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.

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What happens when a White House correspondent trades breaking political news for building a purpose-driven PR agency?

In this episode of Founders’ Forum, Marc Bernstein sits down with Ronica Cleary to talk about clarity, intention, and the realities of growing a modern communications business.

Ronica Cleary is the Founder and CEO of Cleary Strategies, a full-service public relations agency serving leaders and organizations across the U.S. Before launching her firm, Ronica spent years as a television journalist, including covering the first 18 months of the Trump administration as a White House correspondent—an experience that shaped her deep understanding of media, messaging, and storytelling.

Ronica shares how she transitioned from journalism to entrepreneurship while raising a young family, why she intentionally avoids a frantic work culture, and how intuition has guided her business decisions. She also discusses building a remote, contractor-based team, maintaining strong culture, navigating client growth and pricing, and adapting to a rapidly changing media landscape—including how SEO and generative engine optimization (GEO) have become unexpected growth drivers.

Key Takeaways:

• Why clarity and intention matter more than hustle
• Lessons from transitioning out of journalism into entrepreneurship
• How to build culture with a remote PR team
• Navigating growth, pricing, and evolving media channels

About Ronica Cleary:

Ronica Cleary is an award-winning publicist and the Founder & CEO of Cleary Strategies, a full-service public relations agency and a two-time Inc. Power Partner Award winner. Cleary Strategies provides public relations, media placements, and crisis management services to leaders and corporations. Cleary Strategies’ clients can be seen on broadcast television, heard on podcasts and radio, and featured in digital and print media. Prior to launching her agency, Ronica worked as a White House Correspondent for Fox 5 in Washington, DC, and hosted a Sunday morning political talk show, Fox 5 On The Hill.

Connect:

Website clearystrategies.com
LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/cleary-strategies/ ; linkedin.com/in/ronica-cleary/
Instagram instagram.com/cleary_strategies/; instagram.com/ronicacleary/
Facebook facebook.com/RonicaCleary/
YouTube youtube.com/channel/UCBi-DNk7yTqKTrJtdX2DCsg

This episode is brought to you by The Satell Institute; the leading CEO organization dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility. Go to satellinstitute.org

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What if the biggest risk to your business isn’t technology itself—but your relationship with it? In this episode of Founders’ Forum, Marc Bernstein sits down with Darek Hahn to explore why strong human connection is the missing link in modern IT and leadership.

Darek Hahn is the founder and CEO of AffinIT, a relationship-first managed IT services company, and the soon-to-be-published author of Team We. Drawing from decades of experience across startups, acquisitions, and exits, Darek shares how seasons of life, business, and leadership shaped his philosophy around technology, trust, and teamwork. From selling an IT company for $8 million to launching a new venture grounded in empathy and communication, his journey offers valuable lessons for founders navigating growth and change.

In this candid conversation, Darek and Marc discuss why many businesses struggle with IT, how “tech debt” quietly erodes opportunity, and why excluding technology leaders from business decisions can cost companies millions. Darek also opens up about vulnerability, recovery, and how personal transformation influenced his leadership style and upcoming book.

Key Takeaways:

• Why underinvesting in technology creates hidden business risk
• How poor IT relationships weaken foundations and stall growth
• What “tech debt” really means—and how it impacts revenue
• Why technology must be part of strategic business decisions
• How vulnerability and trust strengthen leadership and teams
• Why the future of IT depends on human connection, not just tools

About Darek Hahn:

A relationship driven technology leader focused on building a team of amazingly talented, customer focused people who understand the importance of the personal connection in all we do. Darek's goal for his new company is to help clients change their relationship to IT, bringing it into the business as a value add rather than a value drag. Tech Debt is real and he can help you see it in your own company.

Connect:

Website affinitmsp.com
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/darek-hahn/ ; linkedin.com/company/affinitmsp/

This episode is brought to you by AffinIT, helping businesses build better relationships with their technology. Go to affinitmsp.com to learn more.

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She wanted to work for Merck. They rejected her. Best thing that ever happened—because Theresa Hummel-Krallinger was never meant for a lab.

Theresa Hummel-Krallinger, CEO and Chief People Officer of High Five Performance, spent 18 years at Prudential before launching her consulting firm in 2002. But here's the twist: she's also a stand-up comedian, Emmy Award winner, and founder of Meet the Author—ranked #4 for business networking in Philadelphia. For $89 at community college, she learned comedy to enhance her corporate speaking. Now she gets paid for both. Her Meet the Author program started as a 12-person roundtable and grew to 80-100 attendees with 200+ authors.

Theresa creates workplaces people love through better managers. Using DISC assessments and curriculum covering motivation, delegation, and coaching, she helps organizations build thriving cultures. Her new book, Make Waves: A Career Pathing Guide, curates 20 years of materials to help job seekers, career changers, and retirees figure out what they want to be. Her philosophy? Play to win, not avoid losing. Squeeze the juice out of life at every moment.

