Founders' Forum

From growing up on a dairy farm to leading a successful packaging machinery company, Dick DeNenno’s story is one of faith, resilience, and entrepreneurship. As founder and president of Reliant Packaging Machinery, Dick has spent 35+ years in the industry and built a reputation for being knowledgeable, attentive, reliable, and likable.

In this episode of Founders’ Forum, Marc Bernstein talks with Dick about his unexpected journey—from teaching in Rome and pursuing ministry to navigating financial struggles and ultimately creating a thriving business serving the food and pharmaceutical industries. Through challenges big and small, Dick shares how integrity, persistence, and faith guided his path.

Key Takeaways:

• Entrepreneurship is often about seeing a need and finding a way to meet it
• Integrity and relationships matter more than quick wins
• Faith and perseverance can carry you through the hardest seasons
• Why building a business is also about building a legacy

Dick’s story is a reminder that success is less about the straight path and more about staying true to your values no matter where the road leads.

About Dick DeNenno:

Dick is the Founder and President of Reliant Packaging Machinery, LLC, an industry leading manufacturer’s representative agency in the Northeast. Reliant Packaging Machinery are brokers for Product Inspection Equipment, Packaging Machinery, and Automation equipment predominately for the food and pharmaceutical industries. He has a wife of nearly 40 years, 3 children with spouses, and 6 grandchildren.

Dick grew up on a dairy farm outside of Philadelphia, received a BS in Education from the University of Colorado and then a Bachelor of Theology degree. While his original intent was to become a full-time minister, the ministry of which he was a part, changed direction and he had to pursue a secular career. He has been in the packaging machinery industry for the last 35 years and has visited over 3,000 manufacturing facilities in the US and abroad. Prior to founding Reliant Packaging Machinery, Dick worked as a Regional Sales Manager for 2 manufacturers for over 10 years, covering most of the 50 states at one time or another. He is about to visit his 50th state next month when he and his wife, Charlotte, celebrate their 40th anniversary on an Alaskan Cruise.

Dick’s sales philosophy is to be KARL – Knowledgeable, Attentive, Reliable, and Likeable. 

My life motto is: “Self-sacrifice is the passion of great men.”

Connect:

Website reliantpackaging.com

LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/dick-denenno-93b1938/

This episode is brought to you by Reliant Packaging, Providing All Your Packaging Machinery Solutions. Go to reliantpackaging.com to learn more.

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From Disney custodian to bold brand strategist, Branden Moyer’s journey proves that knowing your story can transform your business. In this episode of Founders’ Forum, Marc Bernstein talks with Branden, founder of Buzz Brands, about creating unforgettable, story-driven identities and why authentic branding starts with self-awareness.

Branden shares how his time at Disney shaped his approach to customer experience, how a cleaning company with the wrong name taught him the value of clear messaging, and how beekeeping brought clarity during personal and professional challenges. His ventures—Made to Bee Clean, The Sticky Badger, and Crew 1912—showcase his commitment to blending storytelling with immersive brand experiences.

Key Takeaways:

• Why founders should never fully outsource strategy
• How rebranding can instantly change public perception
• The role of storytelling in standing out from competitors
• Branden’s vision to help 100 companies embrace experiential branding in three years

Whether you’re building a new brand or reimagining an existing one, this episode offers practical insights to help your story connect and resonate.

About Branden Moyer:

Branden Moyer is a bold brand strategist, creative entrepreneur, and founder of Buzz Brands a powerhouse agency known for building unforgettable, story-driven identities. With a passion for transforming ideas into movements, Branden specializes in creating immersive brand worlds that fuse design, storytelling, and disruption. He’s the driving force behind ventures like The Sticky Badger, Maid to Bee Clean, and Crew 1912, each built to challenge the ordinary and make a lasting impact.

