Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast

Cindy Free is the Owner and CEO of HR Annie Consulting, a firm specializing in human resources support, training, and compliance for small to midsize businesses. With over two decades of experience in HR leadership, Cindy helps companies build strong people strategies. She is known for her pragmatic approach to aligning culture and compliance. Wesley Naidoo is the Managing Director at Oasis Group, a global provider of information management services including data storage, digital transformation, and secure destruction. He leads strategic growth initiatives and operational excellence across international markets. Wesley brings a track record of leadership in scaling enterprise solutions and managing complex data governance. Shirley Wiliani is the Founder and CEO of A La C.A.R.T.E. Solutions, a business process outsourcing firm that provides back-office and customer service support to scaling companies. Her leadership focuses on delivering customized, cost-effective operational solutions. Shirley brings over 20 years of experience in helping companies improve efficiency and growth through outsourcing. Andy Cheng is the Co-founder of OptiNizers, a company focused on optimizing business operations and technology integration for growth-stage businesses. He leverages automation and strategic consulting to streamline systems and improve scalability. Andy has a background in technology consulting and entrepreneurship, helping clients transform operational bottlenecks into growth opportunities. In this episode… Growing a company takes more than hustle. It requires clarity of vision, strong leadership, and the ability to adapt through every stage. Whether it’s navigating economic uncertainty, building a team culture from the ground up, or learning to let go through delegation, today’s most effective entrepreneurs are aligning strategy with purpose to drive meaningful, lasting growth. Cindy Free emphasizes how thoughtful planning helped HR Annie Consulting rebound from setbacks and scale during the pandemic, while Wesley Naidoo explains how leveraging EO’s global network enabled Oasis Group to expand across continents and industries. Shirley Wiliani shares how she transformed her hiring process by leading with core values, creating a culture that attracts the right people. Andy Cheng dives into the mindset shift that helped him overcome burnout: mastering delegation and building a business model centered on remote talent. In this episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, recorded live at the Entrepreneurs’ Organization Global Leadership Conference in Honolulu, you’ll hear how Cindy Free, Wesley Naidoo, Shirley Wiliani, and Andy Cheng are using people-first leadership, strategic planning, and personal growth to power their companies forward. You’ll also learn how community, vulnerability, and connection have shaped their entrepreneurial journeys.

Ryder Meehan is the Co-founder and Co-CEO of Upgrow, a performance-driven digital marketing agency specializing in SEO, paid media, and conversion optimization for B2B tech companies. With over 20 years of experience, he led digital marketing teams at Samsung, Microsoft, Razorfish, Fossil, and Tatcha. Ryder has managed more than $1 billion in Google Ads spend and has been featured in Forbes and Business News Daily. He has also contributed to university-level digital marketing curricula and frequently speaks at industry events. In this episode… What does it take to scale a digital marketing agency in an era where attention is scarce and competition is fierce? In a landscape flooded with AI-generated content and ever-rising client expectations, standing out requires more than just performance metrics or clever ads. How do the most effective agencies build not only campaigns but enduring client relationships? According to Ryder Meehan, a seasoned digital marketing strategist with over 15 years of experience, the key is combining performance-driven execution with a deep understanding of the audience. He highlights how agencies must evolve beyond simply running Google Ads or optimizing SEO. They need to immerse themselves in client pain points, audience behavior, and competitive messaging. By building robust brand research documents and conducting SERP-level competitor analysis, agencies can craft campaigns that speak directly to what matters. Ryder also emphasizes how thoughtful use of AI can elevate, rather than dilute, marketing effectiveness when it's guided by strong inputs and human editing. In this episode, host John Corcoran sits down with Ryder Meehan, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Upgrow, to talk about building a scalable marketing agency in a noisy digital world. They discuss how to turn early consulting gigs into a full-fledged agency, why message clarity is the new performance lever, and how to weather market volatility through smart positioning. Ryder also offers advice on using AI tools responsibly without losing creative edge.

