At 47, Justin Tennant is only two years removed from selling the medical supply company he bootstrapped from nothing, and he's already found something he didn't expect: it's harder to walk away from a business than it was to build one.

Justin Tennant grew up in a second-generation steel mill family in Weirton, West Virginia, where he learned that nothing is given, it's earned. After working full-time since age 16 and putting himself through the University of Pittsburgh, he spent five years inside the post-merger chaos of Bank of New York Mellon before deciding he was done grinding for someone else's paycheck. In 2009, he co-founded Surgical Product Solutions, an independent distributor that gave hospitals a smarter way to offload surplus, still-sterile medical devices before their shelf life expired. Fifteen years, 80 employees, and $40 million in annual revenue later, Justin exited through a sale to a Chicago private equity firm, and is now figuring out life on the other side of entrepreneurship.

Key Takeaways:

• Why understanding what your customer actually values (not what you assume they want) is the real foundation of trust-based selling
• How investing early in high-quality people created a "winning culture" that has outlasted ownership changes
• The hidden challenge of competing against giants like Johnson & Johnson without becoming a target
• Why timidity, not risk, is the biggest threat to a startup's early decision-making
• What it really feels like to transition out of a business you built from your kitchen table

About Justin Tennant:

Justin Tennant is an entrepreneur, investor and business advisor who specializes in helping founders navigate the entire business lifecycle, from boot-strapped launch to institutional exit. Drawing from his own journey as a start-up entrepreneur…building and selling his company, Surgical Product Solutions, to private equity in 2024, Justin now focuses on capital redeployment, asset consolidation, and teaching entrepreneurs how to build scalable systems that maximize enterprise value.

Connect:

Website www.tennantent.com
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/justintennant

Marc Bernstein's Founders' Forum is brought to you by March Forward, LLC, and this episode is sponsored by The Satell Institute; the leading CEO organization dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility. Go to satellinstitute.org to learn more.

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

💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!

📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein:
➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook

🎤 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.

📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

When experts told Judith Creed that her son would never walk, talk, or live independently, she refused to accept that as his future. Instead, she turned one family's challenge into a movement that has transformed hundreds of lives.

In this episode of Founders' Forum, Judith Creed shares her remarkable journey from speech-language pathologist and entrepreneur to founding JCHAI, a nonprofit dedicated to helping adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities achieve meaningful, independent lives. Inspired by her father's entrepreneurial spirit and driven by her determination to create opportunities for her son Jonah, Judith challenged outdated beliefs, overcame community resistance, and built an organization that now serves more than 300 individuals while supporting countless families.

Judith also reflects on the entrepreneurial mindset that fueled her success. She explains why entrepreneurs must trust their instincts when others say "no" and continue finding better ways to serve people. Her story is a powerful reminder that lasting impact often begins with one person willing to challenge the status quo.

Key Takeaways:

• How one mother's determination became the foundation of a life-changing nonprofit
• Why entrepreneurs must learn to push past rejection and resistance
• The importance of creating opportunities instead of accepting limitations
• How independent living empowers adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities
• What it takes to build a mission-driven organization that creates lasting impact and legacy

About Judith Creed:

Judith was Director of Speech-Language Pathology at Moss/Magee Rehab Facility for many years until she left the field after having three children, one of whom was born with a serious developmental disability. The doctors told her to place Jonah in an institution because he was severely intellectually disabled and would never walk or talk. She didn't listen to them. Instead, she kept Jonah at home and, using her SLP skills, taught him herself.

Judith then started and ran her own film production company, DuPertuis-Creed Productions, which produced TV commercials and documentaries. After about 10 years, she returned to the field of speech-language pathology, where she combined her video expertise with her clinical background to develop and patent a video medical device that evaluated swallowing disorders at the bedside instead of using barium. Swallow Vision, Inc. was Judy's second business venture. She licensed her patent to Pentax Corporation, which then hired her to evaluate ENT and GI physicians' medical inventions, as well as sell medical equipment.

During this time, Judith was raising her children while also dedicating herself to volunteer philanthropy. She helped found the Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation, the Philadelphia chapter of Operation Smile, and what would become her lasting legacy, JCHAI.