Connect:

Website BrandtoBuzz.com
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/branden-moyer-13b9a9234/
Facebook facebook.com/share/1At1fAdsLW/?mibextid=wwXIfr

This episode is brought to you by CamaPlan, A Different Way to Invest. Go to camaplan.com/foundersforum to learn more.

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What if restaurants could predict exactly who would walk through their doors tomorrow? Matt Wampler, CEO and co-founder of ClearCOGS, has made this vision a reality by leveraging AI to solve the restaurant industry's biggest challenges. In this episode, Matt shares his journey from a struggling Jimmy John’s franchisee to an entrepreneur transforming the restaurant landscape.


Key Takeaways:

• Struggles and Turning Point: Matt took over a failing Jimmy John’s franchise in DC, transforming it through hard work and dedication.
• From Franchisee to Tech Founder: After selling his restaurants, Matt taught himself programming and data science, realizing AI’s potential in forecasting demand.
• ClearCOGS and AI Innovation: Matt co-founded ClearCOGS, using AI to help restaurants predict demand, optimize staffing, and improve operations.
• Transforming the Industry: ClearCOGS now serves 100+ brands globally, providing predictive analytics that benefits restaurants of all sizes.
• The Future Vision: Matt aims to create a "restaurant co-pilot" that equips operators with the insights they need for success.

Matt's innovative approach to AI in restaurants is reshaping the industry by giving operators tools that were once only available to the largest players. Discover how AI is revolutionizing the restaurant business and learn why Matt believes that predicting demand is not just a wishful thought—it’s a practical solution that technology can deliver.


About Matt Wampler:

Matt is an ex-operator turned tech-founder.  He spent close to a decade as a Jimmy Johns franchisee winning awards for Highest COMP and Highest Sales Increase in the chain.  Matt is currently the CEO of ClearCOGS with the mission to empower restaurants with the information they need to run more smoothly and profitably.  He's deeply passionate about the industry and is hyper-focused on bridging the gap between the potential of AI and the everyday realities of running a restaurant.

In addition to work, I'm a proud father of two daughters, a woodworker, make my own maple syrup, and bake a hell of a sourdough loaf of bread.


Connect:

Website www.clearcogs.com
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/matthewjwampler/
Twitter @w_a_m_p_l_e_r
Threads @matthew.wampler
Instagram @matthew.wampler
TikTok @matt.wampler

This episode is brought to you by Workshop Strategy; Merging experience, innovation, and purpose. Go to workshopstrategy.com to learn more.

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What if your resume didn’t matter as much as your actual skills? In this episode, Marc Bernstein sits down with Sandesh Sukumaran, the self-funded Founder and CEO of Outcome Logix, to explore how the hiring landscape is evolving—and how tech, transparency, and a bit of fishing zen can lead to smarter staffing.

Sandesh opens up about his entrepreneurial journey from Mumbai to Pittsburgh, from Y2K hiring days to leading an AI-powered staffing firm. He also shares the personal risks he took to build Outcome Logix, the importance of responsible AI in recruitment, and why he's doubling down on innovation with specialized candidate categories like “Strivers” and “Elite 10.”

 Key Takeaways:

• Matching talent with purpose: Sandesh explains how screening for competencies—not just keywords—can dramatically improve retention rates.
• Innovation in staffing: Outcome Logics is building tools and interfaces for everyone involved—recruiters, clients, vendors—to optimize the hiring experience.
• Early-stage talent: His platform includes a dedicated “Strivers” segment for professionals with under 5 years of experience to shine authentically.
• On entrepreneurship: Self-funding a startup post-exit isn’t easy—he credits his wife’s unwavering support as a cornerstone of his success.

About Sandesh Sukumaran:

Sandesh Sukumaran is the Founder and CEO of Outcome Logix, a tech-enabled staffing firm recognized as a Tech 50 Finalist by the Pittsburgh Technology Council. With over two decades of experience in technology recruitment and enterprise talent solutions, Sandesh has built Outcome Logix around speed, precision, and innovation—leveraging proprietary tools like ScreenedTalent to deliver expert-vetted candidates faster. A self-funded entrepreneur, he’s passionate about transforming hiring through competency-based screening and has worked with major clients in Retail, Banking, Mortgage, utilities industries. Sandesh is also an advocate for responsible AI in hiring and is actively building peer networks for senior IT and business leaders.

