Family, trust, and grit are the foundations behind one of the country’s leading structural engineering firms.

Anthony and Pete Naccarato share the story behind O'Donnell & Naccarato Structural Engineers, from its early days built on long hours and strong relationships to becoming a national, employee-owned company. Pete reflects on building the firm with deep trust in his partner, while Tony shares his journey from entry-level engineer to CEO, earning his leadership along the way.

They talk about embracing new technology, building lasting client relationships, and making bold decisions like transitioning to an ESOP, all while staying true to their values. At its core, this is a conversation about stewardship and building something that lasts.

Key Takeaways:

• Trust builds strong partnerships
• Relationships drive repeat business
• Start from the ground up
• Innovation creates opportunity
• ESOPs support long-term growth
• Leadership is stewardship

About Anthony and Pete Naccarato:

Anthony Naccarato is a lifelong Philadelphia resident and a graduate of Villanova University’s College of Engineering. He has spent his entire career at O’Donnell and Naccarato, working his way up from an entry-level role to now serving as Chairman and CEO.

He was born and raised in the Tacony section of Philadelphia, where he lived for over five decades, and now resides in Bella Vista with his wife, Kathee, who he’s been with for 40 years and married to for 35. Together, they have two children, Pete and Grace, and are proud grandparents to Anthony, Declan, and Amelia.

Pete Naccarato is the co-founder of O’Donnell and Naccarato, a nationally recognized structural engineering firm. With decades of experience in the industry, he helped grow the company from a three-person startup into a trusted partner on major projects across multiple markets. Known for his strong work ethic, commitment to client relationships, and values rooted in family and trust, Pete played a key role in building a firm designed for long-term success. He later helped guide the company through its transition to an employee-owned structure, ensuring continuity for both its people and its legacy.

Connect:

Website www.o-n.com
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/anthony-naccarato-04371a6
Facebook facebook.com/odonnellandnaccarato/

Marc Bernstein's Founders' Forum is brought to you by March Forward, LLC, and this episode is sponsored by O’Donnell and Naccarato, a national structural engineering firm. Visit o-n.com to learn more.

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Most founders don’t start with a clear plan. They start by figuring things out as they go.

In this episode, we’re joined by Mitch Gyger, President and Co-Founder of OPS Security Group, with Vera Hempel as guest co-host. Mitch shares how graduating into the 2009 recession led him to take a security guard role, an opportunity that ultimately shaped his entire career. What started as a stopgap turned into a long-term path as he built experience, earned credibility, and eventually co-founded a company from the ground up.

Mitch opens up about the early days of entrepreneurship, doing every role, making mistakes, and learning without a playbook. He also breaks down how OPS scaled into a 600+ employee organization by focusing on one key principle, putting employees first. From hiring to pricing, that philosophy drives how they operate, even when it means losing short-term deals.

We also explore how Mitch thinks about growth today, from building structured sales systems to staying patient in government contracting, and how he defines success across business, faith, and family.

Key Takeaways:

• Start where you are and build from experience
• Expect chaos early, clarity comes later
• Pay people well to build stronger teams
• Short-term losses can create long-term wins
• Stay patient when timing isn’t in your control
• Plan intentionally across business and life

About Mitch Gyger:

Mitch has over 20 years of experience in the security industry and currently serves as the President of OPS Security Group. Since co-founding the company, he has played a central role in shaping its growth and evolution. In his role as President, Mitch is responsible for setting the company’s strategy, overseeing finance, sales, human resources, and service delivery. His leadership ensures OPS continues to deliver high-quality service while building a culture rooted in integrity and high performance.

Connect:

Website opssecuritygroup.com
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/mitchgyger/

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.

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Success doesn’t always come from a perfectly mapped out plan. Sometimes it starts with simply showing up and sharing what you know. In this episode of Founders Forum, Deanna Robinson reveals how a few pieces of marketing advice and a batch of cupcakes sparked the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey.

As the founder of Social Impression, Deanna walks us through her evolution from working in a male dominated industry to building a full service marketing agency and stepping into a fractional CMO role. Joined by guest co-host Nik Mondo, Founder and CEO of Mondo Media Solutions, the conversation brings added perspective as they explore real-world business challenges and growth strategies. Deanna shares how she scaled her business while raising three kids, why she chose a contractor based team model, and how staying authentic became her biggest advantage.

The discussion also dives into real world marketing challenges like aligning sales and marketing teams, choosing the right clients, and using AI without losing your brand voice.

Key Takeaways:

• Be confident and authentic
• Start before you feel ready
• Build the right team
• Align sales and marketing
• AI is a tool, not the answer
• Protect your time and energy

About Deanna Robinson:

Deanna is the founder of Social Impression, a full-service marketing agency established in 2012 that helps businesses stand out through strategic planning, creative campaigns, and digital marketing. As a Fractional CMO, she combines big-picture strategy with hands-on execution, guiding clients to reach their goals with a unique laddered marketing approach.

