Founder Talk with Alex Sheridan
Founder Talk with Alex Sheridan
Alex Sheridan
Welcome to Founder Talk! A podcast where we bring on successful Founders to talk to them about their unique expertise in order to help other founders (And aspiring Founders) grow their businesses and live more fulfilling lives. Each guest offers a distinct background and mastered skill set that you'll be able to learn from and apply, immediately! Join us as we dive into their stories, offering practical lessons and a fun experience for you to enjoy and grow from.
How to Save Six Figures on Taxes with Jim from Revenue Task Force
In this episode of Founder Talk, we sit down with Jim, founder of Revenue Task Force, to unpack the hidden tax incentives, energy rebates, and government-backed funding opportunities that most business owners never hear about—yet could save them tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars.Here’s what you’ll learn from Jim:✅ How the FICA Wellness Program can save your company $600–$800 per employee every year—while increasing employee take-home pay and providing free healthcare benefits.✅ Why most businesses leave major money on the table when installing solar panels, EV chargers, or replacing a roof—and how to capture those incentives.✅ How to access power company funding to upgrade your facility without tapping into your budget or showing it on your books.✅ How to use accelerated depreciation and tax credits to drastically reduce your tax burden.✅ Why most business owners miss these opportunities (and how to avoid being one of them).✅ How to shift your sales and marketing from logical arguments to emotional drivers that actually move people to buy.Whether you run a manufacturing facility, a commercial property, or a growing business with employees, this episode is packed with tangible, often-overlooked ways to reinvest in your company, boost margins, and turn infrastructure into a revenue-generating asset.Where to Find JimLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/revenuetaskforce/Website: https://revenuetaskforce.comWant to say goodbye to overpriced marketing agencies and start building your own internal content team that produces more effective content and in your voice (Video podcasts like these for example)? Then let’s have a chat. Because that’s exactly what we help 7-8 figure B2B companies do! To book a call, check out our pricing/services, and learn about how we work with clients, hop on over to our website now! : ⁠https://impaxs.com⁠Subscribe to my weekly CMO briefing for unfiltered insights on the biggest marketing shifts, real-life strategies I’m using to scale companies fast, and key lessons from real-world experience—what’s working, what’s not, and why. No fluff, no filler—just actionable insights you can use immediately. Sign up now to stay ahead!https://impaxs79863.activehosted.com/f/12
May 22, 2025
55 min
Why Retention Beats Acquisition: The Logistics Founders Who Built a Forever Company With Bob Moran and Karen Galena
In this episode of Founder Talk, we sit down with Bob Moran and Karen, the CEO and President duo behind First Logistics. Together, they’ve grown their logistics business 20x in under a decade—without losing a single customer due to performance. But the real story lies in how they did it.Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:✅ Why Bob semi-retired to focus on acquisitions, delivery expansion, and strategic real estate—and how Karen took the reins on daily operations to drive growth.✅ How they built an unbeatable company culture where frontline workers stay for decades and customers show up with pizza for the warehouse team.✅ The single biggest mistake founders make in the private equity process—and how to prepare your company for sale or scale.✅ Why measuring your customers' performance (not just your own) is a game-changer for retention and profitability.✅ How AI, automation, and industry shifts are reshaping the future of warehousing—and what founders should do now to stay ahead.✅ What every founder needs to know about customer acquisition in the post-COVID era—and why handwritten notes and LinkedIn are making a comeback.