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In this episode, I was very lucky enough to interview The Ronnen Harary!! He is the co-founder of Spin Master and the mind behind some of the toys and entertainment franchises that have shaped childhoods around the world, including PAW Patrol, Air Hogs, Bakugan, and Earth Buddies.  Ronnen takes us back to his early days as a young business owner, from selling advertising on college posters with his best friend to turning a quirky grass-growing novelty into a million-dollar product business. He shares how curiosity, speed to market, and a willingness to tackle problems without knowing every obstacle helped him build Spin Master into a global toy and entertainment company. He also reveals the story behind PAW Patrol, why three failed shows came before the hit, and how the right creative partnerships helped turn an idea into a lasting franchise. Ronnen also opens up about the power of building relationships long before they lead to business, the importance of showing up in person, and why he believes doubt can get in the way of the opportunities we create for ourselves. Jay and Ronnen dive into the changing role of AI in creativity, why hands-on play and human imagination still matter, and how emerging technology could help people turn their expertise and passions into ideas that once seemed impossible. Drawing from his book, *No Experience Necessary*, Ronnen offers practical advice for aspiring founders: start where you are, take things in manageable steps, embrace what sparks your creativity, and keep moving even when the bigger picture feels uncertain.  Join Ronnen Harary’s patrol and discover how he turned big ideas into a world of four-legged heroes in this episode of The First Customer! Guest Info: Spin Master http://www.spinmaster.com No Experience Necessary by: Ronnen Harary https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/789812/no-experience-necessary-by-ronnen-harary/ Ronnen Harary's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronnen-harary-99b13370/ 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 Luca Iovine, owner of Gianni’s Pizza.   Growing up in Langhorne and spending summers in Italy, Luca developed a strong connection to his Italian heritage while being surrounded by the food business through his parents. He shares how his father’s career in the pizza industry eventually led him back into the family business, and how taking over a struggling location became a crash course in persistence, responsibility, and learning what it really takes to keep a business alive. Luca delves into his approach to hospitality, customer relationships, and becoming the face of Gianni’s Pizza within the local community. He reflects on the importance of remembering customers’ names, being accessible when something goes wrong, personally reaching out to nearby businesses, and understanding that a great product is only one part of running a successful restaurant. Luca also discusses working alongside his father, the challenges of running a family business, the realities of catering and managing limited capacity, and his goal of building a stronger team that can help him grow the business while gradually transitioning his father out of the day-to-day operation.  Step inside Luca Iovine’s world of pizza, family, hospitality, and community, and hear what it really takes to keep a neighborhood business alive on this episode of The First Customer! Guest Info: Gianni's Pizza 842 Bustleton Pike, Richboro, PA 18954, United States Luca Iovine [email protected] 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 Dusty Gulleson, CEO and founder of Tectonic.  Dusty shares how growing up in Indonesia as the son of missionary parents shaped his resourcefulness, entrepreneurial instincts, and perspective on business. He delves through Tectonic’s evolution from a one-person web infrastructure company into a vertically integrated technology business spanning managed services, software, workflow solutions, accessibility, and offshore teams. Along the way, Dusty explains why he believes generalists can thrive, how acquisitions helped accelerate Tectonic’s growth, and why the people inside an acquisition can matter more than the contracts that come with it. Dusty gets personal as he opens up about discipline, ADHD, consistency, difficult leadership lessons, and the importance of learning to listen beyond the bullet points. He explains why he stopped trying to be a “thought leader” and instead encourages business owners to tell their stories by becoming part of their customers’ stories and making their lives better. Dusty explores why relationships cannot be automated, how embracing difficult experiences can build empathy, and the formative lessons he learned from his father and Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People.  Step inside Dusty Gulleson’s unconventional path from Indonesia to scaling Tectonic through people, patience, and purpose in this episode of The First Customer! Guest Info: Tectonic https://www.teamtectonic.com/ Dusty Gulleson's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustygulleson/ 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 Michael Gadsby, founder and co-founder of O3 World and Chief Innovation Officer of O3XO. Michael talks about his unconventional path into business, from discovering web design at the dawn of the internet to freelancing, building an agency, and eventually partnering with Keith Scandone to grow O3 World. Michael shares how relationships helped them land their first customer, Philadelphia Style Magazine, and why having a co-founder with a different perspective can make all the difference when navigating difficult decisions and big opportunities. Michael then turns to AI and how companies can actually put it to work without trying to transform everything overnight. Michael explains why O3XO takes a “start small and scale” approach, helping organizations identify everyday friction points, prioritize practical AI use cases, and create solutions that give teams more capacity to do meaningful work. He also discusses staying ahead of rapid technological change, building custom solutions with increasingly accessible tools, and the importance of real conversations over AI-generated “slop”. Get a fresh perspective from Michael Gadsby on making sense of AI, finding opportunity in uncertainty, and building alongside the right people in this episode of The First Customer! Guest Info: O3XO https://www.o3xo.ai/ Michael Gadsby's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelgadsby/ 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 Connor Snyder, CEO and co-founder of Storyy. Connor shares how growing up around entrepreneurs shaped