Inspired Insider With Dr. Jeremy Weisz | Ecommerce Interviews | Entrepreneurship | Inspirational Stories | Business Lessons

Jake Karls is Co-founder and Chief Rainmaker of Mid-Day Squares, a Montreal-based functional chocolate company known for its bold transparency and viral storytelling. After early ventures in fitness and fashion, he found his niche in brand building and community engagement. Since launching Mid-Day Squares with his sister and brother-in-law, Jake has helped scale the company to produce over 90,000 bars daily and achieve multimillion-dollar revenues. Recognized on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list, he champions authenticity and emotional connection as the keys to modern entrepreneurship. In this episode… Launching a new food product is already a challenge, but doing so in a saturated market like snacks, with refrigerated items that require special handling, makes it even more difficult. Entrepreneurs often encounter skepticism, limited shelf space, and high operational costs, particularly when trying to differentiate themselves with bold branding and unconventional strategies. So, how can you grow a disruptive food bran

Joe Polish is the Founder of Genius Network, an exclusive group of renowned and successful entrepreneurs. He is an established marketer and has helped thousands of businesses, from large corporations to small family-owned companies, generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. Additionally, Joe is the Founder and President of Piranha Marketing and the host of three top-rated business and marketing podcasts, including I Love Marketing. He is also a passionate philanthropist and the Founder of Genius Recovery, which works to change the global conversation around addiction and recovery. In this episode… Many entrepreneurs struggle to stand out in a crowded market, build authentic relationships, and create a lasting impact without burning out. Despite working harder, they often miss out on strategic opportunities that come from real connection and clarity in communication. So, how can business leaders market smarter, not harder, while also growing meaningful networks and purpose-driven success? Marketing

Brett Allen is the host of The Marketing 32 Show and the Founder of Marketing 32, a dental marketing agency specializing in internal and external marketing strategies to help dental practices grow. Under Brett's leadership, Marketing 32 has successfully supported over 215 dental practices across the US, Canada, and Australia by implementing its unique Practice Impact Formula, which guarantees growth within 30 days or the service is free. Brett's journey into dental marketing started with his expertise in search engine optimization and online marketing, which he honed as a marketing director in Houston before launching his own company. In this episode… Navigating the dental marketing world can be a frustrating experience for practice owners who invest heavily in agencies yet see minimal results. With so many marketers making big promises but failing to deliver, how can dental practices ensure they choose a partner who drives growth and stands behind their work? Brett Allen, an expert in dental marketing and gr

Ben Dixon is the CEO of Naxum, a referral marketing technology company that provides innovative solutions to businesses worldwide. Under his leadership, Naxum has introduced tools like the UNIFY platform and predictive action engines, revolutionizing how companies approach referral marketing. With a background in sales and a passion for empowering entrepreneurs, Ben has been instrumental in developing platforms that enhance user engagement and drive growth. He is passionate about helping companies use referral marketing to build strong, trust-based relationships, ultimately driving success in their respective industries. In this episode… Growing a business through traditional advertising is more challenging than ever — trust is low, attention spans are shorter, and competition is fierce. The answer may lie not in shouting louder, but in empowering your best customers to become your strongest advocates. So, how can companies create authentic connections, build trust, and turn relationships into revenue without

Mark Rickmeier is the CEO of TXI Digital, a Chicago-based digital product innovation firm specializing in UX research, design, and software development. With over two decades of experience, he has led the creation of more than 100 digital products for clients ranging from Fortune 100 companies to mission-driven nonprofits. Beyond his role at TXI, Mark is the Founder of initiatives like Walkshop, a leadership development retreat, and the Sticky Note Game, a facilitation technique enhancing team collaboration. He is also an active member of the Forbes Business Council and the Fast Company Executive Board, contributing thought leadership on innovation, company culture, and inclusive design. In this episode… Creating a digital product is more complex than building a mobile app or launching a new platform. Many companies waste time, money, and resources by rushing into solutions without fully understanding the problems they are trying to solve. So, how can organizations shift their mindset to ensure they are innov

