The Patent Hacks Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Eric Leaver, a high-velocity CEO and board member who has spent decades scaling SaaS and healthcare companies, leading acquisitions, and transforming underperforming businesses into profitable industry leaders. From launching Zipfizz from a kitchen-table idea to $30M in sales to overseeing dozens of acquisitions, Eric shares hard-earned lessons from the front lines of entrepreneurship and private equity.

We dig into what truly drives business success—from building real customer value instead of chasing quick exits to designing scalable systems that investors want to buy. Eric also breaks down how founders should think about team building, operational processes, AI adoption, and the mindset required to survive the uncertainty of entrepreneurship. If you’re a founder, operator, or aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with practical insights on scaling companies and building businesses that actually last.

[00:00] – From Seminary to CEO

Eric shares his unconventional journey from training for Christian ministry to discovering his passion for the measurable, meritocratic world of business.

[07:30] – Why Entrepreneurs Should Focus on Value, Not Exits

We discuss the myth of the “get rich quick” startup and why the best businesses are built around delivering real value to customers.

[16:45] – Lessons from Building Zipfizz

Eric explains how he spotted the intersection of two trends—bottled water and energy drinks—and turned a simple kitchen-table idea into a $30M product.

[26:10] – The Power of Sales Channel Focus

Why entrepreneurs shouldn’t “boil the ocean” and instead focus on dominating one strategic distribution channel first.

[34:20] – Why Most Founders Stall Around $10M

Eric breaks down the common mistake founders make: failing to build scalable systems and leadership teams that can take the company to the next level.

[46:05] – Turning Around Struggling Companies

Eric walks through his turnaround framework: start with the product, align the messaging, fix sales channels, and rebuild around customer success.

[58:30] – AI as a Workforce Multiplier

We explore how companies should actually adopt AI—thinking of it as an army of “super-smart interns” and starting with small wins before scaling enterprise-wide.

1. Eric’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericcleaver/
2. Eric’s Website: https://www.olacapital.vc/
3. Patent Hacks Website: https://www.patenthacks.com
4. Trevor Skene LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-skene/

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow, rate, and review the Patent Hacks Podcast, and share it with someone who’s building something big. Your support helps us keep bringing conversations like this to founders and innovators everywhere.

In this episode, I sit down with Emanuel Rose, award-winning author, B2B strategist, speaker, and founder of Strategic eMarketing, to unpack what it really takes to market effectively right now… when AI is everywhere, attention is scarce, and trust is the ultimate currency.

We dig into why authenticity is suddenly easier (and harder) than ever, what legacy brands keep getting wrong about Gen Z, and how founders can use AI tools without turning their marketing into spam. If you’re building a startup, scaling a business, or even still sitting in a 9–5 planning your leap, Emanuel shares practical frameworks you can apply immediately—especially if you’re trying to stand out in a crowded market.

1. [1:35] – Emanuel’s origin story: selling seeds as a kid to buy a boomerang (his first “business win”)
2. [6:30] – The concept of “selfish altruism” and why marketing has to serve both sides
3. [11:45] – Why “send me your calendar link” can be a relationship-killer in sales
4. [16:20] – What older brands misunderstand about Gen Z and the rise of the Social CEO
5. [21:40] – The 60/40 rule: why branding must outweigh transactional selling
6. [29:10] – B2B demand gen today: 6–10 hours of self-education before buyers even reach out
7. [33:55] – The “5-minute follow-up” rule—and why speed wins deals
8. [39:20] – Emanuel’s framework: less AI as prospects move down the funnel, more human contact
9. [49:15] – Overhyped vs underrated AI: why replacing sales teams is a trap, and why voice AI is a must
10. [56:30] – Emanuel’s advice to two groups: the 9–5 founder-in-waiting vs the scaler who needs leverage

1. Emanuel’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/b2b-leadgeneration/
2. Emanuel’s Website: https://emanuelrose.com/
3. Patent Hacks Website: https://www.patenthacks.com
4. Trevor Skene LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-skene/

If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure you follow the Patent Hacks Podcast, and please take a second to rate and review—it helps more founders and builders find the show. And if you know someone navigating marketing, AI, or growth right now, share this episode with them.

In this episode, I sit down with Scott Finkelstein, founder, startup advisor, coach, and the mind behind Sales Scalers, to unpack the real shift that turns someone from a “corporate employee” into an entrepreneur. Scott opens up about the identity change that finally clicked for him, why mindset isn’t just motivational talk (it’s operational leverage), and how impact became the core driver behind everything he builds.

Then we get into the fun stuff: Scott breaks down how he launched an AI sales coaching platform without being a developer, using tools like ChatGPT and Replit as his “CTO.” We talk about the difference between generic AI output and truly personalized sales messaging, how founders can use AI to save massive costs, and why the next 12 months will separate the people who adapt from the people who get left behind.