Zhubei is the Co-founder of Venture Education, a Beijing-based consultancy that provides market intelligence on K–12 education in China to organizations worldwide. Before co-founding Venture Education, she taught English to thousands of university volunteers for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Committee and coordinated between CCTV and its overseas partners. Adam Horowitz is the Principal of Lever Capital Partners, a Las Vegas-based firm specializing in complex commercial real estate financing across the United States. He founded the company in 2009, leveraging his extensive experience to arrange debt, mezzanine, and equity financing for prominent real estate developers and owners. Paul Carroll is the Founder and CEO of Avion Wealth, a Houston-based wealth management firm that assists clients in making smart financial decisions aligned with their goals and values. With a background in the US Air Force and degrees from the University of Maryland and Texas A&M University, he has built a firm managing approximately $850 million in assets. Jeff Luther is the Founder and CEO of Home-Probe, Inc., a home inspection company serving the greater Atlanta and Charleston areas. Since establishing the company in 2002, he has grown it into one of the most referred home inspection firms in the Southeast, emphasizing high standards and client satisfaction. In this episode… Reinventing a business in the face of crisis demands clarity, community, and the courage to pivot. From collapsing industries and personal challenges to leadership breakthroughs, how do today’s top entrepreneurs find their footing and come back stronger? Zhubei reflects on navigating China’s sudden education crackdown while caring for a sick child — and how mentorship, empathy, and her EO community helped her rise again. Adam Horowitz shares lessons from launching a commercial real estate firm during a financial crash and the importance of building a strong network to weather any storm. Paul Carroll recounts his unexpected transition from airline pilot to financial advisor after 9/11 reshaped his future, and Jeff Luther explains how EO helped him rebuild and scale after devastating downturns in the real estate market. In this episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, recorded live at the Entrepreneurs’ Organization Global Leadership Conference in Honolulu, you’ll hear how Zhubei, Adam Horowitz, Paul Carroll, and Jeff Luther turned adversity into opportunity. Learn how EO’s support system fueled their resilience, helped them redefine success, and gave them tools to lead with purpose.

Ashley Du is the Founder of Meaningful Beginnings, a premium childcare provider in San Francisco offering licensed early education for children aged 0-5. She started the business in 2013 from her home after identifying a gap in high-quality, affordable childcare options. Under her leadership, the company has expanded into multiple centers and is known for its nurturing environment and Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum. Ashley also mentors aspiring daycare owners and leverages her real estate expertise to support their growth. In this episode… Some entrepreneurs are driven by vision; others are fueled by hardship. But what happens when both collide and a business becomes more than just a business? According to Ashley Du, a seasoned entrepreneur who transformed her side hustle into a fast-growing childcare brand, success stems from believing in yourself when no one else does. She highlights how overcoming self-doubt and a scarcity mindset was just as crucial as mastering systems and operations. That inner shift laid the groundwork for scaling effectively and sustainably. Ashley also learned, through painful setbacks like embezzlement and culture breakdowns, that smart delegation and strong leadership are non-negotiable for long-term growth. Her resilience and adaptability ultimately turned adversity into structure, vision, and impact. In this episode, John Corcoran speaks with Ashley Du, Founder of Meaningful Beginnings, to talk about building a scalable childcare business through grit and vision. They discuss how personal hardship shaped her leadership, why systems are essential for growth, and how she navigated a crisis that nearly derailed her company. Ashley also shares what sobriety taught her about clarity and control.

Chad Nikkel is a Business Guide at Next Level Growth, a firm that helps entrepreneurs and leadership teams scale their companies while maintaining a work-life balance. With over 25 years of experience, he has founded and scaled 11 businesses, including facilitating seven acquisitions and four high-value exits. Ashley Richards is the Founder and CEO of E Squared Marketing, a digital marketing agency dedicated to helping service-based businesses grow through smart strategy, standout content, and meaningful connections. Ashley is passionate about creating flexible work environments, particularly in supporting working mothers in balancing their careers and families. Vincent Moiso is the Founder and President of VIS Business Group LLC, a consulting firm specializing in strategic planning, sales, and operations for small businesses in the flooring industry. Vincent is actively involved in industry organizations and has contributed to various technical committees and educational programs. Don Williams is the CEO of Don Williams Global, a consulting firm that assists businesses in enhancing sales, marketing, and customer experience strategies. Don also hosts The Proven Entrepreneur Show, which shares insights on business growth and leadership. In this episode… Building a business is not just about strategy or hustle. For many entrepreneurs, real growth comes from community, vulnerability, and stepping up to lead. What does this look like in practice Chad Nikkel built and exited 11 companies, learning a painful lesson about bankruptcy after losing millions in a deal gone wrong. Ashley Richards turned a blurry season of diapers and deadlines into a thriving agency that champions working moms. Vincent Moiso walked away from a stalled partnership, started fresh, and ran companies spanning consulting, litigation, and manufacturing. EO carried Don Williams through a brutal divorce, and saying yes to service helped him lead one of the most impactful events in the organization’s history. In this episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, recorded live at the Entrepreneurs’ Organization Global Leadership Conference in Honolulu, you’ll hear how these leaders turned setbacks into purpose, why serving others can be the most powerful growth strategy, and how EO continues to shape their journeys.

