In this episode of Bolder Business Podcast, Paul sits down with one of Bolder’s rising stars, 20-year-old manager Gustavo Escobar — known for his electric energy and relentless positivity.

From earning $15 an hour at Walgreens to stepping into leadership at Bolder Adventure Park, Gustavo shares how a move from New Jersey to Texas reshaped his mindset, how a life-altering car accident tested his resilience, and how choosing positivity helped accelerate his growth.

Paul pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build and sustain a business; from the five-year journey of launching Bolder, to navigating financial challenges, to leveraging partnerships with creators like Unspeakable to drive awareness.

Together, they talk about standing out in the workplace, handling difficult customers, building strong networks, and why doing just a little more than what’s expected can separate you from everyone else.

This episode is about resilience, leadership, and building something bigger than yourself, in business and in life.

In this episode of the Bolder Business Podcast, Paul sits down with Ryan DeJoy to talk about the unexpected path that led from helping one struggling student to building Windham Woods School — a mission-driven organization that has grown through trust, community, and purpose.

Ryan reflects on nearly two decades in education, the decision to step into uncertainty, and how one conversation opened the door to something far larger than he ever imagined. Together, they explore what it means to recognize opportunity when it doesn’t look like a traditional business plan, why focusing on strengths changes outcomes, and how real growth is built through people, not systems.

The conversation also touches on fundraising, leadership, and the realities of building something meaningful without losing sight of why you started. It’s an honest look at entrepreneurship, education, and life — and a reminder that progress often begins by listening to the signal telling you it’s time for something different.

In this follow-up conversation, Paul Fontanelli and Todd Jenkins reflect on how leadership changes as a business grows. Drawing from experiences in both a multi-generation legacy company and a young, fast-moving business, they explore the balance between caring deeply and letting go, using parenting as a lens for what it really means to lead.

The discussion moves into practical ground, covering how leaders can communicate more intentionally, adapt to different personalities, and think more clearly about brand marketing and measurement. Rather than chasing perfect data, they focus on building clarity, alignment, and capability across the team.

The episode also touches on how AI fits into modern leadership, not as a replacement for people, but as a tool that removes friction and creates leverage. Throughout the conversation, one idea stays constant: sustainable growth comes from trust, clear communication, and leaders who build people, not dependency.

In this episode, Paul sits down with Todd Jenkins to explore what it takes to step into a 50-year family business overnight and lead it forward the right way. Todd shares how his background in insurance, Fidelity Investments, and a high-end lead generation startup shaped the systems-first approach he brought into Jenkins Roofing after his father’s passing.

They break down how modern process; from digitizing handwritten records to implementing Salesforce and building clean handoffs between sales and operations, can strengthen a legacy rather than replace it. The conversation also covers why waiting to hire, measuring what matters, and letting values guide decisions are critical to sustainable growth.

If you’re navigating leadership, legacy, or the challenge of scaling without losing trust, this episode offers a clear framework for building something that lasts.

In this episode, Duke Dennis walks us through the bold mission to bring Zig Ziglar’s story to the big screen — from securing life rights to raising capital and packaging real Hollywood talent. What starts as a lifelong dream turns into a masterclass in networking, persistence, and understanding investors.

Then the conversation shifts back to Bolder, where Paul shares the real challenges of running an early-stage business: soaring fixed costs, marketing missteps, cash-flow pressure, and the uphill battle of staying alive long enough to grow.

Two very different journeys, one shared theme: big vision demands bigger execution.

In this follow-up episode, Paul Fontanelli is joined by securities expert Brett Cenkus, along with Jake and Lance, to uncover the legal and financial realities behind raising capital. They break down what actually counts as a security, how exemptions like 506(b), 506(c), and Reg CF really work, and why your investor type determines everything from disclosures to strategy.

From choosing the right exemption to structuring SPVs and funds, this episode lays out the roadmap to raise money confidently and legally. You’ll learn how transparency builds trust, how risk factors protect you, and how to align your documents with your business goals—without getting lost in jargon. 

If you’re ready to raise smarter, protect your investors, and keep your business compliant, this episode is your blueprint for doing it right.

In this episode, Paul Fontanelli talks with investor Jake Jenkins and strategist Lance Broadway about the mindset and structure behind successful fundraising. Together, they unpack how Paul raised capital from 55 investors, the lessons learned through delays and a pandemic, and how conviction, story, and strategy turn belief into real checks. 

Learn how to make your pitch “kitchen-table repeatable,” build credibility, and navigate the balance between equity, debt, and investor expectations. 

If you’re raising capital or planning your first fund, this episode is your roadmap from idea to committed cash.

What if the most valuable business skill isn’t brilliance, but the courage to care? In this episode, host Paul Fontanelli connects with Phillip Sack, who shares his journey from humble beginnings in government housing to building teams, scaling real estate ventures, and designing a 75-acre adventure park that brings families together. Phil reveals how emotional intelligence (EQ) became his foundation for leadership and learning — from flipping 71 homes in a year to creating long-term, efficient investments in self-storage and real estate. 

Along the way, he shares practical insights on building resilience, sharpening strategy, and leading with heart. 

A conversation about growth, grit, and the mindset that turns everyday challenges into bold opportunities.

In this pilot episode, host Paul Fontanelli launches Bolder Business Podcast with the story behind Bolder Adventure Park — and a look back at a virtual conversation with Ron Lotti recorded five years ago that helped spark it all. From leaving a high-earning corporate career to building a 66,000-square-foot indoor adventure park, Paul shares the lessons, pivots, and mindset shifts that shaped the journey. 

Along the way, he opens up about risk, resilience, and why building something meaningful often starts before you feel ready. 

If you’re an entrepreneur or dreamer ready to take that first imperfect step, this episode will give you the push — and the proof — that bold moves build momentum.