Leveling Up with Gary and Jill

Gary Kusin sits down with Johannes Luckemeier, the innovative mind behind Glydsphere. Johannes shares his journey from working in the German automotive industry to developing a groundbreaking aftermarket product that allows electric car owners to customize their vehicle's sound.

As Johannes stands at a critical juncture in his entrepreneurial journey, Gary offers invaluable insights on scaling the business, protecting intellectual property, and preparing for potential interest from major industry players. The conversation delves into the challenges of disrupting the global auto market and the importance of strategic thinking as the company grows.

This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of hardware and software development, especially those looking to make waves in established industries. Tune in to hear Gary's advice on transitioning from an engineering mindset to a CEO perspective, and how to plan for long-term success while managing day-to-day operations.

Learn more about Glydsphere:

https://invest.microventures.com/offerings/glydsphere

https://glydsphere.com/

https://www.instagram.com/glydsphere/

The Season 2 premiere of Leveling Up with Gary & Jill features Randy Bowman, CEO of At Last! - a pioneering educational initiative transforming the lives of underprivileged children. Randy's remarkable journey sets the stage for a riveting discussion on how business acumen can be leveraged to address educational inequality. Randy shares the inspiration behind At Last's innovative "boarding experience" model, which is redefining after-school programs by providing a 17-hour immersive learning environment. He delves into the challenges of translating personal adversity into social innovation and applying for-profit strategies to non-profit challenges. The conversation explores the power of data-driven processes in education, the delicate balance between regulatory compliance and program effectiveness, and the ambitious plans for scaling this revolutionary educational model.

This episode offers listeners a masterclass in entrepreneurial thinking applied to social impact. Randy's story illustrates how strategic planning, innovative problem-solving, and a deep understanding of both business and human nature can create transformative change. Whether you're an entrepreneur, educator, or someone passionate about social innovation, this conversation will inspire you to think differently about the challenges facing our education system and the creative solutions that can arise from unexpected places. Join us for an episode that truly embodies the spirit of leveling up, not just in business, but in our approach to solving society's most pressing issues.

Learn more about At Last!

https://atlastboarding.com/

Gary and Jill reflect on the key takeaways from their inaugural season of "Leveling Up with Gary and Jill." They discuss the common challenges faced by entrepreneurs, including turning a mission into a viable business model, understanding market dynamics, and the importance of financial planning. They also share insights on what makes a successful entrepreneur, such as the importance of customer-facing roles and sales in early-stage businesses, understanding burn rates, and knowing when to pivot or persevere.

PloomSocial is an innovative fundraising platform revolutionizing donor engagement through episodic video storytelling. We welcome founder Cary Carlton as he shares his entrepreneurial journey, exploring PloomSocial's unique approach to tackling donor retention issues, leveraging AI, and incorporating influencer partnerships. The conversation delves into the challenges of entrepreneurship, including navigating financial transactions and implementing content moderation at scale. As PloomSocial stands at a crucial crossroads, our hosts offer valuable insights on scaling the business, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure, strategic partnerships, and maintaining a strong mission-driven focus. They also discuss the complexities of fundraising for startups and the constant need to demonstrate traction to potential investors.

This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs aiming to make a social impact while building a sustainable business model in the competitive world of online fundraising. Cary's candid reflections on the startup journey, coupled with Gary and Jill's seasoned advice, provide a wealth of knowledge for anyone looking to level up their entrepreneurial game.

Learn more about PloomSocial

https://www.ploomsocial.com

https://www.instagram.com/ploomsocial/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559422861866&mibextid=LQQJ4d

https://x.com/Ploomsocial

https://www.linkedin.com/company/ploomsocial/

In this episode of Leveling Up with Gary & Jill, we sit down with Lynn Wilford Scarborough, CEO of Cheeza Pleeza, a unique keto-friendly cheese brand. Lynn shares her unexpected journey from caring for her mother to becoming an accidental food entrepreneur. Gary and Jill dive deep into the challenges of scaling a food business, exploring topics such as product development, distribution channels, and co-packing partnerships. The conversation takes an enlightening turn as they discuss potential growth strategies, including strategic joint ventures and corporate partnerships. This episode offers valuable insights for food entrepreneurs navigating the complex landscape of retail distribution and scaling production while maintaining product quality and brand integrity. Listeners will gain practical advice on when to consider outside partnerships and how to position a niche food product for potential acquisition or investment.

