The CEO Next Door

Many entrepreneurs emerge from the university setting. Companies led by both student and faculty founders have become commonplace. Logistically, though, have you ever stopped to consider how this works?

This week on The CEO Next Door we demystify tech transfer offices with our guest, Randy Eager. We dive into invention licensing, equity agreements, product commercialization, grant opportunities, and intellectual property assignment.

Born into an entrepreneurial family, Stacy Edgar was destined to start a business of her own. Stacy's experience growing up with her father trying to navigate the healthcare system sparked a desire to rethink the status quo.

As CEO of Venteur, Stacy is striving to change American healthcare by enabling individuals to stay healthy on their own terms. Join us this week on The CEO Next Door as we explore how Stacy's expansive worldview has shaped her approach to starting and leading a business.

When most people hear the term "entrepreneur," they think of Silicon Valley, tech companies, and venture capital. Many CEOs, however, find success via alternative paths. 

Join us this week as we speak with Ohio-native Ken Rusk, a professional ditchdigger, author, and blue-collar entrepreneur. 

Growing up, we're taught to never draw on the walls at home. By founding The Wall Printer (a vertical printer capable of printing digital images and murals on virtually any surface), Paul Baron took this notion and flipped it on its head.

Tune in this week on The CEO Next Door as we chat with Paul about how he went from stringing tennis rackets and teaching math to opening restaurants and commercializing international solutions like The Wall Printer.

So you're thinking about starting a business. You have an idea and the drive to succeed, but you're lacking the resources and support to make your dream a reality.

Join us this week as we chat with Jake Hare about how he overcame homelessness, founded Launchpeer, and helps early-stage entrepreneurs start their businesses. 

Have you ever wondered how Oprah came up with the idea for the now-legendary car giveaway? Or what it's like to work with some of the biggest names in movies, television, and news?

Join us this week as we chat with media maven Karen Stolman-Firsel about the ins and outs of broadcasting and media production!

Growing up in a small town, a love of computers catalyzed Casey Fenton's desire to explore the world. Whether it's through promoting transparency in peer feedback, lodging/hospitality innovation, or simplifying and demystifying equity grants, Casey is constantly striving to improve human connection.

In this episode, we discuss Casey's key takeaways from both his travel and professional experiences. We learn about the founding of Couchsurfing and examine what it takes to be an effective leader.

Life is filled with ups and down. From working in his family's print shop growing up to a stint in prison to founding and scaling Templi, Nick O'Brien has seen it all.

Join us as we explore Nick's journey and discuss how life's most challenging moments can spark both personal and professional growth 

To kick off season two, we begin with something a little different. Our co-host, Mike Mayer, shares his experience being in the middle of the July 4th mass shooting in Highland Park, IL.

We also welcome Charlie Saffro, a fellow Highland Parker and co-founder of CS Recruiting.  We highlight the importance of establishing a strong company culture, discuss current supply chain dynamics, and explore how sourcing and securing team talent can make or break your business.

Have you ever wondered what happens to excess merchandise? What do decorative pillows, Christmas décor, picture frames, snorkeling equipment, and onion head baking soda holders have in common?

Tune in this week to hear from liquidation expert David Metzner as we learn about B&G Sales and the nuances of the wholesale world!