Inspired Insider With Dr. Jeremy Weisz | Ecommerce Interviews | Entrepreneurship | Inspirational Stories | Business Lessons

Andy Ruben is the Founder and Executive Chairman of Trove, a re-commerce technology company that powers branded resale programs for major labels like Patagonia, Lululemon, REI, and Levi’s. Before Trove, he spent a decade at Walmart as the company’s first Chief Sustainability Officer, where he launched global sustainability efforts, led omnichannel and private-brand strategies, and integrated e‑commerce — including the rollout of grocery delivery.  Ruben founded Trove (originally Yerdle) in 2012 and introduced the first branded resale platform with Patagonia’s Worn Wear in 2017, helping advance the circular economy across more than 150 global brands. He advises BCG and Earthshot Ventures, serves as Lead Independent Director and ESG Committee Chair at Zevia, and has been featured on NPR, TED, and testified before Congress on sustainable business practices. In this episode… Most brands sell products once and lose the customer until their next full-price purchase — often years later. In today’s economy, that leav

Mike Agugliaro is the Founder and CEO of FuDog Group, a training and coaching company specializing in personal growth and development. He blends ancient wisdom, neuroscience, and modern performance strategies to help entrepreneurs and individuals design lives rich in health, wealth, relationships, and impact. Mike is a self-made entrepreneur and martial arts expert who began his career as an electrician and scaled a home services company to $32 million in annual revenue before selling it to private equity in 2017. He then founded CEO Warrior, the largest coaching organization for home‑service businesses globally, helping clients generate over half a billion dollars in additional revenue in six countries. A sought‑after speaker, author of more than 20 books, and multi‑black‑belt martial artist, he’s on a mission to transform one million lives across 100 countries within 10 years. In this episode… Many entrepreneurs pour themselves into their business success while silently sacrificing their health, relationshi

Phil Randazzo is the Founder of American Dream U, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military service members transition into successful civilian careers or launch their businesses. Since its founding in 2003, American Dream U has provided educational programs and mentorship to over 16,000 veterans and their families, featuring guidance from top entrepreneurs and business leaders.  Beyond his nonprofit work, Phil has authored several books, including Mission Next, Funding Your Bigger Future, and Shark Talk. As an entrepreneur, he maintains business interests across healthcare, compliance, and franchising industries. He has been recognized for his service with honors like the key to the City of Las Vegas and a commission on Nevada’s Veterans Services Commission. In this episode… Many veterans struggle with transitioning from military to civilian life, facing uncertainty, emotional upheaval, and misaligned career paths. Standard programs often push veterans into roles that mirror their service jobs w

Tyler Lane is the Founder and CEO of Session Interactive, a Denver-based digital marketing consultancy specializing in SEO, analytics, paid search, and content strategy for mid-market and enterprise brands. With over 13 years of experience in digital marketing, he has successfully created, launched, and evaluated SEO, content marketing, analytics, and social strategies, bringing his expertise to Session Interactive. Tyler leads a team of seasoned professionals who deliver data-driven solutions to help clients achieve measurable growth. In this episode… Many companies struggle to turn their digital marketing investments into measurable outcomes, often due to blind spots in data tracking, ineffective SEO strategies, or lackluster paid media performance. Businesses waste money and miss growth opportunities without understanding user behavior or proper attribution. So, how can organizations build more intelligent, results-driven marketing systems? Tyler Lane, an expert in SEO, paid media, and analytics, shares ho

Chadd Olesen is the CEO and Co-founder of AVRL, an Austin-based automation company specializing in logistics and supply chain technology. Since launching AVRL in 2017, he has led its transformation from a natural language processing startup into a freight tech powerhouse, now automating over 60 million shipments annually. Under Chadd's leadership, AVRL has become one of the fastest-growing companies in the US, earning recognition on the Inc. 5000 list. He is known for his consultative approach to automation, empowering brokers and carriers to integrate technology without sacrificing human expertise. In this episode… Breaking into a saturated and highly competitive industry like freight and logistics is no small feat — especially when innovation is rare and copycats abound. Startups in this space face challenges like differentiating their offering, managing growth without overexposure, and surviving tight margins. So, how do you build a technology-driven solution, scale it, and protect your edge in a legacy in

