The Startup Life

In this episode, we talk to Tate Stock (Creator Of The Chirp Wheel+) as we discuss his career, his very intense time on Shark Tank, and how making his product has lead to a greater good he never expected.

**More About Tate Stock and the Chirp Wheel+**

Tate Stock created an amazing back pain relief wheel called the Chirp Wheel+. He first developed the Plexus Wheel, a yoga wheel, out of $400 of sewer pipe and $50 of yoga mat. He then listed these wheels on Amazon and sold $12,000 worth in two weeks! After achieving $150,000 in sales the first year, Stock found a need for a similar device that provided back pain relief. This led to his development of the Plexus Wheel+, now known as the Chirp Wheel+, a back pain relief device with a patent pending Spinal Canal™ and Compression Sensitive Padding. During 2018, Stock launched a kickstarter to crowdfund the Plexus Wheel+. The kickstarter became the top kickstarter in the category of Pain Management, and the 3rd highest impact kickstarter in the state of Utah. Chirp quickly began to grow and by 2020 had sold over one million Chirp Wheels, helping so many people with drug-free pain relief. In 2020, Stock was featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 for manufacturing.

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Written by: Dominic Lawson

Executive Producers: Dominic Lawson and Kenda Lawson

Music Credits:

**Show Theme**

Behind Closed Doors - Otis McDonald

**Break Theme**

Cielo - Huma-Huma

In this episode, we talk to Brian Volk-Weiss (Founder of The Nacelle Company)as we discuss his company, why it took his Netflix hit "The Toys That Made Us" seven years to get the green light, and the common thing all the successful people he has worked with have in common.

**More About The Nacelle Company**

Founded by Brian Volk Weiss, The Nacelle Company develops, produces, and distributes feature and documentary films as well as TV shows – both scripted and unscripted. Nacelle's vast array of partnerships include: Netflix, Amazon, Disney +, HBO, Discovery, BET+, A&E Networks, Hulu, Viacom, and many more. The Nacelle Company has produced the hit Netflix docu-series, Down To Earth with Zac Efron, The Movies That Made Us, and The Toys That Made Us, as well as Behind The Attraction for Disney +, Sony's Mad About You reboot, Netflix's How To Fix A Drug Scandal, CW's Discontinued, Netflix'sKevin Hart's Guide To Black History, All The Way Black for BET+, and Grant for The History Channel.

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Check out other great podcasts from The Binge Podcast Network.

Written by: Dominic Lawson

Executive Producers: Dominic Lawson and Kenda Lawson

Music Credits:

**Show Theme**

Behind Closed Doors - Otis McDonald

**Break Theme**

Cielo - Huma-Huma

In this episode, we talk to Shellye Archambeau (Fortune 500 Board Member & Trailblazing Tech CEO) as we discuss her new book, her career, and how her life partner was a game changer in her career.

Check out her website and purchase her book here.

**More On Shellye**

Shellye Archambeau: Fortune 500 board member, Former CEO of MetricStream, Advisor and Author

Ms. Archambeau is an experienced CEO and Board Director with a track record of accomplishments building brands, high performance teams, and organizations. Ms. Archambeau currently serves on the boards of Verizon [NYSE:VZ], Nordstrom [NYSE: JWN], Roper Technologies [NYSE: ROP], and Okta [NASDAQ: OKTA]. She is also a strategic advisor to Forbes Ignite and to the President of Arizona State University, and serves on the boards of two national nonprofits, Catalyst and Braven.

She is the former CEO of MetricStream, a Silicon Valley-based, governance, risk, and compliance software company that enables corporations to improve their business operations through better risk management across the enterprise. Ms. Archambeau built the company into a global market leader with over 1200 employees serving customers around the world. Under her leadership MetricStream was recognized for growth and innovation over the years and was named in the top 10 of the "Deloitte Technology Fast 50" and named a global leader in GRC by leading independent analyst firms for 9 consecutive years.

Ms. Archambeau has over 30 years of experience in technology leading organizations focused on business to business as well as business to consumer. She is a recognized expert in marketing and co-authored, "Marketing That Works: How Entrepreneurial Marketing Can Add Sustainable Profits to Any Sized Company." She has held EVP of Sales and Chief Marketing Officer roles for two public companies and as President of Blockbuster.com, launched the entertainment retailer's first online presence.

She was named the second most influential African American in IT by Business Insider. She was ranked one of the "100 Most Influential Business Leaders in America" by Newsmax and that same year received the NCWIT Symons Innovator Award from The National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT).

She is the author of Unapologetically Ambitious: Take Risks, Break Barriers and Create Success on Your Own Terms (Published by HBG Grand Central 10/2020). A book that helps professionals achieve their aspirations and create the life they want.

Shellye is also a sought-after speaker on governance, risk and compliance as well as marketing and entrepreneurship. She has guest lectured at Stanford's Graduate School of Business and The Wharton School of Business. She is a Forbes contributor and has been featured or referenced in major publications such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and The Financial Times.

In her spare time Shellye enjoys exercising, the performing arts, entertaining and cooking.

shellyearchambeau.com LinkedIn: Shellye Archambeau Twitter: @ShelArchambeau Instagram: @shelarchambeau

Visit our website TheStartupLifePodcast.com

Follow The Startup Life Podcast Facebook Page

Want gear from The Startup Life? Check out our gear!

Check out other great podcasts from The Binge Podcast Network.

Written by: Dominic Lawson

Executive Producers: Dominic Lawson and Kenda Lawson

Music Credits:

**Show Theme**

Behind Closed Doors - Otis McDonald

**Break Theme**

Cielo - Huma-Huma

**Episode recorded July 31, 2020**

In this episode, we talk to Michalyn Easter-Thomas (Educator & City Councilwoman) on her path, her council race, and more.

Visit our website TheStartupLifePodcast.com

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Want gear from The Startup Life? Check out our gear!

Check out other great podcasts from The Binge Podcast Network.

Written by: Dominic Lawson

Executive Producers: Dominic Lawson and Kenda Lawson

Music Credits:

**Show Theme**

Behind Closed Doors - Otis McDonald

**Break Theme**

Cielo - Huma-Huma

In this episode, we talk to Farbod Shoraka (CO-Founder & CEO of BloomNation)as we discuss his business, career, and what's next for his company.

**More On BloomNation**

BloomNation is the world's largest online flower marketplace showcasing the designs of top artisan florists in thousands of cities nationwide. Unlike other sites, BloomNation doesn't allow stock images and ensures the arrangement consumers fall in love with is the arrangement received by sending BloomSnaps, photos of the bouquet before delivery. The site offers 100% transparency between the florist and the consumer and cuts out the middleman to bring business back to the heart of the industry. On the florist side, BloomNation provides local flower shops and studios with websites, e-marketing tools, professional floral photo shoots, the ability to showcase their original designs on a platform to be discovered by consumers from across the globe, and more.

Visit our website TheStartupLifePodcast.com

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Want gear from The Startup Life? Check out our gear!

Check out other great podcasts from The Binge Podcast Network.

Written by: Dominic Lawson

Executive Producers: Dominic Lawson and Kenda Lawson

Music Credits:

**Show Theme**

Behind Closed Doors - Otis McDonald

**Break Theme**

Cielo - Huma-Huma

In this episode we talk to Paul Dashevsky (Co-founder and Partner of GreatBuildz.com) as we discuss his business and so much more.

**More On GreatBuildz.com**

GreatBuildz is a completely free service that simplifies the contractor search by matching and connecting homeowners with reliable, thoroughly screened general contractors throughout Los Angeles and Ventura County. Founded by a team of real estate and construction professionals with multiple decades of experience, GreatBuildz connects each client with up to three contractors that are individually selected for their specific project, typically within 24 hours, and stays by the client's side from the initial call through the finished remodel. Through its meticulous 10-step vetting process, all GreatBuildz contractors go through an in-person interview, a background check, reference calls, online ratings, an insurance check, and a signed commitment to uphold a 20-point Code of Conduct.

Visit our website TheStartupLifePodcast.com

Follow The Startup Life Podcast Facebook Page

Want gear from The Startup Life? Check out our gear!

Check out other great podcasts from The Binge Podcast Network.

Written by: Dominic Lawson

Executive Producers: Dominic Lawson and Kenda Lawson

Music Credits:

**Show Theme**

Behind Closed Doors - Otis McDonald

**Break Theme**

Cielo - Huma-Huma

In this episode, we talk to Vernon Davis (Comedian & Serial Entrepreneur) as we discuss his latest book, why he advocates for veterans, and more.

Purchase Messages In The Madness here

**More On Vernon**

Vernon "Longhorn" Davis is one of the most unique comedians that you will ever have grace your stage. He was born in Central Texas and raised all over the country, primaily in Texas and Kansas. As a military brat he travelled and lived all over the country. His comedy comes from his life experiences as a Husband, Father, Grandfather and 4th Generation Veteran (Army). Longhorn has created his own style of humor that he calls "Longhorn Comedy. Longhorn Comedy is a mix of blue collar, urban, mainstream comedy, and with a dash of great positive messaging all rolled into one. Comedy has always been a passion for Longhorn. He learned to be funny growing up around his people in Texas. Sometimes we were so poor all we had was laughter.. One of his greatest comedy influnences was his mother who was the funniest person in his life. Yet, watching comedians like Howie Mandel, Redd Fox, Jeff Foxworthy, Franlin Ajaye and other comedians is what made him want to show the world that he also was uniquely funny. The first time Longhorn stepped on a comedy stage was in Oxen Hill, Maryland in 1990. It was an open mic that was hosted by the Mayor of Rap City, Chris Thomas. Longhorn bombed so bad, he should have changed his name to Akmed. Yet, the few laughs that he got was enough to fuel his passion for laughter and the stage. After that one night he went back to Kansas(where he was living). Unfortunately, there were no comedy clubs in his area. In 1992 he moved to St Louis to take a job as an Asst. Publisher. This is where he found comedy again. In St Louis he shared the stage with great comics that were on their way up and some that had already made a name for themselves in comedy. His comedy journey ended in 1994 when his wife gave him a choice "give up comedy or give up the family". So, Longhorn truly missed his family. (just kidding) He gave up comedy again to raise his family. In 2005 Longhorn found his way back to the comedy. He started out doing the open mics and shortly after that he was offered a place to host his own shows. After this was up and running, he was then offered another spot to host a regular show. He ran both shows successfully for almost 2 years. Then his comedy career took a leap, he began working at the Dee Lee's House of Comedy. Spending time there was his comedy boot camp, he worked and was given time on stage with some of the biggest touring comedians in the country. Within a year he worked his way from helping to clean the tables to General Manager. Yet, during this time, LH honed his craft, listen to the great advice he received from veteran comedians and continued to move forward in the world of comedy. Over the years, while pursuing his comedy dream, Longhon can say that he has lost alot, to include everything. He even lost people that were dear to him and wanted him to go far in comedy. He wanted them to watch as his career soared, yet, God called them home, so now they have the best seats in the house at every show. Longhorn started out an Urban Comic. He did this because this is where he thought he was suppose to start. Yet, after having a few conversations with veteran comics and given the advice to find his own voice, he then looked back over his life and realized that he was brought up in a multi-cultural enviroment. This changed his comedy 180 degrees. He then began to explore the forms of comedy that he actually enjoyed. Mainstream, Blue Collar and Urban. He then combinded them and created his own style of comedy which he calls "Longhorn Comedy". Longhorn's comedy voice is built upon God, Family, being a Veteran, Relationships, Life in General and the power to follow your dreams. Since LH changed his comedy he has been offered opportunities that he might have never been offered. It has allowed him to open for people that he never thought of working with and has allowed him to go places that most comics of color would have never been invited to perform. LH often jokes about being invited to perform in places that he was the "only free black man in the county". Yet, these experiences have helped Longhorn to grow into the comedian that he is today and taught him that "Laughter Has No Color". Off stage Longhorn has projects that he enjoys. He is the Founder of a Not-For-Profit Organization named ThankU4YourService.com. This organization's only mission is to Thank Veterans, Everyday, Everywhere. He started this in November 2012 and has since thanked over 7,200 veterans world wide. Longhorn also does a presentation called "Blacks in U.S. American History", this presentation highlights the many great contributions that Black People have accomplished while serving our country through military service. Longhorn is also a partner in his own Comedy Booking Agency www.LaughterHasNoColor.com . Longhorn's goals are to travel the world doing what he loves the most, making people laugh and then making them laugh some more. Longhorn is also looking to make some moves in the television and movies industry.

Visit our website TheStartupLifePodcast.com

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Want gear from The Startup Life? Check out our gear!

Check out other great podcasts from The Binge Podcast Network.

Written by: Dominic Lawson

Executive Producers: Dominic Lawson and Kenda Lawson

Music Credits:

**Show Theme**

Behind Closed Doors - Otis McDonald

**Break Theme**

Cielo - Huma-Huma

In this episode, we talk to Nita Patel (Brand & Etiquette Expert) as we discuss how she helps her clients, her latest book, and her art.

**More On Nita**

Born in Croydon, UK, as a child Nita would travel frequently between London and Dallas, attending primary school in both places. She was influenced by American and English culture and her parents' deep Indian origin. In her formative years being an amalgam of values and mores, Nita would attempt to mold her persona to fit her circumstance, such as disguising her English accent as a teenager in America to avoid the inevitability of teenage harassment. These type of experiences and coping strategies helped to formulate her strong and resilient character.

