Podcast Summary: GaryVee x William Wade: From the Edge to Entrepreneurship [UNCENSORED] The GaryVee Audio Experience
Host: Gary Vaynerchuk
Guest: William Wade, Founder of Canvas Marketing and Pocket Mounts
Release Date: July 29, 2025

1. Introduction to the Episode and Guest

In this compelling episode of The GaryVee Audio Experience, Gary Vaynerchuk welcomes William Wade, the founder of Canvas Marketing and Pocket Mounts. Gary expresses his enthusiasm for featuring Will, highlighting how Will's authentic journey mirrors the struggles and triumphs of many entrepreneurs striving to build and grind in today's competitive landscape.

Gary Vaynerchuk [00:00]: "What most drives me to want to do this podcast is I think he represents all of us... trying to build, trying to grind."

2. Will's Early Life and Interests

Will opens up about his upbringing in Radford, Virginia, describing a close-knit family environment despite not being affluent. From a young age, he was an avid collector, particularly of Pokémon cards, which was frowned upon in his community.

William Wade [00:40]: "I'm a collector. Was always that the nerdy black dude, you know, like Pokémon and..."

Gary reflects on the cultural shift, noting the increased acceptance of nerd culture across diverse communities compared to when they were youths.

Gary Vaynerchuk [01:07]: "Isn't it crazy that, like, 37? ... the thought of when you were 12... would have got fucking clowned on."

3. Overcoming Addiction and Personal Struggles

A significant portion of the conversation delves into Will's battle with addiction. He recounts the harrowing experience of losing a loved one to overdosing, which became a turning point in his life. Will discusses multiple relapses and the profound impact they had on his relationships and self-perception.

William Wade [13:48]: "I had to learn by going to jail."

William Wade [14:11]: "I was fighting for my life."

Gary and Will candidly discuss the challenges of addiction recovery, emphasizing the importance of personal resilience and the support from close family members like Steph and Sonya.

William Wade [15:43]: "And then after so many relapses, I lost everybody... But Steph does, I... "

4. Journey into Entrepreneurship: Canvas Marketing and Pocket Mounts

Transitioning from his personal struggles, Will shares his entrepreneurial journey. He founded Canvas Marketing and Pocket Mounts, focusing on merging physical and digital collectibles. Will emphasizes the importance of authenticity and avoiding the pitfalls of AI-generated art in his ventures.

William Wade [05:49]: "Canvas marketing represents artists... I'm making a way and a living for my family without selling drugs."

Will describes a pivotal moment when he met MJ Slatry, the "master of Mounts," which led him to fully commit to his business endeavors, creating archival-quality physical art pieces integrated with blockchain technology.

William Wade [11:08]: "I'm locking in right here, right now with MJ and we're going to create something then that is unfuckwitable."

5. NFTs and Blockchain Authentication

A substantial discussion centers on the integration of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) with physical collectibles. Will explains how Pocket Mounts uses blockchain technology to authenticate physical items, ensuring their legitimacy and preventing fraud—a critical issue in areas like sports memorabilia.

William Wade [09:13]: "When Steph signed it, we authenticated it. So you don't have to send that anywhere else."

Gary underscores the current challenges in the NFT market, such as fraud and the fluctuating sales figures, highlighting the necessity for robust authentication methods.

Gary Vaynerchuk [21:18]: "What happened with the digital NFTs is dead... $124 million worth of NFTs sold last week."

Will advocates for a hybrid approach, combining the tangibility of physical art with the verification strengths of blockchain, arguing that this model offers a more secure and authentic collectible experience.

William Wade [08:41]: "Everything should be tangible. I like the Rosetta Stone effect... but it should be physical to start with."

6. Artistic Trends and Creative Processes

Will expresses his passion for manga and Japanese culture, detailing the creative process behind Pocket Mounts’ projects. He collaborates closely with artists like Lucky Monk to capture and immortalize significant moments from events such as Warriors games.

William Wade [27:25]: "I'm loving the Japanese culture and I agree the get down Lucky Monk is a dog."

Will describes the meticulous process of transforming fleeting moments into permanent art pieces, emphasizing the blend of creativity and technology that defines Pocket Mounts.

William Wade [28:54]: "You have to be a follower intimately."

7. Advice to Parents and Individuals Struggling

Towards the end of the episode, Will shares heartfelt advice directed at parents and individuals battling addiction. He urges parents to give their struggling children space, trusting that their upbringing will provide the foundation needed for recovery. Will also speaks from personal experience, advocating for alternative treatments over conventional medical approaches that didn’t work for him.

William Wade [31:50]: "Leave them the hell alone... because of the things that they taught me as a youngster, I was able to get out."

Gary adds his perspective, differentiating between general advice and specific needs, encouraging listeners to take actionable steps toward their personal growth and overcoming challenges.

Gary Vaynerchuk [36:09]: "I'm telling get your fucking ass up and do shit."

8. Concluding Remarks and Where to Find Will

In the final moments, Gary and Will discuss the importance of self-awareness and humility in both personal and professional realms. Will highlights his dedication to personal health and the support system that has helped him maintain his sobriety and entrepreneurial focus.

William Wade [43:54]: "I'm down 35 pounds... my family's getting healthy, man."

Gary emphasizes the value of real connections over superficial online interactions, urging listeners to prioritize genuine relationships and personal well-being.

Will concludes by providing information on how listeners can connect with him and his ventures, encouraging them to engage with Canvas Marketing and Pocket Mounts through various platforms.

William Wade [42:07]: "CanvasMktg.com and Canvas_MKTz for Twitter. And Pocket Mounts."

Notable Quotes

• Gary Vaynerchuk [00:00]: "What most drives me to want to do this podcast is I think he represents all of us... trying to build, trying to grind."
• William Wade [13:48]: "I had to learn by going to jail."
• William Wade [31:50]: "Leave them the hell alone... because of the things that they taught me as a youngster, I was able to get out."
• Gary Vaynerchuk [36:09]: "I'm telling get your fucking ass up and do shit."

Key Takeaways

• Authenticity in Entrepreneurship: Will’s journey underscores the importance of staying true to oneself and maintaining authenticity in business, especially in emerging fields like NFTs and blockchain technology.
• Combining Physical and Digital: The integration of physical collectibles with blockchain authentication offers a secure and tangible way to engage with digital assets, addressing common issues like fraud.
• Overcoming Personal Struggles: Will's candid discussion about his battle with addiction provides valuable insights into resilience and the power of supportive relationships in overcoming personal challenges.
• Advice for Parents and Individuals: The episode emphasizes the need for trust and space in parental support for struggling children, as well as the importance of taking proactive steps in personal growth and recovery.

This episode not only sheds light on the innovative intersection of art and technology but also delivers a powerful narrative of personal transformation and entrepreneurial spirit. Listeners are encouraged to connect with William Wade and explore the offerings of Canvas Marketing and Pocket Mounts to experience the fusion of physical and digital collectibles.