Advertise on podcast: Turning Point: Founder Journeys from Grit to Glory

In this episode of FinFactor, host Blaine Bertsch sits down with long-time entrepreneur and HeadCount founder ,Mark Ryski, to discuss the dramatic evolution of physical retail, economic survival, and what it truly takes to weather industry-wide disruption.  From navigating the 2008 financial crash to surviving a 40% revenue drop during COVID-19 shutdowns, Mark shares candid insights on why brick-and-mortar stores remain vital—accounting for over 80% of retail transactions—and why simpler metrics often trump complex data.  Whether you are grappling with changing market conditions, inflation, or finding product-market fit, this conversation offers invaluable lessons on leadership resilience, controlling what you can, and staying in the game long enough for market timing to work in your favor. Connect with Mark: linkedin.com/in/mark-ryski-8826601 Learn About HeadCount: headcount.com Dryrun delivers automated cash flow forecasting and financial modeling software that empowers CFOs and executive leaders to mitigate risk, eliminate manual spreadsheets, and drive confident growth at dryrun.com. #FinFactor #Entrepreneurship #BusinessStrategy #RetailAnalytics #CashFlowForecasting #FinancialLeadership #BusinessGrowth #CFO #SmallBusiness Master the Future of Your Finances.From cash flow management to forecasting and scenario planning, see the impact of your decisions before you act. dryrun.com

In this episode of FinFactor, host Blaine Bertsch sits down with Dr. Angela Zeng, founder of Karviva, to explore her journey from medical research scientist to functional beverage entrepreneur. Drawing from her background in pathology and her family's roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine, she shares how she translated ancient healing wisdom into a thriving retail drink brand.  Blaine and Angela dive deep into the realities of early-stage business growth, including product formulation challenges, getting those crucial first shelf placements, the hidden traps of expanding too quickly, and how staying obsessed with your customer's needs builds a resilient brand. https://youtu.be/qXGTRtk-Twk Connect with Angela: linkedin.com/in/angelazeng1 Learn about Karviva: karviva.com Dryrun empowers CFOs and executive leaders to move beyond static spreadsheets with clear, dynamic cash flow forecasting and interactive scenario modeling at dryrun.com. https://youtu.be/qXGTRtk-Twk #FinFactor #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #BusinessGrowth #RetailStrategy #FunctionalBeverage #CFO #CashFlow #Dryru Master the Future of Your Finances.From cash flow management to forecasting and scenario planning, see the impact of your decisions before you act. dryrun.com

In this episode of FounderArc, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Josh Sizemore, a seasoned entrepreneur in the CPG world, to unpack a career defined by speed, resilience, and reinvention. From selling basketball cards as a kid to reviving a bankrupt $200M beverage brand and scaling it into tens of thousands of retail locations, Josh shares how opportunistic thinking and relentless execution fuel long-term success. The conversation dives into what it really takes to rebuild failed brands, move fast in crowded consumer markets, and adapt across wildly different business models—from beverages and bottled water to CBD e-commerce, kombucha, and franchise operations. Josh opens up about burnout, hard-earned lessons from imperfect exits, and why experience often matters more than a “perfect” outcome. Josh also introduces his latest venture, FeastFast, a breakthrough snack brand designed for people with diabetes, pre-diabetes, and anyone focused on fasting and ketosis. He explains how clinical testing, patents, and disciplined product development are helping FeastFast deliver snacks that don’t spike blood sugar—while still tasting great. This episode is packed with real-world insights on CPG execution, cash flow discipline, brand building, and navigating risk as an entrepreneur. Learn more FeastFast at feastfast.co Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ek-9SfieoJQ Subscribe to FounderArc for more founder stories and practical lessons from the front lines of entrepreneurship.  Listen on your favorite podcast network or at FounderArct.buzzsprout.com founderarc.show FounderArc is produced by Dryrun – Cash Flow Forecasting Software for the CFO Leave spreadsheets behind to get your time back, build accurate forecasts and deliver clear strategic insights to management.  Learn more at dryrun.com #FounderArc #Entrepreneurship #FounderLife #StartupStrategy #BusinessGrowth #CEO #CFO #ExecutiveLeadership #FinTech #CashFlowManagement #VentureCapital #ScalingBusiness #SaaS #MarketTrends2026 #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessModel #SmallBiz #UnitEconomics #StrategicPlanning #cashflow #dryrun #founderarc Master the Future of Your Finances.From cash flow management to forecasting and scenario planning, see the impact of your decisions before you act. dryrun.com