In this episode, we sit down with Leon Jacobson, founder of Nerveli, a startup aiming to transform the landscape of chronic pain management. Leon shares his personal journey through a maze of medical consultations that ultimately inspired his innovative approach to pain diagnosis and treatment. Nerveli’s mobile app combines medical science with AI to provide personalized pain management strategies, while also offering valuable data insights to healthcare providers. The conversation touches on crucial aspects of entrepreneurship, from identifying the right customer base to maintaining focus amidst a sea of opportunities. We explore the challenges of navigating the complex healthcare ecosystem, including partnerships with insurers, employers, and medical professionals. This episode offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs in the health tech space and beyond, highlighting the importance of strategic focus, adaptability, and the power of solving deeply personal problems. Join us for a thoughtful discussion on innovation, resilience, and the potential to make a significant impact in people's lives.

getnerveli.com

linkedin.com/company/nerveli-inc

Neiman Carlyle is the founder of Surrealty Locating, a real estate brokerage disrupting the rental and leasing industry. Leveraging the untapped power of social media and influencer marketing, Carlyle has transformed the traditional real estate landscape by catering to the underserved Gen Z market. As the conversation unfolds, Carlyle's entrepreneurial epiphany emerges: his company is not merely a brokerage, but a multifaceted enterprise that seamlessly blends cutting-edge marketing strategies with a deep understanding of the evolving needs of the modern renter. Join us as we delve into Carlyle's unconventional approach to scaling his business, forging strategic partnerships, and reimagining the very nature of the real estate industry. In a world where the American Dream is increasingly elusive, Carlyle's Surrealty offers a glimmer of hope.

Connect with Neiman

linkedin.com/in/neiman-carlyle-815482214

instagram.com/surrealtylocating

surrealtylocating.com

In this energizing episode of Leveling Up with Gary and Jill, we sit down with Sebastian Vera, the founder and CEO of BioGroundz, a coffee recycling company that's brewing up a storm in the world of sustainable entrepreneurship. Sebastian takes us on a journey through his passion project, which began with a simple idea during his time as a coffee shop owner: transforming spent coffee grounds into eco-friendly products.

From cosmetics to biopolymers and beyond, BioGroundz is exploring the vast potential of repurposing coffee waste. Sebastian shares his vision for creating a circular economy that benefits coffee shops, consumers, and the environment alike. He delves into the challenges and opportunities of building a business around sustainability, and how he plans to scale his operation to make a significant impact.

Throughout the conversation, Gary and Jill offer invaluable insights and advice, helping Sebastian refine his pitch and navigate the complex world of entrepreneurship. They explore the importance of focusing on a core product, establishing strategic partnerships, and attracting the right investors to fuel BioGroundz's growth.

As Sebastian's story unfolds, it becomes clear that BioGroundz is not just about turning spent grounds into opportunity – it's about fostering a more sustainable future for the coffee industry and beyond. With a powerful combination of passion, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit, Sebastian is proof that one person's grounds can be another's treasure.

So grab a cup of your favorite brew, settle in, and get ready to be inspired by the story of how BioGroundz is turning spent coffee grounds into a ground-breaking success.

Connect with Sebastian and BioGroundz:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastian-vera-825a31192/

https://biogroundz.com/

https://www.bhcoffeescrub.com/

In the second part of our conversation with Bill Chinn, we move from the tumultuous world of GameStop to entrepreneurship. As the president of The DEC Network, Bill now dedicates his time and expertise to driving innovation and economic impact by helping entrepreneurs start, build, and grow their businesses. We delve into The DEC Network's mission and the valuable lessons Bill has carried with him from his corporate career. From the importance of collaboration among business service organizations to the key patterns of success and pitfalls faced by entrepreneurs, Bill shares his unique insights and experiences in supporting the startup community.

Learn more about The DEC Network

thedec.co

linkedin.com/company/thedecnetwork

instagram.com/thedecnetwork

In the first installment of this captivating two-part special, ‘Leveling Up’ takes you on an exclusive journey through the turbulent history of GameStop, one of the most iconic companies in the gaming industry. Join us as we sit down with Bill Chinn, a veteran of the early days of Babbages and GameStop, and Gary Kusin, former CEO of GameStop, for an insider's perspective on the company's rollercoaster journey.

From humble beginnings to meteoric rise, GameStop's story is one of ambition, innovation, and resilience. Bill and Gary share captivating stories and hard-earned wisdom from their time at the helm, shedding light on the mergers, bankruptcies, and high-stakes drama that shaped the company's trajectory. As we trace the arc of GameStop's evolution, we uncover invaluable lessons about entrepreneurship, leadership, and the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.

Be sure to check out Gary's latest book, Always Learning: Lessons on Leveling Up from GameStop to Laura Mercier and Beyond that dives deep into GameStop and more. Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CY63NJFC/

In part two of this special episode, we'll explore Bill Chinn's current role as the president of The DEC Network, a 501c3 organization dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and driving economic growth by helping entrepreneurs start, build, and grow their businesses. Bill will share insights into how his experiences at GameStop have informed his approach to helping startups navigate the challenges of the modern business landscape.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a gaming enthusiast, or simply fascinated by the inner workings of corporate America, this two-part special is not to be missed. Tune in as we pull back the curtain on one of the most influential companies of our time.

Learn more about The DEC

Website: https://thedec.co

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thedecnetwork/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedecnetwork/