In this episode of Founder@50, Jeremy sits down with Tom Matta, a dynamic entrepreneur whose journey from the steel mills of Pittsburgh to the sunny shores of Hawaii is nothing short of inspiring. With a background in material science and engineering from Carnegie Mellon, Tom’s career took a fascinating turn as he pivoted from metallurgy to the world of startups. From his early days at Capital Technologies to his pivotal role in the early days at Carta, Tom’s story is a testament to the power of adaptability and vision.

Tom’s career is a tapestry of diverse experiences, from his internship at a US Steel melt shop to co-founding StatEasy, a media platform for high school sports. His journey through the tech landscape includes stints at Booz Allen Hamilton and his current role at Forecastr, where he continues to innovate in the financial planning space. Along the way, Tom has crossed paths with industry icons like Henry Ward and Manu Kumar, learning invaluable lessons that have shaped his entrepreneurial spirit.

* Discover how Tom’s internship at US Steel led him to pursue an MBA and ultimately shift his focus to tech and entrepreneurship.

* Learn about Tom’s experience at Capital Technologies, where he worked on groundbreaking microwave-assisted hydro processing technology.

* Hear how Tom’s role at eShares (Carta) saw him grow from the 12th employee to a key player in a company with over 2,000 employees.

* Explore Tom’s insights on the importance of finding product-market fit, as learned from his startup StatEasy.

* Understand the impact of mentorship from industry leaders like Manu Kumar and how it influenced Tom’s career trajectory.

As Tom shares his journey, listeners will find a wealth of insights into the world of startups, tech innovation, and the art of pivoting in one’s career. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, Tom’s story offers a fresh perspective on navigating the ever-evolving landscape of business and technology. Tune in to hear how Tom’s experiences and connections have shaped his path, and perhaps find inspiration for your own journey.

In this episode of Founder@50, Jeremy Toeman sits down with Barry Lowenthal, a media executive whose journey from Yeshiva student to the heights of the advertising world is nothing short of inspiring. Barry’s story begins in a traditional Jewish household on Long Island, where he initially aspired to be a plastic surgeon. Twists and turns in his vision led him to pivot towards the world of media and advertising. From his early days at NWR and Backer Spielvogel Bates to his influential role as CEO of Media Kitchen, Barry’s career is a testament to adaptability and vision.

Barry’s path is peppered with pivotal moments, including his time at Kirshenbaum + Bond, where he honed his skills in media strategy and creative collaboration. His tenure at BBH under the leadership of Cindy Gallup and John Hagerty further solidified his reputation as a media innovator.

* Discover how Barry’s stint at NWR taught him the importance of staying close to revenue.

* Hear about Barry’s innovative use of the “Red Book” to land job offers in the competitive advertising world.

* Understand the impact of Barry’s leadership at Media Kitchen and its evolution into Crispin.

* Learn about how Barry’s pushed the boundaries of ad tech with AI at Anuvo

* Explore Barry’s insights on the future of AI in advertising and how it reshapes agency models.

As Barry reflects on his career, he shares invaluable insights for anyone navigating the ever-evolving media landscape. Whether you’re an aspiring media professional or a seasoned executive, Barry’s journey offers lessons in resilience, creativity, and the power of strategic networking. Tune in to hear how Barry Lowenthal’s story can inspire your own path to success.

In this episode of Founder@50, Jeremy Toeman sits down with Rob Miller, fellow CMU alum whose journey from the fields of upstate New York to the bustling startup scene is nothing short of inspiring. Rob’s early days were spent on a farm, where he learned the value of hard work and resilience. These foundational experiences paved the way for his diverse career, which includes stints as an actor in Los Angeles and roles in the tech and health sectors.

Rob’s career trajectory took a significant turn when he joined the Carnegie Mellon Venture Bridge Accelerator, a pivotal moment that led to the founding of Lembas Health. There’s also no shortage of Lord of the Rings comments and references in this episode, as it’s a shared love of both Rob and Jeremy’s.

Key Takeaways:

* Discover how Rob’s early farm life instilled a work ethic that propelled him into the tech world.

* Learn about Rob’s transition from acting in Los Angeles to becoming a health tech entrepreneur.

* Hear how the Venture Bridge Accelerator was a game-changer in Rob’s entrepreneurial journey.

* Explore Rob’s innovative approach to digital health through his company, Lembas Health.

Rob Miller’s story is a compelling example of how diverse experiences, perseverence and a willingness to embrace change can lead to groundbreaking innovations. Whether you’re in the startup world or simply curious about the journey from farm to tech, or just want to hear about second breakfasts, this conversation offers valuable insights and inspiration.

In this episode of Founder@50, host Jeremy Toeman engages in a captivating conversation with Bill Lederer, a dynamic entrepreneur whose career has traversed the realms of finance, e-commerce, art, and AI. Bill recounts his journey from his early days as a quant securities analyst and portfolio manager to founding art.com, a pioneering force in the digital marketplace.

Throughout the episode, Bill shares his experiences leading major companies like Getty Images and WPP, and his ventures into real estate investing and authorship with John Wiley. He also discusses his current roles at iSocrates and MadTech AI, where he continues to push the boundaries of marketing decision intelligence. The conversation is rich with insights into the challenges and triumphs that have shaped Bill’s career, offering listeners a unique perspective on the intersection of technology and entrepreneurship.

