Founder's Story

In this inspiring episode of Founder's Story, host Daniel Robbins interviews Peter Khoury, a successful entrepreneur and founder of Give Kindly. Peter shares his journey from a young dreamer at 13 to the head of R2B Group, valued at over $60 million. This episode delves into Peter's mission-driven approach to business and how Give Kindly aims to revolutionize charitable giving by empowering consumers to give back through everyday purchases.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Founding GiveKindly: Peter reflects on his long-standing desire to impact, which began in his teens. After years of building a successful business, he returned to Give Kindly with a renewed focus on purpose-driven work.
2. The Founder’s Dilemma & Finding Purpose Beyond Profit: Daniel and Peter discuss many entrepreneurs' challenges—finding fulfillment beyond financial success. Peter highlights the importance of purpose and how service to others drives his happiness.
3. Give Kindly's Mission: Give Kindly is designed to let charities focus on their mission while consumers support causes through purchases. By focusing on women’s clothing and accessories, Give Kindly allows customers to choose charities they want to support with a portion of each sale.
4. Globalization and Expansion: Peter explains how the digital age enables companies to expand globally. With Give Kindly’s US launch set for November, Peter chose the US market for its strong community spirit and desire for impact.
5. Entrepreneurial Challenges & Lessons Learned: Peter shares insights on overcoming hurdles in his journey with R2B Group and why persistence is crucial. His candid discussion highlights the ongoing challenges in business growth and maintaining focus on impact.
6. Navigating the Nonprofit Sector: Peter discusses charities' complexities in generating revenue and how Give Kindly seeks to alleviate this burden. By leveraging profitable, revenue-generating businesses, he believes entrepreneurs can better support causes without the financial strain typical in nonprofit models.

Noteworthy Quotes:

• "Success isn't just about money; it's about what we do beyond ourselves."
• "I believe it's a founder’s duty to create impact with the resources they’ve been given."
• "Entrepreneurship is like building the plane as you fly—it’s challenging, but worth every lesson."

Launch Announcement:

Give Kindly will officially launch in the US on November 4th, with an introductory offer of 40% off all items, allowing users to experience the platform fully. Customers can find GiveKindly at givekindly.com and on the Give Kindly app, available on Android and iOS.

Connect with GiveKindly:

Website: givekindly.com

App: Available on Android and iOS (search for "GiveKindly")

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In this special episode of Founder's Story, we celebrate the magic of music, heritage, and cinematic storytelling with three extraordinary guests: the legendary Andrea Bocelli, his talented son Matteo Bocelli, and the Grammy and Emmy-nominated director Sam Wrench. Guest host Nadja Atwal takes us behind the scenes of Andrea Bocelli 30: The Celebration. This breathtaking concert film honors Andrea’s 30-year career with an unforgettable three-day performance in the iconic Teatro del Silenzio in Tuscany.

Key Highlights:

• Andrea Bocelli’s Legacy: Andrea shares his reflections on his three-decade-long journey in music, his Italian heritage, and the inspirations that have shaped his career.
• Matteo Bocelli’s Perspective: Matteo, an emerging star and musician, talks about the honor and responsibility of carrying forward his family’s musical legacy while carving out his path.
• Sam Wrench on Filmmaking: Sam Wrench offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the film was crafted to capture the magic of Andrea’s music and the breathtaking beauty of Tuscany.
• Star-Studded Performances: The film features unforgettable duets with global stars such as Ed Sheeran, Shania Twain, and Jon Batiste, and we discuss the impact of these collaborations.

The episode also dives into the powerful emotions and stories that shaped this unique cinematic event, inviting fans to experience Bocelli's incredible legacy on the big screen. Andrea Bocelli 30: The Celebration premieres November 8 and promises to be a moving tribute to the universal language of music.

Additional Resources:

For more information on the film and how to experience this spectacular event, visit here.

Don’t miss this must-listen episode for music lovers and fans of cinematic storytelling!

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In this insightful episode of Founder's Story, host Daniel Robbins sits down with Roei Samuel, the founder and CEO of Connectd, a platform transforming the startup and investor ecosystem by streamlining transparency, accountability, and access to expert networks. Roei shares his journey from the founding and successful exit of his first startup, RealSport, to launching Connected, which empowers startups and investors with real-time data insights and expert access to fuel growth. With a vision to build a frictionless experience for entrepreneurs, investors, and talent, Roei reveals his commitment to reshaping how startups navigate funding and growth in today’s fast-paced world.