[0:00] - Introducing Scott Finkelstein: founder, advisor, and creator of Sales Scalers

[3:40] - Scott’s journey from Wall Street and 9/11 to coaching, startups, and embracing entrepreneurship

[10:45] - The shift from chasing revenue metrics to chasing impact (and why Scott still loves KPIs)

[15:30] - KPPRIs explained: why predictive indicators matter more than lagging KPIs in sales

[22:10] - Mindset mechanics: language, goals, and why most people accidentally set “negative goals”

[29:40] - The hardest mindset move: controlling your external environment (and your inner circle)

[39:10] - Building an AI platform without code: using ChatGPT as a “CTO” + launching on Replit

[48:20] - How AI cuts startup costs (and how Scott estimates saving hundreds of thousands)

[55:10] - What founders get wrong with AI: generic messaging, lazy prompting, and skipping the “3 layers deep” work

[1:04:30] - Designing AI to act like a coach—not a chatbot (tone, clarity, CTA strength, personalization)

[1:17:20] - Underrated sales tactic for founders: humanize through vulnerability

[1:20:30] - Scott’s advice for (1) aspiring founders and (2) founders trying to scale

1. Scott’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-finkelstein-08026914/
2. Scott’s Website: https://salesscalers.com/
3. Patent Hacks Website: https://www.patenthacks.com
4. Trevor Skene LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-skene/

If you enjoyed this episode, do me a favor, follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with a founder or salesperson who needs a mindset reset (or a push to finally start building). See you in the next one.

In this episode of the PatentHacks Podcast, I sit down with Zach Gentry, co-founder and CEO of ConcertVDC, to dig into how real innovation happens when you’re building in the physical world, and why intellectual property strategy can’t be an afterthought. Zach’s path into entrepreneurship is anything but traditional (finance → business school → deep tech), and his story is packed with hard-earned lessons from raising capital, scaling startups, and navigating the realities of patents in crowded industries.

We get into the “minefield” of prior art, why IP road mapping should run alongside your product roadmap, and how patents, trade secrets, and timing all play into fundraising and exits. Plus, Zach breaks down the massive data problem in construction and how Concert is tackling it with immutable records, workflow orchestration, and AI-powered extraction—all to create a true “single source of truth” for project delivery.

[1:10] - Zach’s unconventional start: finance, 2001 disruption, and committing to entrepreneurship

[4:30] - Why IP road mapping matters before you build: avoiding the “back to the drawing board” moment

[8:45] - The “patent minefield” reality: the more successful you get, the bigger the target becomes

[12:10] - Patents in fundraising + due diligence: why some industries basically require them

[17:40] - What Concert VDC is solving: bad data in construction and the push for a single source of truth

[21:30] - Signing digital assets (3D models, code): blockchain-backed immutability + workflow orchestration

[29:10] - Trade secrets as leverage: the “intangibles” that make patents worth something

[36:30] - Fundraising in hard tech today: fewer bets, tighter theses, and the rise of “physical AI” narratives

[43:10] - Zach’s advice to founders: “Just do it” for 9–5 jumpers, and emotional regulation for startup operators

1. Zach’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-gentry-7b6196/
2. Zach’s Website: https://www.getconcert.com/
3. Patent Hacks Website: https://www.patenthacks.com
4. Trevor Skene LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-skene/

If you enjoyed this one, do me a quick favor, follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share this episode with a founder or operator who’s building in a competitive space. Catch you in the next one.

In this episode, I sat down with Jeff LoCastro, a serial entrepreneur, innovation “artist,” and the Founder/CEO of Neener Analytics. Jeff’s built and scaled companies across wildly different industries (including being part of the early executive team behind Classmates.com) and he’s got a rare ability to spot patterns “100 miles down the road” before most people even see the first mile.

We get into how Jeff thinks about entrepreneurship, why “zero to one” misses the point, and what it really takes to turn “pixie dust” (a crazy idea) into something so real that Visa wants to partner with you. Then we dive deep into Neener’s mission: helping people build financial identity using small data, so consumers can own their personal data and use it on their own terms.

1. [2:10] — Jeff on why he’s “never had a real job” and why corporate life was never going to fit
2. [6:45] — The real origin story of Classmates.com (and why the “college dropout at 2am” myth is… a myth)
3. [13:30] — Jeff’s through-line across industries: following problems he can see “100 miles ahead”
4. [19:40] — Why Jeff calls himself an artist, and what that reveals about building companies
5. [27:55] — “Zero to one” vs. zero to 100: where the real difficulty (and reward) actually lives
6. [34:30] — The goosebumps moment: pitching, then hearing Visa say “we want to partner with you”
7. [40:20] — Neener Analytics explained: cracking the code on small data + cognitive AI for financial risk
8. [47:15] — The “two bankers” story: “I know you” vs. “I know people like you” (and why big data fails people)
9. [55:10] — Real-world results: reducing defaults and recapturing approvals with a “single click”
10. [1:02:40] — What changes when consumers can use personal data like currency, and why it means less to steal
11. [1:10:15] — Jeff’s advice to founders: don’t build from consensus, trust your gut (and learn fast if it’s wrong)