Genevieve Barter is the President of Palmeira Home + Health, a leading home healthcare provider delivering personalized skilled nursing and therapy services to patients in the comfort of their homes across multiple states. After more than eight years working in home health, she acquired the company she loved to close the gap between small caregivers and large, impersonal providers. Under her leadership, Palmeira has expanded into multiple states while maintaining a human‑touch, goal‑oriented approach to care. In this episode… Building a meaningful business in healthcare isn’t just about strategy or margins — it’s about mission, service, and resilience. What drives someone to stay committed in an industry that demands so much and changes so fast? And how do you scale a business that keeps compassion at its core? According to Genevieve Barter, a second-generation entrepreneur and home health leader, staying grounded in purpose is what keeps the business and its people moving forward. She highlights that the best companies are built not only with operational systems but also with a deep understanding of the human element behind care. That foundation helped her navigate everything from industry burnout to supply shortages during the pandemic while continuing to expand across states. For her, empathy isn’t a soft value; it’s a competitive advantage that attracts top talent, earns patient trust, and fuels sustainable growth. In this episode, John Corcoran sits down with Genevieve Barter, President of Palmeira Home + Health, to talk about how she built a multi-state healthcare company rooted in compassion. She shares how family legacy and unexpected turns led her to leadership, why resilience matters more than perfection, and what it takes to thrive in a people-centered business. Genevieve also talks about leading through crisis and the post-pandemic challenges facing the industry.

Michael Hsu is the Founder and CEO of MEASURE × HACK, a financial literacy and business performance company that helps entrepreneurs understand and manage their money through systems and metrics. He is also the Founder and CEO of DeepSky, a leading CFO consulting and outsourced accounting firm. Lisa Riley is the Owner and President of multiple Tulsa-area Pinot’s Palette studios, part of a US paint‑and‑sip franchise offering guided canvas painting with wine and cocktails. Under her leadership, she expanded to three locations and built a reputation for creativity. Lisa also works as a professional food stylist. Lorraine Corcoran is the Co‑founder and CEO of Nyrah Beauty, a science‑driven, plant‑infused skincare company. A mechanical engineer with over 25 years of experience in product development, she led the formulation, manufacturing, and innovation of products in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and medical device industries. Marina Byezhanova is the CEO of Brand of a Leader, a global personal‑branding agency that helps entrepreneurs and executives build thought leadership voices. Born in Soviet-era Ukraine, she is a global speaker, university instructor, and has been featured in top-tier media like Inc., Forbes, Fast Company, and WSJ. In this episode… Building a business is never a straight line. From personal health challenges to financial missteps, global disruptions, and emerging technologies, entrepreneurs are constantly faced with moments that demand reinvention. The ones who thrive are those who lean into community, stay adaptable, and turn setbacks into catalysts for growth. For Michael Hsu, losing track of his company’s finances forced a wake-up call and a return to disciplined money management. Lisa Riley’s cancer diagnosis and appearance on a business reality show helped her reimagine her franchise and earn national recognition. Lorraine Corcoran shifted a manufacturing business during COVID and launched a skincare brand focused on hormonal health. Leveraging AI allowed Marina Byezhanova to restructure her agency and gave her a renewed focus on high-impact talent and innovation. In this episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, recorded live at the Entrepreneurs’ Organization Global Leadership Conference in Honolulu, you’ll hear how four founders embraced crisis, leaned on community, and came out stronger through clarity, creativity, and change.

