AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0

Big Data, AI, + Psychographics – How Amazon, Google & Other Big Tech Keep You on Their Platform - BRT S02 EP 45 (92) 11-7-21   5 Things We Learned This Week: Netflix, FB, Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, Google/YT – Tech co’s track all your data, create your profile and serve you what you like and connect you with others of the same interest and feed more interesting data. AI uses a Recommendation Model – you bought this, so you’ll like this. This model is 100x smarter now than years ago (getting smarter) and goes deep down the data mine Psychological tricks by software try to keep you on the platforms through notifications, messages, emails, and more tracking Moore’s Law – Each year computing power grows 2x as fast, but cuts the cost in half Valuations of Tech Co's vs Standard Business     Guests: Manuj Aggarwal https://manujaggarwal.com/ / https://www.TetraNoodle.com   Manuj joins BRT to talk about engineering Big Data and AI for growth, to give us actionable insights from data, cyberspace, cloud adoption, on customer analytics & psychographics. So much of tech is inter-connected from AI to The Cloud to data analytics to solution architecture, and design in Software Manuj is a 20 year tech consultant with an extensive background in software and AI. His resume is vast, consulting, tech, software, patents, author, courses, and more. Manuj is originally from India of humble means, worked thru the Dotcom Bubble (lost his job), and now runs his own company, Tetranoodle with a office in Canada. The clients list is a who’s who of tech, including Microsoft, IBM, and ING. His company has grown from 5 employees to nearly 30 in the last 2 years. You can also listen to his podcast – Bootstrapping Your Dreams, and a YT channel with business advice. Cloud Computing to process data has changed the game on Data. We don’t need huge computer anymore. Moore’s law has shown that computers get faster, while costs come down. CPU Processors are very fast and use 1 computer vs. many computers in a room in past.   Algorithms of today have gotten smarter, doing things that could not be done 20 years ago. AI/Algorithms are always improving, learning, they try, then fail, and learns more. It gets faster, and better. This model is 100x smarter now than years ago, and goes deep on data mining. Netflix, FB, Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, Google/YT – Tech company’s track all your data, create your profile and serve you what you like and connect you with others of the same interest. Then they feed more interesting data. This is done thru their Recommendation Model – ‘you bought this, so you’ll like this’. The power of the FB lookalike audience – take 500 people on your list, and can match 1000 characteristics of 2 billion FB users. Tech uses Psychological tricks to try to keep you on the platform through notifications, messages, emails, and more tracking. Per Manuj, the news over-blows the big tech data topic. We all use FB, Google and other tech sites for free. The price is your data. This data is being organized to enhance your experience and help you. Privacy – people usually do not comprehend how data privacy really works and constant trade off to use this technology. Manuj is working on projects to use AI to bring people together – tech can help bring people closer and get new opportunities. People adapt to tech and new jobs – future of work.   Flashback to Fall 2021 on Tech Clip form 10/24/21 Seg. 3 on artificial intelligence and how the algorithm works Topic: Artificial Intelligence (AI) – how the Algorithm Connects Us All Guests: Naru, CEO / Founder of Inventives (formerly Aptus AI) https://aptusai.com/   Clip from 9/12/2021 from Seg. 4 on tech co’s valuations vs a regular business Topic: Hamid of AZ Tech Beat on Technology, Software, Startups and Angel Investing in Arizona Guests: Hamid Shojaee AZ Tech Beat https://aztechbeat.com/   Tech Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Tech-Startup-VC-Cybersecurity-Energy-Science   Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the BRT Podcast.    Business Roundtable with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, High Level Executives, Business Owners, and Investors come to share insight and ideas about the future of business. BRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, and how classic industries are evolving. Common Topics Discussed: Business, Entrepreneurship, Investing, Stocks, Cannabis, Tech, Blockchain / Crypto, Real Estate, Legal, Sales, Charity, and more…   BRT Podcast Home Page: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/ ‘Best Of’ BRT Podcast: Click Here BRT Podcast on Google: Click Here BRT Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/podcast-brt-home/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/   Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.

  Startups from Funding to Community w/ Daniela Santagelo of Freeway - AZ TRT S06 EP15 (277) 8-17-2025       What We Learned This Week: Freeway - Helping Startups - Talent • Capital • Community Talent Retention & Reinvestment are key to building a Flywheel Phoenix Tech Ecosystem is growing, but not yet mature Always need more VC Funding + Deal Flow Government Partnership as enabler for Tech     Guest: Daniela Santagelo https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielaalpert/ I'm a founder, startup ecosystem builder, and civic innovation partner working at the intersection of tech, talent, and community. Through my work with Freeway Phx, I help cities, startups, and global partners co-create thriving innovation ecosystems, starting in Arizona and building bridges worldwide. I believe that opportunity doesn't just happen. It's designed. That's why I focus on activating communities, cultivating tech talent, and building connective infrastructure that turns vision into velocity. My journey spans founding multiple companies including scaling a venture-backed startup to $33M in funding and helping grow it to a $100M business. I've also spent 15 years in the Moving & Relocation industry, which gave me a unique lens on talent migration patterns and the infrastructure needed to build resilient, people-first startup communities. Like many founders, I've experienced both the highs of scaling and the lows of setback. That reinvention shaped my sharper mission: helping founders grow and give back. ⚡️ I lead Tech Talent Summits that connect employers, educators, and jobseekers🌍 I support global delegations and help founders expand across borders🧭 I advise founders on story, capital, and strategy with a human-first, results-driven approach Whether I'm building public-private partnerships, launching a new venture, or guiding a founder through their next chapter, I care about building with legacy, community, and courage. Let's co-create what's next! daniela@founderfreeway.com   freewayphx.com We're your community partner in building a modern workforce Whether you're hiring, scaling, or making a career move, Freeway connects the dots that job boards and pipelines can't.     Here are 5 main ideas learned from the podcast: 1. Phoenix's Tech Ecosystem Is Growing but Not Yet Mature Phoenix is showing strong momentum with new funding, company relocations, and sector growth (microchips, AI, defense, and health tech), but it hasn't reached critical mass compared to cities like Austin or Miami. The region still needs more deal flow, successful exits, and reinvestment from local founders to sustain long-term growth. 2. Talent Retention and Reinvestment Are Key to Building a Flywheel A major challenge is the "brain drain" — founders and investors leaving after exits. For Phoenix to thrive, successful entrepreneurs must stay, mentor others, and reinvest profits locally. This recycled success (the "flywheel effect") is essential for building a lasting innovation community. 3. Public-Private Partnerships Strengthen the Ecosystem Collaboration between government, universities, investors, and entrepreneurs (through groups like ACA, GPEC, and Southwest MAC) is crucial. While government can enable infrastructure, real progress happens when private founders lead and public institutions act as supporters or "feeders." 4. Culture and Community Matter as Much as Capital Brad Feld's "Startup Communities" framework highlights that strong ecosystems are entrepreneur-led, mentorship-driven, and collaborative. A culture of "give first" — where leaders help others without expecting immediate returns — builds trust and long-term strength within the community. 5. Phoenix Has a Clear Opportunity to Become a Major Tech Hub by 2030 With major investments (like Hadrian's $200M AI factory) and an influx of talent from higher-cost states, Phoenix is positioned for rapid growth. If local leaders stay committed to developing talent, attracting capital, and telling the city's tech story effectively, it can emerge as a leading innovation center in the next decade.   Notes: Building a Thriving Tech Ecosystem in Phoenix Segment 1: The Phoenix Tech Landscape – Building a Community Key Theme Public and private partnerships are essential to growing a strong, sustainable tech ecosystem in Phoenix. The goal: build an environment that supports startups from funding to mentorship, attracts talent, and retains capital within Arizona. Current Ecosystem Overview ·         Silicon Valley (CA) and Silicon Slopes (UT) serve as models for how regional tech ecosystems can evolve. ·         Phoenix has growing momentum but lacks the critical mass seen in other markets. ·         Total deal volume: $435 million — promising, but still behind Austin, Miami, and California. ·         2025 so far: 47 funding rounds, compared to 88 in 2024 and Miami's 241. Challenges ·         Talent Drain: Founders and VCs often leave Phoenix after exits ("brain drain"). ·         Ecosystem Sophistication: Fewer investors and mentors compared to established hubs. ·         Access: Limited connectivity between startups, capital, and mentorship networks. ·         Diversity of Talent: Need for broader, more inclusive participation in the local startup scene. Opportunities & Growth Areas ·         Industry Strengths: o    Microchips & semiconductors o    Health care (e.g., Mayo Clinic) o    Software & AI o    Defense innovation (e.g., Southwest Mission Acceleration Center) ·         Key Local Organizations: o    ACA (Arizona Commerce Authority) o    GPEC (Greater Phoenix Economic Council) o    Southwest MAC – Center for defense innovation o    The Crown Room (Tempe) – Coworking and company-building hub Leaders & Companies to Watch ·         Gregg Scoresby: o    Exited with CampusLogic (sold to Ellucian in 2022). o    Founder of PHX Ventures and PHX FWD to reinvest in local startups. ·         Hadrian (CA): o    Investing $200M to build an AI-powered manufacturing hub in Mesa, AZ. ·         Prickly Pear Health (Healthtech): o    Raised $350K pre-seed; founded by Imen Clark — focused on women's brain health and AI. ·         Chris Fox: HR consulting leader – cfoxyaz.com ·         Rob Vera: GCU professor teaching entrepreneurship frameworks, angel investor, and advisor. ·         Joshua Siu: Connects tech talent to local opportunities. Key Points ·         The illusion of exit: when successful founders sell and leave, rather than reinvesting locally. ·         The flywheel effect: recycled profits and mentorship keep the ecosystem alive. ·         Building a healthy innovation community means inspiring founders to stay, give back, and mentor others. ·         Phoenix is at an inflection point — the story and narrative matter. ·         The city must define why tech companies and talent should choose Phoenix over Austin or California. ·         Need more local success stories to attract capital and credibility. Segment 2: Events, Civic Engagement & Ecosystem Playbook Upcoming Event: Freeway Tech Summit 2025 ·         Dates: November 6–7, 2025 ·         Location: Downtown Phx - WebPT Building ·         Day 1: Career Fair ·         Day 2: Pitch Competition ·         Partners: StartupAZ, 40 speakers & more…. ·         Focus: Talent • Capital • Community ·         Website: freewayphx.com/tech-talent-summit-2025 Civic Entrepreneurship & Public Role ·         Brian Smith, City of Phoenix: o    Advocates for civic entrepreneurship—businesses stepping up to solve challenges government cannot move fast enough to address. o    Notes aging workforce and need to attract younger tech talent. o    Encourages investors and general partners to stay active locally. o    Spark Angels – local angel network supporting early-stage innovation. Insights from "Startup Communities" by Brad Feld Core Principles for Building a Thriving Startup Ecosystem: 1.    Entrepreneurs Lead: o    Founders, not government or universities, must drive the community. 2.    Give First Mentality: o    Help others without expecting immediate returns—creates long-term strength. 3.    Mentorship-Driven: o    Experienced leaders must guide and connect emerging entrepreneurs. 4.    Long-Term Commitment: o    Building a community takes 20+ years of consistent effort. 5.    Positive-Sum Game: o    One company's success lifts the entire ecosystem. 6.    Feeders vs. Leaders: o    Universities, investors, and government are feeders—they support but don't lead. 7.    Embrace Mobility: o    People will come and go; welcome returnees to keep fresh ideas circulating. 8.    Complex Systems: o    Ecosystems evolve unpredictably; embrace experimentation and iteration. Author Background: ·         Brad Feld – VC, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Techstars and Foundry Group. ·         Built the Boulder, CO startup scene, widely seen as a model for city-based innovation ecosystems. The Vision for Phoenix 2030 ·         Competing head-to-head with Texas and California for tech leadership. ·         Migration trends are favorable—more talent and capital moving into Arizona. ·         The "Big Bet": Phoenix reaches full tech hub status by 2030, driven by collaboration between entrepreneurs, investors, and civic partners.         Biotech Shows: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Biotech-Life+Sciences-Science   AZ Tech Council Shows:  https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=az+tech+council *Includes Best of AZ Tech Council show from 2/12/2023   Tech Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Tech-Startup-VC-Cybersecurity-Energy-Science  Best of Tech: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=best+of+tech   'Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the AZ TRT Podcast.     AZ

  AZ Bio Week & Life Sciences Innovation w/ Joan Koerber-Walker - AZ TRT S06 EP19 (281) 10-12-2025   Things We Learned This Week AZ Bio mission to improve life and bioscience, & make AZ a Top Ten Bioscience state AZ Bio Week 2025 - Oct. - 5 Days Talks, Events & Awards AZ Advances - nonprofit donation to biotech startups Aqualung Therapeutics is treating inflammation in the lungs, get people off ventilators & save lives Calviri is working on a Vaccine to PREVENT Cancer, currently largest animal clinical trial Anuncia Medical has a Re-Flow product to help drain fluid from the brain, treats Hydrocephalus     Guest: Joan Koerber-Walker President and CEO, AZBio - Arizona Bioindustry Association, Inc. Chairman, Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship Foundation   LKIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joankoerberwalker  www.azbio.org Bio: As President and CEO of AZBio, Joan Koerber-Walker works on behalf of the Arizona Bioscience and Medical Technology Industry to support the growth of the industry, its members and our community on the local and national level. Ms. Koerber-Walker is also a life science investor and has served on the boards of numerous for-profit and non-profit organizations. In the life science industry, Ms. Koerber-Walker serves as as Arizona's representative to the State Medical Technology Alliance (SMTA), a consortium of state and regional trade associations representing their local medical technology companies which she chaired in 2015 and  represents Arizona as a member of the Council of State Bioscience Associations (CSBA) and the Coalition of State Bioscience Institutes (CSBI). Active in the entrepreneurial and investment communities, she also serves as Chairman of the Board of the Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship Foundation which provides entrepreneurial education, mentoring and support to at-risk members of the community, on the Board of Advisors to CellTrust, Inc. which provides secure communication technology to the healthcare industry, and as Chairman of CorePurpose, Inc. which she founded in 2002. Ms. Koerber-Walker has been recognized as Executive of the Year by the Arizona Society of Association Executives, as a "Most Admired Leader" by the Phoenix Business Journal (2015),  in the pages of AZ Business Leaders (2013 thru 2020), Most Influential Women in Arizona Business (2014) and is a 2 time National Finalist for the Stevie Award which recognizes the work of women in business. Her past experience includes two years as the CEO of ASBA (the Arizona Small Business Association), service as a member of the Board of Trustees of the National Small Business Association in Washington D.C., President of the National Speakers Association/Arizona, Chair of the Board of Advisors to Parenting Arizona, the state's largest child abuse prevention organization, & much more.         AZBio:  Supporting Arizona's Life Science Industry for 19 Years (2003 – 2022) Learn more about Arizona's bioindustry: www.azbio.org | Facebook: AZBIO |Twitter: @AZBio @AZBioCEO We're part of a movement to create sustainable funding for life science innovation in Arizona. Learn more at www.AZAdvances.org  MOVING LIFE SCIENCE INNOVATIONS ALONG THE PATH FROM DISCOVERY TO DEVELOPMENT TO DELIVERY OUR VISION OF THE FUTURE: Arizona is a top-ten life science state. OUR MISSION: AZBio supports the needs of Arizona's growing life science ecosystem. The Arizona Bioindustry Association (AZBio) is a not-for-profit, 501(c)6 trade association supporting the growth of Arizona's life science sector. AZBio  Member Organizations in the fields of business, research and education, health care delivery, economic development, government, and other professions involved in the biosciences are the key drivers of the growth of Arizona's life science sector.  As the unified voice of our industry in Arizona, AZBio strives to make Arizona a place where bioscience organizations can grow and succeed.   AZBio works nationally and globally with the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed), the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), the Medical Device Manufacturers Association (MDMA), the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), and leading patient advocacy organizations. Through these relationships, AZBio has access to information, contacts, resources, cost saving programs, and the global bioscience and medtech community.   Arizona's bioscience industry is growing rapidly and reached nearly 30,000 jobs spanning 2,160 business establishments in 2018. Industry employment has grown by 15 percent since 2016—twice the growth rate of the nation—with each of the five major subsectors adding jobs during the period. Arizona's universities conducted nearly $580 million in R&D activities in bioscience-related fields in 2018, fueled in part by steadily increasing NIH awards to Arizona institutions since 2016. Venture capital investments in Arizona bioscience companies increased in 2019, and during the 2016-19 period totaled $349 million. Arizona inventors have been awarded 2,178 bioscience-related patents since 2016, among the second quintile of states in patent activity.   Notes:   Seg 1   Biotech and life sciences industry in Arizona, has 3000 businesses and 36,000 employees. The economic impact in 2021 was $38.5 billion. AZ Bio would like to double, so by 2033, the impact would be $78 billion.   Examples of biotech companies in Arizona are Medtronic that makes medical devices, WL Gore, material sciences. Other companies in diagnostics, there are Sonoran Quest which does testing. This also Castle Bio Sciences, deals in cancer treatment. Some medicine companies are Bristol, Myers, and Calvari who deals in cancer drugs. Calvari is the bio science company of the year in 2024.   AZ Bio Science Week started in 2017. AZ Bio week starts Oct. 13 (2025) and has events daily from Monday to Friday.     Example of one of the many companies involved with AZ Bio week:   CND Life Sciences - CND's Syn-One Test® offers physicians and patients an accurate, convenient, evidence-based tool to help diagnose a synucleinopathy. And our mission has just begun.   NIH - National Institute of Health gives grants or funding to universities, hospitals and even companies for medical research.   Takes time to build a medical device type product, a few years to decades.   Government is an important partner, that provides financial support. Examples are Medicare research, workforce help, and tax breaks. Many organizations like this are publicly funded with government and university help.  $25 billion in funding over the last 20 years in Arizona in bio investment. Government funded $5 billion, that's from state and federal sales tax at a penny per. $112 million funding to universities in 2022. Combination of industry, government and philanthropy. Discovery phase - university helps develop the IP and research. Technology is spun out of the university to corporate development by companies. The AZ Board of Regents owns the patents. They license the patents to companies. Then you have regulatory.  Distribution of a product. Successful products are profitable. They have a royalty that pays to the company, the university and the government. Example of this was the University of Florida created Gatorade in the 1970s and still gets royalties today. Process takes 10 to 15 years, with hundreds of people involved. Clinical trials of any type of drug takes years.   Creation of the Covid vaccine was an outlier, as many people had Covid at the time so it was very easy to put together big study groups       Seg 2   Examples of newer companies in biotech field –   Neo clinical stage company dealing in heart health with aortic artery for the abdomen.   Another new company is prim dealing in MCT deficiency, compound growth and they are in clinical and testing stages.   Drugs get tested through computer models, and then on animals. Always have to worry about safety and ethics. FDA has very strict rules. You do not put people at risk, after monitor, during test and post monitoring. There's high-level quality control.       AZ Bio has members that are in the bioscience industry with current companies   AZ Advances is about bio startups in early stage companies It's a 501 C nonprofit charity that is funding, internships, and education   Patient is not only the client, but the purpose for why biotech companies exist     Neuralink Corp. is an American neurotechnology company that has developed as of 2024 implantable brain–computer interfaces. It was founded by Elon Musk and a team of eight scientists and engineers. Neuralink was launched in 2016 and first publicly reported in March 2017.   Neuralink's first human patient, Noland Arbaugh, is an Arizona native who received his implant in January 2024 at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix. He will appear at Arizona Bioscience Week 2025     https://www.azbio.org/azbw2025     Events Summary:   Monday - Women in Biotech Leading Women: Biotech & Beyond Join us for an evening of conversation and connections with our community's leading women as we kick off Arizona Bioscience Week in style!   Tuesday - Fundraising Fundraising Strategies for Life Science Startups  A compelling narrative is crucial when you are fundraising and communicating with life science investors.  This Life Science Nation (LSN) Global Fundraising Bootcamp covers topics related to executing a successful fundraise for your startup.      Wednesday – AZ Bio awards, philanthropy, entertainment, and AZ Advances The 21st Annual AZBio Awards & AZAdvances After Party Celebrate with the Educators, Researchers, and Organizations that are making life better for people in Arizona and around the world.  Join us at the Phoenix Convention Center as we honor the 2024 AZBio Award Winners. Hundreds of health i

Offense + Defense: The 90-Second Plan to Retire Without Fear - Balance growth and guaranteed income to protect your lifestyle — and never worry about running out of money.   - AZ TRT S06 EP18 (280) 9-21-2025              What We Learned This Week ·         Offense + Defense is the Key to Wealth Financial freedom isn't just about hustling harder or chasing returns — it's about balancing offense (growth, risk-taking) with defense (guaranteed cash flow, risk management). ·         Appreciating Assets vs. Harvesting Assets Appreciating assets grow in value but only pay off when you sell. Harvesting assets pay you while you hold them (rent, dividends, interest). The wealthy own both — using harvesting assets to cover expenses and appreciating assets to build long-term wealth. ·         Income is More Reliable Than Growth Steven Bavaria's "Income Factory" mindset reminds us that income is fact, growth is hope. A steady stream of cash flow lets you survive downturns without selling assets and builds confidence in your plan. ·         The 90-Second Retirement Plan Works Cover 80% of retirement expenses with guaranteed sources (Social Security + annuities). Use the remaining 20% of your portfolio for growth, fun, and legacy-building — no more withdrawal stress. ·         The Goal is Infinite Income The ultimate destination is creating income streams that never run out — from real estate, businesses, life insurance, or even intellectual property. When income covers expenses for life, you gain true financial freedom.     Notes: Segment 1: Offense & Defense – The Key to Becoming Financially Unbreakable   ·         Quote: "In today's uncertain economy, the safest solution to be wealthy, be in total control and enjoy freedom for you and your family is to have multiple streams of income." – Robert Allen (2001) ·         Tie to today: 20+ years later, most people still rely on one paycheck or one retirement plan. Part 1: The Problem – The "One Thing" Retirement Plan ·         Traditional advice: just max your 401(k) and hope for the best. ·         The flaw: market volatility, layoffs, health events → can wreck your plan. ·         Analogy: one oxygen mask — if it fails, you're out of air. Part 2: Offense + Defense = True Financial Freedom ·         Offense: o    Growing income, scaling business, chasing higher returns. ·         Defense: o    Creating steady cash flow, reducing risk, having a safety net. ·         Too much offense = risk of wipeout. ·         Too much defense = stagnation. ·         The key: Balance both to become "financially unbreakable."       Part 3: Appreciating vs. Harvesting Assets Introduce the concept that not all assets are created equal — some you wait to pay you, others pay you while you wait. ·         Appreciating Assets: o    Goal: Buy low, sell high. o    Examples: stocks, gold, art, land, most crypto. o    Risk: You only "win" if you sell at the right time. Gains (or losses) are just on paper until then. ·         Harvesting Assets: o    Produce income while you hold them. o    Examples: §  Rental real estate → rent + depreciation + tax benefits §  Bonds → interest §  Dividend stocks / REITs → quarterly payouts §  Staked crypto → interest §  Covered call writing → option premiums §  Cash-flowing businesses §  Indexed life insurance → credited interest + loan access o    Best assets do both: appreciate and produce cash flow (rental real estate, dividend stocks, etc.). Tie back to Offense-Defense: ·         Defense loves harvesting assets (cash flow covers bills). ·         Offense loves appreciating assets (bigger upside for growth). ·         Most wealthy individuals own both and balance them strategically. Part 4: Mental & Emotional Benefits of Defense ·         Cover 80%+ of expenses with steady income = less stress. ·         Frees mental bandwidth for creativity and risk-taking. ·         Allows you to play offense without fear. Part 5: The 3-Step Offense-Defense Plan 1.    Build the Defensive Base ("Sleep-at-Night Money") o    Rental properties, pensions, annuities, passive businesses, tax-free income plans. 2.    Grow with Offensive Moves o    Invest in higher-growth assets after defense is solid. o    Use tax strategies and leverage wisely. 3.    Think Like the Wealthy o    Control assets, income, and taxes. o    Hold appreciating and harvesting assets. o    Focus on cash flow first, price growth second. Segment 1 Takeaway: ·         Secure your financial oxygen mask first. ·         Diversify with appreciating and harvesting assets. ·         Build a system that covers your expenses so you can confidently grow your wealth. Segment 2: The Five Types of Income to the 90 Second Retirement Plan   ·         "Now that we've built your financial defense, let's talk about stacking multiple income streams so you never run out of money." Part 1: The 90-Second Retirement Plan ·         Reality Check: Markets, COVID, crypto crashes, trade wars → volatility isn't going away. ·         Biggest risk = relying only on investments for income. ·         Old school solution: Social Security + pension = guaranteed monthly paycheck. ·         Modern version: 1.    Social Security (≈40% of expenses) 2.    Guaranteed Income via annuities (≈40% of expenses) 3.    Remaining portfolio → growth, fun, and legacy. ·         Rule of Thumb: Allocate 15–20% of portfolio to lock in guaranteed lifetime income → cover 80% of your expenses. Part 2: The 5 Types of Income 1.    Business / Career Income – your day-to-day paycheck. 2.    Investment Income – dividends, rent, crypto interest. 3.    Retirement Income – 401(k), IRA distributions. 4.    Guaranteed Income – pensions, annuities, Social Security. 5.    Tax-Free Income – Roth IRA, life insurance cash value. Call to action: ·         List which ones you have today. ·         Create a strategy to build all five over time. Part 3: The Income Factory Mindset ·         Steven Bavaria's mantra: "Income is fact, growth is hope." ·         Focus on cash flow first — market value second. ·         A portfolio producing 10% yield with no price growth = same total return as 0% yield + 10% growth. ·         Income stream lets you survive downturns without selling assets. Part 4: Infinite Income – Scaling Your Streams ·         Real Estate: Buy, rent, refinance, repeat. Use leverage + 1031 exchanges. ·         Business: Build → pay off loans → profits keep coming. Use as collateral to expand. ·         Life Insurance: Tax-free policy loans → fund retirement and leave a legacy. ·         IP & Assets: Build once, get paid forever (Lucas/Star Wars, Bezos/Amazon, Microsoft/Windows, McDonald's system). Segment 2 Takeaway: ·         The goal isn't just retirement — it's infinite income. ·         Build multiple income streams that never run out. ·         Focus on income-producing assets first → appreciation becomes a bonus. ·         When your base income is covered, every market dip becomes an opportunity instead of a threat.     Investing Shows: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Investing-Stocks-Bonds-Retirement       'Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the AZ TRT Podcast.     AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ 'Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/     Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.    

The New Wave of AI-First SaaS Companies Serving SMBs w/ Cooper Simson of Martell Ventures - AZ TRT S06 EP16 (278) 8-24-2025       What We Learned This Week: ·         Political & product risk can kill a business overnight. ·         AI is lowering barriers to software creation while eliminating low-value roles. ·         SMBs are ripe for AI adoption, especially in workflow automation & marketing. ·         The best AI businesses solve real problems — not just add shiny features. ·         Future-proofing means building where the "puck" is going, not where it's been.     Guest: Cooper Simson https://www.linkedin.com/in/cooper-simson-896957b1/ Website: https://martellventures.com Contact Cooper -  Instagram: @Coop_Doggy_Dog  Dan Martell's portfolio manager and business partner at Martell Ventures. Cooper talks about what they're building around AI and SaaS software, companies they work with, and the products for SMBs.   Show Notes Guest: Cooper – Entrepreneur & AI Venture Builder Bio ·         Started with a finance degree but never pursued traditional finance. ·         First venture: lead-gen & marketing agency (failed when partner left). ·         Pivoted through freelance work → launched a business helping people apply for government grants using AI. ·         Business collapsed overnight due to political risk when U.S. policy changed. ·         Backed by Dan Martel, who later brought Cooper into Martel Venture Studio AI. ·         Lessons learned: Always maintain control of the product and build businesses that can withstand outside risks.     Segment 1: AI + SMB Software Companies ·         Martel Ventures works with AI-first SaaS companies solving real business problems for SMBs (0–100 employees, $1M–$50M+ in revenue). ·         Examples of portfolio companies: o    Precision Connect – cleans and organizes business data dashboards. o    Atlas AI – AI voice agent that can call leads, nearly indistinguishable from a human caller. o    Hero – recruitment tool powered by AI. ·         AI is the middleman killer → entry-level tech jobs (SDRs, data analysts) most at risk. ·         Core question for any AI product: Does it solve a real problem, or is it just an AI feature? Segment 2: Dan Martel & Martel Ventures ·         Dan Martel: 27+ years in tech, 3 major software exits, 5M+ followers. ·         Founder of SaaS Academy (coached 6,000+ students). ·         Author of Buy Back Your Time. ·         Martel Ventures (founded 2024): o    Invests in and advises AI SaaS startups. o    Target: 10–12 portfolio companies per year. o    Provides equity, funding, and advisory services to accelerate growth & marketing. ·         Martel Ventures' niche: AI + SaaS companies with clear use cases and revenue potential. ·         Cooper's biggest takeaway: "Skate to where the puck is going" — build for future AI demand, not yesterday's. Segment 3: The AI Shift in Business ·         Cost transformation: AI drastically reduces software development and coding costs. ·         AI enables SMBs to: o    Automate workflows & reduce repetitive tasks. o    Boost employee efficiency → turns "C players" into "B+ players." o    Increase ROI per employee by shifting them to higher-value work. ·         SMB Examples: Local service providers, agencies, or firms generating $1M–$50M annually with 5–200 employees. ·         Key insight: If you can't identify the customer and the problem solved in 5 seconds, the product likely won't succeed. AI Use Cases in Marketing & Ops ·         Lead research automation. ·         Retargeting: AI can read your website, identify IPs, and find who visited. ·         Ad research: analyze competitor ads with AI agents. ·         Campaign automation: compresses timelines from weeks to days. ·         Contact management: AI can segment and organize lists for sharper targeting. Cooper Philosophy: Frameworks & Systems ·  The "Founding 50" framework walkthrough ·  How to diagnose bottlenecks and build fast paths to MRR ·  Distribution engine strategies that accelerate growth Contrarian Takes ·  "Distribution beats capital — especially when your offer hits" ·  Why founders waste time perfecting products instead of selling ·  Red flags he spots instantly in founders AI Market Insights ·  What makes AI-first companies different from traditional SaaS ·  Why SMBs are the sweet spot for AI products right now ·  How venture landscape is changing for AI companies Leadership & Scaling ·  "Lighthouse, not tugboat" guidance approach ·  Speed over perfection in execution ·  People-first, action-oriented leadership style     Dan Martell – Bio info https://www.danmartell.com/ventures/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmartell/?originalSubdomain=ca https://www.saasacademy.com/author-dan-martell Dan Martell is a renowned coach and founder of SaaS Academy, celebrated for his expertise in scaling B2B SaaS businesses and significant contributions as an angel investor. Dan Martell is a Canadian entrepreneur, angel investor, and coach known for his expertise in the SaaS (Software as a Service) industry. He's founded, scaled, and successfully exited three technology companies. He's also a prominent figure in the SaaS coaching space, having founded SaaS Academy. Additionally, Martell is an Ironman athlete, philanthropist, and author.  Book – Buy Back Your Time     Biotech Shows: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Biotech-Life+Sciences-Science   AZ Tech Council Shows:  https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=az+tech+council *Includes Best of AZ Tech Council show from 2/12/2023   Tech Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Tech-Startup-VC-Cybersecurity-Energy-Science  Best of Tech: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=best+of+tech   'Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the AZ TRT Podcast.     AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ 'Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/     Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.  

Cybersecurity & Compliance w/ Paige Hanson of Secure Labs - AZ TRT S06 EP15 (277) 8-17-2025       What We Learned This Week: A cybersecurity breach can cost more than just data—it can damage infrastructure and destroy client confidence. Even smaller companies (50–100 employees) need structured safeguards, compliance, and often outside MSSPs to stay secure. Secure Labs provides a roadmap for companies to meet regulatory standards like HIPAA, ISO 27001, and SOC 2, helping them win bigger clients. AI-driven threats like voice cloning and deepfakes make personal and business digital security more important than ever. Compliance isn't cheap—outside audits can run $5,000–$50,000 annually, while Big Four audits may exceed $100,000.       Guest: Paige Hanson, Co-Founder of Secure Labs   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hello-paige-hanson Founder of SecureLabs | Helping businesses meet their security compliance standards | Fractional GRC | 🎤 Keynote, Moderator & Speaker | Identity Theft & Cyber Safety Expert | Volunteer | Wife + Mama     Speaker Info: https://speakerhub.com/speaker/paige-hanson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PaigeonCyber   Secure Labs Website: https://securelabs.ai/   Fortify Your Company's Future: Expert GRC Solutions SecureLabs empowers organizations to navigate the complex landscape of governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) with ease. Our cutting-edge platform and expert services simplify critical processes, helping you achieve and maintain compliance while effectively mitigating risks.       Podcast Notes: Segment 1: The Reality of Cybersecurity Risks What's at stake in a breach? Data loss Infrastructure damage Loss of client confidence Common Cyber Terms: hack, breach, ransomware. Compliance & Budgeting: Every company must include cybersecurity and compliance in their budget. Company Example (50–100 employees): Usually 1 internal cybersecurity employee (legal + security). Outsource parts of the process to MSSPs (Managed Security Service Providers). Use SaaS tools to defend/alert against threats. Cyber risk insurance often included. Safeguards & Processes: Passwords, mobile device policies, website usage, software downloads. Security parameters for access and usage within the company. Company-issued laptops/phones are common, but personal device use may create security risks. Oversight: Department manager responsible for implementation, oversight, and quality control. Segment 2: Secure Labs & Paige's Journey About Secure Labs: Provides an app/platform for companies to outsource cybersecurity. Offers compliance, oversight, and process validation. About Paige (Founder Bio): Accidentally entered the cybersecurity industry. 17 years at LifeLock, building ID theft programs for law enforcement. Co-founded Secure Labs with two partners. Runs a remote global team. Common Client Question: "Where do I start?" Frameworks & Compliance: NIST Protocols: Best practices baseline for cybersecurity. GRC Platform (Secure Labs): Handles regulated industries (HIPAA, ISO 27001). SOC 2 Reports: Validation for security compliance. Why It Matters: Businesses must prove strong cyber/data protocols to win bigger clients. Medium/large companies demand strict security from partners. Interconnected SaaS & cloud systems increase risk. Validation & Auditing: Small companies seeking larger clients often need validation. Outside auditors review processes for compliance & insurance. Secure Labs provides both the platform and the roadmap for this. Segment 3: Budgets, Tips, and Best Practices Key Practices: GBLA compliance (Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act). Onboarding & offboarding client data securely. Regular security team meetings (quarterly). Ongoing record upkeep and compliance tracking. Social Media Risks: What info are you sharing? Photos, posts, public/private profile settings. Timing of posts – avoid real-time "check-ins." Businesses also need to monitor their public digital profile. AI Threats: Voice cloning & deepfakes possible with as little as 10 seconds of audio. Reinforces importance of strict security protocols. Ongoing Monitoring: Secure Labs sends periodic alerts on major breaches (e.g., AWS, Microsoft, Amazon). Budgets & Costs: Outside auditors: $5,000 – $50,000/year. Big Four audits: $100,000+. Compliance budgeting is critical for long-term protection. Where to Learn More: Website: securelab.ai LinkedIn: Paige's profile YouTube: Paige on Cyber           Biotech Shows: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Biotech-Life+Sciences-Science   AZ Tech Council Shows:  https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=az+tech+council *Includes Best of AZ Tech Council show from 2/12/2023   Tech Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Tech-Startup-VC-Cybersecurity-Energy-Science  Best of Tech: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=best+of+tech   'Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the AZ TRT Podcast.     AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ 'Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/     Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.  

