Podcast
Founders' Forum
Hosted by Marc Bernstein · EN
Great business stories and great people come together on Marc Bernstein’s Founders’ Forum! Marc Bernstein sits down with business founders across the country to discuss their lives, successes, lessons, and their vision for the future. It’s all about the success they’ve earned and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. These are American success stories and they’re not done yet!
Your Host, Marc Bernstein
Marc Bernstein is an entrepreneur, author, and consultant. He helps high performing entrepreneurs and business owners create a vision for the future, accomplish their business and personal goals, financial and otherwise, and on helping them to see through on their intentions. Marc recently co-founded March, a forward-looking company with a unique approach to wealth management. He captured his philosophy in his #1 Amazon Bestseller, The Fiscal Therapy Solution 1.0. Marc is also the founder of the Forward Focus Forum, a suite of resources tailored specifically to educate and connect high performing entrepreneurs, and helping them realize their vision of true financial independence. Find out more about Marc and connect with him at marcjbernstein.com.
Are you a visionary founder with a compelling success story that deserves to be shared with our audience? We're on the lookout for accomplished business leaders like you to be featured on the Founders' Forum Radio Show and Podcast. If you've surmounted challenges, reached significant milestones, or have an exciting vision for the future, we'd be honored to have you as a guest on our show. Your experiences and insights can inspire and enlighten others in the business world. If you're eager to share your journey and the invaluable lessons you've learned along the way, we invite you to apply here. Connect with us, and let's discuss the possibility of featuring you in an upcoming episode. Join us in celebrating your success and contributing to the legacy of the Founders' Forum!
Securities offered through DFPG Investments, LLC (“DFPG”) Investment Advisory Services offered through Diversify Advisory Services, LLC (“Diversify”). DAS and DFPG are affiliated entities. March is unaffiliated with DAS and DFPG. Member FINRA/SIPC
The information provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as investment advice. The views expressed are those of the host an...
35episodes
Episodes
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The Mindset Behind Lasting Success with Gal Borenstein
Feb 1100:27:59Tap to summarizeWhat 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 resultsThe sales lesson that changed everything: “people buy from people”How niching into technology gave a small agency a powerful edgeThe early thinking behind today’s fractional CMO modelHow to translate complex technical products into compelling storiesWhy self-belief—and sufficient runway—are critical for foundersAbout 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.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/galborensteinexecutiveprofileFacebook facebook.com/borensteingroup/?_rdrX x.com/BorensteinGroupThis episode is brought to you by Workshop Strategy; Merging experience, innovation, and purpose. Go to workshopstrategy.com to learn more.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.
Transcribe →How Tom McEvoy Built a Breakthrough Building Product
Feb 400:28:19Tap to summarizeHow 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 entrepreneursThe long road behind LumberCon’s innovationIntroducing new products in traditional industries“Aggressive listening” as a leadership skillBuilding a legacy beyond the founderAbout 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.orgLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/tom-mcevoy-28504741/Facebook facebook.com/uptownwcInstagram instagram.com/uptownwc/This episode is brought to you by CamaPlan, A Different Way to Invest. Go to camaplan.com/foundersforum to learn more.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.
Transcribe →What the Media Really Wants: Ronica Cleary on Strategic PR
Jan 2800:28:15Tap to summarizeWhat 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 hustleLessons from transitioning out of journalism into entrepreneurshipHow to build culture with a remote PR teamNavigating growth, pricing, and evolving media channelsAbout 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.comLinkedIn 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-DNk7yTqKTrJtdX2DCsgThis episode is brought to you by The Satell Institute; the leading CEO organization dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility. Go to satellinstitute.org📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.
Transcribe →Darek Hahn on Turning IT Into a Business Advantage
Jan 2100:28:00Tap to summarizeWhat 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 riskHow poor IT relationships weaken foundations and stall growthWhat “tech debt” really means—and how it impacts revenueWhy technology must be part of strategic business decisionsHow vulnerability and trust strengthen leadership and teamsWhy the future of IT depends on human connection, not just toolsAbout 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.comLinkedIn 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.📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.
Transcribe →Playing to Win: Creating Workplaces People Actually Love with Theresa Hummel-Krallinger
Jan 1400:28:29Tap to summarizeShe 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 desperationPlay to win: Shift from playing safe to shooting for starsBuild with intention: Pursue opportunities that complement your missionHumor enhances credibility: Comedy makes you a better consultantSqueeze the juice: Make every moment count, don't mail it inAbout 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.comLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/tkrallinger/Facebook facebook.com/theresahummel/X x.com/theresahkInstagram instagram.com/treesehk/Youtube youtube.com/@theresahummel-krallinger115This episode is brought to you by The Satell Institute; the leading CEO organization dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility. Go to satellinstitute.org📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.
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