In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview the Proofpoint Capital founders Dan Goldsmith, Matt Wallach, and Jonathan Brassington. 

From Jonathan’s upbringing among traders in Guyana to Matt’s competitive lessons on the soccer field and Dan’s drive to tackle challenges others avoided, the trio shares how their unique backgrounds influenced their approach to building successful companies. They also reflect on the first customers that helped launch ventures like LiquidHub and Veeva, offering a candid look at the persistence, trust-building, and humility required in the earliest stages of growth.

The Proofpoint Capital founders delve into their operator-led investment philosophy, their focus on AI-powered vertical software companies, and the lessons they’ve learned from decades of scaling businesses. Dan, Matt, and Jonathan explain how they evaluate founders, markets, and defensibility in an era where AI is rapidly changing the rules of business. Along the way, they discuss mentorship, venture risk, the importance of trusted relationships and proprietary data, and the responsibility of helping the next generation of founders avoid costly mistakes. 

Discover how Dan, Matt, and Jonathan are turning decades of operating experience into a blueprint for helping the next generation of builders succeed in this episode of The First Customer!


Guest Info:
Proofpoint Capital
https://www.proofpointcapital.com/

Matt Wallach's LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwallach/

Dan Goldsmith's LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielgoldsmith/

Jonathan Brassington's LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanbrassington/

Connect with Jay on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/
The First Customer Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcast
The First Customer podcast website
https://www.firstcustomerpodcast.com
Follow The First Customer on LinkedIn
http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-customer-podcast/

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Christine Churchwell, Co-founder of SlimeZilla.  

Christine shares how a childhood fascination with slime turned into an unexpected family business built alongside her son and daughter. Growing up in Philadelphia, Christine developed a strong desire to create opportunities and lasting stability for her family. Drawing on her experience as an educator and childcare center director, she encouraged her children to turn their interests into something meaningful, leading to the creation of SlimeZilla. What began as conversations about a slime-themed amusement park eventually evolved into a mobile slime experience that brings creativity, fun, and hands-on learning directly to families and events.

Christine discusses the realities of building a business through measured risks, finding her first customers, refining her offerings, and learning how to price her services based on the value she provides. She reflects on balancing family responsibilities while growing a company, continuously improving the customer experience, and staying committed to delivering memorable events. Along the way, Christine reveals how her background as an educator shapes every interaction and why listening to customer feedback has been instrumental in SlimeZilla’s growth.

Hear how Christine Churchwell combined education, creativity, and family collaboration to build a business unlike any other in this episode of The First Customer!

Guest Info:
SlimeZilla
https://www.slimezillazone.com/

Instagram and TikTok
SlimeZillaZone

Christine Churchwell's Number
267-310-9407 

Connect with Jay on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/
The First Customer Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcast
The First Customer podcast website
https://www.firstcustomerpodcast.com
Follow The First Customer on LinkedIn
http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-customer-podcast/

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Nick Halverson, CTO and Co-founder of Hirebus.

Growing up near Salt Lake City, Nick reflects on the freedom his parents gave him to think independently, the challenges that led him down a destructive path of addiction, and the life-changing journey that helped him rebuild his future. From selling painted pine cones and experimenting with dropshipping to overcoming years of chaos and finding purpose in software development, Nick offers an honest look at the experiences that shaped him into the leader he is today.

Nick also dives into his role as Co-Founder and CTO of Hirebus, an AI-powered hiring platform helping home service businesses make better hiring decisions. He discusses how the company evolved from a simple prototype into a scalable SaaS solution, the importance of solving real customer problems, and how AI is reshaping recruiting, software development, and quality assurance. Along the way, Nick shares valuable lessons on data-driven decision-making, building products that truly deliver results, embracing personal growth as a founder, and why staying connected to a larger purpose matters just as much as business success.

Be inspired by Nick Halverson’s journey from adversity to building technology that helps businesses grow in this episode of The First Customer!


Guest Info:
Hirebus
https://hirebus.com/


Nick Halverson's LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-halverson-637b51131/

Connect with Jay on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/
The First Customer Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcast
The First Customer podcast website
https://www.firstcustomerpodcast.com
Follow The First Customer on LinkedIn
http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-customer-podcast/

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Alex Hillman, co-founder of Indy Hall.

Alex reflects on growing up in small-town Pennsylvania, the entrepreneurial influence of his father, and how his mother introduced him to the power of organizing and advocacy through simple but meaningful lessons at a young age. From navigating isolation as a freelance web developer to discovering the importance of connection, Alex explains how his search for community ultimately became the foundation for everything he would go on to build.

