Podcast
Built In America
Hosted by Sam Mahmood · EN
Starting a business is exciting, but it's anything but straightforward. Having a great idea is just the beginning — what really matters are the decisions you make and the pivots along the way. That’s where Built In America comes in. A podcast that explores the real and raw experiences behind entrepreneurial success, broken down from the very beginning. Hosted by Sam Mahmood, a self-made entrepreneur raised by immigrant parents, who has skillfully raised funds to acquire businesses across America. Sam interviews guests who have built and bought some of the most fascinating and successful companies across the U.S.
It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out, thinking of buying a business, or somewhere in the messy middle, Built In America is for those ready to delve into the business of building something big and be inspired by those who have built it, bought it, and made it.
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21episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
How Brett Rose Built UNCS into a Global Wholesale Powerhouse
Oct 600:38:01Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Built in America, host Sam Mahmood sits down with Brett Rose, founder and CEO of United National Consumer Suppliers (UNCS), to explore his entrepreneurial journey and the lessons learned while scaling one of the nation’s leading wholesale distributors. From navigating market challenges to building a resilient company culture, Brett shares how relationships—not profits—have been the driving force behind his success.He opens up about the personal health challenges that reshaped his leadership style, the importance of hiring the right talent, and the role of organizations like YPO in fostering growth and perspective. Brett also reflects on the balance between ambition and humility, the hard truths of entrepreneurship, and why philanthropy and giving back are central to his future vision.Whether you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or someone seeking inspiration from a story of resilience and authenticity, this episode offers valuable insights into building a business—and a life—with purpose.Let’s keep building… Follow Sam Mahmood: Instagram: @TheSamMahmoodTwitter: @TheSamMahmood_LinkedIn: Sam MahmoodJoin the Built In America community of others who are buying great businesses and sign up for Sam’s weekly newsletter: www.builtinamerica.coFollow our producers, The Peers Project: https://www.instagram.com/thepeersproject?igsh=MTZ1dWJpZXVpYWdybA== Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The Business Behind Celebrity Tours: Dreamliner CEO Rich Thomson Breaks It Down
Sep 2900:41:38Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Built in America, host Sam Mahmood sits down with Rich Thomson, CEO of Dreamliner, to explore how a transportation startup launched during the height of COVID-19 has grown into a key player in live entertainment logistics. From purchasing his first 12 buses in 2020 to scaling through acquisitions, Rich shares how Dreamliner became the backbone of celebrity tours and live events across the country.He reflects on the challenges of breaking into an industry built on trust and relationships, from navigating labor and maintenance shortages to reshaping an entire management team to align with his vision. Rich also dives into the importance of company culture, the complexities of music touring, and why diversification into sports and other sectors represents the next stage of growth.Whether you’re curious about live entertainment, entrepreneurship, or the grit required to scale a company in one of the toughest industries to enter, this episode offers an inside look at building Dreamliner—and the leadership philosophy driving it forward.Let’s keep building…Follow Sam Mahmood: Instagram: @TheSamMahmoodTwitter: @TheSamMahmood_LinkedIn: Sam MahmoodJoin the Built In America community of others who are buying great businesses and sign up for Sam’s weekly newsletter: www.builtinamerica.coFollow our producers, The Peers Project: https://www.instagram.com/thepeersproject?igsh=MTZ1dWJpZXVpYWdybA== Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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From Lab to Table: Wildtype’s Vision for the Future of Seafood
Sep 2200:41:12Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Built in America, host Sam Mahmood sits down with Justin Kolbeck, co-founder and CEO of Wild Type, to explore how cellular agriculture is reshaping the future of seafood. From cultivated salmon fillets to rethinking America’s reliance on imports, Justin shares how Wild Type is pioneering a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable approach to what ends up on our plates.He reflects on the challenges of building a science-driven startup, from early experiments to gaining validation through chef tastings, and opens up about navigating the realities of fundraising in a capital-intensive industry. Justin also dives into the balance between product perfection and market readiness, the importance of authenticity with investors, and why dilution can sometimes be the right trade-off for growth.Whether you’re interested in food tech, sustainability, or the entrepreneurial grit behind bringing revolutionary products to market, this episode offers an inside look at the future of seafood—and the bold vision driving it forward.Let’s keep building… Follow Sam Mahmood: Instagram: @TheSamMahmoodTwitter: @TheSamMahmood_LinkedIn: Sam MahmoodJoin the Built In America community of others who are buying great businesses and sign up for Sam’s weekly newsletter: www.builtinamerica.coFollow our producers, The Peers Project: https://www.instagram.com/thepeersproject?igsh=MTZ1dWJpZXVpYWdybA== Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Why Jordan Nathan Launched Caraway to Reinvent the Kitchen