In this episode of FounderArc, Blaine Bertsch talks with James Oliver, founder and CEO of Atlas Bars, about how he turned a college project into a thriving nutrition brand. James shares his journey from selling Cutco knives and mowing lawns to bootstrapping a seven-figure company built on clean ingredients, high protein, and zero sugar. He opens up about limiting risk, learning by doing, and why success comes from relentless execution—not just a good idea. This conversation dives deep into the realities of entrepreneurship: managing cash flow, scaling lean, overcoming false peaks, and the mental resilience needed to survive the long game. James also shares insights on brand building, knowing your customer, and why delayed gratification is the secret weapon of successful founders. If you’ve ever wondered how to grow a product-based business from nothing, this episode is packed with real-world lessons on risk management, focus, and grit. Learn more Atlas Bars at https://atlasbars.com/ Connect with James Oliver at linkedin.com/in/jamesxoliver Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GXC-1MCDwHg Subscribe to FounderArc for more founder stories and practical lessons from the front lines of entrepreneurship.  Listen on your favorite podcast network or at FounderArct.buzzsprout.com founderarc.show FounderArc is produced by Dryrun – Cash Flow Forecasting Software for the CFO Leave spreadsheets behind to get your time back, build accurate forecasts and deliver clear strategic insights to management.  Learn more at dryrun.com #FounderArc #Entrepreneurship #FounderLife #StartupStrategy #BusinessGrowth #CEO #CFO #ExecutiveLeadership #FinTech #CashFlowManagement #VentureCapital #ScalingBusiness #SaaS #MarketTrends2026 #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessModel #SmallBiz #UnitEconomics #StrategicPlanning #cashflow #dryrun #founderarc Master the Future of Your Finances.From cash flow management to forecasting and scenario planning, see the impact of your decisions before you act. dryrun.com

In this episode of FounderArc, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Stephen Sakach, founder of AI CMO and Zero Company, to explore how empathy-driven marketing and purpose-led storytelling are reshaping the way brands connect with audiences. From his early entrepreneurial roots to building an AI-powered platform that helps businesses create meaningful, emotionally resonant campaigns, Stephen shares a fascinating journey through innovation, resilience, and conscious business leadership. The conversation dives into the evolution of digital marketing—from the wild west days of pay-per-click advertising to today’s AI-driven personalization—and how technology can actually make marketing more human. Stephen discusses his “BLISS” philosophy (Build Love Into Scalable Systems), a framework for embedding empathy, gratitude, and purpose into company culture and marketing systems. He explains how emotional connection drives higher customer loyalty and lifetime value, and why businesses that lead with authenticity and kindness are better positioned to thrive. Blaine and Stephen also touch on entrepreneurship, the challenges of leading through economic downturns, and how self-managed teams, gratitude-based culture, and conscious capitalism are shaping the future of work. This episode is packed with lessons for entrepreneurs, marketers, and leaders who want to build brands that inspire trust, loyalty, and love. Learn more about AI CMO at aicmo.io Connect with Stephen Sakach at linkedin.com/in/stephen-sakach-3181aa28b Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Er6MIJrj31g Subscribe to FounderArc for more founder stories and practical lessons from the front lines of entrepreneurship.  Listen on your favorite podcast network or at FounderArct.buzzsprout.com founderarc.show FounderArc is produced by Dryrun – Cash Flow Forecasting Software for the CFO Leave spreadsheets behind to get your time back, build accurate forecasts and deliver clear strategic insights to management.  Learn more at dryrun.com #FounderArc #Entrepreneurship #FounderLife #StartupStrategy #BusinessGrowth #CEO #CFO #ExecutiveLeadership #FinTech #CashFlowManagement #VentureCapital #ScalingBusiness #SaaS #MarketTrends2026 #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessModel #SmallBiz #UnitEconomics #StrategicPlanning #cashflow #dryrun #founderarc Master the Future of Your Finances.From cash flow management to forecasting and scenario planning, see the impact of your decisions before you act. dryrun.com

