How do you reinvent yourself after the NFL?

In this episode of We Code, You Launch: The Startup Community Podcast from CodeLaunch and Improving host Jason W. Taylor sits down with Mark Clayton — two-time All-American wide receiver, former Baltimore Raven and LA Ram — to unpack his journey from professional athlete to hardware entrepreneur and founder of LIVV Audio.

Mark shares how a career-ending injury sparked the idea for athlete-designed headphones, what it took to fund and manufacture a new consumer electronics brand from scratch, and the hard lessons every founder learns about product-market fit, supply chains, and trusting your team.

Now a judge for the upcoming CodeLaunch World Championship, Mark reflects on why entrepreneurship is a “faith journey,” how he navigated the uncertainty of his post-NFL transition, and what founders can learn from the discipline of elite sports.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode :

• From Field to Founder: How Mark transformed a rehab necessity into LIVV Audio.
• Bootstrapping Hardware: Funding, prototyping, and manufacturing without Venture Capital.
• Product-Market Fit Matters: Why his first brand failed and how he corrected course.
• Lessons from Sports: Focus, preparation, and resilience as a founder advantage.
• Faith & Fearlessness: Why entrepreneurship is a belief system, not just a plan.

LIVV builds premium wireless headphones engineered for movement, focus, and founders who never sit still. Don’t miss out and get 25% off LIVV headphones with the link below

https://livvaudio.com/discount/Codelaunch?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Flivv-pro

On November 12, the CodeLaunch World Championship takes over Gilley’s Dallas.

Six finalists from across the Americas
One belt
$50,000 in real capital investment

Here’s the twist: YOU decide. Every audience member gets CodeBucks (virtual money) to invest in their favorite founder. Add in pro dev team acceleration from Improving and live music and you’ve got the most unforgettable night in startup culture.

The stakes are high, the energy is real, and the crowd makes the call. Subscribe for more CodeLaunch action.

Get tickets for the World Championship here

Learn more about CodeLaunch Accelerator at https://CodeLaunch.com

What happens when a global network engineer, automation expert, and light-suit maker sits down to talk about tech, tinkering, and the future of AI?

In this episode of We Code, You Launch: The Startup Community Podcast from CodeLaunch & Improving, host Jason W. Taylor welcomes Greg Sowell, a longtime network plumber turned automation consultant and podcast host of Why Am I?

They explore what it means to “build cool stuff,” how AI is reshaping the tech industry, and why physical making (yes, like microcontrollers and rave suits) still matters in a digital-first world.

Greg shares real stories from the early days of IRC, the transformative power of connecting online for the first time, and how to navigate tech burnout while staying curious. He also dives into his passion projects; from tricked-out light suits to Operation (yes, the board game) with a literal shock twist.

Oh, and he ends the episode with a card trick that will blow your mind.

This one is about building tech, but even more about building identity.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode :

💾From Floppy Disks to Border Gateway Protocols
Greg’s journey into networking started with a dial-up modem and an IRC channel—proof that curiosity + access can change everything.

🤖Automation Still Needs Experts
Even in an AI-driven world, infrastructure tools like Ansible don’t run themselves. You still need experienced operators to troubleshoot, interpret, and secure mission-critical systems.

🤔Founders Should Still Tinker
Microcontrollers and creative maker projects aren’t just fun, they train your brain to build, debug, and iterate. That kind of hands-on thinking is fuel for early-stage founders.

🧠AI Won’t Replace Human Intuition (Yet)
Yes, AI can generate code, but it still can’t match real-world context, architecture judgment, or the ability to debug layered systems. Experienced humans still matter.

😀Joy Fuels Longevity in Tech
Whether it’s tricking out a subwoofer or building LED rave gear with your partner, side projects with heart can keep burnout at bay, and your passion alive.

🔗 Connect with Greg Sowell on LinkedIn
Check out his projects and maker content here

Learn more about CodeLaunch Accelerator 2025 Schedule

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What if your LinkedIn profile was your top-performing funnel?

In this episode of We Code, You Launch, Jason W. Taylor sits down with former LinkedIn sales leader turned founder of Believe It Today, Skyler Steudter, who shares exactly how early-stage founders can grow their personal brands and attract real business — on LinkedIn in just 90 days.

If you’re tired of pitch-slapping and vanity metrics and ready to show up authentically online, this one’s for you.

Key takeaways for startup founders on this episode:

• Founders Over Logos

The founder is often the face of the business. People want to connect with you, not a graphic. Building your personal brand builds your startup’s visibility and credibility.

• Don’t Wait Until You Need It

Treat LinkedIn like a living resume and relationship engine. Start posting and engaging before you need funding, a hire, or a partner.

• Storytelling Sells

Every founder has a story. Skyler emphasizes that even seasoned CEOs doubt whether their stories are worth sharing. They are — if framed to provide value.

• Avoid the Pitch Slap

Using LinkedIn as a cold DM sales tool is a missed opportunity. The best relationships start with authenticity and thoughtful engagement, not spammy outreach.

• Vanity Kills Trust

Engagement pods may boost numbers but dilute your audience quality and trust. Skyler breaks down how and why to avoid them.

Connect with Our Guest

Skyler Steudter, Founder of Believe It Today on LinkedIn, or his website

Learn more about CodeLaunch Accelerator 2025 Tour here