Connect:

Website www.outcomelogix.com

LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/sandeshsukumaran/

Instagram www.instagram.com/outcomelogix/

This episode is brought to you by Outcome Logix; A Tech Enabled Staffing Services and Product Company. Go to outcomelogix.com to learn more.

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What do sports, the military, and high-tech entrepreneurship have in common? For Michael Eckstein, they’ve all been part of the same playbook.

Michael Eckstein, founder of Vector Sports Science and former CEO of multiple tech ventures, shares his powerful journey of discipline, reinvention, and innovation. From military school to motion-capture technology used by Major League Baseball teams, Michael’s story is packed with resilience, insights, and purpose-driven pivots. He discusses how sports shaped his leadership, how personal tragedy redirected his entrepreneurial focus, and how he’s making pro-level sports analytics accessible to youth leagues everywhere.

Key Takeaways:

• Sports as Strategy: How early lessons in athletics and military school built the foundation for leadership and structure in business.
• KinaTrax Origins: Michael's creation of a markerless motion-capture system revolutionized pitcher analysis in Major League Baseball.
• Tech Meets the Mound: From the Phillies to the Mets to the Cubs—how sports teams adopted new tech to improve performance.
• Turning Tragedy into Innovation: A devastating personal loss led Michael to redefine his purpose and explore new ways to impact the world of sports.
• Next-Gen Tech: Why advancements in AI and mobile devices are making elite-level sports analytics available to everyone—from high school athletes to casual golfers.
• Legacy and Mentorship: Why Michael is now focused on passing the torch—mentoring the next generation of innovators in sports science.

About Michael G. Eckstein:

For over 40 years, Michael Eckstein has held leadership roles in IT strategic planning and technology business development for companies ranging from startups to Fortune 500 firms. His past positions include CEO of the technology subsidiary of PA Blue Shield and Senior US Software Executive for the State of Israel, among others. In 2013, he founded KinaTrax, a markerless motion capture technology platform designed to capture and analyze MLB pitchers during in-game performance, which is now used in 33 MLB stadiums.

Connect:

LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/michael-eckstein-6b7335a/

This episode is brought to you by Crossover Capital; make informed decisions about your financial future. Go to crosscapadvisors.com to learn more.

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What does it mean to stay ahead of the curve as a founder in the tech world? Virind Gujral’s journey, Founder & CEO of EV Bots, reveals how continuous learning and innovation drive success.

Virind’s entrepreneurial journey began with a desire to learn and explore, which led him from India to the United States. Starting as a mechanical engineer, Virind’s path quickly evolved as he dove into the world of robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and autonomous vehicles. After working in the fleet management sector, he realized the inefficiencies in charging electric vehicles and founded EV Bots, a company aimed at revolutionizing the electric vehicle charging process with autonomous robots.

One of Virind’s key insights is the importance of anticipating future challenges. Rather than waiting for issues to arise, he focuses on identifying solutions that benefit not only his company but the broader community. His approach emphasizes creating value for all stakeholders—customers, employees, and the environment.

Key Takeaways:

• Lifelong Learning: Virind’s passion for learning led him to pivot across industries, proving that being adaptable and curious is essential for entrepreneurship.
• Innovation for Sustainability: EV Bots’ mission to automate EV charging addresses a critical need in the fleet industry while promoting sustainability.
• Solving Real-World Problems: The challenges Virind faced, like the lack of EV charging infrastructure, led to innovative solutions that can be scaled for a wider impact.
• The Power of Collaboration: By fostering partnerships and seeking advice from industry experts, Virind is building a tech solution that benefits multiple industries.