Connect:

Website www.socialimpression.org
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/deannaleerobinson/
Facebook facebook.com/socialimpression
Instagram instagram.com/socialimpression

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

Marc maintains a personal account relationship with CamaPlan. The advisor does not solicit, recommend, or endorse CamaPlan’s products or services in his capacity as an investment advisor, and receives no compensation or other benefit in connection with this relationship. Diversify Advisory Services and DFPG Investments has no affiliation with CamaPlan.

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Commitment can feel heavy, especially when you think it means locking into one path forever. In this episode, Vera Hempel offers a simpler approach: choose a direction, take action, and adjust as you go.

We’re joined by Vera Hempel, co-founder of KissUX and Cactus Club Creative. Vera shares the mission driving her work today, helping aging adults and underserved communities access technology in a way that feels simple, secure, and usable. She explains how that purpose shapes everything from product development to long-term vision, including her goal of impacting millions through digital literacy and better user experiences.

We also dig into the realities of building two companies at once. Vera talks about the challenge of clearly communicating what they do, especially when combining website and app development with AI-driven user experience and security. She shares how staying committed to the mission, not just chasing funding, helps guide decisions and keep momentum.

The conversation also explores company culture and why trust and transparency are essential, not only within teams but also in how users experience technology. Vera emphasizes that what you build should reflect how you want people to feel when they interact with your product.

Key Takeaways:

• Commit to the goal, not just the process
• Focus on impact over funding
• Simplify how you communicate your work
• Build trust into both culture and product
• Take action and adjust as you go

About Vera Hempel:

Vera grew up in Munich, Germany, and has been an entrepreneur since she was 18, helping businesses with their marketing and translating books before moving to the U.S. in 2017. In 2021 she teamed up with UI/UX designer Kuba Kerner to launch Cactus Club Creative, helping startups turn ideas into products and brands. Their work soon revealed a bigger challenge: businesses struggling to prioritize accessibility which lead them to found KissUX in 2023 to help bridge the digital divide with Agentic AI, so everyone can be part of the digital world.

Connect:

Website cactusclubcreative.com; withkissux.com
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/vera-hempel/; linkedin.com/company/kiss-ux/; linkedin.com/company/cactus-club-creative/

This episode is brought to you by Workshop Strategy; Merging experience, innovation, and purpose. Go to workshopstrategy.com to learn more.

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Uncertainty is everywhere—but what if it’s actually an opportunity? In this episode of Founders Forum, recorded in July 2025, Marc Bernstein sits down with Kerry Benson, alongside guest co-host Karla Trotman, to unpack how leaders can navigate constant change with clarity and confidence.

Kerry, President & CEO of Big Edge Advisors, shares his journey from humble beginnings in Queens to becoming a trusted advisor to executives and boards. With over 35 years of experience in technology, finance, and leadership, he offers a grounded perspective on thriving through disruption—without losing sight of what truly matters.

Together, they explore how today’s uncertainty—driven by global shifts, AI, and economic changes—differs from the past, and what leaders can do to stay steady in the chaos.

Key Takeaways:

• Why uncertainty feels more intense today
• The power of having a constant anchor
• How early hustle shaped Kerry’s path
• Lessons from scaling and transformation
• The “Seeds and Seasons” life framework
• Why people-first leadership matters

About Kerry Benson:

Kerry is a seasoned technology executive, business advisor, private investor, board member, and mentor who has built a 35+ year career driving digital transformation and enterprise value. As former Chief Information Offer of PFM and now President and CEO of Big Edge Advisors, he helps senior executives, business owners, and boards solve complex challenges through leveraging his expertise, strategic partnerships, and powerful network. Known for his leadership, operational excellence, and people-first approach, Kerry is a trusted advisor to C-suite leaders and colleagues alike.

Connect:

Website bigedgeadvisors.com
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/kerry-benson-a5417a

This episode is brought to you by Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association; empowering people with disabilities through adaptive outdoor recreation. Visit glasa.org to learn more.

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Entrepreneurship rarely follows a straight path. For Rebecca Addington, founder of Ville & Rue in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the journey blends farm roots, a passion for design, and a deep belief in the power of community.

In this episode of Founders Forum, host Marc Bernstein is joined by co-hosts Ray Loewe, founder of The Luckiest Guy in the World, and Deborah Brandt, founder and CEO of Fig Industries, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, creativity, and the role community plays in building successful local businesses.

Rebecca shares how growing up on a family farm shaped her entrepreneurial mindset and how her experiences in retail and design helped her discover her true calling. After working with both major brands like Pottery Barn and independent retailers, she gained the knowledge and confidence to launch her own business.