Alex also dives into the evolution of Indy Hall, the psychology behind strong communities, and why curiosity plays such a critical role in bringing people together. He delves into the realities of entrepreneurship, the challenges of scaling community-focused businesses, and why he eventually stepped away from consulting within the coworking industry despite helping shape it globally. Now focused on learning from local organizers, artists, and adjacent creative communities, Alex shares insights on sustainable business models, authentic leadership, and creating spaces where people genuinely feel valued, welcomed, and inspired to contribute.

Discover Alex Hillman’s perspective on meaningful work, sustainable communities, and staying energized through change in this episode of The First Customer!


Guest Info:
Indy Hall
https://indyhall.org/


Alex Hillman's LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexhillman/

Connect with Jay on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/
The First Customer Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcast
The First Customer podcast website
https://www.firstcustomerpodcast.com
Follow The First Customer on LinkedIn
http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-customer-podcast/

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Martin Lukac, co-founder and CTO of Nexleaf Analytics. 

Martin shares how his early work in wireless sensor networks during his PhD at University of California Los Angeles laid the foundation for building systems that collect and translate data into actionable insights. From deploying seismic monitoring networks across Latin America to tackling global health challenges, his journey reveals a consistent theme: technology alone isn’t enough—it’s about helping people actually use the data to make better decisions.

That philosophy became the backbone of Nexleaf Analytics, where Martin and his team shifted from monitoring clean cookstoves to safeguarding vaccine supply chains in underserved regions. Today, their IoT-driven solutions help ensure that life-saving vaccines remain effective across tens of thousands of health facilities worldwide. Martin also dives into the realities of building a nonprofit tech company—balancing mission and sustainability, structuring compensation, and fostering a culture where purpose drives performance. It’s a conversation that highlights how data, when paired with empathy and execution, can quietly transform global systems.

See how Martin Lukac transforms ideas into systems that make a difference in this episode of The First Customer!


Guest Info:
Nexleaf Analytics
http://www.nexleaf.org


Martin Lukac's LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-lukac-34434a61/

Connect with Jay on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/
The First Customer Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcast
The First Customer podcast website
https://www.firstcustomerpodcast.com
Follow The First Customer on LinkedIn
http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-customer-podcast/

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Ryan Johnson, the CTO and VP of Engineering at Seek.

Growing up on a farm in Central California, Ryan learned early lessons about hard work, authenticity, and service—values that later guided him through the fast-moving world of startups and engineering leadership. From working on the early product team at Livescribe to launching a web development agency by literally walking door-to-door along Newbury Street, Ryan reflects on how genuine relationships—not aggressive sales tactics—were the foundation of landing his very first customers.

Ryan also dives into the evolution of his career, from building agencies and consulting with major financial institutions to co-founding companies in the fintech and analytics space. Now serving as CTO of Seek, he discusses how engineering culture, curiosity, and collaboration shape better products—and why empowering engineers to ask “invasive” questions often leads to stronger outcomes. Ryan shares insights on partnerships, scaling engineering teams responsibly, and why serving customers and colleagues with authenticity remains the most powerful strategy in business.

Learn how Ryan Johnson blends engineering culture, leadership, and real human connection in this episode of The First Customer!


Guest Info:
Seek
https://seekinsights.com/


Ryan Johnson's LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryancharlesjohnson/

Connect with Jay on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/
The First Customer Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcast
The First Customer podcast website
https://www.firstcustomerpodcast.com
Follow The First Customer on LinkedIn
http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-customer-podcast/

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Bo Motlagh and Frank Shultz, co-founders of United Effects Ventures.

Bo shares how his upbringing in a family of business owners instilled an early work ethic, while Frank reflects on lessons learned from growing up with an entrepreneurial father and bootstrapping his own companies. Together, they discuss the origins of United Effects Ventures, the pivots that shaped their business model, and how a simple question about purpose led them to co-found a venture studio designed to create startups for other startups.

Bo and Frank also dive into the challenges and opportunities of building B2B and enterprise software businesses in Philadelphia. They explore the gaps in venture funding, the unique dynamics of the local tech ecosystem, and the importance of aligning founders with the right investors and support systems. They also reveal how United Effects Ventures operates as a for-profit entity that invests capital, provides services, and builds deep relationships with founders, all while nurturing a thriving startup community in a city that has often struggled to support technically focused ventures.