✅ Why they won’t sell the business unless the buyer values their people—and how that mindset built unshakable loyalty.Whether you're scaling a logistics company or leading a service-based business, this episode is packed with lessons on leadership, culture, private equity, and sustainable growth.Hit subscribe for more founder conversations that give you real insights, no fluff.Where to Find Bob Moran and KarenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-galena-91726a3/https://www.linkedin.com/in/rjmoran/Website: https://firstlogisticsllc.com/Want to say goodbye to overpriced marketing agencies and start building your own internal content team that produces more effective content and in your voice (Video podcasts like these for example)? Then let’s have a chat. Because that’s exactly what we help 7-8 figure B2B companies do! To book a call, check out our pricing/services, and learn about how we work with clients, hop on over to our website now! : ⁠https://impaxs.com⁠Subscribe to my weekly CMO briefing for unfiltered insights on the biggest marketing shifts, real-life strategies I’m using to scale companies fast, and key lessons from real-world experience—what’s working, what’s not, and why. No fluff, no filler—just actionable insights you can use immediately. Sign up now to stay ahead!https://impaxs79863.activehosted.com/f/12
May 8, 2025
1 hr 19 min
4-day workweek, modern marketing that works, and just a fun conversation with Paul Gregory
In this episode of Founder Talk, we sit down with Paul Gregory, founder of Paul Gregory Media and one of the few certified B Corp marketing agencies in the U.S., to talk about what founders need to know heading into 2025 and beyond.Paul’s been doing this for 19 years, and he brings a unique blend of performance marketing expertise and mission-driven brand building. From digital trends to brand messaging to AI-powered workflows, this episode gives founders a full playbook on what’s changing—and what’s not—in the world of modern marketing.Here’s what you’ll learn from Paul:Why digital is no longer optional—and how to choose where to start without wasting time and moneyThe one thing that will still separate winning brands even as video and AI become saturatedThe difference between paid and organic content—and why you need both working as an ecosystemHow Paul helps nonprofit leaders become heroes by giving them brand clarity and strategyWhat being a certified B Corp actually means, and how it drives real client loyaltyThe behind-the-scenes test of a 4-day, 32-hour workweek—and what happened to performanceHow to rethink meetings, Slack, and async work to boost productivityReal-world use cases of AI that save time, sharpen content, and improve internal communicationWhy founders must evolve from "having a presence on social" to building real brand equityThe truth about pricing transparency, sales cycle psychology, and how value-based pricing worksWhether you’re a founder scaling a service business, building a team, or just trying to finally get your marketing to produce ROI—this one’s for you.Follow for more founder conversations that give you real insights, no fluff.Where to Find Paul Gregory:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgregorymediaWebsite: https://www.paulgregorymedia.comCalls to Action (per your request):Want to say goodbye to overpriced marketing agencies and start building your own internal content team that produces more effective content and in your voice (Video podcasts like these for example)? Then let’s have a chat. Because that’s exactly what we help 7-8 figure B2B companies do! To book a call, check out our pricing/services, and learn about how we work with clients, hop on over to our website now! ⁠https://impaxs.com⁠Subscribe to my weekly CMO briefing for unfiltered insights on the biggest marketing shifts, real-life strategies I’m using to scale companies fast, and key lessons from real-world experience—what’s working, what’s not, and why. No fluff, no filler—just actionable insights you can use immediately. Sign up now to stay ahead!https://impaxs79863.activehosted.com/f/12
Apr 24, 2025
57 min
The Old You Is Holding You Back. It’s Time to Step Into 2.0 with Duane Draughon
