Startup Survival in Regulated Industries: From Red Tape to Real Growth
Get Bizee
If your startup operates in a highly regulated space — think cannabis, crypto, or real estate — the rules are different. In this episode, attorney and entrepreneur Jeremy Green shares hard-won insights about funding, branding, and surviving the legal complexity that comes with industries full of red tape. From zoning nightmares to compliance landmines, this is a crash course in what it really takes to build a legit business in a complicated space. Whether you’re launching a product, structuring a fund, or managing risk, Jeremy has seen it all — and breaks it down with clarity and candor.
Jim Holden on Finding Purpose and Starting Something That Matters (Part 2)
Get Bizee
In Part 2 of our conversation with Jim Holden, founder of Fish for Life, we explore what it really means to find your purpose, especially later in life. Jim opens up about the moment that changed everything, and how it led to a mission-driven nonprofit that takes special needs kids fishing in the open ocean.
This isn’t about business plans or pitch decks. It’s about clarity, calling, and building something bigger than yourself. If you’ve ever asked, “Is this all there is?” then this is your sign to start.
Subscribe for more stories of real entrepreneurs doing business with heart.
Listen to the full podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0bSh7cscpXIuik5Od3pqfX
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-bizee/id1726956511
From Sales to Purpose: How Fish for Life Transforms Lives Through Ocean Adventures
Get Bizee
What happens when one man decides to follow a calling instead of a career? In this episode, Fish for Life founder Jim Holden shares how a moment of clarity turned into a nonprofit that takes special needs kids on unforgettable ocean fishing adventures. It’s a story of purpose, passion, and what it means to start something with heart (even if you’re starting late).
The Branding Strategy That Built a Million-Dollar Medical Brand
Get Bizee
Dr. Shirin Towfigh turned an overlooked medical specialty, hernia surgery for women, into a thriving business and global brand. In this powerful interview, she shares how being hyper-specialized helped her stand out, the importance of niche branding, and how giving value instead of advertising built her reputation. Whether you're a founder, a startup dreamer, or building your personal brand, this conversation is packed with insights on how to turn your unique story into your competitive edge. Learn what it takes to build a business that makes a difference.
If You Can’t Get Over Your Fear, Do It Afraid.
Get Bizee
Join us for an exhilarating talk with Eszylfie Taylor–sought-after Financial Advisor, owner of 12 companies, yoga devotee, athlete, and genuinely magnetic personality. Eszylfie shares how he built a wildly successful career on his 24/7 dedication to helping others improve their lives. You’ll learn how Eszylfie created a system called “The Taylor Method,” his objection-free sales process that has propelled him to the highest echelon of his industry; how his formative years lettering as a four-sport athlete shaped his business mentality; and why he believes the measure of true success is inspiring others to excel and be the best versions of themselves they can be.
Be So Damn Good They Can’t Ignore You
Get Bizee
Join us for a high-energy discussion with Theresa Villano Reed–a PR, Marketing, Social Media, and Branding dynamo who represents established and up-and-coming athletes. Theresa recounts her path from Fairbanks, Alaska to the elite circles of sports and entertainment, and how her formative years as a back-up player in sports equipped her with a chip on her shoulder and a “sixth-man mentality” for life. Theresa realized her ability to connect deeply with athletes, and monetize these relationships to the profound benefit of all parties involved. She speaks passionately about her commitment to empowering women, and wow, does she have powerful guidance for women who are continually questioned and stymied by men along their career path. Theresa’s distinctive approach to supporting her athlete clients focuses on helping them build their brand beyond the game, and create a legacy–by expressing their true selves and honest storytelling. She describes her pivot into integrating creators and entertainers into the sports ecosystem, and forming mutually beneficial alliances in the digital space. Her mantra, “Be so damn good they can't ignore you,” encapsulates this episode perfectly. She’s all that and more.
Why Irrational Confidence is an Entrepreneur’s Superpower.
Get Bizee
Tyler Hochman, 28-year-old founder and CEO of data solutions architecture firm, FORE Enterprise, shares his wonderfully human perspective on entrepreneurism–including the importance of "irrational confidence” (believing in yourself more than is justified), and why too entrepreneurs wrongly believe a pivot is a failure.
Better Communication Starts with Better Planning.