Connect:

Website jchai.org; judithcreedart.com
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/judith-creed-a85a7950/

Marc Bernstein's Founders' Forum is brought to you by March Forward, LLC, and this episode is sponsored by JCHAI, helping adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities envision and build meaningful, independent lives. Visit jchai.org to learn more.

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

💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!

📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein:
➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook

🎤 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.

📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

Success isn't always about avoiding failure. Sometimes it's about what you build after everything falls apart. In this episode, Steve Berardi shares how resilience, leadership, and a willingness to adapt helped him rebuild both his business and his future.

Steve Berardi, Founder and President of Omni Building Group, joins Marc Bernstein to discuss his entrepreneurial journey from music student and stonemason's son to leading a respected construction company. Steve reflects on the lessons he learned through early career experiences, launching his first business, navigating the challenges of the 2008 housing crisis, and starting over with a new vision. He also shares how sports, coaching, and strong leadership principles have shaped the culture of his company and the way he approaches business today.

Key Takeaways:

• How early career experiences prepared Steve for entrepreneurship
• What the 2008 housing crisis taught him about resilience and risk
• Why diversifying a business can create greater long-term stability
• How leadership, trust, and integrity shape company culture
• Why choosing the right clients can be just as important as winning new business
• Steve's vision for building a business that can thrive beyond its founder

About Steve Berardi:

Steve has been in the construction industry for 45 years. He is actively involved in sales, design, and overseeing every project to help ensure it is completed on time and within budget. Having worked in every facet of the business, Steve brings hands-on experience that allows him to effectively navigate the challenges that arise throughout each project.

Connect:

Website omnibuildinggroup.com/
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/steve-berardi-441b6759/
Facebook facebook.com/OmniBuilding/
Instagram instagram.com/omnibuildinggroup

Marc Bernstein's Founders' Forum is brought to you by March Forward, LLC, and this episode is sponsored by Omni Building Group; your trusted partner for custom homes, renovations, and additions. Visit omnibuildinggroup.com to learn more.

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

💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!

📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein:
➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook

🎤 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.

📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

Pete Meyer has spent nearly three decades building businesses, navigating industry shifts, and learning one of entrepreneurship's toughest lessons: success comes from execution, not perfect planning.

In this episode of Founders Forum, Pete Meyer, Founder and CEO of Cause Connect, joins Marc Bernstein to share his journey from the early days of the dot-com boom to building companies that have generated more than $100 million in revenue. Along the way, he reveals the hard-earned lessons that shaped his entrepreneurial mindset, including why adaptability beats cleverness, why every founder must learn to pivot, and how focusing on the problem directly in front of you can unlock growth.

Pete also discusses the inspiration behind Cause Connect, an innovative platform that helps businesses turn customer acquisition into charitable impact. By integrating giving directly into marketing efforts, Cause Connect creates a win-win model for brands, consumers, and nonprofit organizations.

Beyond business, Pete opens up about family, legacy, and what truly matters when measuring success. His perspective offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs looking to build meaningful companies while creating a lasting impact.

Key Takeaways:

• How Pete survived the rise and fall of the dot-com era
• The entrepreneurial lessons that shaped his success
• Why execution matters more than perfect business plans
• The power of pivoting when markets change
• How Cause Connect helps businesses grow through giving
• Pete's approach to legacy, family, and long-term impact
• Advice he would give his younger self

Whether you're building your first company or scaling your next venture, this conversation delivers practical wisdom on entrepreneurship, resilience, innovation, and purpose-driven business.

About Pete Meyer:

Pete is a seasoned entrepreneur with nearly 30 years of experience building and scaling businesses. Having generated over $100 million in revenue across multiple ventures, he brings deep expertise in performance marketing, growth strategy, and consumer behavior.

Pete's vision for Cause Connect is rooted in one belief: if brands can grow by giving, everyone wins.

Connect:

Website www.cause-connect.org
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/peter-meyer-bcm/

Marc Bernstein's Founders' Forum is brought to you by March Forward, LLC, and this episode is sponsored by The Satell Institute; the leading CEO organization dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility. Go to satellinstitute.org to learn more.

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

💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!

📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein:
➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook

🎤 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.

📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

Some founders launch companies. Syd Kitson set out to build a hometown.