Key Discussion Points:

1. The Genesis of Connected:

• After his previous company, RealSport, was acquired in 2018, Roei began advising and investing in startups. Observing recurring challenges around investor reporting and accessing talent networks, he noticed these two behaviors were strong indicators of a startup’s success.
• Connected was born to address these needs, using integrated technology to enable seamless investor reporting and talent discovery, allowing startups to build trust and accountability with investors while accessing the talent they need for growth.

1. Connected’s Approach to Investor Reporting and Talent Discovery:

• Connected integrates directly with startups' financial and commerce systems (e.g., QuickBooks, Stripe) to gather real-time, transaction-level data, which then populates comprehensive investor reports.
• The platform uses this data to identify specific needs within the company (e.g., expertise in marketing for a scaling fintech), making it easy to connect with the right talent at the right time, thus creating a supportive ecosystem for startups.

1. Why Transparency and Accountability Matter:

• Roei emphasizes that transparency is critical but sees accountability as the true driver of success for startups. By ensuring that investors receive regular updates, founders stay focused on key metrics and essential growth drivers, helping them avoid distractions and stay on track.
• This approach builds investor confidence and keeps startups consistently focused on performance.

1. Expanding into the U.S. Market:

• Connected recently launched in Miami and plans to expand into New York City. Roei shares how the U.S. market, with its entrepreneurial mindset and openness to innovation, has been incredibly receptive to Connected’s mission. The platform has grown six to seven times faster in the U.S. than in the UK.
• Connected is building partnerships with local accelerators and incubators, offering startups in the U.S. a free year of platform access to establish a strong footing in the market.

1. Roei’s Post-Exit Experience and Path to Connected:

• After selling RealSport, Roei went through a period of introspection, exploring different avenues like investing in startups and advising. The experience of letting go of his first company felt like an "identity death," a common post-exit challenge for many founders.
• This reflection led to the organic development of Connected, where Roei saw an opportunity to address fundamental needs in the startup ecosystem.

1. Overcoming Challenges in Today’s Funding Climate:

• In the current UK market, funding has decreased significantly, with many businesses pivoting to launch in the U.S. for more reliable funding opportunities.
• Connected helps these companies navigate new markets, providing data and insights that guide startups to approach growth, funding, and talent acquisition more effectively, even amidst economic uncertainty.

1. Leveraging Data for Customer Success:

• Connected is launching a new AI-driven feature that uses startup data to provide actionable recommendations tailored to each business’s needs and goals, such as reducing customer acquisition costs or enhancing customer lifespan.
• Roei shares how Connected is focused on leveraging data to improve customer outcomes, building a platform that evolves to meet the real-time needs of startups, investors, and talent.

Key Takeaways:

• Focus on Accountability: Transparency is important, but accountability drives growth. Connected’s platform enables startups to build accountability with investors, improving their focus and performance.
• Partnerships for Expansion: Partnering with local ecosystems like accelerators and incubators has been crucial for Connected’s successful expansion into new markets.
• Leveraging Data for Precision: Using real-time data for investor reports and talent matching allows startups to identify growth areas and connect with experts to meet those specific needs.

Connect with Roei Samuel and Connected:

• LinkedIn: Roei Samuel
• Website: Connectd.com

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In this episode, host Daniel Robbins sits down with Ryan Matt Reynolds, author of the bestselling book Undoing Urgency, published by Forbes Publishing. Ryan, a former competitive powerlifter and strongman, shares his journey from a career in education to founding one of the largest online fitness coaching platforms. Ryan has successfully built and scaled Barbell Logic, a groundbreaking platform offering customized, high-touch online coaching for strength and conditioning. He discusses his entrepreneurial path, the challenges of balancing life as a CEO, and the importance of building strong, trusting relationships with clients and staff.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Early Beginnings and Competitive Drive:

• Ryan recounts his high school years as a "painfully average" athlete, which fueled his passion for competitive strength sports like powerlifting and strongman.
• He opened his first gym, Strong Gym, in 2008, which grew into the largest privately owned strength gym in the U.S. before he sold it in 2015.

1. Transition to Online Coaching:

• Frustrated with the limitations of in-person training, Ryan moved to online coaching, prioritizing flexibility for both clients and coaches.
• He launched a model focused on personalized coaching with real-time feedback, which evolved into Barbell Logic. Today, it stands as a trusted, client-centered online fitness coaching community with proprietary software.

1. Scaling Up and Embracing B2B and Government Contracts:

• The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated Barbell Logic's growth, leading to government contracts with the U.S. Air Force and expansion into B2B services.
• Ryan discusses the challenges of scaling from a B2C to B2B model and the financial strategies, like hiring a VP of Finance, that helped them achieve a lean, profitable operation.

1. Core Values and Leadership Approach:

• The company's culture is rooted in strong core values, focusing on genuine care for clients and staff, resulting in an impressive <2% churn rate and zero turnover.
• Ryan highlights how sticking to principles, even when it impacts the bottom line, has been essential to their growth and stability.