In this episode of FounderArc, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Mark Newman, founder of HireVue and current CEO of Nomi Health, to explore his entrepreneurial journey from creating one of the first video interviewing platforms to tackling the massive challenges of U.S. healthcare. Mark shares candid stories of building HireVue from a college project into a global company, navigating the highs and lows of venture capital, and learning the hard lessons that shaped his leadership. The conversation dives into the emotional realities of startup life, including the identity struggles entrepreneurs face after exiting a company, the critical role of resilience, and the importance of embracing both luck and foresight in business. Mark also unpacks the inspiration behind Nomi Health, a company rethinking healthcare by cutting out the middleman, lowering costs, and improving the experience for employers, providers, and families. With insights on risk tolerance, founder mindset, and the importance of systems thinking, this episode is a masterclass in entrepreneurship, innovation, and building enduring businesses. Whether you’re a startup founder, CEO, or part of a team looking to innovate in tough industries, Mark’s story offers actionable lessons on perseverance, business strategy, and making an impact. Learn more about Nomi Health at nomihealth.com Connect with Mark Newman at linkedin.com/in/marknewman Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CDatIxChrH8 Subscribe to FounderArc for more founder stories and practical lessons from the front lines of entrepreneurship.  Listen on your favorite podcast network or at FounderArct.buzzsprout.com founderarc.show FounderArc is produced by Dryrun – Cash Flow Forecasting Software for the CFO Leave spreadsheets behind to get your time back, build accurate forecasts and deliver clear strategic insights to management.  Learn more at dryrun.com #FounderArc #Entrepreneurship #FounderLife #StartupStrategy #BusinessGrowth #CEO #CFO #ExecutiveLeadership #FinTech #CashFlowManagement #VentureCapital #ScalingBusiness #SaaS #MarketTrends2026 #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessModel #SmallBiz #UnitEconomics #StrategicPlanning #cashflow #dryrun #founderarc Master the Future of Your Finances.From cash flow management to forecasting and scenario planning, see the impact of your decisions before you act. dryrun.com

In this episode of FounderArc, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Scott Porter, CEO of San Diablo Artisan Churros, to dive into the inspiring highs and lows of his entrepreneurial journey. From co-founding Surf Air, the innovative all-you-can-fly membership airline, to creating unforgettable churro experiences, Scott shares how risk-taking, innovation, and customer obsession have shaped his career. The conversation explores the emotional realities of startup life, from the rollercoaster of funding challenges to the flaws in the entrepreneurial ecosystem that can make or break a founder’s journey. Scott reflects on how resilience, creativity, and adaptability helped him pivot from the airline industry to launching a successful food brand built on extraordinary customer experiences. Packed with lessons on perseverance, leadership, and building businesses rooted in purpose, this episode offers a roadmap for entrepreneurs navigating transitions, managing risk, and staying true to their vision. Whether you’re an early-stage founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, Scott’s story delivers powerful insights into the grit and passion required to succeed. Learn more about San Diablo Artisan Churros at sandiablochurros.com Connect with Scott at linkedin.com/in/scottcraigporter Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oNREs_SjUEE Subscribe to FounderArc for more founder stories and practical lessons from the front lines of entrepreneurship.  Listen on your favorite podcast network or at FounderArct.buzzsprout.com founderarc.show FounderArc is produced by Dryrun – Cash Flow Forecasting Software for the CFO Leave spreadsheets behind to get your time back, build accurate forecasts and deliver clear strategic insights to management.  Learn more at dryrun.com #FounderArc #Entrepreneurship #FounderLife #StartupStrategy #BusinessGrowth #CEO #CFO #ExecutiveLeadership #FinTech #CashFlowManagement #VentureCapital #ScalingBusiness #SaaS #MarketTrends2026 #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessModel #SmallBiz #UnitEconomics #StrategicPlanning #cashflow #dryrun #founderarc Master the Future of Your Finances.From cash flow management to forecasting and scenario planning, see the impact of your decisions before you act. dryrun.com