Voxify: AI Voice Assistant for Small Business w/ David Duguan   - AZ TRT S06 EP14 (276) 8-3-2025       What We Learned This Week AI Assistant software Aurora for phones Small Business are overwhelmed with many aspects of business from sales to customer service Bad Customer Service costs $ in lost revenue AI Adoption by business is growing as they go from not knowing, to known David is from Ghana in Africa, & tried Soccer, then a DR, to finally land a Tech career       Guest: David Duguan, CEO of  Voxify, https://hellovoxify.com/   About David Duguan David Duguan is a Ghanaian born and raised entrepreneur, founder and CEO of Voxify.  A human innovation company focused on automating and increasing business performance serving the 16 trillion dollar small to medium business market.  He was formerly the CTO of a seven-figure tech startup, Visual Solution Nexus. With experience spanning technical leadership, product management, and team-building, he balances big-picture strategy with focused execution.    He attended Ball State University and Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis and studied science.  He is also highly skilled in building scalable and efficient technology infrastructure and is a Certified AWS Cloud Architect.  He is multilingual with fluency in English, Twi, Fanti and conversational in French, and has a passion for music, good African food, cars, golf, design, art, and cigars.         Voxify focused on empowering small business to accelerate growth with an AI Powered phone assistant, Aurora. The platform has proven to fuel new revenue streams for business. In fact, one of Voxify's customers, a small window cleaning company recovered $90,000 in previously lost revenue within a few months.   The AI-powered voice automation company transforms how small and mid-sized businesses stay competitive in a fast-moving world. Ultimately the company is redefining business communications for small to medium business which is an addressable US$130billion dollar market opportunity.   Aurora Hub ensures businesses never miss a call, automatically handles customer inquiries, and helps owners focus on what matters most—growing their business. Whether it's capturing leads after hours, streamlining   Respond to Customer Instantly: Keeps businesses connected 24/7 so every call, lead, or inquiry is captured—no more lost business. Boosts Revenue and ROI: Converts missed calls into booked jobs, helping businesses grow without increasing overhead.  Personalized and Customizable AI: Aurora adapts to each business, acting as a seamless extension of staff—not just a tool, but a trusted liaison with real sentiment supporting 29 languages. Delivers Confidence and Control: Owners gain peace of mind knowing communications are handled professionally, even outside of business hours with phone, SMS, web and email. Data at your fingertips: Aurora real-time actionable insights to better understand your business opportunities. Save Time and Money: By handling routine tasks and follow-ups automatically, Aurora reduces the need for extra staff, minimizes scheduling mistakes, and frees up owners to focus on what matters most Keep your customers happy: Aurora ensures prompt, friendly, and accurate responses every time—no hold music, no missed calls. With human-like sentiment and multilingual support, customers feel heard and valued, increasing satisfaction and loyalty across every channel   Aurora AI Assistant - has proven to fuel new revenue streams for business and for one small window cleaning company         Notes:     Voxify       Segment 1   Sam Walton, who started Walmart, said the business has only one boss, the customer.   Every business needs good customer support, but it rarely gets the attention it needs. Many small businesses are overwhelmed, and allways need to make more revenue.   Solution to this problem, introduce Voxify, the AI assistant, that can also help with your internal data. In 2025, data is crucial to a business and helps keep you organized.   There is an adoption level in AI that Voxify needs to get their clients to. Part of the problem is just education and awareness. It's not the fault of the business market. They're overwhelmed and unaware of what solutions are out there.   Voxify product Aurora is easy to use, and gets over the gap of education.   Average business with a solo operator loses calls. They also do not have enough customer insight which creates gaps in their business. Voxify tool solves this. You get the best customer support and you eliminate things customers hate like back-and-forth or voicemail tag.   Clients see the outcome fast, and so to their customers. Voxify's real customers, are actually the customers of their customers.   Company size of a typical client could be an HVAC, home, plumbing or some type of consultant company.   Outcome from their service is an average ROI of 430%, you make more money and stem lost revenue.   Services is like a virtual employee that answers the phones and can book a meeting.   Educate businesses on the use of AI, need for better customer support and how not having this technology means lost revenue.         Segment 2   How Voxify got started: David was working in an architecture startup firm on visuals. The firm had bad customer support. The way their projects worked for payment is half upfront and half at the end. Many payments were late and it was causing internal issues.   They had an assistant and a VA answering the phones. This particular architecture firm was a niche market, hard to train on the phones.   David had a thesis you could use AI and ChatGPT to build the technology for what they needed.   He did this and then validated it with a 200 customers pre-launch. They did lots of research to improve the product.   Voxify is a three-year-old company, and they created their main software Aurora in the spring of 2024.   David is an immigrant, originally from Ghana, West Africa. Had no formal training in technology or business and had to learn of money as he went. Originally thought about playing soccer, then started to train to be a heart surgeon. Neither of these happened so he went into business.     Segment 3   David joked that to succeed in life he was taught you had to be one of three careers, engineer, doctor, or attorney.   He spent time working in biotech, and there learned his love to work on things and do research.   Then he got the job as the CTO at the architecture visual startup, as a cloud architect.   Cloud Architects design technology architecture for virtual machines or databases or software.   "Invent our way out of the box, outside the box, outside the status quo.'   Ask questions based on intention.   Testing Software - Check the text spelling vs the Voice or phonetics.   Had to handle customer complaints, check in 24 hours, and provide good customer service. The data portion is very important.   Example: window cleaning company. AI assistant has to collect info and see what the customer wants. It's hard for these companies to do a customer baseline price. But customers want an estimated service price, and also what expedient fees would cost to do it fast faster. AI service can help with all of this.   Voxify is chasing impact and change to bring down tech barriers. Solve problems with small to medium business and service based companies. Small business is 50% of the GDP in the US.   Bring education on AI to the business community.   Adoption needs two things: Going from you don't know, to you know. Once they know, and have been educated, easier to adopt the technology.   Voxify AI software is $99 a month to start.   Software can be trained very fast within a few minutes, just by scraping a client's website and learning the business. Then over time you talk to the AI and you make changes to the info and answers said on the phone.   Create an SOP doc / standard operating procedure, outline the process of how the assistant needs to talk to your customers         Biotech Shows: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Biotech-Life+Sciences-Science   AZ Tech Council Shows:  https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=az+tech+council *Includes Best of AZ Tech Council show from 2/12/2023   Tech Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Tech-Startup-VC-Cybersecurity-Energy-Science  Best of Tech: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=best+of+tech   'Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the AZ TRT Podcast.     AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ 'Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/     Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate,

Business Lessons from the Movies - The Founder & the Start of McDonalds   - AZ TRT S06 EP13 (275) 7-27-2025              What We Learned This Week: Speedee Service System - assembly line approach invents the fast-food industry, replicated to this day What Business Are You In? - McDonald's is a Real Estate Company w/ an estimated $42B in Real Estate Holdings It's the Name, McDonald's - Branding - from The Founder McDonald's is the New American Church - Positioning     Notes: Seg. 1 The Founder What Business are you in? – McD in real estate biz, largest in US Power of the Name – branding, McDonalds is New American Church Systems – Speedee System, speed and lean, like a factory in the kitchen Bonus * - Perseverance – Kroc was 52 when he met McDonalds brothers, selling milk shake machines         You're not in the burger business you're in the real estate business. You don't build an empire selling $.15 hamburgers. You build an empire on the land that those hamburgers are made of. Power of the name, branding, McDonald's is the new American church on main street. A vision of a wholesome America, families go to eat share values. Branding see that name lit up on the sign. McDonald's sounds like America. Would you eat at a place named Crocs? Guy eats at McDonald's he's never going to get pushed around. Great book on McDonald's, and the industry called Fast Food Nation by Eric S   Speedee system, bring factory component to a kitchen. Redesign a kitchen for speed and efficiency, orders in 30 seconds like a conveyor belt. No plates all paper throw it away when done. You have a service window people walk up and get their food immediately. The idea of being is to go lean. Initially there was a learning curve with customers but soon it caught on and it was the model for all fast food restaurants. They did practice runs to test their system with no customers see it in action and let the data dictate how the plan should be.   https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=the+founder+movie+clips   ** Clips from past show: Moneyball, Boiler Room, Glengarry Glen Ross, The Founder - Business Lessons from the Movies - BRT S03 EP42 (141) 8-28-2022   Full Show: HERE       Seg. 2 The Founder, the story of Ray Kroc and McDonald's.   What Business Are You In? - McDonalds is a Real Estate Company   Replay Clip from 2/9/20, where Matt talks about the biggest franchise of all, and what their real business model is. McDonalds has built a business empire thru Real Estate, not burgers.  The Dollar Menu is designed to get customers in the door. McDonalds loses $ when people purchase from the dollar menu, it is a Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC). This is also called a 'Loss Leader', selling a product at a low cost to get customers. McDonalds then makes money when people buy more, and off return business. McDonalds is one of the biggest Real Estate companies in the world. The stock is valued on the $37 Billion in Real Estate they own. They make money as a landlord, because the franchisee is their tenant. The Founder – business movie biography of Ray Kroc. Kroc started as a milk shake salesmen to the McDonalds brothers in California, then went on to create the franchise system we know today. The first President of McDonalds Franchise (Harry Sonneborn) helped Kroc create the real estate model that the franchise was base on, and used to scale to a billion $ company. Internally McDonalds used the Brother's Speedee Service System created pre-Kroc. The Question 'What Business Are You In?' comes from business consultant Peter Drucker. Business owners need to understand what problem or service they really offer their customers. Ie – Starbucks is in the Customer Experience business, not coffee, but the atmosphere of drinking the coffee     ** Clips from past show: McDonalds, Apple, Disruption, 80/20 - Best of Host Matt on Business Topics - BRT S03 EP10 (109) 3-6-2022   Full Show: HERE         Investing Shows: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Investing-Stocks-Bonds-Retirement    'Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the AZ TRT Podcast.     AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ 'Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/     Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.  