Gabe Karp is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and conflict management expert known for his book Don't Get Mad at Penguins: And Other Ways to Detox the Conflict in Your Life and Business. He began his career as a trial lawyer, later becoming Executive Vice President and General Counsel at ePrize (now Merkle), where he helped grow the company into a global leader in digital promotions. Currently, Gabe serves as an Operating Partner at Detroit Venture Partners and a Venture Partner at Lightbank, advising early-stage tech companies and serving on multiple boards. His work focuses on transforming conflict from a liability into a strategic asset, drawing from over 30 years of experience in law, business, and venture capital. In this episode… Navigating conflict is one of the biggest challenges in both personal and professional relationships. Whether dealing with strong personalities, avoiding uncomfortable conversations, or managing unspoken resentment, unresolved conflict can slow progress, damage culture, a

Noah Rosenfarb is a third-generation CPA and the Founder of Wealthrive, which empowers high-achieving entrepreneurs to leverage tax strategies and generational wealth. He has sold eight companies and completed over 50 real estate investments valued at almost $1 billion. Noah is also an author, podcast host, and thought leader in exit planning. In this episode… For entrepreneurs approaching a business exit or seeking lifestyle freedom, the stakes are high and the path can be uncertain. Many struggle with designing a fulfilling post-exit life, navigating complex tax strategies, and making confident, values-aligned decisions. So, how can business owners exit on their terms, reduce financial friction, and build a life they don’t need a vacation from? Noah Rosenfarb, a seasoned CPA, investor, and exit strategist, shares a powerful framework for turning these challenges into opportunities. Drawing from his Lotto Method, he encourages entrepreneurs to envision life as if they’d already won the lottery, then take del

Craig Dunham is the CEO of Voltron Data, a company specializing in GPU-accelerated data infrastructure for large-scale analytics, AI, and machine learning workloads. Before joining Voltron Data, he served as CEO of Lumar, a SaaS technical SEO platform, and held executive roles at Guild Education and Seismic, where he led the integration of Seismic's acquisition of The Savo Group and drove go-to-market strategies in the financial services sector. Craig began his career in investment banking with Citi and Lehman Brothers before transitioning into technology leadership roles. He holds a MBA from Northwestern University and a BS from Hampton University. In this episode… In a world where efficiency and speed are paramount, how can companies quickly process massive amounts of data without breaking the bank on infrastructure and energy costs? With the rise of AI and increasing data volumes from everyday activities, organizations face a daunting challenge: achieving fast and cost-effective data processing. Is there a

Jake Karls is Co-founder and Chief Rainmaker of Mid-Day Squares, a Montreal-based functional chocolate company known for its bold transparency and viral storytelling. After early ventures in fitness and fashion, he found his niche in brand building and community engagement. Since launching Mid-Day Squares with his sister and brother-in-law, Jake has helped scale the company to produce over 90,000 bars daily and achieve multimillion-dollar revenues. Recognized on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list, he champions authenticity and emotional connection as the keys to modern entrepreneurship. In this episode… Launching a new food product is already a challenge, but doing so in a saturated market like snacks, with refrigerated items that require special handling, makes it even more difficult. Entrepreneurs often encounter skepticism, limited shelf space, and high operational costs, particularly when trying to differentiate themselves with bold branding and unconventional strategies. So, how can you grow a disruptive food bran

Joe Polish is the Founder of Genius Network, an exclusive group of renowned and successful entrepreneurs. He is an established marketer and has helped thousands of businesses, from large corporations to small family-owned companies, generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. Additionally, Joe is the Founder and President of Piranha Marketing and the host of three top-rated business and marketing podcasts, including I Love Marketing. He is also a passionate philanthropist and the Founder of Genius Recovery, which works to change the global conversation around addiction and recovery. In this episode… Many entrepreneurs struggle to stand out in a crowded market, build authentic relationships, and create a lasting impact without burning out. Despite working harder, they often miss out on strategic opportunities that come from real connection and clarity in communication. So, how can business leaders market smarter, not harder, while also growing meaningful networks and purpose-driven success? Marketing

