Skyman and the Bug

Most founders think funding starts with a pitch deck. It doesn't. Justin Starbird reveals why the real work happens before you ever ask for money - by building a community that already cares if you win.

Nike "The Bug" Roach and Josh Schuminsky sit down with Justin, CEO of The Aebli Group, for a sharp conversation about what actually moves capital, customers, and trust. If you're a founder, CEO, or operator trying to raise money, grow a company, or get your story to land, this episode is packed with practical insight.

Justin shares how a mentor named Aebli shaped both his career and the name of his firm, Tag, and why transparency and authenticity are the foundation of every campaign that works. He breaks down the difference between ad-first fundraising and community-first fundraising, why your existing advocates matter more than cold traffic, and how to identify who already has skin in your success.

You'll discover:
Why the best fundraising campaigns start with a community audit, not a media buy
How founder-led companies can use podcasts, newsletters, and advocates to build momentum before launch
The "no asshole policy" that helps Justin filter clients and protect trust
Why great storytelling comes from listening, not just writing
How Tag approaches everything from equity crowdfunding to B2B growth campaigns
Justin also shares real examples from rare disease diagnostics, rocket propulsion, and robotics, showing how the same relationship-first strategy works across radically different industries. And if you've ever wondered what separates a campaign that converts from one that quietly disappears, this conversation makes the answer painfully clear.
This is essential listening for founders, marketers, and mission-driven leaders who need more than hype. If you want better relationships, better messaging, and a better shot at traction, start here.

Guest: Justin Starbird is CEO of The Aebli Group, also known as TAG, where he helps founder-led and mission-driven companies raise capital, build authority, and scale through strategic marketing and communication support.

How to Build Career Opportunities in the Middle East: Lessons from an Air Force Veteran on Relationships, Culture, and Business Growth

In this episode of Skyman and a Bug, Nikkei Roach and Josh Schuminsky sit down with Bennie Smith to explore what it takes to build a career overseas in the Middle East. Bennie shares his journey from Air Force aircraft maintenance to defense contracting, IT, and project leadership in Saudi Arabia, offering practical insight into cultural differences, family dynamics, relationship-building, and professional success across borders.

The conversation covers how to navigate business in the Gulf, why empathy and cultural awareness matter, and what North American professionals should know before pursuing opportunities in Saudi Arabia and beyond. Bennie also explains where growth is happening now, including infrastructure, healthcare, technology, and defense contracting.

If you’re a business leader, veteran, or professional considering international opportunities, this episode offers real-world advice on adapting, leading, and thriving in a global environment.

What if the fastest path to business ownership is not starting from scratch, but buying into a proven system? Nike "the bug" Roach and Josh Schuminsky sit down with franchise consultant and multi-unit owner Bivinder Pal to break down how franchising actually works - and why so many people misunderstand it.

Pal has built and managed franchises across multiple industries, from Firehouse Subs to hospitality, and he shares the hard-won lessons that can save aspiring owners years of trial and error. If you are thinking about leaving corporate, adding locations, or choosing the right business model for your lifestyle, this conversation shows you how to think like an owner before you sign anything.

You'll discover:
Why franchising is far bigger than restaurants, with opportunities in home services, senior care, health and wellness, spas, consulting, and even dog grooming
How franchising can function like a crash course in business ownership, with built-in training, marketing support, technology, and scaling systems
The biggest mistake new owners make: unrealistic expectations about time, money, and what "passive income" really means
How Pal evaluates whether a franchise fits a candidate's goals, personality, schedule, and long-term lifestyle
Why expansion too fast can create burnout, and how he rebuilt his portfolio around sustainability, support, and structure

In this episode of Skyman and the Bug, we sit down with Jay Liles, Senior Vice President and Director of AI Program and Strategy at First United Bank, to explore how AI is reshaping banking, financial services, and business growth. Jay breaks down why trust is the foundation of every successful AI initiative, how ethical AI implementation can reduce busywork without replacing people, and why small and mid-sized businesses can use AI as a growth lever instead of a cost-cutting tool.

We also discuss the difference between AI hype and real business value, how front line experience shapes better leadership decisions, and how companies can use AI to deepen customer relationships instead of automating them away. If you’re a business leader, founder, or operator trying to make sense of AI strategy in a regulated industry, this conversation offers practical insight, clear frameworks, and a human-first perspective on innovation.

In this episode of Skyman and the Bug, host Nike Roach is joined by Guest Co-host Kevin Smith and special guest Peter McCarroll—founder of The AI Accountant and a practical voice in modern finance.

Peter runs an accounting-first firm operating across three countries, and he’s helped educate other accountants and business owners on how to use automation and AI to clean up bookkeeping workflows, improve reporting, and make faster decisions—without turning your business into a science project. His work sits at the intersection of accounting, operations, and real-world implementation.

