Raw and Relentless w/ Bo DePaoli

Episode 50:

In this episode of Raw and Relentless, Bo sits down with Gino Ferrand, founder of Tekla, to unpack how startups and mid-market companies are scaling by tapping into LatAm developer talent—without sacrificing quality, time zones, or culture fit.

Gino shares how Tekla helps tech companies build high-performing engineering teams in Latin America, the realities of global hiring, and why AI isn’t replacing developers just yet—but it’s changing how they work.

They dive into:

✅ Why hiring in Latin America is booming for tech

✅ The real cost vs. India, Eastern Europe, and the US

✅ How companies leverage nearshore teams to scale faster

✅ Why AI tools are empowering (not replacing) developers

If you’re thinking about scaling your dev team, cutting costs without cutting corners, or using AI to future-proof your build process, this episode is a must-listen.

Episode 49

How Jay Conner Raises Millions Without Banks or Hard Money

Banks shut him out during the 2009 crash. Instead of quitting, Jay Conner discovered private money—and never looked back.

In this Raw and Relentless episode, Bo sits down with Jay Conner to unpack how he’s raised over $8.5 million in private lending, flipping 500+ homes without relying on traditional banks or hard money.

Jay breaks down:

✅ How to raise private money legally and ethically

✅ The difference between private and hard money (and why it matters)

✅ Using self-directed IRAs to unlock funding

✅ Leveraging AI + systems to scale without burning out

If you’re serious about real estate investing or want to stop begging banks for loans, this episode is your blueprint

Website: www.jayconner.com

Episode 48:

Why can’t some 20-somethings handle a late fee or call in sick on their own? In this Raw and Relentless episode, Jess Hein and Bo DePaoli explore how over-involved parenting keeps young adults from building real-life skills, from making appointments to handling responsibilities.

We also unpack how labels and diagnoses can shape identity—and why focusing on them too much can hold kids back.

If you want your kids to grow up capable, or just want to understand today’s independence crisis, don’t miss this one.

Instagram: @jesshein_

Move over Expedia—air freight just got its own AI concierge. In this episode of Raw and Relentless, Bo sits down with Chris Connelly, co-founder of Aircon AI and the mind behind Captain Cargo, an AI-agent ecosystem that quotes, books, and reroutes international shipments in under two minutes. They break down:

• Why speed—not cheapest price—wins40-50 % of air-freight bids
• How Captain Cargo pushed revenue up2.5× in 90 days
• Wild logistics facts (80 % of aircargo rides in passenger jets!)
• Tariff turbulence, rail bottlenecks,and the future of “Amazon-fast” B2B shipping
• Building a VC-backed SaaS inside acentury-old industry—and the Buffalo-style culture that powers it

If you geek out on AI, supply-chainstrategy, or scaling a tech startup from napkin sketch to millions in ARR, hit play—then tell your ops team to buckle up.

Website: ww.airconai.com

LinkedIn: Chris Condron

In this week's episode of Raw and Relentless, host Bo DePaoli welcomes his friend Kate Hastings, a seasoned jiu-jitsu practitioner and entrepreneur. They discuss Kate's transformative journey through personal struggles, her move from Miami to St. Petersburg, and the launch of her business, Phoenix Fit, which emphasizes mental and emotional well-being. The conversation touches on the life-changing impact of jiu-jitsu, the importance of self-defense, and the profound healing effects of ayahuasca in addressing trauma. Tune in for an inspiring exploration of resilience, faith, and personal growth!

Connect with Kate- follow her on IG: www.instagram.com/coachkate1/

In this podcast episode, Michel Langlois shares insights from his extensive career in Silicon Valley, covering companies like Cisco, Juniper, and Calix. He discusses the transformation and scaling of businesses, as well as the economic and societal impacts of broadband and digital innovation. Michel also explains his motivation behind writing his book 'Beyond the Code,' which aims to inspire others by sharing his journey from a chicken farm in Quebec to leading major tech companies. He addresses the challenges engineers face when transitioningto leadership roles and underscores the importance of compassion and trust in managing teams.

If you're in tech, in business, or just trying to level up your leadership—this one’s for you.

📖 Michel’s book: Beyond the Code
📱 Connect on LinkedIn: Michel Langlois

In this episode of Raw and Relentless, Bo sits down with Anthony Calvanese—former mechanical/professional engineer turned Italian citizen, entrepreneur, and cultural bridge. After quitting his job, selling his house, and moving across the world, Anthony shares how he reclaimed his heritage, built two thriving businesses in Italy, and learned to thrive in a slower, more intentional lifestyle.

They dive into the journey of gaining dual citizenship, navigating new laws affecting Italian ancestry claims, the nuances of language learning and dating abroad, and the hidden realities of building a new life in a foreign country. Whether you’re chasing a passport or just curious what it’s really like to live La Dolce Vita—this episode pulls back the curtain.

Disclaimer: Anthony Calvanese is not an attorney and does not provide legal advice. The information shared in this podcast—including discussions about Italian visas, citizenship by descent, and other related topics—is intended for general informational purposes only. For personalized legal advice, especially regarding immigration law or court cases, please consult a qualified attorney or legal professional.

Socials:

@anthony_in_italy

and 

@becomeitaliani

In this powerful episode of Raw and Relentless, we sit down with Carl Dumesle, a remarkable immigrant from Haiti who shares his incredible journey of resilience and determination. After experiencing the devastating earthquake in 2010, Carl and his brothers were forced to leave their home and navigate life in the Dominican Republic before ultimately moving to San Diego. He reflects on the challenges he faced as a teenager, including raising his younger siblings and mediating his parents' relationship.

 Carl's story is not just about survival; it's about thriving against the odds. He discusses his entrepreneurial spirit, which led him to start a successful real estate asset management company and a tech startup for student housing. You’ll be inspired by his insights on emotional intelligence, the importance of community, and the lessons learned from adversity. Join us as we explore what it truly means to overcome obstacles and build a life of purpose.

The Custom Code Advantage:Why Ben Johnson Says ERP Isn’t Always the Answer

When off-the-shelf software can’t keep upwith your business—do you keep duct-taping it together, or build your own? In this episode of Raw and Relentless, Bo sits down with Ben Johnson, founder and CEO of Particle41, a firm that builds high-performance custom software, data systems, and AI-powered tools for fast-growing companies. From virtual reality safety simulations to resume-sorting AI and full-stack ERP alternatives, Ben shares the real-world process of taking an idea from concept to code—withoutgetting buried in tech debt or over-engineering.

If you’ve ever thought “we need an appfor that,” this is the episode that breaks down how to do it—and why the smartest companies aren’t waiting for perfect software to appear.

🧠 Learn more: particle41.com
 📲 Connect: Ben Johnson on LinkedIn | Schedule a call via website

What if the safest bet in real estate… wasn’t the property itself—but the mortgage behind it?

In this episode of Raw and Relentless, Bo sits down with Nic DeAngelo, founder of Saint Investment Group, to unpackhow his fixed-income fund is delivering double-digit IRRs through discounted, non-performing mortgage notes—while helping homeowners stay in their homes Plus, they dive into U.S. manufacturing, tariffs, immigration, the middle class, and why real economic growth means giving Americans tools—not handouts.

📊 Learn more: saintinvestment.com/resources

📲 Connect: @saintinvestmentgroup | LinkedIn: Nic DeAngelo