Founder2Founder with Aaron Spivak

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak is joined by Austin Copeland—a 21-year-old founder who’s already built and sold two companies, including COMPREADY, acquired by CosmicWire. From founding a nonprofit at 13 that delivered over 13,000 shoes to kids in Africa, to managing a 25-person team at global esports giant TSM, Austin’s journey is driven by one mission: improving people’s lives.

He unpacks how he went from gaming enthusiast to building an analytics model that led to six-figure player buyouts, what it takes to stay true to yourself in high-pressure environments, and why being surrounded by the right people can accelerate everything. Now overseeing COMPREADY under CosmicWire, Austin is focused on optimizing computer performance at scale—all while continuing to grow into the entrepreneur he was built to be.

Chapters:

02:24 – A Childhood Immersed in Business
03:40 – First Taste of Entrepreneurship: Beachside Hustles
04:51 – Flipping Burgers at 13: Real-World Lessons
06:03 – Rejecting the “Right Path” and Going His Own Way
07:51 – Selling His First Business at 19
08:03 – Gaming as Passion and Profit
09:29 – Building a Data-Driven Talent Engine
11:30 – COVID’s Influence and Seizing Opportunity
13:28 – The First Exit: Acquired at 16
14:17 – Earning $80K and Managing 25 People
15:43 – The Spark Behind COMPREADY
17:19 – Leaving a Safe Role to Build Again
18:46 – Sacrifice and Identity in the Startup Grind
20:22 – Going All In at 18
22:35 – Choosing College Amid Success
24:37 – The Moment He Knew It Was Real
25:50 – Exit #2: COMPREADY Acquired by CosmicWire
27:03 – Leadership Mistakes and Learning the Hard Way
28:40 – Not Everyone Has Your Fire
30:13 – Making Decisions Through Noise
31:27 – Becoming Unapologetically Himself
33:46 – Vision for 30 and Long-Term Fulfillment
35:45 – The Mentors Who Changed the Game
38:41 – “It’s OK”: How Reassurance Moves Founders Forward
42:44 – Experience Over Theory, Every Time
45:50 – Giving First and Building Reputation
47:11 – Manifesting the Jet and What It Represents
50:59 – Freedom, Frustration, and Fuel
52:04 – You’re Only Out When You’re Dead
54:25 – Don’t Judge What You Haven’t Tried
56:39 – Volunteering to Learn and Grow
58:22 – Advice to His 15-Year-Old Self
1:03:29 – Life in Reverse: Start From the End
1:04:49 – Your Environment Won’t Always Grow With You
1:06:28 – The Power of Being Good Energy

Guest Links:
Website: https://compready.gg/
LinkedIn: Austin Copeland

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Fully Accountable: Mention this ad and have your onboarding fees waived at https://fullyaccountable.com

FERMÀT: The AI native commerce platform that optimizes shopping experiences, leading to best-in-class shopper engagement and conversion. FermatCommerce.com 

If you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaron

Stay Connected!
Aaron Spivak:
IG: @‌Spivak
Linkedin

The Founders Club
IG: @‌TheFoundersClub
Website www.foundersclubofficial.com 

Founder2Founder:
TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcast
Youtube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Swan Sit, a trailblazing operator and creator at the intersection of corporate leadership, digital transformation, and consumer connection. With an impressive background as the Global Head of Digital Marketing at Nike, Revlon, and Estée Lauder, Swan now advises startups, sits on public company boards, and brings value to millions as a creator and speaker.

Swan shares her journey from a disciplined immigrant upbringing to transforming some of the world’s most iconic brands. She opens up about navigating the dot-com crash, pivoting into the creator economy through Clubhouse, and ultimately discovering her purpose: democratizing access, information, and opportunity. This is a rich conversation on resilience, relevance, and redefining success on your own terms.

Chapters:
03:06 – Immigrant Upbringing and Early Discipline
05:35 – Childhood Dreams and Retail Tech Fascination
07:37 – Going Against the Grain: Startup Over Goldman
10:57 – Dot-Com Crash, Layoffs, and Lessons Learned
12:58 – Study Abroad and Breaking From Family Influence
15:24 – Finding Self Through Distance and Travel
17:27 – Product Marketing, Emotional Branding, and Grad School
21:18 – Joining Estee Lauder and Building Early E-Com
22:05 – Leading Digital at Revlon and Nike
23:57 – Navigating Change: Why Adaptability Wins
25:49 – Making AI Useful Without Getting Lost in It
28:43 – Personalized Content and the Future of Storytelling
31:58 – Using Social Graphs to Build Digital Communities
34:52 – NFTs, Ownership, and Reframing Value
37:29 – Clubhouse Origins: Mentorship and Scale
41:44 – Creator vs. Influencer: Making Real Impact
47:19 – Defining Purpose: Access, Information, and Equity
50:39 – Family, Scarcity, and Quiet Generosity
54:14 – Rest as a Strategy: Recharging for Performance
57:36 – Public Speaking: From Corporate to Global Stages
1:00:13 – Live Speaking Tips: Energy, Feedback, and Q&A
1:02:37 – From Corporate Leader to Founder Mindset
1:05:31 – Reading the Room: Intuition and Audience Engagement
1:10:21 – Where Empathy Comes From
1:13:45 – Identity, Belonging, and Owning Your Story
1:17:49 – Advice to Her Younger Self: “Go Be Your Freak Self”
1:21:22 – Detaching Worth From Titles and Roles
1:23:13 – Legacy, Impact, and Reversing Into Purpose

Guest Links:
Website: www.swansit.com
Instagram: @swansit
Twitter/X: @swansit
LinkedIn: @swansit
TikTok: @swansit23

SARAL: Get your free trial here: https://www.getsaral.com/demo

Fully Accountable: Mention this ad and have your onboarding fees waived at https://fullyaccountable.com

FERMÀT: The AI native commerce platform that optimizes shopping experiences, leading to best-in-class shopper engagement and conversion. FermatCommerce.com 

If you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaron

Stay Connected!
Aaron Spivak:
IG: @‌Spivak
Linkedin

The Founders Club
IG: @‌TheFoundersClub
Website www.foundersclubofficial.com 

Founder2Founder:
TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcast
Youtube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with his own mother, Rachel Spivak, for an intimate and powerful conversation that spans generations, continents, and entrepreneurial journeys. Born in the small Israeli town of Ofakim as one of 13 siblings, Rachel shares her story of resilience, ambition, and unwavering love for her family. From leaving her home at age 13 to go off to school, to raising five boys in Canada, her life is a testament to grit, sacrifice, and entrepreneurial instinct.

Rachel recounts building a new life in Canada with no job, no English, and three kids under three, eventually launching multiple businesses, including a successful care agency and retail ventures. She opens up about losing everything overnight, rebuilding from scratch, and instilling entrepreneurial values in her children, all of whom became business owners. Rachel offers timeless wisdom on parenting, perseverance, and how to build a meaningful life from the ground up.