Through her professional years and prior to her immersion in creative arts, Ms. Patel has over two decades of demonstrated technology leadership experience in various industries specifically with a concentrated focus in Healthcare for 14 of those 20+ years. Her investment in psychology theory and practice is what led her to a deep interest in helping others. As a catalyst, finding additional ways to express her creativity has led her to pursue her calling professionally as an artist for the past 8 years. She has become deeply and passionately devoted to nurturing others and in building their confidence and brand through speaking and consultative practices..

Ms. Patel is also profoundly drawn to matters of a spiritual nature and in sharing her discoveries with others. This, and the pursuit of her art, is what truly feeds her soul, provides a deep sense of fulfillment and reinforces that she is indeed following her heart. Over the years she has also devoted an untold number of volunteer hours to her faith-based organization and has been dedicated to a daily spiritual practice of her own. Her art is inspired by spirituality and from an avid love of traveling, wherein the discovery of new places, cultures, ideas, and ways of life has a direct influence upon her artistic creations.

Ms. Patel is mom to a bright nineteen year-old young man, who is currently attending university, and companion, to an adorable Yorkie – the Patel house Commander in Chief.

Visit our website TheStartupLifePodcast.com

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Want gear from The Startup Life? Check out our gear!

Check out other great podcasts from The Binge Podcast Network.

Written by: Dominic Lawson

Executive Producers: Dominic Lawson and Kenda Lawson

Music Credits:

**Show Theme**

Behind Closed Doors - Otis McDonald

**Break Theme**

Cielo - Huma-Huma

In this episode we talk to Genevieve Piturro(Founder Of Pajama Program) as we discuss her organization, being featured on Oprah, and more.

**More On Genevieve**

Genevieve Piturro was a successful television marketing executive in New York City for twenty years when a little girl's question ("What are pajamas?") changed the course of her life forever. Genevieve jumped off the corporate ladder and began delivering pajamas and books to children in shelters. In 2001, she founded Pajama Program, which has been recognized nationwide for both its success and Genevieve's story.

An international speaker, consultant and author, Genevieve Piturro, who is no longer with Pajama Program's staff, has now made it her mission to inspire men and women across the globe to listen to their heart and pursue their passions. Through her new venture, Genevieve Piturro, LLC, Genevieve is available for speaking engagements and as a consultant to inspire others who are looking to change direction in their lives and "find their pajamas." Genevieve is also serving as a consultant to Pajama Program, sharing the story of how she founded the organization on her speaking tour.

Genevieve Piturro has been interviewed on TODAY, OPRAH, GMA, The Early Show, CNN, Fox & Friends, O Magazine, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal and, on behalf of Pajama Program, she rang the Nasdaq Stock Market Opening Bell in 2016. She has been the recipient of many local and national awards. A Yonkers, NY native, Genevieve received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Fordham University. She resides in Irvington, NY with her husband, Demo DiMartile.

You can watch Genevieve's speaking engagements at www.GenevievePiturro.com and follow her on social media at the information below:

Twitter: @genpiturro Facebook: @genpiturro LinkedIn: Genevieve Piturro Instagram: @genevievepiturro

Visit our website TheStartupLifePodcast.com

Follow The Startup Life Podcast Facebook Page

Want gear from The Startup Life? Check out our gear!

Check out other great podcasts from The Binge Podcast Network.

Written by: Dominic Lawson

Executive Producers: Dominic Lawson and Kenda Lawson

Music Credits:

**Show Theme**

Behind Closed Doors - Otis McDonald

**Break Theme**

Cielo - Huma-Huma

In this episode we talk to Van Carlson (Founder of Strategic Risk Alternatives) as we discuss how government plays a role in risk management, what to know when you have a business, and more.

**More on Van**

Van Carlson is the founder of Strategic Risk Alternatives, a company that helps companies manage and mitigate risk in their businesses.

Van Carlson has an extensive background in Risk Management with more than 24 years in the industry. Prior to founding Strategic Risk Alternatives, Van ran his own property and casualty firm for 15 years. With many commercial business owners as his clients, he saw the Great Recession of 2008 hit hard, and just like them, he was also affected by the sharp downturn in our economy.

During this time, he realized there must be a better way to manage risk overall. From that desire to improve business operations for both himself and his clients, along with his extensive background in insurance, risk management, and finance, Strategic Risk Alternatives was formed.

Visit our website TheStartupLifePodcast.com

Follow The Startup Life Podcast Facebook Page

Want gear from The Startup Life? Check out our gear!

Check out other great podcasts from The Binge Podcast Network.

Written by: Dominic Lawson

Executive Producers: Dominic Lawson and Kenda Lawson

Music Credits:

**Show Theme**

Behind Closed Doors - Otis McDonald

**Break Theme**

Cielo - Huma-Huma