Yuval Gonczarowski is the Founder and CEO of Akooda, an AI-powered operations intelligence platform that helps organizations unify and analyze internal data to drive faster, smarter decisions. Under his leadership, Akooda has secured $11 million in seed funding, used by Fortune 500 companies to streamline operations and unlock insights across digital workflows. A graduate of Harvard Business School with a MBA and the Technion from Israel Institute of Technology, Yuval previously served in Israel’s elite Unit 8200 and held technical and leadership roles at Intel, Apple, McKinsey & Company, and Tomorrow.io. He brings a unique blend of engineering expertise and business acumen to the enterprise tech space. In this episode… Information overload and organizational silos pose significant challenges for growing companies. As teams scale, finding the right data, the right person, or simply understanding cross-functional collaboration becomes chaotic and time-consuming. How can leaders eliminate these inefficienci

Fred Meyers is the Founder and President of Queensboro, a custom logo apparel business he started in 1982 while a student at Columbia University. Inspired by the popularity of Lacoste shirts and a desire to offer high-quality polos with personalized logos, he began his venture from his college dorm room. Over the past four decades, Fred has grown Queensboro into a multi-million-dollar enterprise, serving small businesses and major clients like Costco and Pepsi. Today, the company operates out of Wilmington, North Carolina, and Dallas, Texas, continuing its mission to help people share who they are with the world through custom apparel. ​ In this episode… Growing a small business can feel overwhelming, especially when building trust with customers, standing out with a strong brand, and managing complex logistics as you scale. How do you offer irresistible products, build lasting relationships, and maintain operational control without getting buried under inefficiencies? Fred Meyers, an expert in direct marketi

Edward Woodford is the CEO and Co-founder of Zero Hash, a leading crypto-as-a-service platform that enables businesses to integrate digital assets into their offerings. Under his leadership, Zero Hash has processed over $45 billion in transactions and secured over $170 million in funding from prominent investors, including Point72 Ventures and Bain Capital Ventures.​ Before founding Zero Hash, Edward co-founded Seed CX, a CFTC-registered derivatives execution venue, and gained experience at various hedge funds and startups. He holds a BA in philosophy, politics, and economics from the University of Warwick and a master's degree in finance from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.​ In this episode… Many businesses struggle to navigate the complexity of integrating digital assets like crypto and stablecoins into their platforms. As regulations shift and technology rapidly evolves, companies face overwhelming barriers when adopting seamless, secure payment infrastructures. So, how can organizations overcom

​Omri Hurwitz is the Founder and CEO of Omri Hurwitz Media, a leading PR agency specializing in tech startups and high-profile entrepreneurs. As a tech marketer and media strategist, he has built a global reputation by blending traditional media with social platforms to amplify client narratives and drive brand growth. Beyond PR, Omri owns equity in multiple media outlets, including Hurwitz TV — a digital publication that fuses business, lifestyle, and entertainment content. His innovative approach and emphasis on authenticity have positioned him as a rising influencer in the modern media landscape.​ In this episode… Breaking through the noise to get media coverage or PR traction can feel overwhelming, especially for startups and entrepreneurs fighting for attention in competitive markets. Many founders struggle with traditional PR tactics that no longer resonate with reporters or audiences, often leading to wasted time and missed opportunities. So, how can companies modernize their approach to media and PR t

​Keith Burns is the CEO and Co-chairman of Lullwater & Co., a private investment firm dedicated to building enduring companies through long-term partnerships. He also serves as Co-executive Chairman of Apex Physics Partners, the largest medical physics services provider in the US, and previously led Seneca Creek Partners, a search fund that completed 15 acquisitions and achieved a successful investor exit in 2019. A former attorney and Goldman Sachs executive, Keith holds a BBA from Emory University and a JD and MS in real estate development from Columbia University. He is an adjunct assistant professor of entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and actively mentors emerging entrepreneurs through teaching and board service. In this episode… Scaling a business feels like navigating chaos — especially when taking over a company in its awkward adolescent phase, where systems are fragile, leadership is thin, and growth potential remains untapped. Many entrepreneurs struggle with