Tune in for a masterclass on building relationships, business ecosystems, and impactful ventures with Bo and Frank in this episode of The First Customer!


Guest Info:
United Effects Ventures
https://ue.ventures/


Bo Motlagh's LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bmotlagh/

Frank Shultz' LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankshultz/

Connect with Jay on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/
The First Customer Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcast
The First Customer podcast website
https://www.firstcustomerpodcast.com
Follow The First Customer on LinkedIn
http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-customer-podcast/

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview the leadership team behind Appalachia Technologies—partners Mike Romano and Brian Stone, along with president Mike Williams.

Mike Romano talked about how the company first came together more than two decades ago, starting with his entrepreneurial push to build something of his own after years of experience in the military and the cybersecurity world. He and Brian took the leap from a startup environment and began building a business in central Pennsylvania, landing early consulting clients and gradually turning those first relationships into the foundation of a growing IT and cybersecurity firm.

The magnificent trio also dug into how the company evolved as Mike Williams joined the team to bring operational structure and scale to the business. They discussed what it took to move from a small consulting operation to a trusted partner for mid-market organizations that need cybersecurity expertise without expanding internal teams. Along the way, they talked about leadership lessons, the realities of managing risk in cybersecurity, and how the rapid rise of AI is accelerating the number of cyber incidents companies are facing today.

Step inside the story of Mike Romano, Brian Stone, and Mike Williams as they build a company, protect clients, and stay ahead in an industry that never stops changing in this episode of The First Customer!


Guest Info:
Appalachia Technologies, LLC
http://www.appalachiatech.com

Brian Stone's LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-stone-299059136/

Mike Romano's LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-romano-b470902/

Mike Williams' LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-williams-8092842/

Connect with Jay on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/
The First Customer Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcast
The First Customer podcast website
https://www.firstcustomerpodcast.com
Follow The First Customer on LinkedIn
http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-customer-podcast/

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Ryan Rosett, Co-CEO and founder of Credibly.

Ryan shares how growing up in a family of entrepreneurs in Detroit influenced his understanding of the ebbs and flows of small businesses and taught him the value of surrounding himself with specialists rather than doing everything himself. From running coffee shops to real estate development and bridge lending, Ryan reflects on the lessons learned from both successes and failures that paved the way for Credibly’s inception.

Ryan dives into the genesis of Credibly, explaining how he and his partner identified a critical gap in the market: banks often overlook smaller loans due to their overhead and slow processes. Leveraging alternative data, machine learning, and real-time automation, Credibly provides fast, tailored financing for small businesses—offering approvals in hours and funding the same day. Ryan also highlights how the company navigates risk, adapts to seasonal and industry-specific fluctuations, and continues to refine its approach to serving over 300 types of businesses. 

Cruise through the Motor City with Ryan Rosett and learn what keeps Credibly’s lending engine running strong in this episode of The First Customer!


Guest Info:
CREDIBLY
https://www.credibly.com/


Ryan Rosett's LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rosett-262b642/

Connect with Jay on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/
The First Customer Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcast
The First Customer podcast website
https://www.firstcustomerpodcast.com
Follow The First Customer on LinkedIn
http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-customer-podcast/

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Eric Gremminger, CEO and Co-founder of ERP Health.

Eric reflects on his early life in Pennsylvania, the creative influence of his upbringing, and his first entrepreneurial venture blending fitness and psychology. What began as a passion project—helping people recondition their mindset through physical training—laid the groundwork for a deeper mission rooted in behavioral health. Eric also shares his unconventional path back to college in his mid-30s after overcoming addiction, highlighting how self-awareness, discipline, and a commitment to growth became the foundation for everything that followed.

From knocking on treatment center doors with pen-and-paper assessments to building a nationwide healthcare technology platform, Eric walks through the evolution of ERP Health and its impact on addiction and mental health treatment. He recounts landing his first customer during the uncertainty of the pandemic and how that moment validated years of persistence. More importantly, Eric reveals what truly drives him today—not big wins or contracts, but the steady impact of changing lives through better care. 

Be inspired by Eric Gremminger’s journey of rebuilding, purpose-driven work, and creating real impact in this episode of The First Customer!


Guest Info:
ERPHealth
https://erphealth.com/


Eric Gremminger's LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-gremminger/

Connect with Jay on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/
The First Customer Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcast
The First Customer podcast website
https://www.firstcustomerpodcast.com
Follow The First Customer on LinkedIn
http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-customer-podcast/