In this episode of Founders' Forum, Marc Bernstein welcomes Syd Kitson, the visionary behind Babcock Ranch, one of the most innovative and resilient master-planned communities in the United States. Syd shares how his experiences growing up in a close-knit New Jersey town and playing in the NFL helped shape his approach to leadership, perseverance, and community building.

From navigating skepticism and regulatory hurdles to creating a culture centered on truth and accountability, Syd discusses the realities of turning a bold vision into reality. He also shares his hopes for how future communities can build upon the lessons learned at Babcock Ranch.

Key Takeaways:

• How Syd turned a vision into a thriving new town.
• The leadership lessons he carried from the NFL to business.
• Why trust and transparency are core to his company culture.
• The thinking behind building a resilient, sustainable community.
• How long-term vision drives meaningful impact and growth.

About Syd Kitson:

Syd Kitson is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Kitson & Partners, a Florida-based real estate development firm recognized for its commitment to responsible growth and innovative community planning. A graduate of Wake Forest University with a degree in Economics, Syd had a notable career in the National Football League as an offensive guard for the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys. After retiring from the NFL, he transitioned into real estate and founded Kitson & Partners in 1999.

Syd is best known for leading the creation of Babcock Ranch, the nation’s first fully solar-powered, climate-resilient new town. Babcock Ranch has earned national distinction, including recognition by Money Magazine as one of the “50 Best Places to Live in the U.S.”

Beyond his development work, Syd has served in key leadership roles across major civic and business organizations. He has been Chair of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the Florida Council of 100, and the Board of Governors of the State University System of Florida. His leadership has been honored with multiple awards, including Time Magazine’s “Dreamer of the Year,” the Florida Council of 100’s “Governor’s Business Leader Award,” Builder Magazine’s “Legends Award,” and Wake Forest University’s “Distinguished Alumni Award.”

Connect:

Website www.babcockranch.com; www.kitsonpartners.com

Marc Bernstein's Founders' Forum is brought to you by March Forward, LLC, and this episode is sponsored by Wicks Consulting Group; where innovation meets sustainability in civil engineering. Go to www.wickscg.com to learn more.

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

💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!

📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein:
➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook

🎤 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.

📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

When the housing market collapsed in 2008, many business owners pulled back. Mark Wagner saw an opportunity to pivot, helping transform a small family flooring business into a national industry leader. His journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of long-term thinking.

In this episode of Founders Forum, Marc Bernstein sits down with Mark Wagner, Co-Founder and CEO of RM Interiors, to discuss his path from installing carpet alongside his brother to leading a company that serves customers across multiple states. Mark shares how he navigated economic uncertainty, seized opportunities in the emerging single-family rental market, and built a culture grounded in accountability, integrity, and continuous improvement.

The conversation also explores the role of mentorship, personal growth, and leadership development in scaling a business. Mark offers a thoughtful perspective on legacy, explaining why his greatest success is helping others become the leaders their families and communities look up to.

Key Takeaways:

• Finding opportunity during uncertainty
• Building a values-driven culture
• The impact of coaching and mentorship
• Why accountability matters
• Creating a legacy through others

About Mark Wagner:

Mark’s story in the flooring industry began long before RMI. For 15 years, he worked alongside his brother building Wagner Brothers Tile, where he learned the business from the ground up, installing floors, leading crews, and developing a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and hard work. Those early years shaped his understanding of what it takes to build not just a company, but a team and a culture that lasts.

In 2005, Mark and his brother launched RMI, quickly becoming one of Arizona’s leading providers of custom home flooring. When the housing market shifted in 2008, Mark saw opportunity where others saw challenge. Recognizing the growing Single-Family Rental (SFR) industry, he guided RMI into a new chapter, building relationships with national partners and helping to define flooring standards for the sector.

Under his leadership, RMI has grown into a $70 million company with 15 locations across major U.S. markets. Today, RMI is known for its reliability, consistency, and partnership-driven approach, values that reflect Mark’s own leadership style.

Mark believes success comes from people, from installers to executives, who share the same commitment to growth and integrity. His leadership is grounded in the FITT to GROW values that define RMI’s culture: Forward Thinking, Integrity, Teachable, Teamwork, Growth, Relentless, Ownership, and Workability. He leads by example, fostering transparency, accountability, and a genuine sense of purpose among his team.

For Mark, building RMI has never been just about business growth. It’s about building people, relationships, and a company that others are proud to be part of.