1. Jeff’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-locastro-24087b15/
2. Jeff’s Website: https://neeneranalytics.com/
3. Patent Hacks Website: https://www.patenthacks.com
4. Trevor Skene LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-skene/

In this episode, I sit down with Bryan Preston, CEO of Gaelic Business Solutions, a seasoned operator and coach who’s spent 35+ years helping companies navigate messy growth. Bryan’s been in the trenches across tech, manufacturing, and financial services, and he’s even earned a U.S. patent for supply-chain finance work from his time at UPS.

We dig into what actually causes “chaos” inside businesses, and how to turn it into momentum without burning out your team (or yourself). Bryan shares the leadership and people dynamics that quietly break companies, the practical systems that restore clarity fast, and the mindset shifts founders need whether they’re just starting out… or trying to scale without blowing a tire at 90 mph.

1. [2:10] - Bryan’s unexpected path: from aspiring high school math teacher to business leadership and consulting
2. [6:05] - Why values-based businesses create more satisfaction (and waste less energy)
3. [18:20] - The leadership gap behind most company problems: vision, communication, and staying focused
4. [27:40] - A real turnaround story: SOPs, process mapping, and reducing owner “firefighting” by ~50%
5. [34:10] - Diagnosing profitability + sales: the questions Bryan uses to spot risk, waste, and concentration issues
6. [44:30] - Universal people truth: most teams suffer from low self-awareness (over- vs under-estimators)
7. [50:15] - A simple tool to improve team dynamics fast: DISC assessments + shared vocabulary
8. [1:05:20] - Scaling advice: can you actually afford to grow, and why financing can add healthy rigor

1. Bryan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankpreston/
2. Bryan’s Website: https://www.gaelicbiz.com/
3. Patent Hacks Website: https://www.patenthacks.com
4. Trevor Skene LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-skene/

In this episode, I sit down with Nathan Cox, President & CEO of InRoads Credit Union, and one of the sharpest financial leaders I’ve had the pleasure of talking to. Nathan has spent 35+ years guiding companies through every stage of growth—from million-dollar start-ups to billion-dollar corporate portfolios. And today, he gives us a rare behind-the-scenes look at how funders actually evaluate your business, your projections, and your potential.

We dig into the realities of fundraising that most founders never get to hear, how investors think, what they look for, and the data that separates believable projections from “pie in the sky.” Nathan also shares incredible insights on leadership, strategic planning, relationship-building, and personal development that every entrepreneur needs in their toolkit. If you're preparing to raise capital, build a team, or scale with confidence, this is absolutely a masterclass.

[1:42] – Nathan shares the unexpected path that led him into banking—and how a college basketball challenge shaped his competitive drive.

[8:55] – The three traits Nathan sees in every successful business, from $1M to $1B in revenue.

[15:40] – Why entrepreneurs must write their business plans through the eyes of the investor, not themselves.

[22:50] – Nathan explains how funders evaluate projections—and why anything beyond 18–24 months is noise.

[33:05] – What peer data really means, and the red flags investors look for when your projections exceed industry averages.

[44:10] – A breakdown of funding stages: self-funding, angels, private equity, senior debt, and when each makes sense.

[58:02] – Nathan’s leadership philosophy and how he builds cultures where people feel seen, supported, and eager to grow.

[1:11:20] – The importance of mentors vs. sponsors—and how to position yourself to be championed by the right people.

[1:21:44] – Nathan’s final advice for aspiring founders: trust your heart, drown out the noise, and never give up.

• Nathan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-nathan-cox/ 
• Nathan’s Website: https://www.inroadscu.org/ 
• Patent Hacks Website: https://www.patenthacks.com
• Trevor Skene LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-skene/ 

In this episode of the Patent Hacks Podcast, I sit down with Jacques Nack, founder and CEO of JNN Group and Quantum Inc. Jacques brings a powerful mix of tech innovation, leadership insight, and entrepreneurial grit to the conversation. We explore his journey from tinkering with early computer systems and learning QBasic at age 12 to leading high-performance teams and advising global startups. His insights into system-building, team development, and creative sales hacks are absolute gold for anyone in the startup world.

Jacques shares how he bootstrapped a tech business from one desk to 40+ employees, and why clarity, focus, and creative resourcefulness were key to his success. We also dive into how he thinks about startup execution, the "barbershop test" for new ideas, and how to know when (and how) to raise funding. If you're building a company or leading a team, you won't want to miss this episode.