Brett Allen is the host of The Marketing 32 Show and the Founder of Marketing 32, a dental marketing agency specializing in internal and external marketing strategies to help dental practices grow. Under Brett's leadership, Marketing 32 has successfully supported over 215 dental practices across the US, Canada, and Australia by implementing its unique Practice Impact Formula, which guarantees growth within 30 days or the service is free. Brett's journey into dental marketing started with his expertise in search engine optimization and online marketing, which he honed as a marketing director in Houston before launching his own company. In this episode… Navigating the dental marketing world can be a frustrating experience for practice owners who invest heavily in agencies yet see minimal results. With so many marketers making big promises but failing to deliver, how can dental practices ensure they choose a partner who drives growth and stands behind their work? Brett Allen, an expert in dental marketing and gr

Ben Dixon is the CEO of Naxum, a referral marketing technology company that provides innovative solutions to businesses worldwide. Under his leadership, Naxum has introduced tools like the UNIFY platform and predictive action engines, revolutionizing how companies approach referral marketing. With a background in sales and a passion for empowering entrepreneurs, Ben has been instrumental in developing platforms that enhance user engagement and drive growth. He is passionate about helping companies use referral marketing to build strong, trust-based relationships, ultimately driving success in their respective industries. In this episode… Growing a business through traditional advertising is more challenging than ever — trust is low, attention spans are shorter, and competition is fierce. The answer may lie not in shouting louder, but in empowering your best customers to become your strongest advocates. So, how can companies create authentic connections, build trust, and turn relationships into revenue without

Mark Rickmeier is the CEO of TXI Digital, a Chicago-based digital product innovation firm specializing in UX research, design, and software development. With over two decades of experience, he has led the creation of more than 100 digital products for clients ranging from Fortune 100 companies to mission-driven nonprofits. Beyond his role at TXI, Mark is the Founder of initiatives like Walkshop, a leadership development retreat, and the Sticky Note Game, a facilitation technique enhancing team collaboration. He is also an active member of the Forbes Business Council and the Fast Company Executive Board, contributing thought leadership on innovation, company culture, and inclusive design. In this episode… Creating a digital product is more complex than building a mobile app or launching a new platform. Many companies waste time, money, and resources by rushing into solutions without fully understanding the problems they are trying to solve. So, how can organizations shift their mindset to ensure they are innov

Yuval Gonczarowski is the Founder and CEO of Akooda, an AI-powered operations intelligence platform that helps organizations unify and analyze internal data to drive faster, smarter decisions. Under his leadership, Akooda has secured $11 million in seed funding, used by Fortune 500 companies to streamline operations and unlock insights across digital workflows. A graduate of Harvard Business School with a MBA and the Technion from Israel Institute of Technology, Yuval previously served in Israel’s elite Unit 8200 and held technical and leadership roles at Intel, Apple, McKinsey & Company, and Tomorrow.io. He brings a unique blend of engineering expertise and business acumen to the enterprise tech space. In this episode… Information overload and organizational silos pose significant challenges for growing companies. As teams scale, finding the right data, the right person, or simply understanding cross-functional collaboration becomes chaotic and time-consuming. How can leaders eliminate these inefficienci

Fred Meyers is the Founder and President of Queensboro, a custom logo apparel business he started in 1982 while a student at Columbia University. Inspired by the popularity of Lacoste shirts and a desire to offer high-quality polos with personalized logos, he began his venture from his college dorm room. Over the past four decades, Fred has grown Queensboro into a multi-million-dollar enterprise, serving small businesses and major clients like Costco and Pepsi. Today, the company operates out of Wilmington, North Carolina, and Dallas, Texas, continuing its mission to help people share who they are with the world through custom apparel. ​ In this episode… Growing a small business can feel overwhelming, especially when building trust with customers, standing out with a strong brand, and managing complex logistics as you scale. How do you offer irresistible products, build lasting relationships, and maintain operational control without getting buried under inefficiencies? Fred Meyers, an expert in direct marketi