Ashish Patel is the Founder and CEO of Simpat Tech, a custom software development consultancy. With a background in engineering and product management, he has scaled the company to become a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner in Application Development. Ashish is also the Owner and Manager of Austin .NET User Group. In this episode… Starting a business often entails facing uncertainty about when to take risks, how to scale, and how to differentiate in a competitive market. Many founders struggle to balance growth while maintaining culture and controlling costs, especially when talent demands skyrocket. How can entrepreneurs scale while managing financial, operational, and cultural challenges? Software developer and entrepreneur Ashish Patel scaled his company by starting small, securing early mentorship, and leveraging nearshore talent to manage costs without sacrificing quality. Ashish partnered with a trusted colleague to build a development team in Mexico, where he facilitated cultural alignment to enhance collaboration. He emphasizes the importance of investing in company culture through regular in-person visits and open communication. In this episode, John Corcoran hosts Ashish Patel, Founder and CEO of Simpat Tech, to discuss scaling a software development company. Ashish shares his immigrant and entrepreneurial upbringing, how he leverages AI for coding efficiency, and the role of mentorship in his entrepreneurial journey.

Brooke Kimbrough is the Agency Owner of Roots Surrogacy, a boutique agency that facilitates ethical, relationship-driven surrogacy journeys for intended parents and gestational carriers. A former surrogate, Brooke co-founded the agency in 2015 to create a personalized and compassionate experience grounded in transparency and mutual respect. With over a decade of experience in the field, she leads an all-female team dedicated to supporting diverse families, including LGBTQ+ and single parents, throughout their path to parenthood. Brooke is also the founder of Families Without Borders, an agency offering affordable surrogacy options in Mexico to make family-building more accessible. In this episode… Surrogacy offers a life-changing path to parenthood, but it also comes with emotional, legal, and medical complexities that many don’t fully understand. What makes a surrogacy journey successful, and how can intended parents and surrogates navigate these challenges together? According to Brooke Kimbrough, a leading expert with firsthand experience as a surrogate and agency founder, success begins by building deep trust and clear expectations between all parties. She highlights the importance of emotional support, careful surrogate screening, and understanding the medical realities that impact pregnancy success rates. While surrogacy creates beautiful new families, it can also involve loss, complicated legal landscapes, and the challenge of matching intended parents with surrogates. By prioritizing relationships over transactions, Brooke helps intended parents overcome these obstacles and experience the joy of growing their families. In this episode, John Corcoran is joined by Brooke Kimbrough, Agency Owner of Roots Surrogacy, to discuss creating meaningful surrogacy journeys for diverse families. They explore the emotional highs and lows of surrogacy, how to match surrogates with intended parents, and the evolving legal landscape of surrogacy. Brooke also shares how her personal experience inspired her to launch her agency.

Stephanie Waldrop is the Principal of Employee Benefits International, a firm that designs data-driven, cost-effective employee benefits for midsize and large employers. With 25-plus years in the insurance industry, she brings deep expertise in strategic planning, compliance, and client-focused service. Chris Schalleur is the CEO of Christo IT, a Philadelphia-based company providing managed IT, cybersecurity, and cloud solutions for small and midsize businesses. He founded the firm in 1999 to bring enterprise-level technology support to growing organizations. Ed Howie is the Founder and CEO of BTYcreative and Serve Others Well, branding and customer experience firms that help businesses grow through strategic messaging and client loyalty. He’s worked with brands like Chick-fil-A and 7-Eleven and hosts The Wonder of WOOO podcast. Sejal Lakhani-Bhatt is the CEO of TechWerxe, an IT services company delivering tailored managed support and cybersecurity for small to midsize businesses. A former banking executive, she’s guided TechWerxe to national recognition among top IT and security providers. In this episode… Building and scaling a business is never a straight path — it’s filled with unexpected setbacks, major transitions, and the constant need to adapt. But for the entrepreneurs who stay grounded in purpose, embrace community, and remain open to reinvention, those challenges become the catalysts for growth. So how do successful founders push through obstacles while staying true to their values? Stephanie Waldrop emphasizes the power of reclaiming control after a misaligned partnership and how owning every layer of her business unlocked strategic growth. Chris Schalleur reflects on the hard lessons of team turnover and the long game of developing autonomous leadership. Ed Howie explores the identity shifts that come with building a company over two decades and the importance of releasing clients and employees who don’t align with your mission. Sejal Lakhani-Bhatt shares her deeply personal story of losing her husband and co-founder and how she rebuilt the business and her life with the support of EO and a global network of peers. In this episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, recorded live at the Entrepreneurs’ Organization Global Leadership Conference in Honolulu, you’ll hear how these EO leaders are navigating transitions with grit, building resilient companies, and leaning on a global community for support and inspiration.