his outlook on business and why learning marketing—not chasing entrepreneurship—ultimately led him to build a company focused on personal branding at scale. Connor walks through his journey from experimenting with Facebook ads in college to helping hundreds of mortgage professionals establish authority through authentic content, before transforming that manual process into Storyy, a platform that helps businesses and creators produce impactful video content more efficiently. Connor also dives into one of today's biggest marketing conversations: where AI belongs in the creative process. Rather than replacing people, Connor explains why human creativity, taste, and validation remain essential for producing content that actually captures attention. Connor discusses building businesses with an eventual exit in mind, staying curious about emerging technology and the power of authentic storytelling. Explore Connor Snyder's fresh perspective on personal branding, creative strategy, and building for the future in this episode of The First Customer! Guest Info: Storyy https://storyy.com/ Connor Snyder's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/connorsnyder/ 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 Brad Gardner, Founder and CTO of Seven Hills Technology.  Growing up in the Cincinnati area, Brad developed an early appreciation for practicality, hard work, and solving problems with the resources available to him—an outlook that helped shape his entrepreneurial mindset later in life. Brad shares how a practical decision to turn two former clients into paying customers led to the launch of Seven Hills Technology, and how the company evolved from a one-person consulting operation into a growing firm focused on helping businesses streamline operations through custom software and strategic technology solutions. Brad delves into the future of software development, the impact of AI on consulting and pricing models, and why he remains committed to being a generalist in a world obsessed with specialization. He also reflects on lessons learned over a decade of growth, including the importance of investing in sales and relationship-building, and shares a deeply personal motivation behind his entrepreneurial drive: creating opportunities and long-term stability for his children.  Learn why Brad Gardner believes solving real business problems will always matter more than chasing the latest trend in this episode of The First Customer! Guest Info: Seven Hills Technology https://sevenhillstechnology.com Brad Gardner's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-gardner-sh/ 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 Drew Sechrist, CEO and co-founder of Connect The Dots. Drew shares how a small-town upbringing in Pennsylvania, lessons from his entrepreneur father, and an early seat at the table as employee #36 at shaped his approach to business and relationships. Drew reflects on the culture of Silicon Valley, the power of aligned incentives, and how seeing firsthand the impact of equity ownership transformed the way he thought about teamwork, growth, and building companies. Drew dives into the origin story behind Connect The Dots and explains how a sales tactic he developed at Salesforce—leveraging introductions from trusted connections to open doors at major accounts—eventually evolved into a relationship intelligence platform. He also discusses fundraising, landing the company's first paying customer, the shift away from automated outreach toward authentic human connections, and his vision for building a global network that helps people sell, recruit, and collaborate more effectively. Find out why authentic connections may be the ultimate antidote to an increasingly automated world with Drew Sechrist on The First Customer! Guest Info: Connect The Dots http://www.ctd.ai Drew Sechrist's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewsechrist/ 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 Rusnak, CTO and co-founder of Airspace.  Ryan shares how, as a psychology graduate with a passion for technology, he found his way into solving one of the most critical logistics challenges in the world. Ryan reflects on his journey from building websites and software applications to studying human-computer interaction where he learned that great software isn't about writing code—it's about deeply understanding what users actually need. That philosophy became the foundation for Airspace, a company focused on ensuring time-critical shipments—from transplant organs and medical materials to aircraft parts and other high-priority cargo—arrive on time when every minute counts. Ryan also dives into the evolution of AI from practical business tools to today's generative AI revolution, explaining how Airspace has leveraged machine learning and neural networks for years to improve routing decisions and operational efficiency. He shares the unforgettable story of landing Airspace's first customer, discusses building a mission-driven culture that attracts exceptional talent, and offers insights into balancing automation, quality assurance, and user experience in a high-stakes environment.  See why Ryan Rusnak measures success by impact rather than attention in this episode of The First Customer! Guest Info: Airspace https://www.airspace.com/ Ryan Rusnak's Email [email protected] 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 John Weidenhammer, founder and CEO of Weidenhammer, a company he started nearly five decades ago and grew into a global digital services organization.  John shares how an unexpected opportunity with Baldwin Hardware and entrepreneur Severin Fayerman became the catalyst for launching his business with just $100 in the bank. He reflects on the early ERP project that helped establish the company’s reputation, the mentors and customers who shaped his journey, and the financial challenges that come with building something meant to last. John also takes us through the evolution of technology, from punch cards and vacuum-tube computers to AI-powered software development. We discuss Weidenhammer’s philosophy of embracing change through diversification, the importance of surrounding yourself with talented people, and the lessons he learned from years of delivering newspapers, leading teams, and navigating constant technological disruption.  Learn why John Weidenhammer believes embracing change—not resisting it—is the key to staying relevant in this episode of The First Customer! Guest Info: Weidenhammer http://www.hammer.net John Weidenhammer's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jjohnweidenhammer/ 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 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/