About Virind Gujral:

I am a Mechanical Engineer with an MBA and 17 years of experience in fuel operations management for one of the largest truck leasing companies, overseeing a $1 billion portfolio. I hold a patent in my name and have been a featured speaker at numerous industry conferences. I have over 10K followers on LinkedIn.

Connect:

Website www.evbots.tech

LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/virindgujral/

This episode is brought to you by CPR MultiMedia Solutions; A Full Service AV Event Solutions Provider. Go to cprmms.com to learn more.

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What happens when the podcast host becomes the guest? In this special episode of Founders' Forum, the script is flipped as Ryan Sullivan, founder of Podcast Principles, interviews Marc Bernstein about his incredible journey from aspiring rock star to entrepreneurial financial advisor. Marc opens up about his early dreams of music stardom and how that passion eventually led him to law school and a career in entertainment law. But after years of navigating the entertainment industry’s challenges, Marc found a new calling — financial planning — and began reshaping the way entrepreneurs receive financial guidance.

Join us as Marc shares how he reinvented financial planning with his innovative "fiscal therapy" approach, the importance of deep, purpose-driven conversations with clients, and how he’s built a business model that truly advocates for entrepreneurs.

Key Takeaways:

• The Path to Financial Planning: Marc’s unexpected transition from law to finance and how his past experiences shaped his unique approach.
• Fiscal Therapy: What "fiscal therapy" is and how Marc uses it to help entrepreneurs plan their financial futures.
• Reinventing Financial Advisory: How Marc restructured his firm to ensure it serves as a true advocate for clients, avoiding traditional conflicts of interest.
• Building a Client-Centered Practice: Marc’s approach to cultivating lasting client relationships and focusing on business succession and legacy planning.
• Career Evolution: How seemingly unrelated experiences can come together to create a distinct and meaningful value proposition.

Tune in and join the conversation. And if you found this episode valuable, share it with someone who might need to hear it!

This episode is brought to you by Workshop Strategy; Merging experience, innovation, and purpose. Go to workshopstrategy.com to learn more.

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What does it mean to be a "river person" in business? Bobby Reed’s entrepreneurial journey shows how following your passion with determination can lead to success.

Bobby's path to founding Loaded Pixel began with a high school teacher handing him a camera, sparking a lifelong passion for video production. From Super Bowl broadcasts to the Olympics, Bobby built his career by doing what he loved. But the turning point came when NBC Sports relocated, and Bobby chose entrepreneurship over a corporate path. With mentorship and a leap of faith, he founded his own company, facing the typical startup challenges.

One of Bobby's key insights is the importance of building a strong company culture, even with a mostly freelance team. By paying contractors before the usual net-30 terms, he fostered loyalty and collaboration, which became essential for his business’s success.

Key Takeaways:

• From Passion to Business: Bobby turned his passion for video production into a thriving business.
• Facing Challenges: He navigated common entrepreneurial hurdles, including cash flow and client expectations.
• Building Loyalty: Prompt payments created a culture of trust among freelancers.
• Sustainable Growth: Bobby’s vision focuses on growth that supports a balanced life for his team.

About Bobby Reed:

Bobby Reed is the founder and executive producer of Loaded Pixel, a full-service video production company based in Philadelphia. With over 20 years of experience in live sports, branded content, and commercial campaigns, Bobby has worked on everything from Super Bowl broadcasts to food spots for beloved brands like Wawa.

Known for combining creative instinct with production savvy, he has built a company that moves fast, thinks big, and skips the unnecessary layers. Whether he's directing behind the camera or guiding clients through the creative process, Bobby is all about turning ideas into visuals that hit.

Connect:

Website www.loadedpixelcreative.com

LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/bobby-reed

Instagram instagram.com/bobbyreedtv/

This episode is brought to you by MultiFunding Business Loan Advisors, Fund Your Vision, Fuel Growth. Go to MultiFunding.com to learn more.