Edward Woodford is the CEO and Co-founder of Zero Hash, a leading crypto-as-a-service platform that enables businesses to integrate digital assets into their offerings. Under his leadership, Zero Hash has processed over $45 billion in transactions and secured over $170 million in funding from prominent investors, including Point72 Ventures and Bain Capital Ventures.​ Before founding Zero Hash, Edward co-founded Seed CX, a CFTC-registered derivatives execution venue, and gained experience at various hedge funds and startups. He holds a BA in philosophy, politics, and economics from the University of Warwick and a master's degree in finance from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.​ In this episode… Many businesses struggle to navigate the complexity of integrating digital assets like crypto and stablecoins into their platforms. As regulations shift and technology rapidly evolves, companies face overwhelming barriers when adopting seamless, secure payment infrastructures. So, how can organizations overcom

​Omri Hurwitz is the Founder and CEO of Omri Hurwitz Media, a leading PR agency specializing in tech startups and high-profile entrepreneurs. As a tech marketer and media strategist, he has built a global reputation by blending traditional media with social platforms to amplify client narratives and drive brand growth. Beyond PR, Omri owns equity in multiple media outlets, including Hurwitz TV — a digital publication that fuses business, lifestyle, and entertainment content. His innovative approach and emphasis on authenticity have positioned him as a rising influencer in the modern media landscape.​ In this episode… Breaking through the noise to get media coverage or PR traction can feel overwhelming, especially for startups and entrepreneurs fighting for attention in competitive markets. Many founders struggle with traditional PR tactics that no longer resonate with reporters or audiences, often leading to wasted time and missed opportunities. So, how can companies modernize their approach to media and PR t

​Keith Burns is the CEO and Co-chairman of Lullwater & Co., a private investment firm dedicated to building enduring companies through long-term partnerships. He also serves as Co-executive Chairman of Apex Physics Partners, the largest medical physics services provider in the US, and previously led Seneca Creek Partners, a search fund that completed 15 acquisitions and achieved a successful investor exit in 2019. A former attorney and Goldman Sachs executive, Keith holds a BBA from Emory University and a JD and MS in real estate development from Columbia University. He is an adjunct assistant professor of entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and actively mentors emerging entrepreneurs through teaching and board service. In this episode… Scaling a business feels like navigating chaos — especially when taking over a company in its awkward adolescent phase, where systems are fragile, leadership is thin, and growth potential remains untapped. Many entrepreneurs struggle with

​Rick Rappe is the President and Owner of RPM Direct Marketing, a Seattle-based agency specializing in direct mail marketing services, including lead generation, acquisition, loyalty, and win-back programs. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Rick has developed and managed some of the largest and most successful direct-marketing-driven sales channels in the country. Under his leadership, RPM delivers performance-driven direct mail programs tailored to clients' unique goals.  In this episode… Direct mail often gets overlooked in today’s digital world, but it’s quietly powering some of the biggest marketing wins behind the scenes. While everyone’s chasing online clicks and social media impressions, there’s a different channel consistently driving actual sales. So, why does direct mail still work, and what’s the right way to use it? According to Rick Rappe, a direct response marketing expert, direct mail works because it's tangible, measurable, and scalable when done correctly. He highlights that s

John Ruhlin (1980–2024) was an American entrepreneur, speaker, and author best known for pioneering the concept of strategic gifting in business. He founded The Ruhlin Group, a firm specializing in personalized corporate gift strategies, and authored the best-selling book Giftology, which emphasizes the power of generosity to build lasting relationships. John began his career as a top sales representative for Cutco Cutlery, where he developed innovative approaches to client engagement. He passed away suddenly in August 2024 at 44, leaving a legacy of kindness and a transformative approach to business relationships.​ In this episode… Standing out in business is more challenging than ever. With overflowing inboxes, advertising fatigue, and increasingly transactional relationships, how can you break through the noise and cultivate genuine, lasting connections with clients and partners? John Ruhlin, author and expert on strategic gifting, shares how intentional, personalized gift-giving can become a powerful busi