Chapters:
01:20 – Growing Up in Ofakim With 13 Siblings
04:13 – Childhood Lessons in Strength
05:13 – “Don’t Be Afraid of Fear” – A Life Mantra
07:12 – Leaving Home at 13 for a Different Life
14:01 – Moving to Canada With Three Young Children
15:52 – Starting Over Without English or a Job
21:03 – Building Businesses From Scratch
24:15 – Cleaning Houses and Driving a School Bus to Survive
27:56 – From House Cleaner to Care Agency Owner
30:42 – Losing a Business Overnight, Starting Again With Jewelry Sales
33:02 – Teaching Her Kids To Build and Rebuild
36:30 – Leading By Example: The Power of Silent Sacrifice
39:27 – Parenting Wisdom for the Modern Generation
41:55 – Encouraging Entrepreneurship From a Young Age
44:34 – Working Through Setbacks and Always Showing Up
46:49 – Why She’s a Mom, Not a Friend
49:11 – Raising Five Boys and Navigating Marriage, Business, and Life
53:52 – How Many Kids Should People Have Today?
56:37 – Parenting Without Complaints, Even in the Digital Age
1:00:22 – Still Working: Showing Up at Early to Lead By Example
1:03:56 – Working With Family: The Greatest Challenge
1:05:44 – Family Unity Above All: Why Fighting Was Never an Option
1:11:06 – Dealing With Distance: Moving to Miami and Family Bonds
1:20:00 – What Rachel Would Tell Her 18-Year-Old Self
1:24:47 – Her New Mission: Creating Memories With Her Grandkids

Guest Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rakelaspivak
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@immigrantmom
Revitasize: https://www.revitasize.ca

SARAL: Get your free trial here: https://www.getsaral.com/demo

Fully Accountable: Mention this ad and have your onboarding fees waived at https://fullyaccountable.com

FERMÀT: The AI native commerce platform that optimizes shopping experiences, leading to best-in-class shopper engagement and conversion. FermatCommerce.com 

If you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaron

Stay Connected!
Aaron Spivak:
IG: @‌Spivak
Linkedin

The Founders Club
IG: @‌TheFoundersClub
Website www.foundersclubofficial.com 

Founder2Founder:
TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcast
Youtube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak speaks with Mark Shapiro, founder of Shapiro Capital, a seasoned real estate investor with over four decades of experience. Mark shares his journey from selling gum in elementary school to building a multimillion-dollar real estate empire. He offers valuable insights into the mindset, drive, and strategies that led him to success, as well as the lessons learned from both his victories and setbacks.

Mark delves into his early real estate experiences, creative financing tactics, and the importance of simplicity and discipline in both business and life. His approach to mentoring others, navigating personal struggles, and focusing on authentic relationships is a powerful example of how real success is built over time.

Chapters:
00:00 – Mark’s Entrepreneurial Spark In Elementary School
04:00 – Early Lessons From The Family Business
07:40 – Snowblowing Driveways And Learning Value
10:47 – The Influence Of Mark’s Father
13:28 – First Business Deal With His Dad At 23
18:06 – Overcoming Personal Loss And Finding Purpose
22:51 – Discovering Real Estate Through Family And Books
25:42 – Scaling Early: From College Deals To 58 Units
38:22 – Addiction To The Chase: Why Mark Loves The Game
43:20 – Taking Big Risks At 26 And The $3M Payday
49:16 – How Success Complicated Personal Life
54:20 – The Wisdom Of Grinding It Out
58:33 – Life Lessons On Margin, Simplicity, And Consistency
1:04:06 – Teaching Real Estate: Building A High-Touch Mentorship Model
1:06:42 – Lydia’s Journey: 0 To 24 Units In A Year
1:08:57 – From Scratch: Helping Beginners Get Their First Deal
1:13:48 – For Founders With Capital: How To Start In Real Estate
1:16:39 – The Power Of Community And High-Touch Guidance
1:22:00 – Reflecting On Regrets And Legacy
1:28:12 – Living With Integrity And Spiritual Anchors

Guest Links:
Website: https://mshapirocapital.com
Instagram: @themarkshapiro
Twitter X: @TheMarkShapiro
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@markshapiro1887

SARAL: Get your free trial here: https://www.getsaral.com/demo

Fully Accountable: Mention this ad and have your onboarding fees waived at https://fullyaccountable.com

FERMÀT: The AI native commerce platform that optimizes shopping experiences, leading to best-in-class shopper engagement and conversion. FermatCommerce.com 

If you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaron

Stay Connected!
Aaron Spivak:
IG: @‌Spivak
Linkedin

The Founders Club
IG: @‌TheFoundersClub
Website www.foundersclubofficial.com 

Founder2Founder:
TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcast
Youtube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Shelby Sapp, the founder of She Sells Academy, the world’s largest all-women remote sales academy. After beginning her career in door-to-door pest control sales, Shelby realized traditional sales models weren’t built for women or the lifestyle they wanted. With She Sells, she’s built a community of over 3,000 women mastering high-ticket remote sales, unlocking financial independence and freedom along the way.