Get Bizee
Buckle up, this one’s a doozy. We are thrilled to share the insights of Nathan Miller, communications specialist and founder of Miller, Ink.--a full-service strategic and crisis communications firm trusted by prestigious brands worldwide. Nathan covers a wide range of topics related to strategic communications, crisis management, and the continually evolving media landscape. Nathan discusses his background in public relations and communications, including his experience working in a prominent role at the United Nations at the tender age of 25 (twenty freakin’ five!) and launching the L.A. Dodgers very first Facebook page. He explains why he founded his own communications firm in 2013 to help clients navigate the modern media environment; the importance of having a strategic communications plan; and advice for startups and entrepreneurs on effectively communicating with their target audiences.
A woman’s most powerful resource: Women.
Get Bizee
Entrepreneurs Michelle Paddleford and Shannon Hauser offer a deeply honest look at the challenges of being a woman in male-dominated industries–golfing and bat owning. Discover the personal setbacks that led them to launch their own businesses AND create Mom Tours, Inc.-a nonprofit foundation empowering and supporting Moms in the struggle of balancing work and parenting.
Bringing legal help to an underserved community: the people.
Get Bizee
Entrepreneur Jane Hyman shares her insights on charting her own course as a founder, innovator, and community leader. Learn how she identified a glaring market void for affordable access to legal services and conflict resolution, and hear her insights on work/life balance as a Mom.
If You Hate What You're Doing, Stop Doing It
Get Bizee
Entrepreneur and published author Bret Johnson recounts his freewheeling journey to success in business AND life. You’ll hear some primo insider knowledge on the importance of white space for startups, Bret’s impressive portfolio of successful businesses (and larks), and what he believes defines a great brand.
How a first-generation immigrant came to epitomize the American dream.
Get Bizee
Relive the entrepreneurial journey of Nico Chen, an immigrant from China. Discover why she emphasizes the importance of financial literacy at every opportunity. Learn how her journey led from financial services to real estate then back to financial services.
Entrepreneur, Artist, Filmmaker, Activist
Get Bizee
Discover Trevor Parham’s entrepreneurial solution for displaced professional creatives in his community. Learn the obstacles he overcame in launching Oakstop, a community-based coworking, event space, and gallery, and how he scaled it into a philanthropic, workforce development, and entrepreneur support platform. Hear his thoughts on why creativity drives business and his advice for other entrepreneurs.
The Appeal Proposition: What Brands Overlook at Their Peril
Get Bizee
Dan Hogan has gained a world of experience (literally) in marketing and consulting, having worked in the electronics and technology industries for over 30 years. He has held roles such as product marketing manager and has experience working with large corporations as well as startups. In this illuminating interview, Dan shares his background in marketing and consulting, particularly in the technology and electronics industries. He stresses the importance of understanding customer needs and creating appealing product offerings (rather than merely focusing on features and value propositions) and emphasizes the role of emotion and subjective criteria in purchasing decisions. Dan offers a fascinating take on the impact AI will have on marketers and entrepreneurs. And you do not want to miss his thoughts on how entrepreneurs and marketers need to more thoughtfully design their products and messaging with customers’ more emotional wants and needs.
Entrepreneur, President & Cofounder
Get Bizee
Myles Kovacs is an American entrepreneur and cofounder of automotive magazine DUB, launched in 2000. He is of Japanese and Hungarian origin and spent his younger years in East Los Angeles. Kovacs graduated from nearby Schurr High School in Montebello, California.
After DUB magazine, Kovacs has branched out in the urban car scene market with a design for custom wheels that seem to spin when a car is stopped and die-cast toy cars that are sold at Wal-Mart, Toys "R" Us and other national chains. MTV uses him to produce its MTV Cribs show when it features celebrities' cars.
He started with about $10,000 — put together with two partners — and practical experience learned from high school jobs that included delivering customized cars to Los Angeles-area celebrities and writing a newsletter about hip-hop clubs around the nation. He started DUB magazine first, then used it as a way to promote his other enterprises. Today, Kovacs advises corporate executives, trade groups and car lovers on the growing auto customizing market. He has consulted for worldwide brands, including Honda and Coca-Cola.
Myles and wife Cynthia have recently been featured on Fox's reality series, The Secret Millionaire, in which the Kovacs personally donated $150,000 to deserving people.
Attorney at Law, Empath at Heart
Get Bizee
Get ready, because this gripping episode will challenge your assumptions about attorneys. Founder, CEO, and Attorney Sharen Ghatan takes us along on her ever-hustling journey “helping people that are defenseless, injured, and accused.” Sharen recounts becoming an attorney at just 23, going toe-to-toe with a male-dominated legal system, and her side gig as a trained comedian. You’ll discover how empathy drives her both personally AND professionally, why Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People has guided her entire life, and the reason staying a student at heart is her secret for success.
