From the Ground Up

Jeff Mahony isn’t following the vodka playbook, he’s rewriting it. From aerospace and AI to sipping spirits in a recyclable black barrel, NEFT Vodka’s CEO shares how bold ideas and better ingredients are shaking up a stale industry. This episode dives into disruption, sustainability, and why the old guard should be nervous.

Michael Brown didn’t come from tech, but he couldn’t ignore the absurdity of people still hanging off skyscrapers to wash windows. Now he’s running Skyline Robotics, a company that replaces that job with robots — and quietly gathers building data no one else has. This isn’t just automation for show, it’s a wedge into something much bigger.

Discover how Daniel Daoura, founder of Pebblebee, turned his aerospace engineering expertise into a game-changing universal tracking solution. In this episode, he shares the challenges of building a global business, innovating cross-platform tracking, and expanding into industries like sports and automotive.

Kobi Frankel, CEO of Beyond Alpha Ventures, joins From the Ground Up to share insights on venture capital, AI, and quantum computing. He discusses how startups can attract funding, scale efficiently, and navigate today’s evolving investment landscape.

Oilstainlab co-founder Nikita Bridan joins From the Ground Up to discuss how his company is reinventing high-performance vehicles with a modular, powertrain-swappable design. He shares insights on breaking industry norms, the challenges of launching an independent car brand, and the future of automotive innovation.

AI is streamlining dentistry, and Miles Beckett is leading the charge with Flossy. In this episode of From the Ground Up, Beckett shares how his journey from plastic surgery to AI-driven healthcare led to the creation of Fiona, an AI receptionist that automates scheduling, reduces missed calls, and improves patient experience. Tune in to learn how AI is transforming dental practices and what it means for the future of healthcare efficiency.

Decentralized finance needs stability, and Kevin Rusher is making it happen with RAAC. In this episode of From the Ground Up, Rusher tells John how his background in finance led him to develop a one-to-one backed NFT model that brings real-world assets — like real estate, gold, and treasuries — onto the blockchain without the regulatory headaches. Tune in to learn how RAAC is bridging traditional finance and DeFi, making decentralized investing more secure, accessible, and practical.

How can Web3 domains revolutionize digital identity? On From the Ground Up, host John Boitnott sits down with Alice Shikova, marketing lead at SPACE ID, to discuss how blockchain-based identities are shaping the future. Shikova shares her unconventional path into crypto, the game-changing potential of Web3 domains, and SPACE ID’s work in authentication, security, and AI integration. From MetaMask partnerships to decentralized finance and Web3 adoption, this episode explores why digital identity is becoming a must-have in the blockchain space.

John Boitnott chats with Alex Smereczniak, founder of Franzy, about his journey from college-side hustle to revolutionizing franchise buying. Franzy uses data and AI to make business ownership more accessible, changing how people navigate franchising. Tune in for insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, and the future of owning a business.

John Boitnott talks with Tad Phelps, CEO of Fintech, about how the company is revolutionizing operations in the retail and alcohol industries. They explore Fintech’s innovative solutions, its approach to industry challenges, and its role in helping businesses adapt to change. Tune in for insights into leadership, growth, and the future of retail technology.