Tech Productivity to AI to Cybersecurity to Sports Cars - Best of Tech 1st half 2025   - AZ TRT S06 EP12 (274) 7-6-2025       What We Learned This Week ChatGPT is an AI chatbot, developed by OpenAI, that can engage in human-like conversations Obvious Future is building Machine Learning (AI) programs to be used onsite for a business Oilstain Lab creates high end retro futuristic designer sports car - in EV models ACTRA - Cyber threats affect everyone from Gov't to business to private and growing Clips form podcasts focused on tech in the 1st Half of 2025 Notes:  Segment 1: Tech Productivity - AZ TRT S06 EP06 (267) 3-23-2025             What We Learned This Week ChatGPT is an AI chatbot, developed by OpenAI, that can engage in human-like conversations ChatGPT can read docs, edit docs, answer Qs, and transcribe Elevenreader – app that turns any document into audio Google Drive – office suite of tools for spreadsheets, docs, powerpoints, & more Todoist – task management program Pocket – web research tool that saves & organizes links     Guest: Denver Nowicz, President - Wealth For Lifehttp://wealthforlife.net/ Denver is an advisor with nearly 20 years experience working with clients in investments and insurance, designing retirement plans with a combo of both. He takes us through different strategies for clients to get the best allocations for their money over the long term. It is the Combo Strategy of both Offense and Defense, the synergy of the mix, not 'All or Nothing'.   Full Show: HERE     Segment 2: Cybersecurity Response Plan w/ Frank Grimmelmann of ACTRA - AZ TRT S06 EP03 (264) 2-9-2025                 What We Learned This Week ACTRA Arizona Cyber Threat Response Alliance Cyber threats affect everyone from Gov't to business to private and growing Companies need to be responsive with speed to be effective + share information of attacks ACTRA has members from both government and private sector ACTRA helped create a state cybersecurity response model that other states can use     Guest: Frank Grimmelmann https://www.actraaz.org/actra/leadership President & CEO/Intelligence Liaison Officer   Mr. Grimmelmann also serves as Co-Chair (together with Arizona's Chief Information Security Officer) for the Arizona Cybersecurity Team ('ACT'), created through the Governor's Executive Order signed in March 2018. He also serves as a Founding Member of the National Leadership Group for the Information Sharing & Analysis Organization Standards Organization ('ISAO SO') at the University of Texas San Antonio (UTSA), created under the President's Executive Order 13691 in February 2015. As ACTRA's leader, Mr. Grimmelmann was invited as the first private sector representative in the Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center (ACTIC) and served as its first private sector Executive Board representative from 2014-2019. He presently acts as ACTRA's designated private sector liaison to ACTRA's Key Agency and other non-Member Stakeholders.     Full Show: HERE   Segment 3: Futuristic EV Designer Sports Car w/ Nikita Bridan of Oilstainlab - AZ TRT S06 EP02 (263) 1-26-2025              What We Learned This Week Oilstain Lab creates high end retro futuristic designer sports car - in EV models EV Car Designers for Gearheads who hate EVs All the capabilities of a sports car, on a liteweight carbon fiber frame, + sound & an electric motor Inspired by the race cars of Italy & classic 1960s sports cars     Guest: Nikita Bridan, Co-Founder, CEO Nikita Bridan is co-founder & chief executive officer of Oilstainlab. A car design strategist with 15 years of OEM and startup experience, Nikita has worked with world-renowned brands including Lyft, Cruise, GM, Toyota, Genesis, ONE, and more on electrification, platforms, and strategy. In 2019, Nikita co-founded Oilstainlab with his twin brother, Iliya, as an automotive design consultancy service and playground, and developed it into a boundary-pushing, custom vehicle manufacturer. Nikita lives his life as fast as the cars he builds, once being pulled over at 140mph in Arizona and getting off with a warning. Nikita earned bachelor's degrees in Transportation Design from the Istitudo Europeo di Design in Italy and the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California, where he now serves as an instructor to the next generation of designers.   Leading a New Generation of Automotive with Oilstainlab Co-Founder Nikita Bridan The future of automotive design is in the hands of twin brothers, Nikita and Iliya Bridan.  The founders of Oilstainlab have turned heads worldwide with their automotive creations, most notably the Half-11, its half Porsche-half Formula 1 race car that pays homage to the golden age of motor racing.  Full Show: HERE     Segment 4   Machine Learning (AI) Onsite w/ Eddi Weinwurm of Obvious Future - AZ TRT S06 EP01 (262) 1-5-2025                 What We Learned This Week Obvious Future is building Machine Learning (AI) programs to be used onsite for a business Corporate Data is too sensitive to be in the cloud / internet Business cannot use cloud AI programs like ChatGPT, Google Cloud, etc because of IP and privacy concerns Large Language Models are not necessary, have more data than needed, can have smaller AI programs tailored for business   Guest:  Eddi Weinwurm AI is top of mind for most enterprises…but most don't know the risks especially in the cloud.   https://obviousfuture.com/#    Eddi Weinwurm is a co-founder and CEO of Obvious Future an AI company with a new approach to keeping AI local and secure.   Eddi Weinwurm has many years of experience in both the development of media management software and AI.  As a visionary he formed the company to address critical enterprises in the growing AI market.     ObviousFuture Resident AI: Faster, Safer, and Transforming Enterprise AI   Eddi Weinwurm co-founder and CEO of ObviousFuture is on a mission to make AI safer and faster for enterprises.   ObviousFuture, a trailblazer in secure and private AI solutions, will be unveiling a disruptive AI solution for the enterprise on December 18—Resident AI.    This solution empowers enterprises to harness the full potential of AI while safeguarding their data locally, marking a critical evolution in the AI landscape.   ObviousFuture's Resident AI operates entirely on-premise, solving a $500 billion market problem by addressing vulnerabilities like data privacy risks, compliance challenges, and vendor lock-ins. The company is focused on key sectors such as government, defense, surveillance, medical, and media.   Early adopters, have achieved ROI within just two months of deployment of the Resident AI platform.   Full Show: HERE     Biotech Shows: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Biotech-Life+Sciences-Science   AZ Tech Council Shows:  https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=az+tech+council *Includes Best of AZ Tech Council show from 2/12/2023   Tech Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Tech-Startup-VC-Cybersecurity-Energy-Science  Best of Tech: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=best+of+tech   'Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the AZ TRT Podcast.     AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ 'Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/     Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.  

  LiquidTrust: A New Era of Cross-Border Payment Protection for Small Business w/ Saujin Yi - AZ TRT S06 EP11 (273) 6-29-2025       What We Learned This Week ·         SMBs Face Major Risk in Cross-Border Payments Small businesses are exposed to significant risk when dealing with international suppliers, lacking the same protections that consumers receive. ·         Traditional Bank Wires Are Outdated for Global SMB Transactions Bank wires, SWIFT networks, and intermediary banks remain the default but are slow, costly, and offer limited recourse if something goes wrong. ·         Digitized Escrow Can Level the Playing Field A modernized escrow system, like Liquid Trust, can serve as a trusted middle layer in transactions, enabling secure, conditional fund releases. ·         Banks Are Adopting Fintech Tools for SMB Clients Liquid Trust is expanding by partnering with banks, offering them technology to better serve small businesses with secure payment processing. ·         A Major Gap Exists for SMB Payment Protections There's a growing opportunity to provide insurance-style protections, dispute resolution, and cash flow tools for smaller, international transactions.   Guest: Saujin Yi, Founder - LiquidTrust LKIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saujin/ Tech entrepreneur, investor, and advisor focused on fintech, future of work, and backing women/minorities. Personal mission is to create a #newplayingfield. Saujin Yi has been talking to founders and bankers who are watching a payment crisis unfold in real time— small business owners wiring full payments to overseas suppliers, only to have their goods withheld or renegotiated because tariffs shifted mid-transaction. These aren't hypothetical's. Inventory is being held hostage, and most of these businesses have no recourse. Saujin is the founder of LiquidTrust, a fintech platform helping SMBs protect themselves. She talks about: ·  The tariff whiplash hitting cross-border supply chains ·  Why small businesses are exposed to all the payment risk ·  How new tools like LiquidTrust's Micro Escrow Pay are helping level the playing field With LiquidTrust, small businesses can wire to 175 countries with built-in counterparty verification, or opt for a holding account that only releases funds when terms are met. It's a timely conversation and offering that I think SMBs would benefit from learning about.   https://www.linkedin.com/company/liquidtrust/ https://www.liquidtrust.io/ 43% of US SMBs make global payments but 75% are unsatisfied with their current options. LiquidTrust is an innovative global pay solution tailored for the needs of small- and medium-sized businesses that also safeguards their transactions from fraud and loss. We offer 2 global payment methods: 1) Direct Pay - Fast global payments to 175 countries within 1-2 days. Safer than traditional wires, with counterparty verification for enhanced security. 2) Pay by Trust ("micro-escrows") - Escrow-like protection against fraud and loss. Offers peace of mind without complexity and high costs of traditional escrows.  Of the $6.9T US import/export payment volume, 2/3 goes unprotected because current payment protection products like letters of credit are too complex and expensive. 9 out of 10 SMB owners constantly worry about fraud and loss because non-payment or non-delivery would be devastating to business survival. We partner with banks to make our self-serve, white-label solution available to their current and potential customers and capture the $9B+ revenue opportunity and related deposits. LiquidTrust builds on the foundation established by Liquid (est. 2019), evolving to meet new opportunities.     Notes: Segment 1: Solving Cross-Border Payment Risk for SMBs In early 2025, small businesses began feeling the pressure of rising tariffs and payment complications with overseas vendors. For many SMBs, cross-border transactions are a daily reality—but the tools available to them haven't kept pace with the global nature of modern commerce. The Traditional Payment Model Historically, payments to overseas partners have relied on the banking system as the intermediary. This means: ·         Transactions typically occur via international wire transfers. ·         These wires use the SWIFT network, involving multiple intermediate banks. ·         Funds are converted between currencies, often with unpredictable fees or delays. While this may work for large enterprises, small businesses often bear more risk in these transactions, lacking sufficient tools for protection or recourse. Many SMBs today operate a "borderless" business model—based in the U.S. but with 50% or more of their partnerships overseas. The Need for Simplicity and Trust Small businesses need a solution that is: ·         Reliable for both sides of the transaction ·         Simple to use without requiring financial expertise ·         Built on trust, with built-in mechanisms to reduce risk Liquid Trust introduces a new payment model for SMBs—simplifying cross-border payments through a system built around "micro escrow."   Segment 2: Micro Escrow: Modern Protection for Small Deals Much like real estate uses escrow accounts to protect both buyers and sellers, Liquid Trust applies the same principle to small business payments. Traditionally, escrow has only been available for large deals. Liquid Trust brings this to small transactions by digitizing the process. Here's how it works: ·         A buyer can invite and verify a vendor into the platform. ·         Funds are held in escrow, not released until pre-set conditions are met. ·         A built-in dispute resolution and arbitration system ensures fairness. ·         The process is as simple as a "Buy Now, Pay Later" model. This transforms the transaction dynamics. Instead of the buyer taking on 100% of the risk with a wire or upfront deposit, both parties share risk more equitably—improving trust, satisfaction, and cash flow for SMBs. The Bigger Problem: Why Change the System? In the traditional system, there are "winners" and "losers": ·         Winners: Vendors who receive payment up front with little risk. ·         Losers: Buyers who send money and hope everything works out. But smart SMBs realize that keeping vendors happy is also good business. Building long-term trust and smoother cash flow on both sides of a deal can elevate all partners. There's a clear gap in the market: SMBs have no access to tools like consumer credit protections, and banks often don't want to get involved in smaller payments like a $20,000 invoice. It's not profitable for them. Liquid Trust fills this gap.   Segment 3: Bank Partnerships: Scaling Trust and Access Initially, Liquid Trust served SMBs directly. But a strategic pivot is now enabling banks, attorneys, and accountants to offer Liquid Trust's technology to their small business clients. Why banks? ·         They are already trusted advisors for SMBs. ·         They need better digital tools to serve modern business clients. ·         They lack solutions for smaller, international transactions. With this new model, banks integrate Liquid Trust into their ecosystem, giving small businesses access to tools they never had before: protections, conditional payments, and streamlined digital processing. The Vision Behind Liquid Trust Liquid Trust was founded by an engineer with a background in finance and technology startups. Originally designed as an accounts payable solution, the platform pivoted after identifying massive friction and risk in global SMB payments. Key insights: ·         SMBs struggle with payment protections across borders. ·         Legal recourse is impractical—lawsuits are expensive and hard to enforce internationally. ·         Many vendors are in regions where you simply can't "go knock on the door." Liquid Trust, now evolving under the name Escrow Pay, has raised a seed round and is expanding into: ·         Financial institutions and banks ·         Online marketplaces ·         Business-to-business platforms The future of SMB payments lies in trust, transparency, and built-in protections—all delivered through easy-to-use financial technology.     Biotech Shows: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Biotech-Life+Sciences-Science   AZ Tech Council Shows:  https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=az+tech+council *Includes Best of AZ Tech Council show from 2/12/2023   Tech Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Tech-Startup-VC-Cybersecurity-Energy-Science  Best of Tech: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=best+of+tech   'Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the AZ TRT Podcast.     AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ 'Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/     Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said

