Startup Stories

On this episode we had the pleasure of interviewing Pierre Laguerre, Founder & CEO of Fleeting. Pierre was selected as the top 1% out of 4,000 teams for Quake Capital’s Spring Cohort 2019 NYC. He is a multifaceted, astute and versatile transportation and logistics analyst with over 15 years of experience in the transportation industry. His new APP Fleeting links certified Class A & B Drivers to Trucking Companies for scheduled, on-demand & temporary transportation needs.What makes his story so special is how happy and passionate he tells it despite the darkest chapters. In the hour we chatted with him he left out no detail of his inspiring journey and we can't wait for you to hear it!

Today in the studio we had Michael Robinson and Jennifer Peng from Homebloc and THEDEx. We loved learning more about the crypto space and the problems they are solving in addition to their personal stories which were extremely inspiring. We can't wait for you to hear it!Homeblochttps://homebloc.io/ The Homebloc exchange is a smart-contract platform that offers global trading 24/7 using blockchain technology to serve and create synergies between two related industries: Residential Real Estate and Lodging, which we define as short and long-term residential property rentals, plus hotel bookings. We aim to do this in three phases. Ultimately, the Homebloc ecosystem distributes rights, responsibility, and profitability more equitably between all stakeholders in the marketplace: consumers/renters, retail investors, hotel owners, and residential property owners.THEDEx  https://thedex.net/Founded by a collective of financial professionals and crypto enthusiasts, THEDEx has an established presence and base in New York City with a goal to expand across the globe. Our objective is to raise awareness about blockchain technology, digital assets and cryptocurrencies and their many possibilities for changing the future. We believe in the disruptive nature of technology and recognize that people are currently experiencing the latest revolution which is a financial one. The creator(s) of Bitcoin were the first to acknowledge this and chose to launch the world’s first digital currency within one year of the global financial collapse in 2008.Stay updated with our show: @startupstoriespodcastAnnnd your hosts: @bold.ny and @BenemeritoAttorneysAtLaw

On this episode we talk to Nestor Herrera, Co-Founder & CEO of BitCaribe.BitCaribe’s mission is to provide innovative financial solutions to the emerging digital economies in the Caribbean and Latin America. His business consists of the following branches: Payment solutions - Crypto Exchange - Wallet app - Remittances - Digital assets management. BitCaribe aims to unleash the true potential of blockchain technology in order to bring financial inclusion, empowerment, and opportunities to the communities of their region.We loved talking about the Crypto space and learning more about Nestor's personal journey as an entrepreneur and how it has taken him around the world. 

On this episode we talk to Jenna Ricciardi, Creator of Glitz & GlaMOM, Founder of Tri-State MAMApreneuer Networking, Influencer, Blogger, Content Creator, Wife and Mama to two beautiful girls. She created Glitz & GlaMOM to be a space for documenting parenthood, fashion & beauty finds, and family travels. Her goal is to provide a place for mothers and women to find unique and fun things to do with their families. She's also extremely passionate about  helping ladies find fashionable clothes, makeup, and products that make them feel like their most confident selves.We loved learning about her journey both as a mother and a successful business owner. She was kind enough to share valuable insight on how to grow your social media presence, how to get deals with the brands of your dreams, when to say no and how to balance your time effectively. We could have talked to her all day! Enjoy :)Follow along with her journey:Website : https://glitzglamom.com/Facebook: @GlitzGlaMomInstagram: @glitzglamomTwitter: @GlitzGlaMomStay updated with our show: @startupstoriespodcastAnnnd your hosts: @bold.ny and @BenemeritoAttorneysAtLaw

On this episode, we talked to Joey Cioffi & Jerry Eicke, owners of The Salad House franchise. The Salad House has been generations in the making. Growing up in the Cioffi family deli in Springfield, NJ, their founder, Joey Cioffi, did everything from washing dishes to fulfilling large catering orders. Having the same passion for quality service as his father, Joey ultimately created The Salad House concept with one single purpose: to provide a fresh fast-casual experience that was both healthy and family friendly. Joey launched the first Salad House in Millburn, NJ in 2011, followed by Morristown in 2013, fulfilling his own American Dream just as his father did generations ago when immigrated from Italy with just $20 in his pocket. In 2016, Jerry Eicke, a frequent customer and a huge fan of The Salad House food, marveled at how fit the restaurant was to serve quality food for all people. Jerry, a successful entrepreneur and operator in his own right, met with Joey and they quickly realized that, just like their salads, they made the perfect combination.We had a great time learning more about their unique entrepreneurial backgrounds, how they met and what lessons they have learned along the way!Learn more about The Salad House: www.thesaladhouse.comStay updated with our show: @startupstoriespodcastAnnnd your hosts: @bold.ny and @BenemeritoAttorneysAtLaw