She opened Ville & Rue in late 2019—just months before the pandemic. What followed was a true test of resilience. Thanks to strong community support in Lancaster, Rebecca was able to navigate the challenges and continue growing a business focused on thoughtful design, high-quality furniture, and personalized service.

Key Takeaways:

• How farm life shaped Rebecca’s entrepreneurial mindset
• Lessons learned from corporate and small business retail
• The power of community support during challenging times
• Why creating meaningful customer experiences matters
• Rebecca’s advice to entrepreneurs: stay encouraged

About Rebecca Addington:

Born and raised in the Susquehanna Valley, I later moved around the region—from Baltimore to the Lehigh Valley—before settling in Lancaster.
I hold a B.A. in Communications, an AST in Interior Design, and a real estate license.

I opened my business in 2019, and although it’s been a rollercoaster, I’ve loved every day.

I currently live in the city with my husband, Wes, our Bernese Mountain Dog, Maverick, and our Maine Coon cat, Søren.

Connect:

Website villeandrue.com
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/rebecca-addington-63638b35/
Facebook facebook.com/villeandrue
Instagram instagram.com/villeandrue/

This episode is brought to you by Ville & Rue, contemporary interior design styled for your life. Go to villeandrue.com to learn more.

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What happens when passion, community, and entrepreneurship come together? In this episode of Founders Forum, Marc Bernstein sits down with Justina Latura, founder and CEO of Vine Bar in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to explore how a personal passion can grow into a thriving local business.

Joining Marc as guest co-hosts are Ray Loewe, known as “The Luckiest Guy in the World,” and Deborah Brandt, founder of Fig Industries. Together, they dive into a conversation about Lancaster’s strong sense of community and how it empowers entrepreneurs to build meaningful ventures.

Justina’s journey into business wasn’t traditional. She began her career as a nurse and later practiced as an herbalist before discovering a deep appreciation for artisanal wines and the families who produce them. What started as a hobby soon evolved into Vine Bar—a boutique wine café inspired by the Italian enoteca experience, where people gather to slow down, learn about wine, and connect.

Today, Vine Bar goes beyond serving wine. Justina and her team work directly with small family vineyards in Italy, importing and distributing sustainable wines while creating a space for education, culture, and community in Lancaster.

Key Takeaways:

• Justina’s path from nurse to wine entrepreneur
• How Lancaster’s community supports small businesses
• Turning a passion into a profitable venture
• Vine Bar’s model: importing, distributing, and retailing wine
• Future plans for growth and new locations

About Justina:

Justina Latura is a founding partner of Vine Bar LLC, Lancaster’s sommelier-led wine collective & tasting room. Her mission is to educate and excite your palate by introducing and promoting the work of artisanal winemakers whose wines express sustainable farming, tradition, and the artists themselves. Now in its third year, Vine Bar pairs hospitality with education to bring meaningful, small-producer wines to the community.

Connect:

Website vinebarvino.com
Instagram instagram.com/vinebarcollective/
Facebook facebook.com/vinebarcollective/

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.

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Success in entrepreneurship rarely happens overnight—it’s often the result of decades of learning, experimenting, and refining what works. In this episode of Founders Forum, Marc Bernstein sits down with Jason Sherman to explore the experiences that shaped his entrepreneurial journey.

In this conversation, recorded in July 2025, Jason Sherman—CEO and co-founder of Vengo AI—shares how a childhood filled with music, technology, and curiosity set the foundation for a career building and leading innovative businesses. Over the past two decades, Jason has experimented with different ventures, continuously learning from both successes and setbacks along the way.

Jason also discusses the evolution of Vengo AI, a platform designed to turn traditional websites into interactive AI-powered sales engines. By enabling businesses to engage visitors instantly and capture valuable leads, the technology aims to solve a major challenge many companies face: converting website traffic into real conversations and opportunities.

Throughout the episode, Marc and Jason dive into the realities of scaling businesses, managing complexity, and finding ways to focus on the work that drives the most impact.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of continuous learning throughout an entrepreneurial journey
• How AI-powered tools can transform website engagement and lead generation
• Why delegating and documenting processes helps businesses scale
• The role of curiosity and creativity in long-term success

About Jason Sherman:

Jason Sherman is the CEO and Co-Founder of Vengo AI, a B2B SaaS platform that transforms websites into 24/7 AI sales engines. A seasoned startup founder and Wharton lecturer, Jason has helped companies scale through data-driven growth, product innovation, and storytelling.

Connect:

Website vengoai.com
LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/vengoai; linkedin.com/in/jasonsherman76/
Instagram instagram.com/vengoaiapp
X x.com/vengoaiapp
Facebook facebook.com/vengoai
YouTube youtube.com/@VengoAIapp
Blog blog.vengoai.com
Discord discord.gg/WKvn2xGdhV

This episode is brought to you by Crossover Capital; make informed decisions about your financial future. Go to crosscapadvisors.com to learn more.

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