Nima Gabbay is a Principal at Bay Investment Group, a real estate investment and development firm. He focuses on creating strategies to market properties and generate steady cash flow. His work is primarily concentrated in San Francisco and other parts of the Bay Area. Nima has built his career in real estate by identifying opportunities and managing projects across the region. In this episode… Building wealth through real estate isn’t just about big budgets or perfect timing; it’s about vision, grit, and knowing how to create value where others see problems. What does it really take to turn underutilized properties into profitable investments? According to Nima Gabbay, a seasoned real estate investor with a creative edge, it starts with seeing potential where others don’t, from rundown strip malls to forgotten marinas. He highlights how resourcefulness, such as using life insurance money to fund a first purchase or negotiating creative financing, can open doors most people assume are closed. This ability to spot and enhance value through renovations, landscaping, and strategic leasing drives long-term returns and community revitalization. His story shows that resilience and execution matter just as much as capital. In this episode, host John Corcoran sits down with Nima Gabbay, Principal at Bay Investment Group, to discuss creative strategies for building wealth through real estate. They explore how to finance deals with limited capital, the power of strategic property upgrades, and lessons learned from buying a marina without prior experience. Nima also shares how landscaping and design play a major role in boosting property value.

Michelle Bomberger is the Founder and CEO of Equinox Business Law Group, a firm that provides fixed-cost, strategic legal services tailored to the needs of small and midsize businesses. She’s a former Ernst & Young consultant and award-winning entrepreneur recognized for her innovative legal approach. Michael Sacher is a Partner at WestPoint Financial Group, a firm that offers personalized financial services, including insurance, investment, and retirement planning. With over 20 years of experience in financial services, he mentors advisors and supports his community through organizations like Ronald McDonald House and Habitat for Humanity. Odette D’Aniello is the Founder and CEO of Celebrity Gourmet Ventures, which includes Celebrity Cake Studio and Dragonfly Cakes — companies known for their custom cakes and artisan petit fours. A third-generation baker, she’s also a podcast host, certified coach, and food finance consultant. Jonathan Oliff is the Co-founder and Managing Partner of Tim, a South African company focused on AI-driven performance marketing, podcast production, and online education. He brings over 15 years of creative industry experience and co-hosts The Incredible Machines podcast. In this episode… Building a business that can weather uncertainty, embrace innovation, and foster long-term relationships isn’t easy, but it’s what separates thriving companies from those that stall. From legal strategy and financial resilience to brand building and media innovation, how do today’s top entrepreneurs prepare their companies for the future? According to seasoned entrepreneur Michelle Bomberger, future-proofing starts with aligning services to how clients want to be served, not just how the industry has always operated. She highlights the power of fixed-fee legal models that eliminate barriers to proactive decision-making and explores how coaching legal teams to think like entrepreneurs fosters more valuable client partnerships. This shift not only increases trust but also enables businesses to navigate emerging technologies like AI with clarity. Michael Sacher emphasizes the power of open, authentic communication with clients during financial turbulence, while Odette D’Aniello reflects on building a multi-generational, family-run bakery brand from scratch. Jonathan Oliff adds perspective on storytelling, brand voice, and the scrappy creativity needed to launch a media company in an emerging market. In this episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, recorded live at the Entrepreneur's Organization Global Leadership Conference in Honolulu, you’ll hear how founders Michelle Bomberger, Michael Sacher, Odette D’Aniello, and Jonathan Oliff are embracing AI thoughtfully, building deep client relationships through transparency, and creating resilience through innovation. You’ll also learn why mindset and strategic coaching are key to long-term success.