On this episode, we talked to Surya Viswanathan, Co-Founder of NeonVest.  NeonVest is a premier platform that connects high-quality startups in niche, cutting edge sectors to investors. These sectors include, but are not limited to: Blockchain, AI, IoT, AR/VR, ML, SpaceTech, FinTech, HealthTech, etc. Through the NeonVest platform, we offer the following services:For Investors: Provide exclusive access to early-stage deal flow in frontier technologies and access to co-investment opportunities, like-minded investors and ecosystem participants. For Startups: Provide engagement with investors, mentorship and connections to key strategic players in the ecosystem. Surya shared in-depth information on his platform as well as his professional insight on what it takes to get an investment and what investors are looking for. Being a Startup founder himself, he shared some of the lessons he learned the hard way, the danger he sees with our generation glamorizing startups and the importance of time, the right partners and network access when it comes to running a successful business. Learn more about NeonVest: https://www.neonvest.com/Stay updated with our show: @startupstoriespodcastAnnnd your hosts: @bold.ny and @BenemeritoAttorneysAtLaw

On this episode, we talked to Caleb Beaty, Founder & Owner of Perfect Farewells.  Caleb is arguably the most interesting man alive. He grew up in a small farm town in Selma, Indiana. After High School, he joined the U.S. Navy and served aboard the USS Hopper (DDG 70) for three years completing one deployment in the Gulf. After honorably completing the 4-year contract he bought land in the mountains of Tennessee where he lives off-grid during the summer months building a self-sustainable log cabin with his shipmate from the Navy. In his free time (when he gets some), he enjoys traveling abroad, learning new skills, unplugging and getting closer to nature. Most of the time, however, Caleb is attending college full-time in San Diego while running Perfect Farewells, a veteran-owned global cremation ash scattering provider. "Perfect Farewells is aiming to change the way people look at funerals and memorial services by celebrating the life of a loved one in a completely positive nature."-Founder Caleb BeatyCaleb is a dedicated and passionate leader who is determined to bring light and color to a dark industry. His journey has taken him skydiving, rock climbing and deep sea fishing. We loved hearing his story and we're excited to share it with you! We loved hearing his story and we're excited to share it with you!Visit their website: http://www.theperfectfarewell.comFollow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perfectfarewells/?hl=enFollow them on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/perfectfarewellsCheck out Jeremy’s art: https://www.jeremysvision.com/Stay updated with our show: @startupstoriespodcastAnnnd your hosts: @bold.ny and @BenemeritoAttorneysAtLaw

On this episode, we talked to Tiffany Yau, CEO & Founder of Fulphil. Tiffany is a dedicated leader passionate about creating sustainable social impact through social entrepreneurship and more importantly, empowering people. She has received the 2019 Greater Philadelphia Social Innovation Award, and also been recognized by Generocity, Social Innovation Journal, Philadelphia Citizen, Wharton Business Radio, and Penn News as a leader of social entrepreneurship. She launched Fulphil and also Hult Prize Ivy in 2017 with the goal of empowering the youth to pursue their passions through entrepreneurship. Tiffany is currently pursuing her M.S. in Nonprofit Leadership and B.A. in Sociology at the University of Pennsylvania (Cl'19). We loved sitting down with her to talk highs, lows, staying motivated and balancing school with running a startup.Visit her website: https://www.tiffanyyau.info/Learn more about Fulphil: http://ful-phil.orgStay updated with our show: @startupstoriespodcastAnnnd your hosts: @bold.ny and @BenemeritoAttorneysAtLaw

All stories start somewhere. On this episode, we talked to two of the inspiring founders of Upright and learned how they grew from a service provider in one specific vertical to becoming full-on co-builders of your company who invest time, money and resources into your business. The founders of Upright are guided by logic and empathy and value companies seeking to create change. We loved sitting down with the team to talk highs, lows, staying motivated, shifting perspective, passion, purpose and everything in between. Visit their website: https://www.upright.nyc/Email: hello@upright.nycGet social with them:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/upright-nyc/Twitter: @UprightNYCStay updated with our show: @startupstoriespodcastAnnnd your hosts: @bold.ny and @BenemeritoAttorneysAtLaw

