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Colonel (retired) Russ Barnes is the CEO and Senior Strategist to Entrepreneurs and Executives at Systro® Solutions, which specializes in strategy development and organization design for small business. His 30+ years of experience in Organization Development is drawn from military service, franchise ownership, research, and strategy work with hundreds of small businesses.

After retirement from the military, Russ pursued his entrepreneurial objectives full time. His success was based on a clear vision, building an effective network, consistently delivering a quality product and maintaining a relentless focus on customer service.

Dr Barnes received his Bachelor’s Degree from Manhattan College (NY), his MBA from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, his Master of Science degree in Strategic Studies from Air University and his PhD in Organization Development from Benedictine University.

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The terms "prototype" and "sample" are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings, especially in design, engineering, manufacturing, and product development contexts.

🔧 Prototype

• A prototype is an early version of a product used to test and validate ideas, functionality, or design.
• It’s usually created before mass production.
• Often used to explore concepts, test usability, or evaluate the technical feasibility.
• May be rough or incomplete.
• Iterated multiple times during development.

📦 Sample

• A sample is a finished or near-finished version of a product that is typically used to show what the final product will look like.
• It’s often made for quality checks, marketing, or sales purposes.
• Usually used after prototyping, just before or during mass production.
• Should be identical or very close to the final version.

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The 8th Season of the Launchpad Podcast is in Full Swing, we have had some great guests and many many more planned for the future months. Stay tuned and thank you so very much for sticking with us through the many segments.

If you have a guest suggestion or would like some info on a specific topic make sure to send this in and we will do what we can to get that covered.

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• Veteran serial entrepreneur having started 3 companies with successful exits
• Co-founder Charge Card Systems Inc., a national credit card processing company. Grew to over 500 sales agents with 3 regional offices. In 2012, sold to Card Connect, their largest acquisition at that time; in 2017, the company was acquired by First Data for $750 million
• Board member of three organizations and amazon #1 best selling author of “Size Doesn’t Matter – Why Small Business is BIG Business” as well as six additional books. Also, contributing writer for Entrepreneur Magazine and The Business Journals

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"Today, we’re joined by Marc Portney — a powerhouse entrepreneur, angel investor, and President of Globalsource Infrastructure Partners. You may recognize him from the Science Channel’s All-American Makers or from guiding countless products onto store shelves. With decades of experience in product development, sourcing, and venture capital, Marc is here to share real-world insights on business, innovation, and making deals that work."

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Bonnie Barber strips back the noise to uncover a quiet revolution happening inside your cells. Drawing from two decades in performance nutrition, neuro-linguistic programming, and real-world experience as a mother, entrepreneur, and former athlete, Bonnie introduces a different kind of fuel: BHB—beta-hydroxybutyrate. Not as a diet trend, but as a strategic molecule that your body already makes, and your brain already knows how to use.

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Sam Baker is the CEO and founder of WriggleBrew, a startup in Central Florida dedicated to sustainable agricultural solutions. With a background in economics and chemistry and research experience across multiple scientific disciplines, Sam launched WriggleBrew, after inspiration struck on a fishing trip.

Since launching they have won NUMEROUS grants from the government, pitch competitions, and more! Listen now to find out!

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Birdie Bombs are Golf's New Favorite Shot made for 19th Hole MVPs. Whether you're tossing one in your bag or handing it off to your buddy on the green, Birdie Bombs are built for golfers who swing hard and party harder.

Birdie Bombs started where all great ideas do—the golf course. We wanted a better way to celebrate the wins, laugh off the losses, and keep the party going, no matter the shot. That’s when we created the ultimate 19th Hole companion. Delicious, ready-to-drink shots packaged with a nod to the game we love.

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Where to Sell:

• Amazon – FBA or self-fulfill.
• Etsy – good for unique, handmade-style inventions.
• Shopify – create your own e-commerce site.
• eBay – useful for testing market demand.
• Walmart Marketplace – growing platform similar to Amazon.
• TikTok Shop / Instagram Shopping – for viral or trending items.

Pitch to Investors or Companies

If your invention has strong market potential, you might attract a buyer or partner.

Where to Pitch:

• Shark Tank (TV show)
• AngelList or Gust – investor networks
• Trade shows in your industry (e.g., CES, Toy Fair, etc.)
• LinkedIn – outreach to product managers or biz dev execs

⚙️ Bonus: Market Testing Options

• Kickstarter / Indiegogo – test product demand and raise funds
• ProductHunt – if it's tech-based
• Facebook/Instagram ads – test interest fast

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He's the Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur magazine, the host of the wildly successful podcasts Problem Solvers and Help Wanted, the Author of Build for Tomorrow and a Facilitator at CPG FastTrack helping Businesses scale Fast and so much more !

Whether he's unpacking how great businesses pivot or sharing lessons from the world’s boldest thinkers, Jason Feifer is on a mission to help you embrace change, think like an entrepreneur, and turn uncertainty into opportunity.

https://cpgfasttrack.com

https://www.jasonfeifer.com

https://www.entrepreneur.com/magazine