From the Marine Corps to the outdoor living industry to becoming a private pilot, Dwayne Draughon’s story is anything but ordinary. But it’s his mindset and grit that truly make this episode unforgettable.In this raw, no-filter conversation, we dive deep into the journey of a founder who’s lost it all—and built it back better than ever. Dwayne shares the real side of entrepreneurship that no one talks about: mental health struggles, financial setbacks, leadership mistakes, and the daily discipline it takes to keep going.Here’s what you’ll learn from Dwayne:✅ Why the original business idea flopped—and how that failure led to a thriving design company✅ How the Marine Corps shaped his entrepreneurial mindset and resilience✅ The brutal (and hilarious) truths about people-pleasing, leadership, and friendship in business✅ What it actually means to build “grit”—and how to survive when everything’s on the line✅ How he’s using personal content, video, and AI to scale his brand and reach✅ Why most entrepreneurs are bullshitting life—and how to break out of it and live fully✅ Dwayne’s powerful perspective on race, ownership, and not waiting for anyone’s validationWhether you’re in year one or year ten of your business journey, this episode is a must-listen for founders who want to hear the truth behind the curtain and gain the mindset to keep pushing forward—on their own terms.Where to Find Dwayne Draughon:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duanedraughon/Website: https://www.vizxdesign.com/Want to say goodbye to overpriced marketing agencies and start building your own internal content team that produces more effective content and in your voice (Video podcasts like these for example)? Then let’s have a chat. Because that’s exactly what we help 7-8 figure B2B companies do!To book a call, check out our pricing/services, and learn about how we work with clients, hop on over to our website now! : ⁠https://impaxs.com⁠Subscribe to my weekly CMO briefing for unfiltered insights on the biggest marketing shifts, real-life strategies I’m using to scale companies fast, and key lessons from real-world experience—what’s working, what’s not, and why. No fluff, no filler—just actionable insights you can use immediately.Sign up now to stay ahead!https://impaxs79863.activehosted.com/f/12
Mar 27, 2025
1 hr 6 min
The Truth About Failure, Fear, and Focus With Keith Velcich
What separates top performers from the rest?  Whether you're a founder, investor, or high-stakes trader, mastering your emotional and mental game is the key to success. In this episode of Founder Talk, we sit down with Keith, a former financial trader turned performance coach, who has spent decades helping world-class investors, business leaders, and professionals build mental resilience and discipline to win in high-pressure environments. Keith also asked me alot about video content, LinkedIn, and marketing…so we got into that as well :) Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:✅ The psychological habits of top traders, founders, and executives—and how you can apply them to your business.✅ How to make the right decisions under uncertainty: When to pivot, when to double down, and when to walk away.✅ The power of emotional resilience—why mastering your emotions is the real competitive advantage.✅ How to eliminate distractions, avoid FOMO, and develop unwavering focus.✅ The neuroscience behind peak performance—and how to tap into your brain’s full potential.✅ Why failure is an asset (if you know how to use it), and how the best founders bounce back fast.This episode is packed with practical wisdom for any founder looking to build mental toughness, make smarter decisions, and stay ahead of the game.Where to Find Keith:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithvelcich/Website: www.innermasterygroup.comWant to say goodbye to overpriced marketing agencies and start building your own internal content team that produces more effective content and in your voice (Video podcasts like these for example)? Then let’s have a chat. Because that’s exactly what we help 7-8 figure B2B companies do! To book a call, check out our pricing/services, and learn about how we work with clients, hop on over to our website now! ⁠https://impaxs.com⁠Subscribe to my weekly CMO briefing for unfiltered insights on the biggest marketing shifts, real-life strategies I’m using to scale companies fast, and key lessons from real-world experience—what’s working, what’s not, and why. No fluff, no filler—just actionable insights you can use immediately. Sign up now to stay ahead!https://impaxs79863.activehosted.com/f/12