Health Insurance is Rigged & Controlled by the Big Companies w/ Donvan Ryckis of Ethos Benefits   - AZ TRT S06 EP10 (272) 6-15-2025              What We Learned This Week Health Insurance is primarily run by the Big 4 - BUCA: Blue Cross United Healthcare, CIGNA, Aetna To Insurance Co's – Premium = Revenue, and they are not going lower profits, so no incentive to lower costs Health insurance employer group plans can be broken down into 4 Parts Network PPO is what people typically think of when they think of health insurance There have been revisions to the Healthcare Act passed in 2021   Guest: Donovan Ryckis, Ethos Benefits https://ethosbenefits.com/   https://ethosbenefits.com/documentary/ https://businessofbenefitspodcast.com/   Our Ethos is Simple: Fiduciary First. Act in the best interest of those we serve—no matter the cost. 'Ethos' represents the guiding principle, character, or spirit of a person or organization. It's the 'why' that drives decision-making and fuel's purpose. Our Ethos is deeply rooted in the story of our Founder, Donovan Ryckis. Over a decade ago, Donovan, a fiduciary Series 65 securities advisor specializing in retirement and pension planning, was approached by a client facing a dire situation. The client's publicly traded broker claimed there was no solution for a staggering 37.5% health insurance renewal increase—a cost that threatened the business and its employees. With no prior experience in health insurance markets but guided by his unwavering fiduciary principles, Donovan took on the challenge. The result? He mitigated the risk entirely, delivering a solution 12% below the current rate. This allowed the business to thrive and ensured hundreds of employees wouldn't have to choose between basic necessities and skyrocketing health premiums. That moment sparked a revelation. The fraud, waste, and abuse Donovan had fought in retirement planning paled in comparison to the challenges in healthcare. He saw an opportunity to bring transparency and fiduciary principles to an industry in desperate need of change. Donovan pivoted his career, becoming one of the first fee-based health insurance advisors in the nation. By removing all conflicts of interest in broker compensation, he laid the foundation for what is now the leading innovative employee benefits agency in the country, delivering higher quality care at a significantly lower cost to employers nationwide.       Notes:   Ethos Benefits deals with employee benefits, with a primary focus on group health insurance   Per Donovan 'Employee benefits are rigged'   Insurance company premium equals revenue. There is no incentive to lower cost, as it would lower profits.   ACA Obamacare passed in 2010, and it capped profits for insurance companies at 20%   Insurance Co's are working to expand their pool to make more profit   Health Insurance guarantees inflation keeps going up, so family of 4 could spend 35K a year   For a business, healthcare cost and employee benefits are a top 3 P&L expense   Ethos strategies can create a 30 to 40% reduction on premium impact to lower costs for a business   The HQ is in Florida, but they are a virtual office with agents and clients nationwide   Healthcare finance and delivery + Improving employee benefits     Seg 1   Donovan's bio, he was a financial advisor with a Series 65 license before he got into health insurance. Around 2014 he moved into health insurance seeing an opportunity for better service.   Typically you see agents who are working for the health insurance company and not really working for the employer companies they are selling to.   Health insurance is primarily run by the Big 4 – BUCA: Blue Cross United Healthcare, CIGNA, Aetna.   Health insurance employer group plans can be broken down into 4 Parts:   1.    TPA or third-party administrator 2.    Network PPO or HMO 3.    Pharmacy benefit RX 4.    Insurance that covers the caps the limits on the stop loss   PPO is your primary network and open on using referrals HMO is a non-preferred network typically has less offerings and tight on referrals   Ethos Benefits helps employers to break up the four parts of a group plan and customize   Network PPO is what people typically think of when they think of health insurance.   Network and the Big 4 health companies have a tighter deal with doctors and contract prices. A lot is pre-negotiated with a set of rates, which is the point of a PPO. This is where you get larger claims and they run in the system of healthcare.     Seg 2   Pay more for healthcare in the U.S. than the rest of the world   The biggest pharmaceutical companies are in the US Pharmaceutical companies in flight prices, and also set the prices They make money through spread pricing   Employers can actually pick up their own Pharma benefit and get the rebates that the big health insurance companies are not giving them   Healthcare system is a rigged game The fraud waste and abuse extremely high in health   401(k) and retirement benefit industry is actually tighter with more disclosure than the healthcare industry   Regulated better since the creation of the Securities Act in the 1930s and updates that ran through the 1970s and beyond with things like ERISA   There have been revisions to the healthcare act passed in 2021 - started in Jan.2022   Actions had 3 disclosures: ·         Brokers comp and bonus ·         Data with gag, clauses, and full access to data upon request ·         Benchmarking for drug cost     Further Notes via Google:   The revisions you are likely referring to are part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (CAA). While the CAA was passed in late 2020, many of its provisions, including those related to transparency in healthcare, became effective on January 1, 2022.  The three key areas of disclosure you mentioned are directly addressed within these regulations: 1.            Broker's Compensation and Bonuses: The CAA amends ERISA Section 408(b)(2) and requires service providers, including brokers, to disclose specific information to group health plan fiduciaries. 2.            Data Transparency (Gag Clauses and Full Access to Data): The CAA prohibits gag clauses, which prevent plans from providing access to their data. It also requires health insurance carriers to attest annually to their compliance with this prohibition. Moreover, the Health DATA Act, a proposed bill, would further reinforce the right of employers to access their data and hold service providers accountable for non-compliance. 3.            Benchmarking for Drug Costs: The CAA includes provisions regarding pharmacy benefit and drug cost reporting, which aims to provide greater transparency and potentially lead to better benchmarking of drug costs. The Build Back Better Act, a separate piece of legislation, also included provisions for Medicare to negotiate drug prices, further impacting drug costs and potential benchmarking.  These revisions aim to increase transparency in healthcare pricing and empower consumers and employers to make more informed decisions about their healthcare coverage.    Seg 3   Ethos works with Employers to create business plans usually with a 3 to 5 year time horizon. The goal is long-term to lower healthcare cost.   Example would be a company with 100 employees with 50 to 80% of them on the health plan (does not include dependents).   Ethos wants to keep the demands of a company low, easy transition.   Ethos handles employee Qs and healthcare navigation. Ethos is full service.   Risk handled 1 of 4 ways - Reduce, avoid, retain, transfer - Transfer to insurance   Broker wants to transfer risk Company can control costs Careful not to have too much disruption with a switch to a new company   Ex - start with pharmacy part NDC National Drug Code Run report vs costs   Pharmacy benefit mgr   Pre packaged health plan Gets co approved pharmacy benefit Save 5 - 15% on costs (30%)   Separate - parts of group plan     Seg 4   Brokers comp - incentives from big insurance companies   Opening move - edit pharmacy benefit piece   State by state - regulators and rules   Employers / employees Know the network and PPO   Nationwide covers insurance part – Stop-loss Insurance   30-40 major stop loss companies Ex: Allstate Met Life Sun Life   Stop-loss insurance for group health plans acts as a financial safety net for self-funded employers, protecting them from large, unpredictable medical claims. It is a form of additional insurance.   Healthcare risk is incredibly predictable on group basis   Overall predictable w stats, actuarial analysis   Gag clauses look at dataset from current carrier   Prescription database sets   3rd party admin are less of a concern, lots of claims   Average of 18 claims per employee per year, includes dependents   Data - review AI Claims analytics software   AI claims analytics software is transforming how insurance companies handle claims by leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze data, automate tasks, and improve decision-making.    30 - 40% reduction in premium w Ethos     Further Notes via Google: Group Medical Plans Breakdown of the common components of a comprehensive employer group health plan, particularly within the context of a self-funded model.  Here's a more detailed explanation of each part: 1.            TPA (Third-Party Administrator): A TPA is a company that provides administrative services for self-funded health plans. This includes processing claims, handling enrollment, and managing other administrative tasks that would typically be done by an insurance company. 2.            Network (PPO or HMO): This refers to the group of doctors, hosp