Shelby discusses her journey from figure skater to powerhouse sales trainer, the critical role of mindset and visualization in success, and how her mother and grandfather influenced her fiercely independent drive. She shares candid reflections on building her business, dealing with imposter syndrome and online hate, and the nuances of masculine and feminine dynamics in both sales and relationships. Shelby’s story is a powerful example of how vision, grit, and being a “calculated psychopath” can not only change your own life, but the ripple effect of others.

Chapters
00:00 – Shelby’s Sales Origin Story
02:55 – Discovering Remote Sales As A “Cheat Code”
03:26 – Mindset, Manifestation, And The Impact Of Figure Skating
06:13 – Growing Up With A Hardworking Single Mom
07:35 – Living The Life She Once Dreamed
08:53 – Proving Herself In Male-Dominated Sales Teams
10:53 – Who Joins She Sells And Why
13:09 – Selling What You Believe In
15:56 – Helping Women Find Financial Independence
17:26 – Who Supports The Leader
20:53 – Navigating Friendships During Rapid Growth
25:03 – The Early Vision That Sparked She Sells
30:14 – Balancing Masculine Energy In Business And Relationships
34:18 – Should Salespeople Seek Equity?
36:22 – Dealing With Online Hate
41:56 – Do Women Perform Better In Sales?
44:14 – The Nuances Of Women Selling To Women
45:43 – Staying Authentic As A Founder
48:34 – What Shelby Wants To Be Remembered For
51:15 – The Legacy Of Her Grandfather
56:23 – Loving Pressure And Building Through It
57:44 – Embracing Being “Delulu” As an Entrepreneur
1:01:19 – Clarity In Vision And Decision-Making
1:06:22 – Adjusting To Success And A New Lifestyle
1:09:24 – How Shelby Manages Her Money
1:11:45 – Final Message: Be A Calculated Psychopath
1:13:13 – The Power Of Belief And Presence

Guest Links:
Instagram: @shelby.sapp
@shesellsacademy
Website: https://shelbysapp.com
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@diaryofad2dsaleswoman

SARAL: Get your free trial here: https://www.getsaral.com/demo

Fully Accountable: Mention this ad and have your onboarding fees waived at https://fullyaccountable.com

FERMÀT: The AI native commerce platform that optimizes shopping experiences, leading to best-in-class shopper engagement and conversion. FermatCommerce.com

If you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaron

Stay Connected!
Aaron Spivak:
IG: @‌Spivak
Linkedin

The Founders Club
IG: @‌TheFoundersClub
Website www.foundersclubofficial.com 

Founder2Founder:
TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcast
Youtube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Gaston Becherano Cohen, CEO of Smorgasburg—the largest weekly open-air food market in the U.S. Gaston shares how a solo trip to Japan reignited his entrepreneurial drive and ultimately led him from shaved ice vendor to acquiring the entire Smorgasburg brand. His journey includes launching, and losing, a café during COVID, starting over in Miami, and building markets that now draw millions of visitors.

He speaks candidly about scaling with lean teams, trusting his instincts, and launching his Japanese tea brand, Motorcycle Matcha. This conversation dives deep into the mindset, resilience, and strategic pivots behind building a cultural institution rooted in food, community, and creativity. Subscribe, share with a fellow founder, and leave a review if this episode resonated with you!