Sep 1500:35:59Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Built in America, host Sam Mahmood sits down with Jordan Nathan, Founder and CEO of Caraway, to discuss how a personal health scare led him to create one of today’s most trusted cookware brands. Jordan shares how Caraway disrupted the kitchen market with non-toxic, eco-friendly, and beautifully designed products—quickly building a 150,000+ waitlist at launch and scaling into a household name.He also opens up about the challenges of breaking into a legacy industry, the importance of intentional design, and what it takes to build consumer trust in a crowded market.Whether you’re a founder, a product designer, or simply passionate about healthier living, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at building a category-defining brand from the ground up.Let’s keep building… Follow Sam Mahmood: Instagram: @TheSamMahmoodTwitter: @TheSamMahmood_LinkedIn: Sam MahmoodJoin the Built In America community of others who are buying great businesses and sign up for Sam’s weekly newsletter: www.builtinamerica.coFollow our producers, The Peers Project: https://www.instagram.com/thepeersproject?igsh=MTZ1dWJpZXVpYWdybA== Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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From Beachbody to BODi: Carl Daikeler’s Fitness Tech Reinvention
Sep 800:38:05Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Built in America, host Sam Mahmood sits down with Carl Daikeler, founder and CEO of Body (formerly Beachbody), to explore what it takes to build a fitness movement that transforms millions of lives. Carl shares the evolution of his company—from the early days of infomercials to launching one of the most successful at-home fitness programs in history, P90X, and reimagining it for a digital world.He opens up about the psychology of change, why transformation starts with identity, and how having a step-by-step plan is critical to making progress stick. Carl also breaks down the power of marketing in fitness, how Body continuously tests and improves its programs, and the moments that made him realize the real impact of his work.Whether you're passionate about health, entrepreneurship, or the mindset behind reinvention, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how a bold vision—and a whole lot of discipline—can change bodies, businesses, and lives.Let’s keep building… Follow Sam Mahmood: Instagram: @TheSamMahmood Twitter: @TheSamMahmood_ LinkedIn (Host): Sam Mahmood LinkedIn (Podcast): https://www.linkedin.com/company/built-in-americaJoin the Built In America community of others who are buying great businesses and sign up for Sam’s weekly newsletter: www.builtinamerica.coFollow our producers, The Peers Project: https://www.instagram.com/thepeersproject?igsh=MTZ1dWJpZXVpYWdybA== Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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From Climate Crisis to Software Solution: Inside Watershed with Co-founder Christian Anderson
Sep 100:32:08Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Built in America, host Sam Mahmood sits down with Christian Anderson, co-founder of Watershed, to discuss building one of the most ambitious climate software companies out there. Christian shares the story behind Watershed’s founding and how a mission to reduce global carbon emissions turned into an enterprise-grade platform serving major companies worldwide.He dives into the role of software and AI in tackling climate change, the importance of enterprise partnerships, and how data can drive meaningful environmental action. Christian also reflects on lessons from fundraising, scaling impact, and what it takes to help decarbonize the global economy.Whether you're interested in sustainability, climate innovation, or building mission-driven companies, this episode offers an inside look at the future of climate tech—and the leaders working to shape it.Let’s keep building… Follow Sam Mahmood: Instagram: @TheSamMahmood Twitter: @TheSamMahmood_ LinkedIn:Host: Sam Mahmood Podcast: https://www.linkedin.com/company/built-in-americaJoin the Built In America community of others who are buying great businesses and sign up for Sam’s weekly newsletter: www.builtinamerica.coFollow our producers, The Peers Project: https://www.instagram.com/thepeersproject?igsh=MTZ1dWJpZXVpYWdybA== Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The Future of Workspaces: Industrious President Anna Squires-Levine Breaks It Down