Join Blaine Bertsch in this insightful episode of Turning Point with Sabir Semerkant, a leading eCommerce strategist and growth expert, as they dive deep into the future of online retail. Sabir shares proven methods for scaling eCommerce businesses, leveraging AI-powered automation, and optimizing customer journeys to maximize conversions and long-term loyalty. They explore how data-driven decision-making, personalized marketing, and streamlined operations can transform your online store into a high-performing, global retail brand. This episode is perfect for entrepreneurs, startup founders, and eCommerce professionals who want to stay ahead of emerging trends and build resilient digital businesses. Learn how to scale effectively, improve profitability, and compete in a marketplace where technology and consumer expectations evolve faster than ever. Connect with Sabir at linkedin.com/in/sabirsemerkant Learn more about Growth by Sabir at growthbysabir.com Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Dv0ArqumIkQ Subscribe to FounderArc for more founder stories and practical lessons from the front lines of entrepreneurship.  Listen on your favorite podcast network or at FounderArct.buzzsprout.com founderarc.show FounderArc is produced by Dryrun – Cash Flow Forecasting Software for the CFO Leave spreadsheets behind to get your time back, build accurate forecasts and deliver clear strategic insights to management.  Learn more at dryrun.com #FounderArc #Entrepreneurship #FounderLife #StartupStrategy #BusinessGrowth #CEO #CFO #ExecutiveLeadership #FinTech #CashFlowManagement #VentureCapital #ScalingBusiness #SaaS #MarketTrends2026 #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessModel #SmallBiz #UnitEconomics #StrategicPlanning #cashflow #dryrun #founderarc Master the Future of Your Finances.From cash flow management to forecasting and scenario planning, see the impact of your decisions before you act. dryrun.com

In this episode of FounderArc, Blaine Bertsch is joined by entrepreneur Kirstin Carey to unpack her dynamic journey across marketing, public speaking, the restaurant industry, and the wellness space. From launching successful gluten-free restaurants to building a transformative wellness program designed to reverse autoimmune conditions, Kirstin shares how passion, purpose, and persistence fueled her growth as a women-owned business leader. The conversation dives deep into the psychology of sales, why understanding customer behavior is critical, and how mastering lead generation, client acquisition, and sales funnels can drastically boost conversions. Kirstin explains the power of closing strategies, funnel optimization, and performance metrics to improve revenue generation while maintaining authenticity and customer engagement. She also highlights how professional development, coaching, and sales training programs elevate business leaders and help them drive long-term success. Packed with practical sales techniques, conversion strategies, and hard-earned entrepreneurial lessons, this episode is a must-watch for business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders who want to improve revenue growth, customer relationships, and sales performance while building a resilient and purposeful business. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0OKg45FdF1U Listen on your favorite podcast network or at FounderArc.buzzsprout.com Connect with Kirstin: linkedin.com/in/kirstincarey Learn more about Evolve Sales Consulting at evolveminded.com Subscribe to FounderArc for more founder stories and practical lessons from the front lines of entrepreneurship.  Listen on your favorite podcast network or at FounderArct.buzzsprout.com founderarc.show FounderArc is produced by Dryrun – Cash Flow Forecasting Software for the CFO Leave spreadsheets behind to get your time back, build accurate forecasts and deliver clear strategic insights to management.  Learn more at dryrun.com #FounderArc #Entrepreneurship #FounderLife #StartupStrategy #BusinessGrowth #CEO #CFO #ExecutiveLeadership #FinTech #CashFlowManagement #VentureCapital #ScalingBusiness #SaaS #MarketTrends2026 #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessModel #SmallBiz #UnitEconomics #StrategicPlanning #cashflow #dryrun #founderarc Master the Future of Your Finances.From cash flow management to forecasting and scenario planning, see the impact of your decisions before you act. dryrun.com