  5 Types of Income to Create Infinite Income   - AZ TRT S06 EP09 (271) 5-25-2025              What We Learned This Week Multiple Streams of Income strategy 5 Types of Income – Career, Investment, Retirement Account, Pension, Tax Free Diversification of income provides you security and freedom Build Infinite Income thru initial investment, and profits pay off loans, then go on forever George Lucas created the Star Wars IP one time, and gets infinite returns from the movies & merchandise Real Estate, Business, and Insurance products are good assets for infinite income     Notes:   Segment 1: The 5 Types of Income – Why One Stream Isn't Enough Opening: The Economic Shift ·         The economic landscape has changed dramatically over the last 50 years. ·         While business and technology have advanced, personal finance education and systems haven't kept pace. ·         Inflation has significantly eroded purchasing power. ·         It's no longer the 1950s where one income could support a family of four. Now, two incomes are often required—and even then, many people have a third gig. The New Normal: Side Hustles & Financial Reality ·         According to recent stats, 70% of people need an additional income stream, often from a side business or freelance work. ·         30% of Americans hold a second job. ·         Among millennials, that number rises to 50%.     The Lesson from Robert Allen & Rich Dad, Poor Dad ·         Robert Allen's Multiple Streams of Income advocated for income diversification to gain safety and freedom. ·         Robert Kiyosaki's Rich Dad, Poor Dad emphasized acquiring income-producing assets—his favorite being real estate. The 5 Types of Income 1.    Career or Business Income Your primary, day-to-day W-2 income—pays the bills and covers monthly expenses. 2.    Investment Income Comes from appreciating or income-producing assets like real estate, stocks, or Bitcoin. 3.    Retirement Accounts Tax-deferred income sources like IRAs or 401(k)s—subject to rules and penalties but critical for long-term planning. 4.    Guaranteed Income Comes from pensions, annuities, or Social Security. Designed for lifetime income and stability. 5.    Tax-Free Income Generated through Roth IRAs or cash value from life insurance. You pay tax on the seed, not the harvest. Call to Action: ·         Make a list of which of the five types of income you currently have. ·         Strategize how to build the remaining ones for a balanced, resilient financial future. Analogy: Just like a business has multiple products or a sports team has multiple ways to score, individuals should have diverse income sources to win financially. Segment 2: Infinite Income – Building Streams That Never Run Dry What Is Infinite Income? ·         Infinite income is ongoing, residual income that continues long after the original work or investment. ·         It's the financial holy grail: put in work or money once, get paid over and over. Key Assets That Can Generate Infinite Income: ·         Tangible Assets: Real estate, businesses, stocks ·         Intangible Assets: Skills, knowledge, intellectual property (IP), network Examples of Infinite Income in Action 1. Real Estate ·         Buy a $250K property with 10% down ($25K). ·         Renters pay the mortgage; property appreciates. ·         Refinance later, pull out your original investment tax-free. ·         Continue collecting rental income even after loan is paid off. ·         Use refinance funds to buy more properties → Repeat → Scale. 2. Business Ownership ·         Start or buy a business using a loan. ·         Profits pay off the loan, then continue to generate revenue. ·         Later, use the business as collateral to expand or acquire another. 3. Life Insurance (IUL Strategy) ·         Fund a policy over time; cash value grows tax-deferred. ·         Take loans against the policy tax-free—used as supplemental retirement income. ·         Policy can also be a legacy tool, passing on wealth tax-free. 4. Intellectual Property (IP) ·         George Lucas with Star Wars—created once, profits for decades from merchandise and licensing. ·         Jeff Bezos still profits from Amazon stock, 30 years later. ·         Microsoft, McDonald's, Coca-Cola—IP and systems built once, revenue continues for decades. ·         DC Comics still profiting off Superman IP created in the 1930s. Key Principles for Building Infinite Income ·         Choose the Right Assets: Real estate, businesses, IULs—not just assets that appreciate, but ones that cash flow. ·         Leverage and Scale: Use debt wisely to scale income-producing assets. Wealthy individuals and private equity firms use this strategy constantly. o    Example: PE firms acquire HVAC companies, funeral homes, rental properties—assets that provide consistent 10%+ returns. ·         Use Tax Strategy to Your Advantage: o    Tax-free income is more efficient. o    Lowering your tax burden increases your net income immediately. o    Wealthy individuals use loans, Roths, and life insurance to optimize tax efficiency. Mindset Shift: ·         Don't chase just "buy low/sell high" assets. Instead, acquire harvestable assets—ones that generate regular income and can appreciate. ·         Build cash flow now, use it to reinvest in more assets—repeat the cycle. Closing Thought: ·         Control three things: Assets, Income, Taxes. ·         Master those, and you create not just wealth—but infinite income.     Investing Shows: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Investing-Stocks-Bonds-Retirement       'Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the AZ TRT Podcast.     AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ 'Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/     Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) – how the Algorithm Connects Us All Revisited AZ TRT 2.0 – S06 EP08 (270) 5-11-2025   What We Learned This Week: AI is inter-connected with so many technologies & you use AI often on a daily basis AI is a part of almost all industries from Healthcare, Finance to Defense Human in the Loop - humans will always be needed to Interpret the Data, but AI will assist Software Teams must be managed so the product is integrated properly in the bigger picture   Moore's Law – Each year computing power grows 2x as fast, but cuts the cost in half   Guests: Naru (Narendran Muraleedharan), CEO / Founder of StaxAI – formerly Inventives & Aptus AI https://stax.ai/   linkedin.com/in/naru95       Bio: At Stax.ai, we empower retirement plan TPAs to streamline operations, enhance productivity, and deliver exceptional client experiences. Our innovative platform automates census data collection, payroll integrations, trust accounting, and client communication, all while providing actionable insights through AI-driven tools. Trusted by TPAs managing thousands of plans, Stax.ai transforms administrative burdens into seamless workflows, enabling you to focus on what matters most—growing your business and strengthening client relationships.   Past Bio: Inventives / Aptus AI is a software solutions and artificial intelligence development and consulting firm. They provide aerospace, mechanical, and software engineering services to companies around the world. The Team is strong, and well-rounded consisting of engineers, developers, and physicists that focus on solving problems at the root. They help take ideas or concepts and build prototypes and deployments in very short periods of time with tight budgets while maintaining the best quality and client satisfaction. The main fields of expertise are RPA, Web App Development, Solutions Architecture, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Vision, and Simulation Systems.   Note**: This interview was recorded in Oct. 2021 (S02 EP 43 (90) 10-24-21), since then Naru has changed the company name. Also, the BRT podcast has changed to AZ Tech Roundtable.   Notes: Seg. 2 - 4 Naru returns to the show talking tech, software, and AI. His team is always developing new applications with AI in healthcare, finance, biotech, & aerospace. Naru shows how so many technologies are connected and what the future of business looks like. Inventives is the new company, with the same core technology team, but focusing the business into a venture studio by creating new AI projects for companies not yet using AI. Inventives new projects can become spinoff companies with this new technology.  They work with B2B clients and also Investors for these types of companies.   Radiology is a current project to enhance the patient experience using AI – called SKIP. This project is on the Operations side to make the patient process of paperwork, payments, etc. to be automated (& efficient) with AI working with the patient. This will be stand alone, but if adopted by other medical offices over the long term can streamline the healthcare industry. Naru and his team are working on document management, where their AI program will be able to read documents and determine what the info is. Rising Cloud is another project they are building that manages a company cloud usage to improve costs.   Moore's Law – Each year computing power grows 2x as fast, but cuts the cost in half Cloud Computing happens in the cloud and internet for your programming vs Edge Computing that happens right on your phone and does not need to go out to the cloud. Bigger the data request or process determines if Cloud or Edge is the best choice. People interact with AI (Artificial Intelligence) daily on their phone, email, internet search and beyond. User Agreements in your phone or websites you use say they can take your search data and use it to enhance your experience.   AI Search uses past searches by you, vs what are the popular other searches by other people on the internet. It happens so fast and has the best / popular search options loading before you are even done typing. This is called a Recommendation Engine, just like Netflix or Amazon find shows or products you may like. These recs are similar to what you have watched or bought previously, or in similar genres. The downside is you may not see different options, just more of the same. AI determines what you see daily on the internet, and can create a silo effect. Inventives uses a common solution, called Human in the Loop to review what the AI is doing. Then the searches or recommendations are reviewed to see how accurate they are.  Healthcare AI is assisting doctors, and even finding issues that humans have missed in a radiology study. AI has no bias, and does not get tired. The computer can repeat processes and be consistent.   Key technologies of the day are constantly overlapping – AI, Big Data, Cloud, SaaS Software, etc. This tech can work with each other, and new software can build on top of these applications. Open AI created a product with AI that builds AI software. Naru's Software Teams have different backgrounds of math, engineering or physics who are self taught on software and think more about the solution vs thinking in terms of coding. There are small groups of 2 to 4 people in a team with a Solutions Architect running the small team and determining how the software interacts in the bigger picture. Often some of the best software involved very small teams. Lot of testing and compliance control goes into to creating big software projects that can involve multiple teams. Same issue if building an upgrade to a software that merges with the previous version.   Rewind Clip (Seg. 1) – Replay of a segment from Naru's last appearance on BRT in 11/2020 He talks AI and the morality of the technology. How can a programmer control their product, and what it will be used for in the real world. Naru chose the name Aptus because it is Latin for Apt or Appropriate – design products that works for the clients Chaos Theory / Jurassic Park – Just because you can do it, doesn't mean you should Aptus gets defense contracts as sub-contractor of companies partnered with military. Aptus studies the end applications for what they are requested to build, to determine if they will take the project. Morality is considered, but not always applicable to see where a product may go until it is built. AI software is programmed to build more software, AI building more AI. Per Naru there are companies trying to develop AI weapons that can kill on their own, and robots being controlled by AI already. Aptus has Liability Insurance to protect their projects.       'Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT    Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the AZ TRT Podcast.     AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ 'Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/   Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.  