Chapters:
02:56 – Leaving IBM: Realizing He Wasn’t Built for Corporate Life|
03:54 – A Solo Trip to Japan That Changed His Trajectory
04:26 – Discovering Hospitality as His Lane
08:58 – Getting Accepted as a Shaved Ice Vendor in Brooklyn
09:49 – Launching Bonsai Café and Learning the Business
11:24 – COVID Hits: Closing the Café and Moving Back to Miami
14:00 – Starting Over with a Farmers Market in Aventura
18:48 – Seeing the Vision for Smorgasburg Miami
20:05 – Convincing the Landlords and Licensing the Brand
22:25 – The Grueling Process of Getting Permits Approved
24:56 – Opening Day in Wynwood: 15,000 Attendees and Flying Tents
27:38 – Sustaining Demand Week After Week
28:20 – Acquiring the Entire Smorgasburg Brand
30:51 – Reframing Entrepreneurship as a “Grand Adventure”
32:01 – Building Motorcycle Matcha in the Japanese Countryside
34:00 – Sourcing, Storytelling, and Building a Passion-Driven Brand
36:17 – Growing Up in a Tight-Knit, Entrepreneurial Community
38:40 – “Entrepreneurship Is Like Riding a Motorcycle”
41:15 – Gaston’s Vision for Smorgasburg as a National Incubator
43:58 – The Emotional Cost of Growth and Staying Positive
45:57 – Detaching From the Rollercoaster of Business
48:30 – Running Lean: 16 Full-Time Staff, Millions of Visitors
49:51 – Leadership Through Empowerment and Humility
51:50 – Advice to Younger Gaston: Enjoy the Ride
58:45 – The Magic of Type 2 Fun in Entrepreneurship
1:00:09 – Final Words: Start Young, Start Naive, Start Now

Guest Links:
Website: Smorgasburg.com
Instagram: @gastonbecherano
@​​smorgasburgmiami

SARAL: Get your free trial here: https://www.getsaral.com/demo

Fully Accountable: Mention this ad and have your onboarding fees waived at https://fullyaccountable.com

If you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaron

Stay Connected!
Aaron Spivak:
IG: @‌Spivak
Linkedin

The Founders Club
IG: @‌TheFoundersClub
Website www.foundersclubofficial.com 

Founder2Founder:
TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcast
Youtube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Rajia Abdelaziz, Founder & CEO of invisaWear—a groundbreaking company creating discreet safety tech inside stylish jewelry. A Forbes 30 Under 30 cover honoree and a standout in the personal safety space, Rajia has built an eight-figure brand, raised over $3 million, and secured major partnerships with ADT and TELUS.

Rajia shares how she turned down a job at Google to pursue a college project that would go on to save lives. She opens up about facing rejection, fundraising setbacks, and personal sacrifice, all while building a mission-driven brand from the ground up. From a 3D-printed prototype built by her 14-year-old brother to a product that’s now sold nationwide, this episode is a powerful look at purpose, perseverance, and building with impact. Subscribe, share with a fellow founder, and leave a review if this episode resonated with you!

Chapters:
02:11 – Rajia’s first taste of entrepreneurship at 8 years old.
04:26 – Childhood hustle and early business ideas.
06:18 – Dreaming of an ice cream empire at 16.
07:57 – Growing up in a one-bedroom apartment and chasing the American Dream.
09:58 – The pressure to be perfect and the cost of high expectations.
11:32 – Choosing engineering and learning to build apps.
13:25 – The incident that sparked the idea for invisaWear.
16:02 – Launching invisaWear as a college project.
19:29 – Turning down Google and betting on a mission.
22:12 – Convincing her family to support her startup journey.
25:05 – Building with her co-founder Ray.
27:14 – A woman at demo day validates the mission.
28:56 – Handwritten thank-you notes from survivors.
30:42 – Sacrificing her 20s to build a mission-driven brand.
34:08 – Facing sexism and ageism in early fundraising.
35:30 – 14-year-old brother’s 3D print closes their first round.
39:45 – National news story puts invisaWear on the map.
43:00 – A health scare forces a mindset reset.
48:10 – 10 years of co-founder chemistry with Ray.
59:41 – What Rajia wants to be remembered for.
1:02:37 – Advice to her 21-year-old self.
1:04:52 – Rajia’s 5-year and 10-year vision.