In this episode of FounderArc, Blaine Bertsch sits down with serial entrepreneur Eli Portnoy to explore the untold realities of startup life. From launching his first venture in college to scaling companies like Sense360 and now BackEngine, Eli shares the highs, lows, and critical lessons every founder needs to hear. He reveals how timing, traction, and customer insights shape business success—and why resilience, focus, and mental health are just as important as growth metrics. The conversation goes deep into the darker side of entrepreneurship: startup stress, founder anxiety, and the burnout that so often comes with rapid scaling. Eli discusses strategies for maintaining founder wellness, building a sustainable entrepreneur mindset, and creating systematic processes that empower teams through better customer service, support, and CRM tools. Along the way, he highlights the importance of prioritizing mental health, setting goals with clarity, and cultivating resilience in the face of setbacks. Whether you’re a founder navigating the early grind, an entrepreneur scaling fast, or part of a startup team seeking balance, this episode delivers raw insights, actionable strategies, and the kind of honesty that makes long-term success possible. Learn more about BackEngine at BackEngine.ai Connect with Eli at linkedin.com/in/eliportnoy Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/M6H_52YOTDM Subscribe to FounderArc for more founder stories and practical lessons from the front lines of entrepreneurship.  Listen on your favorite podcast network or at FounderArct.buzzsprout.com founderarc.show FounderArc is produced by Dryrun – Cash Flow Forecasting Software for the CFO Leave spreadsheets behind to get your time back, build accurate forecasts and deliver clear strategic insights to management.  Learn more at dryrun.com #FounderArc #Entrepreneurship #FounderLife #StartupStrategy #BusinessGrowth #CEO #CFO #ExecutiveLeadership #FinTech #CashFlowManagement #VentureCapital #ScalingBusiness #SaaS #MarketTrends2026 #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessModel #SmallBiz #UnitEconomics #StrategicPlanning #cashflow #dryrun #founderarc Master the Future of Your Finances.From cash flow management to forecasting and scenario planning, see the impact of your decisions before you act. dryrun.com

In this episode of FounderArc, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Adam Nathan, CEO of Blaze, to uncover the mindset, strategies, and lessons that shaped his entrepreneurial path. Drawing from his experiences at Apple and in government administration, Adam shares how structured startup strategies, risk management, and an entrepreneurial mindset helped him navigate the challenges of building companies from the ground up. The conversation explores startup funding, product-market fit, and how founders can balance innovation with the realities of founder stress and startup risk. Adam introduces Blaze, an AI-powered platform designed to help small businesses scale with smarter automation—combining AI marketing, digital marketing, growth marketing, and marketing automation into a unified system that drives lead generation, boosts e-commerce strategies, and accelerates business growth. Packed with real-world insights, Adam also shares practical marketing strategies, lessons in performance marketing, and the emotional highs and lows of startup life. He emphasizes why founders must focus on solving meaningful problems rather than chasing short-term trends to build lasting, impactful companies. Learn more about Blaze at blaze.ai Connect with Adam at linkedin.com/in/adampnathan Sign up for Adams Newsletter! Get Blaze CEO Adam Nathan's cheat codes to building and growing a $150M company in your inbox every week with Startup Tycoon. Powered by Adam's experience shipping product to millions, raising $46M, and hyperscaling to $7M+ in revenue in 15 months with only 25 people. Subscribe at startuptycoon.com Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qrpvqSfSA6A Subscribe to FounderArc for more founder stories and practical lessons from the front lines of entrepreneurship.  Listen on your favorite podcast network or at FounderArct.buzzsprout.com founderarc.show FounderArc is produced by Dryrun – Cash Flow Forecasting Software for the CFO Leave spreadsheets behind to get your time back, build accurate forecasts and deliver clear strategic insights to management.  Learn more at dryrun.com #FounderArc #Entrepreneurship #FounderLife #StartupStrategy #BusinessGrowth #CEO #CFO #ExecutiveLeadership #FinTech #CashFlowManagement #VentureCapital #ScalingBusiness #SaaS #MarketTrends2026 #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessModel #SmallBiz #UnitEconomics #StrategicPlanning #cashflow #dryrun #founderarc Master the Future of Your Finances.From cash flow management to forecasting and scenario planning, see the impact of your decisions before you act. dryrun.com

