What if your business wasn’t just about revenue—but about changing lives? In this inspiring episode, Brad Stephenson shares how a people-first mindset transformed his company, his career, and thousands of others along the way.

Hosted by Marc Bernstein and guest co-host Ray Loewe, this conversation dives into Brad’s journey from laborer to CEO & Co-owner of Newcastle Lawn & Landscape. Brad opens up about the personal struggles that shaped his leadership style—from growing up in a challenging home environment to overcoming opioid addiction—and how those experiences fueled his mission to impact 100,000 lives.

He also shares the pivotal business challenges that nearly derailed his company, how implementing systems helped drive massive growth, and why focusing on people—not profits—is the real key to scaling a company with purpose.

Key takeaways:

• How “life domains” and time blocking create focus and balance
• Why entrepreneurs don’t need more time—just more clarity
• Brad’s journey from addiction to purpose-driven leadership
• The systems that helped grow his company from $3M to $13M
• How a mission to change lives drives culture, growth, and retention
• Why obstacles are often signs you’re on the right path

About Brad Stephenson:

Brad Stephenson is a passionate leader, entrepreneur, and certified behavioral analysis consultant dedicated to transforming lives and businesses. As the owner, CEO, and Visionary of New Castle Lawn and Landscape, Brad has successfully guided the company to become a thriving enterprise. Through his consulting business, Brad Stephenson LLC – Dream Higher, he empowers small business owners to achieve transformative growth, blending strategy with inspiration to help them dream bigger.

Connect:

Website newcastle94.com
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/brad-stephenson94/
Facebook facebook.com/94newcastle/
Instagram instagram.com/94newcastle/
YouTube youtube.com/channel/UC3jqNuvnrcWTlOaHK0Zj_nA

This episode is brought to you by New Castle Lawn & Landscape; Transforming Properties and Impacting Lives since 1994. Go to newcastle94.com to learn more.

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What if most disappointment comes from unspoken expectations—and the cure is a simple agreement? In this episode, we explore how shifting from assumptions to aligned agreements can transform leadership, teams, and even families.

Hosted by Marc Bernstein, with guest co-host Scott Reuter of Product Command Data, this conversation features Gal Borenstein, founder and CEO of The Borenstein Group. Gal shares a remarkable journey—from flying with generals in the Israeli Defense Forces’ media unit to studying communications at Temple University and launching a niche marketing firm with just a few thousand dollars on a credit card. That bold bet on the future of technology became a top B2B branding and marketing agency helping complex tech companies communicate with clarity and confidence.

Along the way, Gal opens up about learning sales without formal training, building a competitive advantage as a small agency, and creating long-term client relationships that span decades.

Key takeaways:

• Why replacing expectations with clear agreements improves leadership and results
• The sales lesson that changed everything: “people buy from people”
• How niching into technology gave a small agency a powerful edge
• The early thinking behind today’s fractional CMO model
• How to translate complex technical products into compelling stories
• Why self-belief—and sufficient runway—are critical for founders

About Gal Borenstein:

Gal Borenstein is the CEO and Founder of The Borenstein Group, a top-ranked technology-focused B2B and B2G branding and marketing agency serving technology innovators, cyber and defense contractors, and professional services firms. With over 30 years of experience, Gal is a sought-after speaker and strategic advisor to C-level executives, known for his expertise in digital branding, marketing transformation, and building trust in the age of AI. He is the author of three business books: Activate! How to Power Up Your Brand, What Really Counts for CEOs, and Don’t Believe the Hype. His strategic brand insights help organizations grow with clarity, credibility, and competitive impact.

Connect:

Website borensteingroup.com
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/galborensteinexecutiveprofile
Facebook facebook.com/borensteingroup/?_rdr
X x.com/BorensteinGroup

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How do you turn decades of corporate experience into something that truly lasts—both in business and in your community?
In this episode of Founders Forum, Marc Bernstein sits down with Tom McEvoy, CEO and Founder of LumberCon LLC and Founder and Board Chair of the Uptown Theater in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

After spending 24 years with Armstrong World Industries—including leadership roles overseas—Tom transitioned into entrepreneurship, helping develop a revolutionary fireproof concrete decking product. At the same time, he turned his focus toward giving back, playing a key role in bringing live performing arts back to his hometown. This conversation explores Tom’s journey from corporate leadership to purpose-driven entrepreneurship, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

From a decade-long research and development process to educating architects and contractors on new materials, Tom shares what it really takes to bring innovation to market. He also reflects on the importance of mentorship, long-term thinking, and the leadership skill he calls “aggressive listening.” The episode wraps with Tom’s vision for the future of both LumberCon and the Uptown Theater—and what legacy means to him as a founder.

Key Takeaways:

• Why giving back matters for entrepreneurs
• The long road behind LumberCon’s innovation
• Introducing new products in traditional industries
• “Aggressive listening” as a leadership skill
• Building a legacy beyond the founder

About Tom McEvoy:

After 24 years with Armstrong World Industries, including seven years overseas in Hong Kong and London, I started a second career in the concrete industry with High Concrete, one of the leading precast concrete companies in the U.S. That introduction to concrete led me to develop LumberCon, a lightweight, high-strength concrete deck plank. Separately, my wife and two other friends started the Uptown Theater in West Chester.

Connect:

Website lumberconusa.com ; uptownwestchester.org
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/tom-mcevoy-28504741/
Facebook facebook.com/uptownwc
Instagram instagram.com/uptownwc/

This episode is brought to you by CamaPlan, A Different Way to Invest. Go to camaplan.com/foundersforum to learn more.

📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!

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🎤 Got a success story worth sharing?
We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.

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