefining CrossFit for the everyday person. With a background in graphic design and a heart for helping people, Clayton turned his passion for fitness into a thriving, inclusive gym community. His story is one of grit, resilience, and slow-but-steady growth driven by real human connection and long-term vision. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5O-VNHElp4&list=PL-aGDTmvrRSNUYOSG_x0JG7BNLmjoLWZs&index=44 This Episode’s Highlights Inclusive Fitness for All: Clayton built CrossFit 43 North to help everyday people—not just elite athletes—experience the benefits of CrossFit without intimidation. Mindset Matters: His coaching focuses on building sustainable habits and a “low trajectory to a distant horizon” rather than chasing quick wins. Personal Training First: Every new member starts with one-on-one training to build confidence and reduce the risk of injury. Authentic Branding: The name “43 North” reflects the local geography and reinforces the gym’s unique, community-based story. The Power of Mentorship: Clayton credits much of his business growth to hiring a coach and humbly learning how to scale the right way. Want to hear Clayton’s full entrepreneurial journey and his practical advice for gym owners and business leaders? Watch the full episode now at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hA-mEgr1zI Memorable Quote: The habit is the goal—make training part of your life, not just a temporary fix. Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Clayton Facebook Linkedin Globe Instagram
Episode #94: Helix Fitness – Lenny Snyderman
Lenny Snyderman of Helix Fitness: Inventing a New Path in Fitness & Patents Lenny Snyderman, founder and inventor of Helix Fitness, has redefined the fitness industry with his innovative lateral training technology. With over 30 years in the industry and 11 patents to his name, Lenny shares his entrepreneurial journey of invention, perseverance, and the real-world lessons behind protecting your ideas. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHc4MLRMJ_A Top 5 Takeaways from This Episode: Helix Fitness created the first lateral trainer, working the body in all three planes of motion for a balanced, full-body workout. Lenny holds 11 patents across multiple countries, emphasizing both invention and legal protection in building a business. Timing is everything: Lenny’s first trade show debut in 2008 collided with the global recession, forcing him to adapt and self-fund the business. Entrepreneurs must obsess over their product and solve hurdles with a “how do I fix this” mindset, not a “should I keep going” debate. Patents are only one part of the equation—business owners must be prepared to defend their intellectual property and out-market the competition. Catch the full story of Lenny Snyderman’s fitness invention journey and real-world patent advice on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hA-mEgr1zI Memorable Quote: You can’t be an entrepreneur and a pessimist at the same time. Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Lenny Facebook Instagram Youtube X-twitter