In this episode of FounderArc, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Ken MacKenzie, founder and CEO of Fresh Victor, to explore his entrepreneurial journey from co-founding Republic Tequila to transforming the cocktail mixer market. Ken shares how persistence, vision, and passion fueled his mission to elevate cocktail culture with premium, fresh-ingredient mixers designed for both consumers and professionals. The conversation dives into the evolution of the tequila industry, lessons learned in scaling startups, and the importance of building authentic personal and business relationships. Ken highlights the challenges of funding and distribution in the beverage industry while unpacking how convenience, quality, and health-conscious trends are reshaping consumer expectations. He also emphasizes the value of patience, execution, and collaboration when building a brand that resonates in a competitive and fast-changing marketplace. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a beverage industry professional, or simply curious about what it takes to innovate in consumer goods, this episode offers valuable insights on leadership, resilience, and long-term growth. Learn more about Fresh Victor at freshvictor.com Connect with Ken at linkedin.com/in/ken-mackenzie-a6742646 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/R3cRmYaBjEg Subscribe to FounderArc for more founder stories and practical lessons from the front lines of entrepreneurship.  Listen on your favorite podcast network or at FounderArct.buzzsprout.com founderarc.show FounderArc is produced by Dryrun – Cash Flow Forecasting Software for the CFO Leave spreadsheets behind to get your time back, build accurate forecasts and deliver clear strategic insights to management.  Learn more at dryrun.com #FounderArc #Entrepreneurship #FounderLife #StartupStrategy #BusinessGrowth #CEO #CFO #ExecutiveLeadership #FinTech #CashFlowManagement #VentureCapital #ScalingBusiness #SaaS #MarketTrends2026 #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessModel #SmallBiz #UnitEconomics #StrategicPlanning #cashflow #dryrun #founderarc Master the Future of Your Finances.From cash flow management to forecasting and scenario planning, see the impact of your decisions before you act. dryrun.com

In this episode of FounderArc, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Borja Cuan, Co-Founder of Four15 Digital, to explore his entrepreneurial journey from selling golf balls as a child to building a thriving digital marketing agency. Borja shares founder insights on mentorship, networking, and the growth strategies that helped him scale his company while staying true to his values as a leader. The conversation dives into the importance of identifying market gaps, creating powerful brand strategies, and delivering exceptional customer experiences through marketing automation, content marketing, and creative campaigns. Borja also unpacks the challenges of scaling a business, from managing client expectations to prioritizing employee well-being, and emphasizes how strong company culture and team alignment drive long-term success. For entrepreneurs, startup founders, and business leaders, this episode provides practical lessons on scaling techniques, marketing strategy, and developing the entrepreneur mindset needed to thrive in competitive markets. With insights into both the challenges and opportunities of building a digital-first business, Borja’s story offers a roadmap for sustainable growth and leadership. Learn more about Four15 Digital at four15digital.com Connect with Borja at www.linkedin.com/in/borjacuan Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KUHRBWC7fCo Subscribe to FounderArc for more founder stories and practical lessons from the front lines of entrepreneurship.  Listen on your favorite podcast network or at FounderArct.buzzsprout.com founderarc.show FounderArc is produced by Dryrun – Cash Flow Forecasting Software for the CFO Leave spreadsheets behind to get your time back, build accurate forecasts and deliver clear strategic insights to management.  Learn more at dryrun.com #FounderArc #Entrepreneurship #FounderLife #StartupStrategy #BusinessGrowth #CEO #CFO #ExecutiveLeadership #FinTech #CashFlowManagement #VentureCapital #ScalingBusiness #SaaS #MarketTrends2026 #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessModel #SmallBiz #UnitEconomics #StrategicPlanning #cashflow #dryrun #founderarc Master the Future of Your Finances.From cash flow management to forecasting and scenario planning, see the impact of your decisions before you act. dryrun.com