Mar 13, 2025
1 hr 21 min
How to Build a Personal Brand That Actually Wins Clients with Jason Vana
Struggling to grow your personal brand on LinkedIn? Posting consistently but not seeing inbound leads? Jason Vana, founder of Shift, joins us for round three to break down what actually works—and what founders are getting dead wrong.In this episode, Jason reveals:✅ The biggest mistake founders make when trying to build a brand on LinkedIn.✅ His 80/20 content strategy that balances reach, engagement, and lead generation.✅ Why giving away your best insights for free actually attracts high-ticket clients.✅ How he grew to 81K+ followers organically (no gimmicks, no paid followers).✅ The differentiation formula that makes brands stand out (most companies fail this test).✅ Why LinkedIn “likes” don’t matter—and what to track instead.✅ His system for creating 20+ high-quality videos a month without burning out.✅ The AI trap most businesses fall into—and how to use it strategically.If you're a founder, CEO, or entrepreneur looking to make LinkedIn work for your business, this episode is packed with real insights, no fluff—just actionable strategies that actually drive results. Hit subscribe for more founder conversations that help you grow your business and brand the right way.Where to Find Jason Vana:🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonvana/🌎 Website: https://shft.agency/Want to Build Your Own Internal Content Team Instead of Relying on an Agency?We help 7-8 figure B2B companies ditch overpriced marketing agencies and build in-house content teams that create better, more authentic content—like this podcast.📲 Book a call, check our pricing/services, and learn how we help clients here:https://impaxs.comSubscribe to my weekly CMO briefing for unfiltered insights on the biggest marketing shifts, real-life strategies I’m using to scale companies fast, and key lessons from real-world experience—what’s working, what’s not, and why. No fluff, no filler—just actionable insights you can use immediately. Sign up now to stay ahead!https://impaxs79863.activehosted.com/f/12
Mar 6, 2025
1 hr 14 min
How Dude Wipes Built a $300M+ Iconic Brand With Sean Riley
In this episode, we sit down with Sean Riley, the Chief Executive Dude of Dude Wipes, to dive into the bold branding, viral marketing, and relentless hustle behind one of Mark Cuban’s biggest Shark Tank wins. Here’s what you’ll learn from Sean:✅How Dude Wipes took a simple idea and turned it into a $300M+ brand.✅The genius brand strategy they deployed that made them wildly successful (One you can use too)✅ Why getting 100+ rejections before landing on Shark Tank was actually a good thing. ✅ How building an authentic, disruptive brand can compete with and even dominate billion-dollar companies✅ What is viral hacking & newsjacking and how to use it to dominate social media feeds✅ The importance of staying laser-focused to keep growing in a massive marketWhether you’re an entrepreneur, brand builder, or content creator, this episode is a masterclass on disruption, branding, and scaling a business the right way.Hit subscribe for more founder conversations that give you real insights, no fluff.Connect with Sean Riley:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spriles?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_appDude Wipes: https://dudewipes.com/Want to say goodbye to overpriced marketing agencies and start building your own internal content team that produces more effective content and in your voice (Video podcasts like these for example)?  Then let’s have a chat.  Because that’s exactly what we help 7-8 figure B2B companies do!  To book a call, check out our pricing/services, and learn about how we work with clients, hop on over to our website now! : ⁠https://impaxs.com⁠Subscribe to my weekly CMO briefing for unfiltered insights on the biggest marketing shifts, real-life strategies I’m using to scale companies fast, and key lessons from real-world experience—what’s working, what’s not, and why. No fluff, no filler—just actionable insights you can use immediately. Sign up now to stay ahead!https://impaxs79863.activehosted.com/f/12
Feb 27, 2025
1 hr 11 min
The Leadership Blind Spot That’s Holding You Back with Rick Lochner.