Guest Links:
Website: https://invisawear.com/
Instagram: @invisaWear
@RajiaXoXo

SARAL: Get your free trial here: https://www.getsaral.com/demo

Fully Accountable: Mention this ad and have your onboarding fees waived at https://fullyaccountable.com

If you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaron

Stay Connected!
Aaron Spivak:
IG: @‌Spivak
Linkedin

The Founders Club
IG: @‌TheFoundersClub
Website www.foundersclubofficial.com 

Founder2Founder:
TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcast
Youtube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Jason Wong, founder of Paking Duck, a packaging company trusted by leading DTC brands like Arrae, Quest Nutrition, and Madhappy. Jason shares his journey from a teenager running affiliate blogs and viral meme businesses, to building a powerhouse in the packaging space, blending creativity with operational excellence.

Jason dives into how packaging became his passion, why it’s one of the highest-leverage parts of the customer journey, and how investing in people has helped him scale multiple businesses. He also opens up about building confidence through action, earning trust through execution, and how one key mentor changed his entire trajectory. Tune in to hear Jason’s powerful insights on brand-building, mentorship, and executing with speed. Subscribe, share with a fellow founder, and leave a review if this episode resonated with you.

Chapters:
01:36 – Meet Jason Wong
02:53 – How Jason fell in love with packaging
03:57 – What top CPG brands get right
05:01 – Growing up: immigrant hustle and early ambition
06:19 – Starting a blog and making $30K/month in high school
08:04 – The viral launch of the Holy Meme Bible
09:25 – Transitioning to a product business
11:47 – Launching Doe Lashes with $500
13:11 – Building with friends and early team culture
14:17 – Growing up without parents and living in a garage
15:35 – Why Jason never gave up
16:36 – Raising your ceiling through community
18:18 – Sacrifices and discipline in the early years
20:16 – Entrepreneurship and relationships
22:08 – Becoming secure in your identity
24:49 – Creating your own luck through exposure
26:36 – Meeting Michelle Phan and her mentorship
29:42 – The power of sharing stories and giving back
31:07 – Jason’s philosophy on packaging and unboxing
34:09 – Most impressive packaging Jason has seen
37:44 – 3 ways packaging makes money
41:08 – Why packaging is part of the product
42:14 – Defining success and freedom
46:16 – Achieving milestones through material rewards
47:21 – Building multiple businesses through people
50:53 – Jason’s story of finding a superstar on Upwork
53:48 – A masterclass in relationship-driven leadership
56:46 – Advice to his 23-year-old self
58:00 – Just go do it — the power of action

Guest Links:
Website: www.pakingduck.com
Instagram:  @pug
LinkedIn: Jason Wong

SARAL: Get your free trial here: https://www.getsaral.com/demo

If you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaron

Stay Connected!
Aaron Spivak:
IG: @‌Spivak
Linkedin

The Founders Club
IG: @‌TheFoundersClub
Website www.foundersclubofficial.com 

Founder2Founder:
TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcast
Youtube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Chris Meade sits down with Kevin O'Leary, a successful entrepreneur and investor also known as "Mr. Wonderful”, appearing on shows such as Dragons' Den and Shark Tank. Kevin dives into the current landscape of advertising, explaining why he's pivoting his portfolio companies towards television through his new platform, WonderAds. He breaks down how TV has become a powerful yet under-utilized channel for brands looking to scale cost-effectively, offering a competitive edge over rising social media costs.