At one point or another, being a magician is every kids' dream job. Through passion and perseverance, Alex turned it into his actual career! It was such a thrill to have Alex Morgan, Mentalist, on the show this week and we're so excited to share it with you. On this episode, you’re going to learn how Alex got his first magic kit when he was 4 years old and how he has continued to perfect his craft for the past 18 years. He has continued to blow our minds on many occasions in real life and we know he's going to entertain you, too. This episode is accompanied by a Youtube video which features some of his mind-blowing tricks which you can find here: https://youtu.be/WJmED1ORtcQFollow Alex's journey on FB, IG & Twitter by following @AlexMorganLiveHis website: www.MindOfMorgan.comHis other accounts:IG: @MorMangoGramSnapchat: MorMangoSnapsTwitter: @MorMangoTweetsTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/MorMangoTwitchStay updated with our show: @startupstoriespodcastAnnnd your hosts: @bold.ny and @BenemeritoAttorneysAtLaw

Lynette Barbieri and Vanessa Coppes share the vision of helping others and mentoring women on how to accomplish their personal and business goals. Rooting on social entrepreneurship, their group ETTWomen supports women entrepreneurs in building their businesses coming from a giving spirit. The group’s mission is to connect like minded women to network with intention, build relationships, learn from and support each other. On this episode, we find out how Lynette Barbieri and Vanessa Coppes navigated owning multiple businesses while raising multiple children and how that led them to running this inspirational organization which grew to hundreds of members in 4 locations in 7 years. Follow along the ETTW journey:Facebook: http://bit.ly/2tio9XNInstagram: http://bit.ly/2SOPUWaWebsite: https://ettwomen.com/Stay updated with the show: @startupstoriespodcastAnnnd your hosts:@bold.ny and @BenemeritoAttorneysAtLaw

On this episode, we find out how Mahir (Matt) Allan went from watching his bank account drop below the negative to being an accomplished Distressed Real Estate Investor that went from buying 0-50 units in just 2 years. In this interview, he dives in on the importance of working for free, looking for lessons in "failures" and consistently being ten steps ahead. Follow his journey at @mattallan28 and 'Matt Allan' on Facebook!And don't forget to stay updated with us on Instagram at @startupstoriespodcast, @bold.ny and @BenemeritoAttorneysAtLaw!

On this episode, we find out how FUEGO DON went from being a young aspiring artist to opening up for Lil Mosey this March at the Starland Ballroom in New Jersey. If you don’t know him YET, FUEGO DON is an up-and-coming musician based out of New Jersey and New York.  In this interview, he sheds some light on the REAL struggles that come with being an aspiring artist, how he continues to shift his mindset and combat them and he also gives us a sneak peek at his big plans for the future. Follow his journey at @thraxx03 on Instagram and listen to his music by searching 'Fuego Don' on Soundcloud, Apple and Spotify!

On this episode, we find out how Mike DiBlasio, Founder of Reble NY, started his brand as an idea for a clothing company on a note in his phone and grew it to a culture represented on stage by notable musicians in just over a year. He and his Content Manager, David Figueiredo, discuss combatting self-doubt, being young entrepreneurs that go against the status quo, raising money on GoFundMe, and what it means to be a complete "REBLE."

On this episode, we find out how Sufian Chowdhury, CEO and Founder of Kinetik, turned down a major deal with Uber, what led him to that point and where saying no has led his business. He offers his perspective from the raw and valuable lessons learned from his business almost ending last year after burning through $80,000 that he took from his own bank account earned from previous startup endeavors. We're excited to share his advice on how to combat the reverse ageism every young entrepreneur faces and share his insight on the art of raising money for your startup. 

On this episode we talk to John Benemerito, the Founder and Managing Partner of Benemerito Attorneys at Law. Admitted to practice in New York and New Jersey, John represents small business owners and startups in the areas of Business and Securities Law. From as far back as he can remember he was always involved in his family’s numerous businesses. After law school, John decided that he wanted to help people like himself. He opened his own law practice the day he was sworn in and began working primarily with small business owners until he was introduced into the startup world. Ever since that time, John has worked with dozens of startups from all different backgrounds in helping them achieve their goals. This is his story.