​Rick Rappe is the President and Owner of RPM Direct Marketing, a Seattle-based agency specializing in direct mail marketing services, including lead generation, acquisition, loyalty, and win-back programs. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Rick has developed and managed some of the largest and most successful direct-marketing-driven sales channels in the country. Under his leadership, RPM delivers performance-driven direct mail programs tailored to clients' unique goals.  In this episode… Direct mail often gets overlooked in today’s digital world, but it’s quietly powering some of the biggest marketing wins behind the scenes. While everyone’s chasing online clicks and social media impressions, there’s a different channel consistently driving actual sales. So, why does direct mail still work, and what’s the right way to use it? According to Rick Rappe, a direct response marketing expert, direct mail works because it's tangible, measurable, and scalable when done correctly. He highlights that s

John Ruhlin (1980–2024) was an American entrepreneur, speaker, and author best known for pioneering the concept of strategic gifting in business. He founded The Ruhlin Group, a firm specializing in personalized corporate gift strategies, and authored the best-selling book Giftology, which emphasizes the power of generosity to build lasting relationships. John began his career as a top sales representative for Cutco Cutlery, where he developed innovative approaches to client engagement. He passed away suddenly in August 2024 at 44, leaving a legacy of kindness and a transformative approach to business relationships.​ In this episode… Standing out in business is more challenging than ever. With overflowing inboxes, advertising fatigue, and increasingly transactional relationships, how can you break through the noise and cultivate genuine, lasting connections with clients and partners? John Ruhlin, author and expert on strategic gifting, shares how intentional, personalized gift-giving can become a powerful busi

​Paul Burani is the Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Mission Flywheel, a consultancy that empowers mission-driven organizations to scale revenue through data-driven strategies and measurable social impact. His career spans over two decades, including leadership roles at Google and in the edtech sector, where he focused on workforce development and economic inclusion. Paul's expertise aligns business growth with social outcomes, helping clients in sectors like climate, education, and healthcare prove their impact to investors and stakeholders. Through Mission Flywheel, he supports purpose-driven ventures in building sustainable, high-performing revenue models.​ In this episode… Scaling a business is never a straight line — especially when growth hinges on aligning a company’s mission with its revenue strategy. Many leaders struggle to build sustainable momentum without compromising their core values or burning through capital. How can growth-stage companies maintain velocity while staying true to their pur

​Shaun Clark is the CEO and Co-founder of HighLevel, an all-in-one marketing and CRM platform designed to help agencies and businesses streamline their operations. Before establishing HighLevel in 2018, he founded InvoiceSherpa, a platform focused on automating accounts receivable and invoice payments. Shaun's entrepreneurial journey is underpinned by his education in Computer Science at Oregon State University and participation in Stanford University's Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program. Under his leadership, HighLevel has experienced significant growth and was named a finalist for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 Southwest Award by Ernst & Young.​ In this episode… Growing a software company is hard enough — but building a community of loyal users, minimizing churn, and scaling support simultaneously? That’s the challenge facing many SaaS founders as they move from startup to sustainable success. So, how do you turn one-time users into long-term advocates while keeping your team and customers happy

Steve Guberman is the Founder of Agency Outsight, a firm that guides creative, digital, and marketing agency owners toward achieving sustainable growth and overcoming operational challenges. He is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the creative, marketing, advertising, and public relations industries. In 2006, Steve founded his creative agency, which he successfully led for a decade before its acquisition by a PR firm in 2015. Following the acquisition, he played a pivotal role in transforming the firm into a full-service strategic communications agency. In this episode… Many agency owners chase arbitrary goals like hitting a million in revenue or building a business to sell — only to find themselves overworked, underpaid, and disconnected from their original purpose. They end up stuck in day-to-day operations, unsure how to scale without sacrificing their sanity or team morale. So, how can agency leaders set meaningful goals, increase profitability, and build a business that supports