Kevin also discusses the critical components of successful brand scaling, the importance of mastering Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC), and why multi-channel strategies are essential for long-term growth. He closes with valuable insights on entrepreneurship, including how to prioritize signal over noise, the art of listening, and the necessity of knowing when to pivot. Join Chris and Kevin as they uncover the strategies behind building resilient brands, leveraging television for growth, and the key principles every entrepreneur should know.  Don’t forget to subscribe, share with a fellow founder, and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.

Chapters:
01:40 – Why TV Advertising is Making a Comeback
02:48 – Introducing WonderAds: TV for Emerging Brands
03:34 – Measuring Success on TV: CAC and ROAS
04:02 – Why Brands Give Up on TV Too Early
04:27 – Television’s Cost Efficiency vs. Social Media
04:52 – Mastering Customer Acquisition Costs
05:58 – The Importance of Personal Branding for Founders
07:08 – Building for Both Retail and Direct-to-Consumer
08:19 – Retail Rollouts: How to Secure and Succeed
10:35 – Signal vs. Noise: How to Focus Your Time
13:33 – The Art of Pivoting When Things Go Wrong
14:06 – Planning Liquidity Events and Exits
15:06 – Industries Ripe for Disruption: Healthy Snacks and Beverages
15:52 – Kevin’s Background in Photography and Film
16:52 – Embracing Discomfort: Why Founders Should Take Risks
17:39 – Lessons from Kevin's Mother: Integrity and Trust

Guest Links:
Website: https://kevinoleary.com
Instagram: @kevinolearytv

SARAL: Get your free trial here: https://www.getsaral.com/demo

If you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaron

Stay Connected!
Aaron Spivak:
IG: @‌Spivak
Linkedin

The Founders Club
IG: @‌TheFoundersClub
Website www.foundersclubofficial.com 

Founder2Founder:
TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcast
Youtube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Will Nitze, Founder & CEO of IQBAR, the leading brain-and-body nutrition startup in America. Will shares how his competitive spirit and obsession with winning drove him to build a thriving brand dedicated to brain food and cognitive nutrition. He reflects on his journey from playing competitive sports to attending Harvard, where he first realized that building something impactful was more important than just making money.

Will also discusses launching IQBAR through a successful Kickstarter campaign, scaling with major retailers, and maintaining a lean, efficient team. He opens up about running the business alongside his wife, the importance of horizontal mentorship, and how he plans to build for acquisition and legacy.

Chapters:
00:44 – The Opportunist Mindset: Learning from Sam Zell
03:06 – Building the Competitive Spirit Through Sports
08:26 – Harvard Experience and Finding Direction
12:25 – First Steps into Entrepreneurship
14:02 – Negotiating Half-Time Work for Full-Time Hustle
15:21 – Starting IQBAR: Building Brain Food from Scratch
19:31 – Kickstarter Strategies: Guerrilla Tactics and Validation
22:01 – Manufacturing at Scale and Finding Co-Packers
24:38 – The Importance of Horizontal Mentorship
27:46 – Scaling the Business with a Lean Team
30:25 – Expanding into Major Retailers and Hitting Volume
33:43 – Navigating Trends and Pivoting the Brand
36:40 – Maintaining Control While Scaling Fast
38:29 – Hiring the Right People and the Hub-and-Spoke Model
41:06 – Working In the Business, Not Just On It
46:40 – Running a Business with His Wife
49:05 – Moving to Miami and the Evolution of IQBAR
52:13 – Building for Acquisition and Legacy
1:06:01 – Overcoming Challenges: Tariffs, COVID, and Market Shifts
1:07:50 - Building a Personal Brand
1:11:04 - The ROI of Personal Branding
1:25:10 - The Emotional Impact of Exiting a Business
1:31:11 - The Role of Partnerships in Business Success
1:34:46 - Advice for Younger Entrepreneurs

Tune in to hear Will’s raw insights on scaling a consumer brand from the ground up, the sacrifices required, and the mindset needed to build something that lasts. Don't forget to subscribe, share with a fellow founder, and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.

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