Aug 2500:37:31Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Built in America, host Sam Mahmood sits down with Anna Squires-Levine, President of Industrious, to discuss her unconventional path to leading one of the largest co-working companies in the U.S. Anna shares how Industrious scaled by moving away from traditional leases and forming innovative landlord partnerships—creating hospitality-driven workspaces designed for the hybrid era.She also opens up about leadership, building a culture of belonging, and the company’s commitment to community through nonprofit initiatives.Whether you're an entrepreneur, real estate operator, or curious about the future of work, this episode offers an inside look at building a workspace brand people are proud to be part of.Let’s keep building… Follow Sam Mahmood: Instagram: @TheSamMahmoodTwitter: @TheSamMahmood_LinkedIn: Sam MahmoodJoin the Built In America community of others who are buying great businesses and sign up for Sam’s weekly newsletter: www.builtinamerica.coFollow our producers, The Peers Project: https://www.instagram.com/thepeersproject?igsh=MTZ1dWJpZXVpYWdybA== Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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How Ryan Chen Built Neuro Gum into a Viral Wellness Brand
Aug 1800:45:21Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Built in America, host Sam Mahmood sits down with Ryan Chen, co-founder of Neuro Gum, to unpack the journey behind one of the most recognizable energy gum brands in the market. Ryan shares how a college friendship sparked the idea for Neuro Gum, and how the combination of caffeine and L-theanine helped create a functional product that enhances focus and energy.Ryan dives into the realities of building a consumer brand—navigating legal hurdles, going viral on TikTok and the Joe Rogan podcast, and developing strategic partnerships with figures like Steve Aoki. He also shares lessons on funding, operations, and the power of branding and consumer education.This conversation is a deep dive into modern entrepreneurship, scaling a wellness product, and building a business that blends innovation with impact.Let’s keep building… Follow Sam Mahmood: Instagram: @TheSamMahmoodTwitter: @TheSamMahmood_LinkedIn: Sam MahmoodJoin the Built In America community of others who are buying great businesses and sign up for Sam’s weekly newsletter: www.builtinamerica.coFollow our producers, The Peers Project: https://www.instagram.com/thepeersproject?igsh=MTZ1dWJpZXVpYWdybA== Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Backing Self-Funded Searchers: Inside Grant Hensel’s Investment Strategy
Aug 1100:43:51Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Built in America, host Sam Mahmood sits down with Grant Hensel, Managing Partner at Entrepreneurial Capital and Founder of Nonprofit Megaphone, to explore his journey across a range of ventures—from digital marketing to e-commerce. Grant shares how his passion for entrepreneurship was sparked in his youth and how, over the years, he's launched multiple businesses—some that failed, others acquired, and a few still thriving today.He dives into the self-funded search model, explains how he and his wife acquired and scaled a business together, and shares the values that guide his investment decisions. The conversation also touches on Sam’s role in Grant’s entrepreneurial evolution, his recipe for founder-investor alignment, and the lasting influence Warren Buffett has had on his philosophy as both a leader and investor.Whether you’re a founder, investor, or aspiring acquirer, this episode offers a rare inside look at the mindset and strategy behind scaling sustainable, operator-led businesses.Let’s keep building… Follow Sam Mahmood: Instagram: @TheSamMahmoodTwitter: @TheSamMahmood_LinkedIn: Sam MahmoodJoin the Built In America community of others who are buying great businesses and sign up for Sam’s weekly newsletter: www.builtinamerica.coFollow our producers, The Peers Project: https://www.instagram.com/thepeersproject?igsh=MTZ1dWJpZXVpYWdybA== Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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How Dave Sherwood is Disrupting the $10B Textbook Industry
Aug 400:42:20Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Built in America, host Sam Mahmood sits down with Dave Sherwood, CEO and co-founder of BibliU, to explore how he's transforming education by making textbooks more affordable and accessible. Dave shares the early missteps that led to BibliU’s pivot from a B2C to a B2B model, the complex challenges of breaking into the U.S. market, and how AI is reshaping the future of educational publishing.Dave opens up about navigating layoffs, maintaining leadership through tough decisions, and balancing growth with profitability in a venture-backed company. He also reflects on the personal evolution required to build a company over a decade—discussing the mindset shifts, leadership coaching, and philosophical reflections that continue to shape his journey.Join us for a candid look at the business of education, the pressures of scale, and what it takes to lead with clarity and conviction in a rapidly changing world.Follow Sam Mahmood: Instagram: @TheSamMahmoodTwitter: @TheSamMahmood_LinkedIn: Sam MahmoodJoin the Built In America community of others who are buying great businesses and sign up for Sam’s weekly newsletter: www.builtinamerica.coFollow our producers, The Peers Project: https://www.instagram.com/thepeersproject?igsh=MTZ1dWJpZXVpYWdybA== Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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