Timeline Summary:

[2:02] - How childhood curiosity and early exposure to business shaped Jacques' entrepreneurial mindset

[6:30] - Discovering inefficiencies in digital legal evidence and launching a disruptive data firm

[11:10] - Why he didn’t hire salespeople—and got business from competitors instead

[16:25] - The importance of hiring right: building a team that trains itself

[20:45] - Jacques’ advice on executing ideas: countdowns, clarity, and the "barbershop test"

[28:10] - How to know when it's time to raise funding (and what kind of raise you need)

[35:30] - Making smart decisions about scaling: partnerships, pricing strategy, and timing

[42:15] - What makes a great CEO at different business stages

[48:00] - Final advice: stick to your spot, work hard, stay honest, and get a little lucky

Links & Resources:

Jacques Nack Website: https://www.jacquesnack.com/ 

Jacques Nack LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacques/ 

Patent Hacks Website: https://www.patenthacks.com

Trevor Skene LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-skene/

Closing Remark:

If you found value in Jacques' story and insights, don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the Patent Hacks Podcast. Share this episode with a founder or leader who's ready to scale smart and build bold!

In this episode of the Patent Hacks Podcast, I sit down with Cliff Budnick, president and general manager of Innovate Technologies, to unpack the lessons of entrepreneurship, innovation, and the powerful role patents play in building and protecting a business. From launching his first startup in the custom partyware space to leading a multimillion-dollar HVAC solutions company, Cliff has lived through every phase of product development and IP strategy.

We talk about the real-world implications of patenting, navigating cash flow challenges, and building a strong team through thoughtful delegation. Cliff also pulls back the curtain on how Innovate leverages in-house inventions, licensed products, and strategic acquisitions to grow their IP portfolio and market reach. If you want to understand how innovation and intellectual property drive sustainable growth, this one is a must-listen.

Timeline Summary:

[1:10] - Cliff shares his startup journey and lessons from his first company

[6:34] - The cash flow trap: Net 90 terms and their hidden impact

[11:42] - Transitioning to Innovate and building an IP-focused culture

[15:20] - Offensive vs. defensive patent strategies in real-world business

[19:56] - Innovate’s product development pipeline and provisional patent strategy

[24:31] - Mistakes, delegation, and the 60% rule for scaling effectively

[31:02] - Evolving from in-house IP to licensing and third-party products

[38:45] - Defending IP against infringers and the costs of enforcement

[46:12] - How patents impact valuation during M&A and investor interest

[50:08] - Communicating ideas to attorneys and vetting prior art

[54:36] - Cliff’s advice to early-stage and scaling inventors: embrace failure

Links & Resources:

• Cliff’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cliff-budnick-mba-bb277011/ 
• Cliff’s Website: https://inovate.com/ 
• Patent Hacks Website: https://www.patenthacks.com
• Trevor Skene LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-skene/

Closing:

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Patent Hacks Podcast! If you found Cliff's insights helpful, please take a moment to follow, rate, and review the show. And don’t forget to share it with fellow founders, product leaders, or anyone navigating the world of IP and innovation. See you in the next one!

In this episode of the Patent Hacks Podcast, I sit down with Ronald Diamond, founder and chairman of Diamond Wealth and a leading voice in the world of family offices. With a background that spans hedge funds, private equity, and innovation in wealth management, Ron brings a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on how family offices are transforming the investment landscape.

Ron shares his journey from Wall Street to founding a hedge fund and ultimately building a powerful syndicate of family offices managing billions in assets. We dive into how these private entities differ from traditional private equity and venture capital, the concept of "patient capital," and why family offices may be the future of both innovation and philanthropy. If you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or just curious about the future of wealth, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Timeline Summary:

[1:22] - Ron shares his career beginnings and early experience at Drexel Burnham

[5:45] - Launching his hedge fund and transitioning into family office investing

[9:03] - Differences between family offices and traditional private equity/VC

[14:16] - The advantage of patient capital in the family office model

[18:50] - Creating Family Office World Media to drive collaboration and education

[26:32] - How Stanford and Booth schools helped build a family office curriculum

[32:10] - The lack of a playbook and how education is changing the family office model

[39:18] - Investing with purpose: how family offices are solving real-world problems

[46:27] - What Ron looks for in startups and why he bets on the entrepreneur

[53:06] - Advice for entrepreneurs on navigating funding and maintaining balance

Links & Resources:

• Ronald’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronalddiamond/ 
• Ronald’s Website: https://www.diamondwealthstrategies.com/ 
• Patent Hacks Website: https://www.patenthacks.com
• Trevor Skene LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-skene/

Closing:

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Patent Hacks Podcast! If you enjoyed this conversation with Ronald Diamond, please take a moment to rate, review, and follow the show. Don’t forget to share it with friends or colleagues who might benefit from the insights. Catch you in the next episode!