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What does it take to turn a brand-new technology into something that changes an entire industry? In this episode, Armon Vincent, the founding partner of Catalyst Technology Partners, shares his incredible journey from tech outsider to a trailblazer in healthcare innovation. Armon started out building websites for pharmaceutical companies but soon realized the power AI could have in transforming healthcare. Back when AI was seen as more science fiction than science fact, Armon took the leap, pushing through skepticism to build groundbreaking AI-driven solutions that are changing the game.

Join us as Armon talks about his entrepreneurial evolution, the ups and downs he’s faced, and how he’s leading the charge today at Catalyst Technology Partners. He also dives into how AI is helping businesses scale, the importance of company culture, and how he built a remote team that thrives on innovation.

Key Takeaways:

• AI in Healthcare: How Armon introduced AI into healthcare, even when most didn’t believe it could work.
• From Failure to Success: How Armon’s journey wasn’t always smooth, but his setbacks turned into stepping stones.
• Building a Culture of Innovation: Armon’s approach to fostering creativity and collaboration, especially with a remote team.
• The Future of AI: Armon’s thoughts on where AI is headed, and why it’s just getting started.
• A New Venture: How Catalyst Technology Partners is helping businesses unlock the power of AI to drive growth.

If you're curious about how AI is shaping the future of healthcare—and business in general—this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to hear how Armon’s journey is making waves in the tech world.

About Armon Vincent:

Armon Vincent is a seasoned healthcare and life sciences technology executive with a track record of innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship. As the founder and Catalyst Technology Partners, he is helping companies harness emerging technologies to redefine current offerings and launch new products.

Connect:

Website: catalysttechpartners.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/avincent/

This episode is brought to you by Center City Dermatology; Comprehensive, Contemporary & Customized Skin Care. Go to centercitydermatology.com to learn more.

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What happens when a food scientist and bodybuilder creates a snack that’s as nutritious as it is delicious? Dr. Juan Salinas, founder of Perfect Life Nutrition and creator of Pnuff Crunch, joins the Founders’ Forum to share his journey from Honduras to Shark Tank and beyond.

After two decades in the food industry, Dr. Salinas launched Pnuff Crunch—a high-protein, peanut-based snack designed for performance and taste. In this episode, he talks about the entrepreneurial highs and lows, his Shark Tank experience, and what it’s like to have Mark Cuban as a business partner.

He also shares how he's combining fitness, food, and purpose to inspire healthier lifestyles, and why he believes collaboration is key to scaling sustainable manufacturing.

Key Takeaways:

• Creating snacks that taste great and fuel performance
• The real impact of appearing on Shark Tank
• Overcoming manufacturing and scaling challenges
• Using fitness as a brand-building tool
• What legacy means to Dr. Juan

About Dr. Juan Salinas:

Dr. Juan Salinas is the founder and CEO of Perfect Life Nutrition LLC, a manufacturer of peanut-based and other plant-based protein snacks. A native of Honduras and now a resident of New Jersey, he holds a Ph.D. in Food Science from Rutgers University and a Master’s in Sports Nutrition from the International Olympic Committee. He started the company after spending over 20 years working as a snack innovator and product developer for several of the largest CPG food companies in the U.S. Combined with his passion for health and fitness, and his experience as a professional natural bodybuilder and amateur endurance athlete, he is on a quest to create snacks that are not only delicious but also nutritious. 

Connect:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/pnuff/, linkedin.com/in/juan-salinas-76a7783
Instagram: instagram.com/pnuffcrunch, instagram.com/drjuanpnuff
Facebook: facebook.com/pnuffcrunch/, facebook.com/drjuanpnuff/
TikTok: tiktok.com/@pnuffcrunch, tiktok.com/@drjuanpnuff
YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=wp45o5i7zhE

This episode is brought to you by The Plant a Seed Inspire a Dream Foundation; Empower a Child’s Passion. Go to plantaseedfoundation.org to learn more.

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