In this episode of Founder Talk, we sit down with Rick Lochner, founder and president of RPC Leadership and Associates, to discuss the real difference between managing and leading—and why most founders are getting it wrong. We explore:✔️ Success vs. Scale – Why not every founder should chase the billion-dollar dream✔️ The Power of Leadership Mindset – How shifting your thinking changes everything✔️ The 3 Rs of Podcasting – Why every founder should start a podcast✔️ How to Build High-Performing Teams – The leadership mistakes that kill momentum✔️ The Biggest Generational Leadership Differences – What Baby Boomers, Millennials, and Gen Z can learn from each other✔️ How to Get Honest Feedback from Your Team – The question every leader should ask✔️ Mission vs. Vision – Why most companies get them wrong and how to fix it✔️ Imperfect Excellence > Perfection – How founders should think about failure✔️ Why Learning is the Only Competitive Advantage – And how to do it faster than your competitorsThis episode is a must-listen if you're a founder looking to scale your business without sacrificing your leadership, your team, or your life.Where to Find Rick Lochner:📌 LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricklochner/📌 Website:rpcleadershipassociates.comWant to Take Control of Your Brand & Build an Internal Content Team?Tired of relying on overpriced marketing agencies? We help 7-8 figure B2B companies build internal content teams that produce more effective content and drive real business results (Like this podcast here!).📌 Book a call & see how we work: https://impaxs.comSubscribe to my weekly CMO briefing for unfiltered insights on the biggest marketing shifts, real-life strategies I’m using to scale companies fast, and key lessons from real-world experience—what’s working, what’s not, and why. No fluff, no filler—just actionable insights you can use immediately. Sign up now to stay ahead!https://impaxs79863.activehosted.com/f/12
Feb 20, 2025
58 min
The Hard Truth About Marketing in 2025 With Lisa Canning
In this episode ofFounder Talk, we dive into the heated debate around the effectiveness of social media marketing and what it takes to build in-house content teams.Our guest,Lisa, a seasoned entrepreneur and shares her journey of building a business in adeclining industry, growing despite market stagnation, and helping companies structure their marketing teams. We also tackle:✔️The Big Debate: Why building an internal content team is the key to long-term success✔️The Pitfalls of Marketing Agencies – Why outsourcing can hurt your brand voice and speed✔️Sales & Marketing in 2025 – What’s actually working right now✔️Why Founders Must Create Content – And how to do it without overwhelm✔️How Music & Project Management Unlock Branding Success – A wild take you won’t expect✔️Hiring in the Philippines vs. U.S. for Content Roles – The controversial debate✔️Marketing That Drives Real Leads – What works, what doesn’t, and what’s a total waste of timeIf you’re a founder looking to scale your business, generateconsistent leads, and build a marketing machine, this episode is a must-listen.Where to Find Lisa:📌LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisacanning/📌Website:https://salesmaven.io/Want to say goodbye to overpriced marketing agencies and start building your own internal content team that produces more effective content and in your voice (Podcasts like these for example), then let’s have a chat.  Because that’s exactly what we help 7-8 figure B2B companies do!  To book a call, check out our pricing/services, and learn about how we work with clients, hop on over to our website now! ⁠https://impaxs.com⁠I put together a super valuable playbook for 7-8 figure B2B companies on how to build your OWN high-performing content team that can produce video podcasts just like this and help you drive real business results and revenue through video content across platforms. And it’s FREE! 🤗 Sign up here 👉https://impaxs79863.activehosted.com/f/1
Feb 13, 2025
1 hr 4 min
Build a Better Business: Hiring Mistakes, Partnerships, and Life-Changing Practices with Renee Beckman
In this episode of Founder Talk, Alex Sheridan sits down with Rene Beckman, founder of M Seed Search and a seasoned entrepreneur with a wealth of experience in building and scaling businesses. Rene shares her unique journey, from navigating challenging partnerships and making successful exits to helping companies hire the right talent and build sustainable teams. We dive into the practical, the personal, and the philosophical—covering everything from common hiring mistakes founders make to why meditation is a game-changer for entrepreneurs. If you're a founder looking to scale, avoid costly hiring missteps, or find clarity in a chaotic world, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Highlight Stamps: 00:02 – Rene Beckman introduces herself and her entrepreneurial journey. 04:15 – Common hiring mistakes founders make and why they wait too long to build infrastructure. 12:45 – How meditation can change your life and improve decision-making as a founder. 18:30 – The challenges and pitfalls of business partnerships. 25:00 – Scaling tips: What it takes to move from six figures to seven and beyond. 33:50 – Why creating a compelling hiring process and company story is critical for attracting top talent. 41:20 – The real difference between being a solopreneur and building a scalable business. 51:00 – Lessons learned from pitching investors and navigating the tech startup world. 58:30 – Final advice: Get the right people, prioritize infrastructure, and explore life-changing practices. Where to Find Renee Beckman: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-beckman/ Website: https://mseedinc.com/
Jan 30, 2025
1 hr 9 min
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