In this episode of FounderArc, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Robert Grazioli, Managing Partner of Bread, a Brooklyn-based digital agency, to explore the realities of entrepreneurship and the challenges founders face when moving from service-based businesses into product development. Robert shares his candid experiences with overcoming imposter syndrome, leveraging customer feedback, and making the critical mindset shifts required to succeed in new ventures. The discussion dives into the often unpredictable path of entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of persistence, conviction, and resilience. Robert opens up about learning from mistakes, maintaining mental health, and fostering strong relationships that support both business and personal growth. They also unpack how venture capital can shape decision-making, why engineering plays such a vital role in product development, and how founders can navigate uncertainty while keeping their long-term vision intact. For startup founders, entrepreneurs, and business leaders, this episode delivers practical insights into scaling, product-market fit, and the entrepreneurial mindset required to innovate in competitive markets. Whether you’re navigating early-stage growth or scaling a product-based company, Robert’s story offers lessons in leadership, creativity, and execution. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dRJxsdOXOlE Learn more about Bread at madebybread.com Connect with Robert at linkedin.com/in/robert-j-grazioli Subscribe to FounderArc for more founder stories and practical lessons from the front lines of entrepreneurship.  Listen on your favorite podcast network or at FounderArct.buzzsprout.com founderarc.show FounderArc is produced by Dryrun – Cash Flow Forecasting Software for the CFO Leave spreadsheets behind to get your time back, build accurate forecasts and deliver clear strategic insights to management.  Learn more at dryrun.com #FounderArc #Entrepreneurship #FounderLife #StartupStrategy #BusinessGrowth #CEO #CFO #ExecutiveLeadership #FinTech #CashFlowManagement #VentureCapital #ScalingBusiness #SaaS #MarketTrends2026 #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessModel #SmallBiz #UnitEconomics #StrategicPlanning #cashflow #dryrun #founderarc Master the Future of Your Finances.From cash flow management to forecasting and scenario planning, see the impact of your decisions before you act. dryrun.com

In this episode of FounderArc, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Eric Hui, founder of Terracea, to explore his journey from corporate life to launching a premium cold-weather outdoor apparel brand. Eric shares how he identified market gaps in the outdoor industry, navigated the challenges of product development, and leveraged platforms like Kickstarter to secure funding and build early momentum. The conversation highlights the realities of entrepreneurship, including the resilience required to overcome setbacks, the strategic shift from wholesale to direct-to-consumer, and the importance of managing cash flow and seasonality in the apparel business. Eric also emphasizes the role of branding, storytelling, and audience engagement in building a lasting connection with customers in a competitive marketplace. Packed with insights on perseverance, adaptability, and the entrepreneurial mindset, this episode offers valuable lessons for founders, apparel entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to turn an idea into a thriving brand. From funding strategies to long-term growth, Eric’s story is a roadmap for balancing creativity, execution, and resilience. Learn more about Terracea and connect with Eric at Terrracea.com Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cX19hcnlU00 Subscribe to FounderArc for more founder stories and practical lessons from the front lines of entrepreneurship.  Listen on your favorite podcast network or at FounderArct.buzzsprout.com founderarc.show FounderArc is produced by Dryrun – Cash Flow Forecasting Software for the CFO Leave spreadsheets behind to get your time back, build accurate forecasts and deliver clear strategic insights to management.  Learn more at dryrun.com #FounderArc #Entrepreneurship #FounderLife #StartupStrategy #BusinessGrowth #CEO #CFO #ExecutiveLeadership #FinTech #CashFlowManagement #VentureCapital #ScalingBusiness #SaaS #MarketTrends2026 #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessModel #SmallBiz #UnitEconomics #StrategicPlanning #cashflow #dryrun #founderarc Master the Future of Your Finances.From cash flow management to forecasting and scenario planning, see the impact of your decisions before you act. dryrun.com