Putting the human in human resources.
Get Bizee
In this spirited discussion, Nadia Ardebili, entrepreneur and tireless advocate for small business, introduces us to her guiding philosophy of providing HR services with a heart. She founded CA HR Services with a passion for supporting small businesses, and currently assists companies in 15 countries. Nadia walks us through the importance of having a strong HR strategy, especially for small businesses; discusses common HR challenges businesses face; and details the risks of not having proper HR practices in place, along with key steps businesses should take when building an HR foundation. Pay heed, ye startups, because Nadia spills the tea on how founders rarely include an HR component in their business plans, leaving them vulnerable to compliance issues and legal risks. She also maps out the first steps a company should take when considering HR, and how to set up the right policies and practices. And a topic we all can relate to: How the shift to remote work has created new challenges and opportunities around company culture, productivity, and employee engagement that businesses need to navigate.
Recording Artist, Writer, Producer
Get Bizee
GUAP, aka Ladies Love Guapo, is a founding member of the Mexican-American hip hop duo, Coyote, along with his brother, Ricky Blanco. From the vibrant streets of Los Angeles, Coyote’s infectious energy and witty punchlines meld seamlessly with East Coast influences, drawing inspiration from giants like Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, and 50 Cent. As independent artists, Coyote has swiftly gained popularity, capturing the hearts of many with their unique style and innovative sound. Coyote soon began performing at local venues, gaining a grassroots following.
Their work caught the attention of Shaquille O’Neal, who collaborated with the duo on the track “3 Lokos,” and the accompanying video. Their breakthrough came when The Game recognized their talent, inviting them to co-headline a 42-date tour across Europe. This opportunity provided a major catalyst, launching Coyote into the spotlight. "L.Aliens," their debut album, released on July 26, 2024 to major critical acclaim and commercial success.
The son of Mexican immigrants, Ladies Love Guapo provides the creative force behind Coyote, in addition to his work as a music producer, and owner of the iconic Four Points Barbershop in L.A.
A successful entrepreneur helping other entrepreneurs become successful
Get Bizee
Greg J. Rodriguez, CPA, Broker and Real Estate industry expert with over 25 years of experience providing tax and real estate advisory, knowledge and a wide range of insights to CEO's, agents and growing businesses.
He’s walked the same path as you – from a poor, middle-class neighborhood with no financial resources to becoming a successful CPA, Real Estate Broker, and building four successful CPA firms. He’s helped hundreds of clients find thousands in savings and achieve the success they’ve only dreamed about.
Now, he dedicates his time and talents to providing high-level financial education to small business owners and budding entrepreneurs. He’s helped hundreds of clients find millions in savings with his financial advising and financial services.
Startup Survival in Regulated Industries: From Red Tape to Real Growth
11:10
Jim Holden on Finding Purpose and Starting Something That Matters (Part 2)
4:06
From Sales to Purpose: How Fish for Life Transforms Lives Through Ocean Adventures
16:51
Wing Lam Built a Billion Dollar Business Empire and Says Giving Back Is the Best Part
5:58
Living the Wahoo Way
7:05
How Free Tacos and Surf Culture Built a $250M Brand
9:47
The Branding Strategy That Built a Million-Dollar Medical Brand
20:35
The state of entrepreneurship, from an expert.
43:47
If You Can’t Get Over Your Fear, Do It Afraid.
32:12
Be So Damn Good They Can’t Ignore You
41:17
Why Irrational Confidence is an Entrepreneur’s Superpower.
23:24
He Doesn’t Just Run a Business. He Runs the Show.
32:00
Better Communication Starts with Better Planning.
38:47
A woman’s most powerful resource: Women.
43:16
The ultimate bootstrap success story.
12:38
Bringing legal help to an underserved community: the people.
26:07
If You Hate What You're Doing, Stop Doing It
28:13
How a first-generation immigrant came to epitomize the American dream.
21:19
Entrepreneur, Artist, Filmmaker, Activist
39:14
The Appeal Proposition: What Brands Overlook at Their Peril
42:34
Entrepreneur, President & Cofounder
43:50
Attorney at Law, Empath at Heart
43:32
Putting the human in human resources.
47:23
Recording Artist, Writer, Producer
43:17
A successful entrepreneur helping other entrepreneurs become successful
35:36