1. Challenges and Resilience:

• Ryan candidly shares a challenging moment when the company faced a federal trademark lawsuit, a trial that ultimately strengthened his resolve and galvanized his team.
• He underscores the importance of "voluntary hardship," likening strength training's discipline to building resilience in business and life.

1. Undoing Urgency: The Book

• Ryan’s book, Undoing Urgency, encourages readers to focus on what truly matters by deprioritizing "urgent but unimportant" tasks.
• He shares strategies like the Eisenhower Matrix and Pomodoro technique, which he uses to structure his own schedule around critical tasks that align with long-term goals and values.

Key Takeaways:

• Growth Mindset: Ryan’s journey exemplifies how solving a personal problem can reveal a broader market need, and scaling requires adaptable strategies.
• Focus on Core Values: Prioritizing values over profit creates loyalty and trust, crucial for long-term success.
• Voluntary Hardship as Preparation: Regularly choosing hard paths builds resilience for inevitable, unexpected challenges.

Connect with Ryan Matt Reynolds:

• Website: RyanMattReynolds.com
• Business: BarbellLogic.com
• Follow Barbell Logic on YouTube, podcasts, and social media for extensive resources on strength training and nutrition.

Book Mentioned:

• Undoing Urgency by Ryan Matt Reynolds (Published by Forbes Publishing)

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In this episode of Founder's Story, Daniel Robbins sits down with Constance, the founder and director of House of Pontovi, and Samantha Sidley, a designer at the company. Together, they dive into high-end furniture design and manufacturing, sharing stories of craftsmanship, business longevity, and the emotional ties people form with well-crafted furniture.

Key Takeaways:

1. From Garage Startup to Global Success: Constance shares how she founded House of Pontovi out of frustration with the furniture industry, starting with a sofa made on top of a bathtub crate. Over 30 years later, the company has evolved into a jewel-like furniture manufacturing house serving top-tier clients globally.
2. Personalized Design Process: Samantha discusses the company’s collaborative approach, taking clients' ideas—from sketches on napkins to full-scale, beautifully finished furniture. Every process step is tailored, including CADs and renderings, ensuring the final product exceeds client expectations.
3. Quality and Longevity: Constance emphasizes the company’s commitment to building furniture that lasts generations, in contrast to the disposable nature of today’s furniture. The team often sees pieces they created decades ago return for reupholstery, showcasing the lasting craftsmanship.
4. Relationship-Driven Business: Both Constance and Samantha highlight the importance of relationships in their business. Their first client, for whom they made a sofa, is still with them today. These strong bonds, along with their dedication to quality and value, have been key to the company's success.
5. Memorable Projects: From creating furniture for iconic buildings like the Transamerica Pyramid to working on high-profile projects like the Playboy Mansion, House of Pontovi has left its mark on some of the world’s most prestigious spaces. Samantha recalls some of the challenges and fun experiences they’ve had, including working around tight deadlines and coordinating mariachi bands for in-house celebrations.
6. Sustainability and Energy: Constance and Samantha speak to the importance of respecting the materials they work with. Wood, they say, has its own energy, and they strive to bring out its natural beauty in every piece they create. This philosophy, combined with the family-like environment of their team, is what has helped them sustain their business for over three decades.
7. A One-Stop Shop: House of Pontovi prides itself on keeping all its trades under one roof, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration between craftsmen. This unique setup allows them to offer unparalleled quality and efficiency.

Notable Quotes:

• “You could have all the degrees in the world, but the most fundamental principle in business is relationships.” - Constance
• “Wood is energy, and we respect that energy as we create.” - Constance
• “We don’t just build furniture—we build pieces that become a part of people’s lives, carrying memories and emotions.” - Samantha

How to Connect:

• Email: [email protected]
• https://www.pontovi.com/

Closing Thoughts:

Constance and Samantha’s passion for creating lasting, high-quality furniture is evident in every aspect of House of Pontovi’s business. Their commitment to excellence, relationships, and sustainable practices sets them apart in an industry that often prioritizes speed over substance. For anyone looking to transform their spaces with unique, handcrafted pieces, House of Pontovi is the go-to destination.

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In this episode of Founder's Story, we sit down with Samir Jezzini, CEO and Founder of SupremeFX, to dive deep into the world of trading. Samir shares his journey from growing up in southern Lebanon to managing multimillion-dollar portfolios for high-net-worth individuals. With over a decade of trading experience, Samir has built SupremeFX with the mission to create a seamless trading environment for clients, backed by his deep understanding of the financial markets.