Dr. Sami Webb is the CEO of EPIC4 Specialty Partners, an organization partnering with only specialists — recognizing that the dental specialist has different needs than a general practitioner. She is the Founder of Webb Orthodontics, an organization providing patients with the best possible orthodontic care with the highest degree of technical excellence, caring, and respect. Since establishing her practice in 2004, Dr. Webb has expanded Webb Orthodontics to six locations across Nebraska and Wyoming. As CEO of EPIC4, she leads a doctor-owned, doctor-led specialty partnership organization operating over 60 orthodontic and pediatric dentistry practices across multiple states. In this episode… Starting and scaling a successful dental or orthodontic practice can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with high patient volume, limited resources, and the stress of managing clinical and business operations. Add to that the challenge of finding and retaining quality team members while maintaining consistent care ac

​Lou Sokolovskiy is the Founder and CEO of Opus Connect, a premier networking and deal-making community for private equity and M&A professionals. He is a serial entrepreneur with extensive experience in private equity transactions. Additionally, Lou serves as a Venture Partner at Operate and a Principal at Genero Capital Partners. His expertise spans operations management, strategic partnerships, and new business development. In this episode… Building a meaningful network that leads to real deal flow can be overwhelming, especially in industries like private equity and M&A, where everyone seems to know someone — and access matters. But how do you create a community beyond surface-level connections and drive business growth? Lou Sokolovskiy, a seasoned entrepreneur and investor with expertise in business development and deal sourcing, breaks down what it takes to build and sustain a high-value network. He shares his 12+1 business development framework, emphasizing the importance of starting with your “

​Mike Gunderson is the President of Gundir, an award-winning direct marketing agency specializing in traditional offline channels, particularly direct mail. Since 2003, Gundir has been helping businesses drive new leads and close more sales. In addition to Gundir, Mike is the Founder and CEO of PostReminder, a direct response platform that merges traditional direct mail with digital engagement through enhanced QR technology. This innovation allows customers to set reminders for upcoming sales and events, enhancing consumer engagement and driving action.  In this episode… Direct mail may seem like a thing of the past, but in today’s digital world, it’s proving to be one of the most effective ways to cut through the noise and capture attention. While email inboxes overflow and social media ads get ignored, direct mail offers a tangible, high-impact way to engage potential customers. But how do you make it work for your business? According to Mike Gunderson, a leading expert in direct response marketing, direct

Kurt Angle is an American retired professional wrestler and Olympic gold medalist renowned for his exceptional wrestling career. He achieved international acclaim by winning a gold medal in freestyle wrestling at the 1996 Summer Olympics, notably competing with a broken neck. Transitioning to professional wrestling, Kurt joined the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) in 1998, where he became a multi-time world champion and was later inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2017. Beyond wrestling, he has pursued acting and launched the Kurt Angle Brand, extending his influence beyond the ring. In this episode… Many high performers push through pain in pursuit of greatness — physically, mentally, and emotionally — but how much is too much? What happens when dedication turns into addiction, or when a lifelong dream is achieved and suddenly there's no plan for what’s next? These moments can leave even the toughest champions searching for identity, purpose, and healing. Olympic gold medalist and professional wrestli

Richard Wilson is the Founder and CEO of the Family Office Club, the largest association in the family office wealth management industry with over 100,000 current members. He has authored multiple #1 bestselling books on family offices, including The Single Family Office: Creating, Operating & Managing Investments of a Single Family Office. Richard has spoken at over 250 conferences in more than 14 countries, sharing his expertise on family office insights and case studies. He holds a MBA from the University of Portland. In this episode… Many entrepreneurs and investors struggle to build lasting relationships with ultra-wealthy individuals and secure high-level deals. The world of billionaires and family offices can feel like an exclusive club, with unclear rules on how to break in and thrive. So, how do you gain access, establish trust, and leverage opportunities in a space dominated by the world’s wealthiest investors? Richard Wilson, an expert in family offices and billionaire investment strategies, sh