What you’ll learn
What “human in the loop” really means (and why it protects control and quality)
Why some CEOs should focus on making more money before chasing tax strategies
How AI is reshaping accounting faster than most teams expect
The hidden risk of automation: silent chaos when nobody owns the workflow
Why client relationships may become the last real differentiator in an AI-driven world
How to move from fear to focus when adopting AI tools in finance and ops

Most people think boxing is just about swinging fists — but what if there’s a whole world of adaptive boxing that flips the script? In this episode, world-champion athletes Claudia and Joanna share how adaptive boxing is redefining strength, resilience, and performance both inside and outside the ring.

You’ll discover how a sport many people misunderstand can teach powerful lessons about adaptability, mental toughness, strategy, and leadership. Claudia and Joanna break down what makes adaptive boxing a full-contact sport, how athletes train for endurance and decision-making, and why learning to stay calm under pressure matters just as much in business as it does in competition.

This conversation is packed with insights for business leaders, athletes, and high performers who want to turn adversity into advantage. If you’re looking for motivation, practical mindset shifts, and a fresh perspective on resilience, this episode delivers.

Why this works: It pairs a high-curiosity hook with keywords like adaptive boxing, leadership, resilience, and athletes, which helps both search visibility and audience interest.

In this episode of Skyman and the Bug, hosts Nike Roach and Josh Schuminsky sit down with serial entrepreneur and mentor David Guttman to talk about what really goes into building companies that scale and exiting at a high level.

David breaks down the realities behind 8- and 9-figure business exits, the leadership decisions that create (or destroy) enterprise value, and why values alignment matters more than most founders think. We also get practical about the non-negotiable: health, sleep, and relationships because the goal isn't just to build a successful business, but to build a life you don't need to escape from.

What you'll learn in this conversation:
• The truth behind high-value exits (and what the highlight reels leave out)
• How to transition from employee mindset to CEO decision-making
• Leadership and values alignment: building teams and companies that last
• Why health and wellness (especially sleep) is a competitive advantage
• Relationship building and networking that actually works in the real world
• Advice for aspiring CEOs, founders, and entrepreneurs scaling a startup

This week on Skyman and the Bug, Nike and Josh bring together three CEOs for one legacy-driven conversation—and the reason it’s happening is World Legacy Fest, a purpose-built room for collaboration and impact tied to the energy of FIFA World Cup 2026 timeline and activations.

We sit down with Valerie W. Mackey (Wright Now Solutions), Tenesha Boldin, MPH (DocHire.AI), and Tomeka B. Holyfield (Helpppp Agency Group) for a real talk episode on the stories behind the titles, what expertise looks like when it’s tested in the real world, and how leaders build something that lasts without losing the human side.

Learn more about World Legacy Fest: World Legacy Fest

In this engaging interview, Tony Medrano shares his journey from military service and Silicon Valley entrepreneurship to pioneering longevity and AI-driven health optimization. Discover how digital twins, peptides, and advanced data analytics are transforming healthspan and athletic performance for busy executives and athletes alike.

Most companies focus on beliefs rather than benefits — but the real secret to success is building around benefits that solve actual problems.

In this eye-opening episode, Josh Dorfman — a seasoned entrepreneur turned storyteller — reveals how successful businesses are reshaping industries by prioritizing tangible benefits over slogans. From transforming Asheville's startup scene to pioneering sustainable building materials from fast-growing hemp grass, Josh shares the innovative frameworks that are driving real change in climate tech, construction, and energy. You'll discover how companies like Planted and Supercool are creating scalable solutions that not only reduce carbon emissions but also cut costs, improve performance, and reshape consumer expectations.

We break down:
The surprising way hemp can replace trees in sustainable manufacturing
How AI is transforming school bus logistics to lower emissions and increase safety
The untapped potential of fast-moving industries like home building and fast food
The story behind the world’s biggest players investing over $2 trillion annually in clean energy — and how startups can compete
How storytelling is the secret weapon for entrepreneurs aiming to spark real impact
Why does this matter? If you ignore these transformative shifts, you risk falling behind in a market that’s already investing billions into sustainable innovation. The companies leading the charge aren’t just saving the planet — they’re building profitable, resilient businesses that will thrive in the next decade. Missing out on these opportunities could mean your business gets left in the dust, while the boldest innovators write the rules of tomorrow’s economy.

Perfect for entrepreneurs, investors, builders, and climate-conscious leaders — this episode unlocks the mindset and strategies behind the fastest-growing, most impactful companies today. Whether you're a startup founder or just curious about the future of sustainable business, Josh’s insights will inspire you to think benefits-first and profit second.

Tune in to discover why telling compelling stories about real-world benefits is your ultimate competitive edge — and how to leverage it now before the biggest opportunities pass you by.