Connect:

Website rmiflooring.com
LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/rm-interiors-&-design-inc/

Marc Bernstein's Founders' Forum is brought to you by March Forward, LLC, and this episode is sponsored by RM Interiors; a national flooring company helping builders, property owners, and operators complete projects with quality, consistency, and confidence. Visit rmiflooring.com to learn more.

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

💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!

📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein:
➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook

🎤 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.

📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

Susan McCrossin launched Boomtown Internet Group in 2001, when nobody knew what to call what she was doing. Two decades later, her daughter Devon is running the company and building it into something even bigger.

From cold-calling clients in the early days of Google to managing a global team of 25, the Boomtown story is one of timing, grit, and an unexpected family handoff. Susan shares how she and her husband Jim built one of the earliest digital marketing agencies from scratch, and Devon opens up about leaving corporate America to take the reins and chart a new vision for the company.

Key Takeaways:

• The entrepreneurial mindset often starts long before anyone opens a business.
• Rapid growth forces hard decisions about roles, hiring, and letting go.
• Stepping into a parent's business means earning trust on your own terms.
• The next chapter for Boomtown: a group of companies built to grow together.

About Susan and Devon McCrossin:

Susan McCrossin and her husband Jim founded Boomtown Internet Group (BiG) in 2004 to help small businesses navigate the internet and grow online. BiG rapidly evolved into an easy and affordable way for businesses to outsource website design, programming and digital marketing as technologies improved. As Marc can probably attest, Susan finds satisfaction in helping small businesses grow, and instilled that thrill in her daughter Devon who now runs BiG. Susan has retired to a small Pennsylvania farm where she continues to pursue entrepreneurship through a new woodworking business with her husband.

Devon McCrossin is a partner and owner of Boomtown Internet Group. She has an MBA and undergraduate degree from Penn State with certifications in Google Ads, Google Analytics, and Lean Six Sigma. She has lived and worked across the US and internationally, currently based in Phoenixville, PA.

Connect:

Website www.boomtownig.com
LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/boomtown-internet-group/; linkedin.com/in/suemccrossin/; linkedin.com/in/devonmccrossin/

Marc Bernstein's Founders' Forum is brought to you by March Forward, LLC, and this episode is sponsored by Boomtown Internet Group; the digital marketing and web design agency helping businesses grow online with SEO, paid advertising, and custom websites. Go to boomtownig.com to learn more.

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

💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!

📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein:
➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook

🎤 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.

📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

Selling your business doesn't mean you've arrived. It means you're starting over. And nobody warns you about the wall you hit on the other side.

In this episode, Marc Bernstein sits down with Chris Donnelly, a former investment banker turned plumbing and HVAC entrepreneur who spent a decade rebuilding his family's business before selling it in 2023. Amy Wicks, founder of Wicks Consulting Group, joins as guest co-host. Chris shares the unfiltered story of leaving Wall Street for a trade shop in Lansdale, how one employee exit forced him to launch an entirely new service line, and the identity crisis that followed a successful exit.

Key Takeaways:

• Losing 30% of revenue overnight can be the push a business needs
• Culture balance: caring deeply about people while staying performance-driven
• Consistent one-on-ones are the simplest way to grow leaders from within
• Know when to develop talent internally and when to hire outside A-players
• Three unsolvable problems became the clearest sign it was time to sell
• Post-exit identity reset is real, and most entrepreneurs don't see it coming

About Chris Donnelly:

Chris Donnelly is a galvanizer who removes barriers to agency for mid-market CEOs. After selling his business in 2023, he's navigating his "second curve"—from operator to advisor—serving as a Vistage chair and strategic advisor. Chris helps stuck CEOs ($30-200M revenue) escape operational quicksand by building systems that solve problems without them. Drawing on frameworks from psychology, strategy, and power dynamics, he transforms decision paralysis into decisive action. He's proof that your next chapter can be more meaningful than your first.

Connect:

Website www.vistage.com
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/chrisdonnellyvistage

Marc Bernstein's Founders' Forum is brought to you by March Forward, LLC, and this episode is sponsored by The Satell Institute; the leading CEO organization dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility. Go to satellinstitute.org to learn more.

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

💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!

📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein:
➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook

🎤 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.

📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.