Key Takeaways

* Discover how a 3am wakeup nudge inspired Bill to create art.com, revolutionizing the online art market.

* Learn about Bill’s strategic transition from Wall Street to the burgeoning internet industry.

* Understand the challenges and triumphs Bill faced in acquiring the coveted art.com domain.

* Hear how Bill’s strategic vision and data-driven approach led to the success of MadTech AI.

* Explore Bill’s experiences at WPP and his journey into writing a book on real estate investing with John Wiley.

* Gain insights into Bill’s diverse career, including roles at Getty Images, iSocrates, and his investment in startups.

Bill Lederer’s story is a compelling narrative of innovation and strategic foresight, offering valuable insights for entrepreneurs and business leaders alike. His journey from Wall Street to the forefront of e-commerce and AI, coupled with his experiences at major companies like WPP and as an author, provides a roadmap for those looking to navigate the complexities of the digital age. Whether you’re interested in the evolution of digital marketplaces or the transformative power of AI, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship.

On this episode of Founder@50, Jeremy Toeman sits down with Arielle Nissenblatt, where they explore her journey from studying geography and Judaic studies to becoming a key figure in the podcasting world. Her work with companies like Squadcast and Descript have been at the forefront of innovative tools in shaping the future of podcasting. Arielle’s insights into the industry, combined with her creative approach, have made her a sought-after voice in the field.

Throughout the episode, Arielle discusses her transition from academia to podcasting, emphasizing the value of networking and continuous learning. Her newsletter, Earbuds, has been instrumental in her career, showcasing her ability to connect and educate audiences. Arielle’s story is a testament to the diverse paths one can take to achieve success in the podcasting industry. In this episode:

* Discover how Arielle’s background in geography and Judaic studies influenced her podcasting career.

* Learn about her pivotal roles at Squadcast and Descript, and how they shaped her professional journey.

* Explore the impact of Arielle’s newsletter, Earbuds, on her career growth and industry influence.

* Understand the importance of remote recording and editing tools in modern podcasting.

* Hear Arielle’s thoughts on the power of podcasts to connect and educate audiences.

Arielle Nissenblatt’s story is a fascinating exploration of how diverse experiences can lead to unexpected and rewarding career paths. Her insights into the podcasting industry offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to make their mark in this dynamic field.

In this episode, Jeremy Toeman engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Eric West, a seasoned professional with a rich background in engineering and business. From his early days at Carnegie Mellon University to his transformative roles at Sikorsky Aircraft and Ford Motor Company, Eric shares his journey through the evolving landscape of technology and innovation. He discusses the pivotal moments that led him to embrace artificial intelligence and the importance of networking in his career.

* Eric’s journey from Carnegie Mellon to Sikorsky Aircraft, where he worked on the Black Hawk helicopter.

* The transition from engineering to business, leading to an MBA and a focus on automotive innovation.

* Insights into the culture of Silicon Valley and its impact on innovation and entrepreneurship.

* The role of networking in career development and the shift from aerospace to automotive and AI.

* Eric’s current focus on consulting in AI, IoT, and cloud technologies, helping businesses leverage new technologies.

Tune in to hear Eric’s insights on the future of technology and the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing world. Don’t miss this engaging conversation with a true innovator in the field.

In this episode, Jeremy Toeman engages with Danny Nathan, a dynamic figure in the tech and innovation space, to explore his journey from amateur theater to founding his own tech agency, Apollo 21. Danny shares his experiences transitioning from theater to advertising, and eventually to building his own innovation consultancy. His story is a testament to the power of adaptability and the pursuit of passion.

During the episode, we discuss:

* Danny's educational path from Wash U to the University of Texas, where he earned a master's degree in advertising.

* His early career challenges and triumphs at Poke, an innovation consultancy, which ignited his passion for technology and entrepreneurship.

* The pivotal moments that led to the creation of his first company and the lessons learned from its challenges.

* The founding of Apollo 21, a firm dedicated to helping companies leverage technology and innovation for growth.

* Danny's unique perspective on failure, innovation, and the importance of learning from every experience.

Tune in to hear Danny's inspiring journey and his insights on the future of innovation. Don't miss this engaging conversation with a true innovator in the tech industry.

If you're interested in more of Danny's thoughts on innovation, check out his podcast and newsletter, "Innovate Disrupt or Die."

In this episode, Jeremy Toeman sits down with Marc DeBevoise, a visionary leader in the media industry, to discuss his journey from Tufts University to becoming a key player at major media companies. Marc shares insights from his early days in finance at H&Q to his transformative role in launching CBS All Access (now known as Paramount Plus). During the episode we discuss

* the strategic decisions and inside stories behind the launch and success of CBS All Access.

* how Marc’s experiences at NBC and Liberty Media influenced his approach to digital transformation.

* the importance of networking from Marc’s time at JP Morgan and his connections in the media world.

Tune in to hear Marc’s inspiring journey and his thoughts on the future of media. Don’t miss this engaging conversation with a true industry innovator.