Key Takeaways:

• Financial cushion matters: Two years runway builds without desperation
• Play to win: Shift from playing safe to shooting for stars
• Build with intention: Pursue opportunities that complement your mission
• Humor enhances credibility: Comedy makes you a better consultant
• Squeeze the juice: Make every moment count, don't mail it in

About Theresa Hummel-Krallinger:

Theresa Hummel-Krallinger is a powerhouse culture and leadership expert, stand-up comedian, Emmy Award winner, and award-winning community builder. As President of High Five Performance, she helps organizations create workplaces people love, while her "Meet the Author" program (ranked #4 for business networking by Philadelphia Business Journal) connects leaders in meaningful ways. Her upcoming book, "Make Waves: A Career Pathing Guide to Stand Out, Stay Employable, and Sail Ahead," empowers readers to own their careers for lifelong success — all delivered with her signature humor and heart.

Connect:

Website highfiveperformance.com ; theresahkcomedy.com ; meettheauthorpc.com
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/tkrallinger/
Facebook facebook.com/theresahummel/
X x.com/theresahk
Instagram instagram.com/treesehk/
Youtube youtube.com/@theresahummel-krallinger115

This episode is brought to you by The Satell Institute; the leading CEO organization dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility. Go to satellinstitute.org

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He went to Penn State to become a doctor. But bartending at his stepmother's Irish pub changed everything—and now he's creating memories for Lady Gaga tours and corporate events alike.

Josh Funk, President and CEO of TFB Hospitality, discovered he was a math nerd who runs restaurants. After hating pre-med despite a 1400 SAT, one hospitality course showed him restaurants are "chaos math"—probabilities with six different bullseyes. After nine years at the National Press Club managing $10M operations, Josh bought Andy Bailey's in Lancaster in 2012. What followed: seven restaurants in six years, catering for 1,400-person conferences, and becoming Live Nation's caterer for Citizens Bank Park, Lincoln Financial Field, and Lady Gaga at Hershey Stadium.

Growth wasn't smooth. Opening two unprofitable lunch counters taught him cash is king. COVID shut him down before a $100K St. Patrick's Day, and a $1.9M grant error stung hard. Yet he scaled from $5.6M in 2022 to over $12M in 2023 by taking himself out of the equation—hiring right people, building systems, and focusing on one powerful vision: create five million memories in 10 years. Currently at one million and counting.

Key Takeaways:

• Vision unites teams: "Five million memories" gives purpose beyond profit
• Cash is king: Growing too fast without capital kills businesses
• Take yourself out: Build systems for the organization, not you
• Hard work matters: Success requires relentless dedication
• People come first: Take care of your team—they create memories

About Josh Funk:

Joshua is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University's Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management program. He brings experience, vision, and cutting-edge strategy to TFB Hospitality's growing portfolio of properties. Previously, he spent nine years at the prestigious National Press Club in Washington, D.C., overseeing operations with total revenues of $10 million in food, beverage, audio/visual, and broadcast, along with a staff of 10 managers and more than 40 full-time and part-time union staff. This experience helped Joshua foster a forward-thinking hospitality company that can thrive across locations and concepts.

Connect:

Website tfbhospitality.com
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/joshua-funk-321780/
Instagram @tfbhospitality, @conwaysocialclub, @anniebaileys, @perdiemlititz, @docfunk6, @tfbcatering

This episode is brought to you by The Satell Institute; the leading CEO organization dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility. Go to satellinstitute.org to

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

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She was babysitting to pay rent while building a business. But that 27-year-old had something her 44-year-old self admires—fearless grit.

Renee Patrone Rhinehart, founder and CEO of Events by Renee and Party Host Helpers, started event planning in 2007 when the economy crashed. Working part-time jobs for eight years, she went full-time in 2015. When clients kept asking for bartenders and servers, Renee launched Party Host Helpers in 2013, expanding nationwide within two years. Today, 40,000 gig workers power events from birthday parties to PGA tournaments.

COVID hit hard. With zero events, Renee worked at a wine store while pregnant and buying a house. Post-COVID demand skyrocketed her business. Now managing 10 employees nationwide, she builds her brand, streamlines technology, and expands internationally while serving on EO and NAWBO boards. Her secret? Show up, get involved, and ask "what can I do for you?"

Key Takeaways:

• Grit over perfection: Side jobs teach resilience you can't learn elsewhere
• Spot the pattern: Client requests reveal opportunities
• Get involved: Networking and service build business naturally
• Tech aids, doesn't solve: Streamline but expect new challenges
• Vision boards work: Write it down, visualize it, make it happen

About Renee Patrone Rhinehart:

Renee Patrone Rhinehart is the founder and CEO of Party Host Helpers, a nationwide event-staffing company, and Events by Renee, an award-winning wedding and corporate event planning firm. A natural connector and leader, she’s known for making hosts feel like guests at their own parties while empowering her team across the country to deliver exceptional hospitality. Renee frequently appears on TV and speaks at industry events, inspiring others through her passion for people, leadership, and celebration.

Connect:

Website partyhosthelper.com, eventsbyrenee.net
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/reneepatronerhinehart/
Instagram @partyhosthelpers, @events_byrenee, @reneepatronerhinehart

This episode is brought to you 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!

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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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