Alice Li is the Founder and CEO of First Day, a wellness company that offers science-backed gummy multivitamins designed to support the health of families, particularly children and women. Motivated by her family's experiences during the Great Chinese Famine, Alice established First Day in 2019 to address nutritional gaps and prevent "nutritional trauma" in future generations. A Yale University graduate with a background in consulting, she collaborated with academics and health experts to develop effective, evidence-based supplements. Under her leadership, First Day has grown into a nine-figure brand, emphasizing transparency, trust, and accessibility in the wellness industry. In this episode… What if the food we eat every day no longer nourishes us the way it used to? With modern agriculture altering nutrient content and convenience diets compounding the problem, millions unknowingly face a quiet nutritional crisis. So how can today’s entrepreneurs create scalable, science-backed solutions that address this urgent health challenge? According to Alice Li, a mission-driven wellness entrepreneur and former strategy consultant, solving hidden health issues starts with education and empathy. She highlights how the decline in nutrient density — known as “vanishing nutrients” — leaves consumers vulnerable, even when they believe they're eating healthy. The result is a growing health gap that can’t be ignored. To counter this, she believes founders must combine clinical-level efficacy with approachable brand storytelling to reach families where they are. Alice explains that great execution, not just bold ideas, is what truly drives transformational impact in this space. In this episode, host John Grover sits down with Alice Li, Founder and CEO of First Day, to talk about solving the hidden health crises through mission-fueled innovation. She discusses the surprising root causes of nutritional deficiencies, how to build trust in a saturated wellness market, and why execution trumps strategy for startup success. Alice also shares her hiring philosophy and how she evaluates grit in early-stage teams.

Tyler Lane is the Founder and CEO of Session Interactive, a Denver-based digital marketing consultancy specializing in SEO, analytics, paid search, and content strategy for mid-market and enterprise brands. With over 11 years of experience in digital marketing, Tyler leads a team of seasoned professionals who deliver data-driven solutions to help clients achieve measurable growth. Under his leadership, Session Interactive has become a trusted partner across industries such as finance, healthcare, technology, and travel and is known for its strategic thinking and flawless execution. In this episode… Digital marketing efforts often fall flat — not because the tactics are wrong, but because the data behind them is unclear or ignored. How do high-performing brands use analytics to not only understand their audience but convert them more effectively? According to Tyler Lane, a data-focused marketing strategist, successful campaigns begin with fixing analytics infrastructure and gaining true visibility into performance. He highlights that most companies operate with flawed attribution models and missing conversion tracking, which leads to misguided decisions. Clean data fuels smarter strategies, like reallocating budgets to high-performing channels and customizing dashboards for each stakeholder. When marketing teams can trust their data, they make faster, more confident decisions that drive measurable growth. In this episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Tyler Lane, Founder and CEO of Session Interactive, to talk about building data-driven digital marketing strategies that actually convert. They discuss how clean analytics can transform campaigns, the role of SEO and paid media in boosting visibility, and why understanding the customer journey is critical. Tyler also shares how AI is reshaping the future of SEO.

Noah Rosenfarb is the Founder of Wealthrive, a boutique advisory firm that helps high-net-worth entrepreneurs optimize tax strategies, build predictable income streams, and design lives that are rich beyond money. A third-generation CPA, Noah has sold eight companies, taken one public, and completed over 50 real estate investments valued at nearly $1 billion. He is also the author of EXIT: Healthy, Wealthy and Wise and co-hosts the Divestopedia podcast, where he shares insights on business exits and wealth transitions. Through Wealthrive, Noah leads a multidisciplinary team dedicated to empowering founders to achieve financial freedom and a lasting legacy. In this episode… What would your life look like if money were no object? It’s a question many entrepreneurs don’t pause to ask as they chase success. But what if designing your ideal life started with a simple thought experiment and a lotto ticket? According to Noah Rosenfarb, a seasoned exit strategist and third-generation CPA, you don’t need to hit the lottery to start living intentionally; you just need clarity, courage, and a plan. He highlights a personal exercise he calls the “Lotto Ticket Method,” which helped him and his wife make bold, values-driven decisions about their lifestyle and work. By asking who they’d spend more or less time with and what they’d start or stop doing if they suddenly had financial freedom, they gained clarity on what truly mattered. This mindset ultimately shaped Noah’s approach to wealth creation, from creative tax strategies to real estate investing to structuring exits that go beyond the money. In this episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Noah Rosenfarb, Founder of Wealthrive, to talk about designing a life that’s rich beyond money. Noah breaks down his unique tax strategies, shares his lotto-inspired lifestyle planning method, and explains how to exit a business without regret. He also talks about building tax-free income and preparing emotionally for life after selling your company.

