Episode 4: All In. Jeff Knauss on Legacy, Leadership, and the People Who Shape Us

In this episode of The Dr. Melissa Show, serial entrepreneur Jeff Knauss (Digital Hyve, Opin, Arcovo AI) shares how poverty fueled his hustle, why he made every employee an owner before selling his company in a multi-million-dollar deal, and how family remains the compass behind every decision he makes.

Some people talk about leadership. Jeff lives it—with heart, vision, and an unwavering commitment to lifting others up.

I’ve seen it firsthand. Jeff has been one of my greatest hype men and a trusted friend who pushed me to come into my own as a leader. This very podcast—and my decision to launch Dr. Melissa Coaching—exists in part because he believed in me before I fully did.

A serial entrepreneur, investor, and AI strategist, Jeff built and scaled one of the fastest-growing marketing agencies in the country. As co-founder and former CEO of Digital Hyve, he not only led the company to national acclaim, but also structured an ESOP so that every employee became an owner—before its eventual sale.

Today, as CEO of Arcovo AI, he’s reshaping the future of work through ethical innovation. He also continues to invest in the next generation as co-founder of Opin, a platform that empowers high school and college entrepreneurs.

But behind the accolades is a man defined by integrity, loyalty, and love. In this powerful conversation, Jeff opens up about:

• The roots of hustle, identity, and the “poverty monster” that shaped him
• What it means to go all in—on business, mentorship, and marriage
• Why his wife Heta and their children remain the center of every life decision
• And how success shifts when you stop chasing outcomes—and start living with purpose

If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to lead with both fire and heart, this episode will stay with you

🎧 Featured Resources from This Episode:

• https://arcovo.ai/ – Arcovo AI designs, deploys, and manages AI-powered digital employees—helping businesses scale smarter, work faster, and thrive
• https://www.jeffknauss.com/– To connect with Jeff

⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional counseling or mental health treatment. Listening to this podcast does not constitute a therapeutic relationship. If you are experiencing a mental health concern, please reach out to a licensed professional.

🔹 Brought to you by CNY Mental Health Counseling, PLLC
We proudly serve individuals, couples, and families across New York State and partner with schools, nonprofits, and corporate teams to support mental wellness and resilience.
🌐 Learn more: www.cnymhc.com
📍 Please note: Due to state licensure laws, services are only available to residents of New York State.

Looking for executive or performance coaching support?
Explore Dr. Carman’s work with global leaders, entrepreneurs, and high-performing teams:
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