Key Discussion Points:

• Samir’s Introduction to Trading: Learn how Samir transitioned from working closely with wealth managers to eventually managing and trading gold for high-net-worth clients.
• The Importance of Emotional Discipline: Samir emphasizes how emotional discipline and daily habits contribute to success in trading, sharing insights on how to develop the thick skin needed to navigate the volatile markets.
• SupremeFX’s Unique Selling Point: Discover how Samir’s experience as a trader allows him to create a client-focused platform that addresses common trading issues such as slippage, mispricing, and delayed transactions.
• Building a Community: Samir explains why engaging with clients on a personal level through social media is essential to his business model, creating transparency and trust in an industry often marked by distance between traders and clients.
• The Role of Luck and Discipline in Success: Hear Samir’s perspective on how success in trading—and life—comes from a combination of luck, faith, and hard work, reinforced by the teachings of the high-net-worth individuals he has worked with.
• Advice for Aspiring Traders: For those just getting started, Samir offers practical advice on practicing discipline, mastering one asset class, and treating trading as a business rather than a get-rich-quick scheme.

Additional Insights:

• Misconceptions About Trading: Samir dispels the myths perpetuated by influencers that trading is a passive activity. He emphasizes the need for constant learning, staying informed, and treating it as a full-time business.
• Instagram: @SamirJezziniOfficial

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In this episode of Founder's Story, we are joined by CarolAnn Tutera, the CEO of SottoPelle, a company that has become a leader in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Carrying on the vision of her late husband, Dr. Gino Tutera, CarolAnn has transformed the way hormone therapy is administered, particularly through personalized pellet treatments.

Key Discussion Points:

• SottoPelle's Approach to Hormone Therapy: Learn about how SottoPelle uses science and precision to create individualized dosing for patients, helping both men and women regain energy, mental clarity, and vitality by restoring hormonal balance.
• CarolAnn's Entrepreneurial Journey: CarolAnn shares how she has built SottoPelle into a trusted name in the industry and offers insights for entrepreneurs about staying focused, consistent, and aligned with their strengths to build lasting success.
• Advice for Entrepreneurs: The importance of consistency in marketing and focusing on core strengths to grow and sustain a business over time.
• Impact of Hormonal Balance on Well-Being: A deep dive into how SottoPelle’s personalized treatments are transforming lives, helping patients feel like the best versions of themselves.

Tune in to hear CarolAnn's inspiring journey of leadership, innovation, and dedication to improving the quality of life for people through science-backed hormone therapy.

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In this episode, Walter Green Founder of Just Say It Now shares his inspiring journey from successful business ventures to creating the "Just Say It Now" movement. Walter discusses how a personal loss sparked his desire to express gratitude to those who have impacted his life and how this evolved into a global movement encouraging people to do the same. He talks about the power of saying "thank you" and how his initiative has reached millions of people, with plans for an even greater impact in the coming years. Walter also reflects on the importance of relationships, personal fulfillment, and leaving a lasting legacy.

Topics Discussed:

• Transitioning from business success to personal fulfillment
• The origin and growth of the "Just Say It Now" movement
• The power of expressing gratitude
• The importance of building strong relationships
• Legacy and personal happiness
• Listen to this insightful conversation with a true thought leader on gratitude and life fulfillment.

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Phyllis Davis, Author of Navigating Virtue, Ethics and Etiquette in the American Business Landscape, a renowned expert in business ethics, joins us to discuss the challenges and changes in the American business landscape, particularly in leadership and communication. She shares insights from her new book, which focuses on how businesses can foster ethical practices, better communication, and trust between leadership and employees. Phyllis also highlights the rise of AI in business, the impact of distractions in the workplace, and the importance of literacy in America.

Topics Discussed:

• Business ethics and the importance of communication
• The role of AI in the future of business
• Addressing distractions and stress in the workplace
• Promoting literacy and critical thinking
• Phyllis offers profound insights on how companies can thrive by prioritizing ethics and fostering a culture of open communication.
• Website: Navigating Virtue

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Chithra Kannan, CEO of Skin Centrick shares her journey from being a software engineer and real estate investor to founding Skin Centrick, a skincare line that focuses on natural ingredients and innovative formulations. She talks about how analytics and a passion for clean beauty led her to create a brand that stands out in the competitive skincare industry. Chithra also discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, how she differentiates her products, and her dedication to empowering other women to start their businesses.

Topics Discussed:

• Transitioning from software and real estate to skincare
• Differentiating a skincare brand in a crowded market
• The importance of natural ingredients and innovative product design
• Empowering women in business and entrepreneurship
• Chithra’s story is an inspiring example of how passion, innovation, and determination can lead to success in any industry.

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