Scott Kabat is the Founding Partner and CEO of 621 Consulting, which provides fractional marketing leadership to help companies accelerate growth and navigate strategic transitions. With a team of over 350 seasoned marketers, 621 Consulting offers services, including go-to-market planning, demand generation, revenue operations, and brand positioning. Before founding 621, Scott held executive roles such as CMO at One Medical and Prezi, led the launch of Flip Video (acquired by Cisco), co-founded the edtech startup Knowmia, and held marketing positions at Cisco and Clorox. In this episode… In today’s competitive landscape, building a brand that stands out isn’t just about flashy campaigns; it’s about challenging the status quo and forging deeper connections with customers. But how do companies navigate this process while assembling the right marketing leadership to scale effectively? According to Scott Kabat, a seasoned marketing strategist and entrepreneur, the key lies in crafting a clear challenger narrative that resonates emotionally while delivering simplicity and value. He highlights that too many companies get trapped in complexity, diluting their message and missing their moment. By focusing on what makes a brand likable in an otherwise unlikable category, leaders can differentiate themselves and inspire loyalty. Scott also emphasizes the growing importance of fractional marketing teams in bridging skill gaps and providing strategic direction during pivotal growth phases. In this episode, John Corcoran sits down with Scott Kabat, Founding Partner and CEO of 621 Consulting, to discuss building challenger brands and leading fractional marketing teams. They explore how to align brand storytelling with business strategy, the benefits of fractional CMOs, and why marketers need to embrace experimentation. Scott also shares how his early career experiences shaped his leadership philosophy.

Zahoor Kareem is the Co-founder of K&L Capital, a private investment firm that acquires and grows small to midsized non-tech businesses. With a background spanning logistics, franchising, and business services, Zahoor focuses on building sustainable companies that thrive beyond their original owners. Over the years, he has led multiple successful acquisitions and divestitures, bringing operational excellence and long-term value to each venture. Zahoor is passionate about empowering teams, creating enduring businesses, and giving back through thoughtful entrepreneurship. In this episode… What does it really take to thrive in the high-stakes world of business acquisitions and franchise operations? Many entrepreneurs jump in, only to face unexpected pitfalls, rising costs, or the harsh reality of customer concentration. So, how can you build businesses that not only survive but scale successfully across industries? According to Zahoor Kareem, a seasoned entrepreneur and acquisitions expert, success comes from focusing on businesses with clear, simple operating models and opportunities for improvement. He highlights the importance of balancing hands-on involvement in the early stages with long-term systems that allow the business to thrive without the owner. This approach reduces dependency risks and builds sustainable growth. Zahoor also emphasizes learning from past mistakes, quickly identifying deals worth pursuing, and maintaining a deep commitment to taking care of the people inside the business. In this episode, host John Corcoran sits down with Zahoor Kareem, Co-founder of K&L Capital, to discuss what it takes to succeed in franchises and acquisitions. They explore Zahoor’s approach to evaluating deals, building resilient teams, and overcoming hidden challenges. Zahoor also shares insights on transitioning into new industries and creating businesses centered on long-term value.

Rick Rappe is the President and Owner of RPM Direct Marketing, a Seattle-based agency specializing in direct mail marketing services, including lead generation, acquisition, loyalty, and win-back programs. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Rick has developed and managed some of the largest and most successful direct-marketing-driven sales channels in the country. Under his leadership, RPM delivers performance-driven direct mail programs tailored to clients' unique goals. In this episode… Direct mail often gets overlooked in today’s digital world, but it’s quietly powering some of the biggest marketing wins behind the scenes. While everyone’s chasing online clicks and social media impressions, there’s a different channel consistently driving actual sales. So, why does direct mail still work, and what’s the right way to use it? According to Rick Rappe, a direct response marketing expert, direct mail works because it's tangible, measurable, and scalable when done correctly. He highlights that success hinges on understanding key variables like cost per sale, audience segmentation, and offer structure. The impact? High-performing campaigns that often outperform digital in both engagement and ROI. Rick also stresses the value of rigorous testing, using his Rapid Performance Method to optimize everything from list targeting to format design. This strategic, data-driven approach transforms mailers from static promotions into dynamic sales engines. In this episode of the Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Rick Rappe, President and Owner of RPM Direct Marketing, to discuss how to build direct mail campaigns that actually convert. They explore why the proper format matters more than flash, how to avoid the most common mistakes marketers make, and why testing beats guessing every time. Rick also gives advice on integrating AI into direct mail strategy.

Chris Farkas is the President of EmergencyKits.com, a company that provides high-quality emergency preparedness kits and supplies for individuals, families, schools, businesses, government organizations, first responders, and the US Military. In January 2025, as Manager of Second Mountain Holdings, LLC, Chris led the acquisition of EmergencyKits.com, aiming to support its growth and innovation in the emergency preparedness sector. Under his leadership, the company continues to operate from its headquarters in Simi Valley, California, maintaining its commitment to quality and customer service. In this episode… Leaving behind a long-time business can feel like a failure. But sometimes, it’s the first step toward alignment. After nearly two decades building a consulting firm, one entrepreneur chose to walk away, not because it wasn’t successful, but because it no longer lit him up. What happens when you decide to start over and build something that reflects your values and vision? According to Chris Farkas, a seasoned entrepreneur with deep roots in supply chain and software, starting over meant buying a business that aligned with both his skills and sense of purpose. He highlights how acquiring an e-commerce company with a mission gave him the chance to apply his operational expertise to a meaningful product. This approach not only revitalized his energy but also offered scalable opportunities for impact. Chris explains how being burned out pushed him to seek simplicity in business models, and how owning a product-based business gave him the hands-on control he had been missing. His story is a blueprint for reinventing your career on your own terms. In this episode, John Corcoran sits down with Chris Farkas, President of EmergencyKits.com, to talk about building a purpose-driven e-commerce business after burnout. They discuss his transition from consulting to owning a product business, how he chose the right company to acquire, and the mindset shift required to step back from something you’ve built. Chris also shares lessons from past failures and how he’s using them to fuel his current success.

Olga Svitelska is the Founding Partner and Chief Operating Officer of Wunderdogs, a brand consultancy that partners with companies to elevate their creative strategies through comprehensive approaches in strategy, design, and technology. Since joining Wunderdogs, Olga has played a pivotal role in guiding the company's collaborations with over 140 start-ups and 30 venture capital firms, all aiming to address global challenges with innovative solutions. Under her leadership, Wunderdogs has received multiple accolades, including awards for outstanding client work in brand design and digital platforms. In this episode… Breaking through the noise is one of the biggest challenges for early-stage start-ups, especially when trying to attract investors. How can a company with a complex product or deep tech solution communicate its value clearly and compellingly enough to raise millions? According to Olga Svitelska, a seasoned brand strategist, the key is clarity through storytelling. She highlights that many start-ups struggle not because their ideas lack merit but because they can’t express their value in a language investors understand. Olga emphasizes the importance of strong brand foundations, clear positioning, messaging, and identity in dramatically improving a start-up’s fundraising success. In this episode, host John Corcoran speaks with ​Olga Svitelska, Founding Partner and Chief Operating Officer of Wunderdogs, to discuss how start-ups can raise millions through strategic branding. They explore how to bridge the gap between tech and storytelling, how Olga transitioned from fashion to branding, and why AI is a tool, not a replacement for creativity. ​Olga Svitelska also shares lessons from working under President Zelensky earlier in her career.