AI Arms Race from ChatGPT to Deepseek - AZ TRT S06 EP08 (269) 4-20-2025              What We Learned This Week AI Arms Race is real with the major tech co's involved ChatGPT by OpenAI is considering the top chat AI program Google has Gemini (was Bard), Microsoft has CoPilot, Amazon has Claude / Alexa Deepseek is a startup from China that has disrupted AI landscape with a more cost effective AI model Costs and investment $ dollars into AI is being rethought as Deepseek spent millions $ vs Silicon Valley spending billions $   Notes: Seg 1:   Major Tech Giants AI Programs - Gemini (was Bard) Developed by Google, Gemini is known for its multimodal capabilities and integration with Google Search. It can analyze images, understand verbal prompts, and engage in verbal conversations.  ChatGPT Developed by OpenAI, ChatGPT is known for its versatility and platform-agnostic solution for text generation and learning. It can write code in almost any language, and can also be used to provide research assistance, generate writing prompts, and answer questions.  Microsoft Copilot Developed by Microsoft, Copilot is known for its integration with applications like Word, Excel, and Power BI. It's particularly well-suited for document automation.    Amazon Alexa w/ Claude - Improved AI Model: Claude is a powerful AI model from Anthropic, known for its strengths in natural language processing and conversational AI, as noted in the video and other sources.        Industry 3.0 (1969-2010): The Third Industrial Revolution, or the Digital Revolution, was marked by the automation of production through the use of computers, information technology, and the internet. This era saw the widespread adoption of digital technologies, including programmable logic controllers and robots.  Industry 4.0 (2010-present): The Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, is characterized by the integration of digital technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and cyber-physical systems, into manufacturing and industrial processes. This era is focused on creating "smart factories" and "smart products" that can communicate and interact with each other, leading to increased efficiency, customization, and sustainability.    Top AI programs include a range of software, platforms, and resources for learning and working with artificial intelligence. Some of the most popular AI software tools include Viso Suite, ChatGPT, Jupyter Notebooks, and Google Cloud AI Platform, while popular AI platforms include TensorFlow and PyTorch. Educational resources like Coursera's AI Professional Certificate and Fast.ai's practical deep learning course also offer valuable learning opportunities.    ChatGPT is a generative artificial intelligence chatbot developed by OpenAI and launched in 2022. It is based on large language models (LLMs) such as GPT-4o. ChatGPT can generate human-like conversational responses and enables users to refine and steer a conversation towards a desired length, format, style, level of detail, and language.[2] It is credited with accelerating the AI boom, which has led to ongoing rapid investment in and public attention to the field of artificial intelligence (AI).[3] Some observers have raised concern about the potential of ChatGPT and similar programs to displace human intelligence, enable plagiarism, or fuel misinformation.[4][5] OpenAI was founded in December 2015 by Sam Altman, Greg Brockman, Elon Musk, Ilya Sutskever, Wojciech Zaremba, and John Schulman. The founding team combined their diverse expertise in technology entrepreneurship, machine learning, and software engineering to create an organization focused on advancing artificial intelligence in a way that benefits humanity. Elon Musk is no longer involved in OpenAI, and Sam Altman is the current CEO of the organization. ChatGPT has had a profound influence on the evolution of AI, paving the way for advancements in natural language understanding and generation. It has demonstrated the effectiveness of transformer-based models for language tasks, which has encouraged other AI researchers to adopt and refine this architecture. The model's success has also stimulated interest in LLMs, leading to a wave of research and development in this area.   Seg 2: DeepSeek is a private Chinese company founded in July 2023 by Liang Wenfeng, a graduate of Zhejiang University, one of China's top universities, who funded the startup via his hedge fund, according to the MIT Technology Review. Liang has about $8 billion in assets, Ives wrote in a Jan. 27 research note. Chinese startup DeepSeek's launch of its latest AI models, which it says are on a par or better than industry-leading models in the United States at a fraction of the cost, is threatening to upset the technology world order. The company has attracted attention in global AI circles after writing in a paper last month that the training of DeepSeek-V3 required less than $6 million worth of computing power from Nvidia H800 chips. DeepSeek's AI Assistant, powered by DeepSeek-V3, has overtaken rival ChatGPT to become the top-rated free application available on Apple's App Store in the United States. This has raised doubts about the reasoning behind some U.S. tech companies' decision to pledge billions of dollars in AI investment and shares of several big tech players, including Nvidia, have been hit.   NVIDIA Blackwell Ultra Enables AI ReasoningThe NVIDIA GB300 NVL72 connects 72 Blackwell Ultra GPUs and 36 Arm Neoverse-based NVIDIA Grace™ CPUs in a rack-scale design, acting as a single massive GPU built for test-time scaling. With the NVIDIA GB300 NVL72, AI models can access the platform's increased compute capacity to explore different solutions to problems and break down complex requests into multiple steps, resulting in higher-quality responses. GB300 NVL72 is also expected to be available on NVIDIA DGX™ Cloud, an end-to-end, fully managed AI platform on leading clouds that optimizes performance with software, services and AI expertise for evolving workloads. NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD™ with DGX GB300 systems uses the GB300 NVL72 rack design to provide customers with a turnkey AI factory. The NVIDIA HGX B300 NVL16 features 11x faster inference on large language models, 7x more compute and 4x larger memory compared with the Hopper generation to deliver breakthrough performance for the most complex workloads, such as AI reasoning.     AZ TRT Shows – related to AI Topic Link: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=ai+       Biotech Shows: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Biotech-Life+Sciences-Science   AZ Tech Council Shows:  https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=az+tech+council *Includes Best of AZ Tech Council show from 2/12/2023   Tech Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Tech-Startup-VC-Cybersecurity-Energy-Science  Best of Tech: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=best+of+tech   'Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the AZ TRT Podcast.     AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ 'Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/     Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.

Palantir Technologies, CEO Alex Karp & the New Era of Tech Defense Contractors   - AZ TRT S06 EP05 (266) 3-9-2025                 What We Learned This Week Palantir - AI powered automation for every decision Palantir is named after the all seeing stone in Lord of the Rings Software integrates with company software to allow for searching and use of big data Palantir mission is for more accountability within Government Palantir has contracts with the U.S. Government helping with security and fighting terrorism   Notes: Palantir Technologies & CEO Alex Karp Karp background in academics and philosophy, also Stanford law  Palantir founders Karp & Joe Lonsdale worked together at PayPal, funded by Peter Thiel Was not profitable for 3 years - one of the secrets of Silicon Valley, build around an idea, work on how you're going to make money off of it later  Passion project, so need people who are dedicated, not just money driven Every text, email, business, it has all data and need to save somewhere Big data and data centers are one of the fastest growing industries and along with machine learning affect so many aspects of our life, both business, and personal Dataset and Data mining are thriving industries   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palantir_Technologies Palantir Technologies Inc. is an American publicly traded company that specializes in software platforms[3] for big data analytics. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, it was founded by Peter Thiel,[4] Stephen Cohen, Joe Lonsdale,[5] and Alex Karp in 2003. The company has four main projects: Palantir Gotham, Palantir Foundry, Palantir Apollo, and Palantir AIP. Palantir Gotham is an intelligence and defense tool used by militaries and counter-terrorism analysts. Its customers included the United States Intelligence Community (USIC) and United States Department of Defense.[6] Their software as a service (SaaS) is one of five offerings authorized for Mission Critical National Security Systems (IL5[7]) by the U.S. Department of Defense.[8][9] Palantir Foundry is used for data integration and analysis by corporate clients such as Morgan Stanley, Merck KGaA, Airbus, Wejo, Lilium, PG&E and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.[10] Palantir Apollo is a platform to facilitate continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) across all environments.[11][12] Palantir's original clients were federal agencies of the USIC. It has since expanded its customer base to serve both international as well as state and local governments, and also to private companies.[13]     Palantir software connects data, analytics, and operations to help organizations make decisions and improve efficiency. Palantir's software is used by government agencies and commercial enterprises.  How Palantir works 1.    Connects data: Palantir connects to data systems, data lakes, and platforms.  2.    Analyzes data: Palantir analyzes data to find trends, relationships, and anomalies.  3.    Visualizes data: Palantir visualizes data to help users understand insights.  4.    Automates processes: Palantir automates processes to help users save time and improve efficiency.  5.    Improves decision-making: Palantir helps users make better decisions by providing data-driven insights.    Palantir has multiple platforms, including: ·         Palantir Gotham: Used by government agencies to detect patterns and derive insights from large amounts of data  ·         Palantir Foundry: Used by commercial enterprises to integrate data, perform simulations, and optimize workflows  ·         Palantir AIP: Used to deploy large language models and other AI within a private network    Failure of 911 terrorist attacks where government organizations were not sharing information. Government has to be able to sift through large amounts of data, looking for a terrorist network, the old needle in a haystack. Software allows government to go thru data, and also share information. In the past governments could run spy networks only, now with computer hackers, it could be run by anybody with a computer. Hard to search for terrorist, very creative. In carps view, you have to think like an entrepreneur and be tactical when going after them.   Cannot think in a static fashion, how did they do it in the past. When a terrorist is caught using a cell phone, they adapt to figure out how do they get caught and then use a different method. It's like game theory, you have to think ahead of the terrorist and find their patterns before they even realize they are leaving pattern. Terrorist may think in different terms that society deems as destructive, but it still may be very creative, almost like an entrepreneur. Per carp, you need creative and adaptive thinkers to go after the bad guys.   Cyber war is a real threat and not going anywhere. Need the government to combat it, but also must watch what the government is doing to not trample on civil liberties. Need to be able to track the data to see how the government went about things and did its targeting. Data destruction & Tag data - Know where the data came from, so government can use it lawfully.   You do not want to share data with the government, and then have the government use it against you. Because of technology and computers spying is democracized, a group of three teenagers at a coffee shop can launch a cyber attack. Systems can track down where these terrorists are, and show you the patterns of who they might be even if they can identify them directly.   Government and large health insurance companies already have a lot of data. The question is, how are they using it, is it being used in a lawful way? With Palantir software, you cannot only look for the terrorist, but you can also watch how the government uses the data   Can use Palantir software on top of current software to work through data Palantir and SpaceX companies – achieved $ Billion dollar valuation Unicorn status  Funded at loss for years, took decade to get Govt contracts   Name comes from the seeing stone in Lord of the Rings Powerful technology, that can help watch over the world, has massive, ethical implications Software helps government and businesses look over data and watch on people, but can infringe on privacy - Paradox of security vs freedom Also raises questions about privacy, verse convenience, a kin to the issue with current social media  Solve terrorism problem in big way Fight terrorism on a large scale, verse just smaller tactics with airport security   Fight terrorism at the high-level, verse low level tech with airport security and other measures that are very cumbersome and overbearing Coordinate resources better Hard to start in defense company, and this is the next generation   Palantir is coming up with a simple high-tech solution, to handle a serious and complicated problem Pre-911, government not prepared or organized to handle global terrorist threat, and many of the solutions were over the top and heavy handed   Company provides targeted efficient reactions, verse broad wide solutions There is both philosophical and technological debate on how this software can and should be used They also believe they can be more transparent, show accountability, and actually prevent government overreach Check NSA and FISA courts if used, it is not Security and CIA type orgs need secrecy Palantir could track actions of these orgs for review   Large organization, bureaucracy, often have outdated technology, and reporting, so hard to do oversight, can be very confusing Often these organizations want plausible deniability, so they don't want their accounting to be reviewed, and will list expenditures under different things, this could be seen as fraud Technology is both disruptive and how it can go through data, but also disruptive that I can force accountability and bring stuff to light   Creative accounting and inefficiency could come to an end. This forces people to adapt and change their ways. Human nature is not always open to this. Belief by CEO, how important it is to choose the right partner in person and business You want to work with people who will challenge your ideas, so you have the discipline and rigor to think out and give evidence behind when while your idea is right, or at the very least not wrong   Scale to be plausibly right, and not wrong is very valuable in life  People must be resilient enough to challenge, even their own ideas. Company, culture, fosters, and environment, where people are open to think, challenge, status quo, but also must defend their thoughts. They foster independent thought, and not just one way thinking in the company Also ambition to work on bigger national projects   Future of defense contractors is in software, which they don't have a good history with. A lot of the best defense contractors make hardware. Palantir reviewed what the government was doing to fight terrorism, and how they were spending tens of billions of dollars on it. They were spending it in the wrong way, and the process needed to be rethought. Took years to get in with government. Building software for spies and intelligence industry. Has both commercial private clients and government client.   A few different products that help big organizations analyze their data using AI, and make the data more understandable. This can help a company in many ways, be more efficient, cut cost, raise profits, understand their own company better AI and data are the new languages of the modern world. There's a lot of data and it is critical to keep it organized, but very hard. Their software goes beyond just storing and managing data. It helps them to utilize the data which is key.   Silicon Valley tree - Paypal to Palantir to Anduril Anduril makes Roadrunner – takeoff software **company seems like Stark Industries Anduril Industries is a defense

Kenmore is Home Electricity Made Easy - Modernize the Smart Home from Appliances to the Electric Grid – Revisited w/ CEO Sri Solur   - AZ TRT S06 EP04 (265) 2-23-2025          What We Learned This Week ·         Kenmore is home electricity made easy.  Kenmore is on a mission to modernize the home. Live More & Live Better. Also need to make it Affordable. ·         Clean Tech goes w/ the smart home, smart appliances (that connect to the home) and the electrical power grid for better living Electrical Grid needs to be modernized – cannot handle the current & future power demands ·         Homes built Pre-1990 run on Electric Panels that are outdated – costs of $40K + to modernize to handle charging EVs at home ·         Design of the Future House would have a Battery in it that could recharge your appliances and electronics during down hours. ·         Solving problems in electricity and energy also have the same issues with working on better water and clean food. It is more than just an energy and electric issue.     Guest: Sri Solur, CEO, Kenmore / Brands  https://www.linkedin.com/in/solur https://www.kenmore.com/   Sri Solur is chief executive officer of brands for Kenmore at Transformco. An industry veteran with 25+ years of experience, Sri has a rich history of success leading high tech products and businesses. He previously served as CPO and GM at Berkshire Grey, a leader in industrial robotics, and was a member of the leadership team that took the company public. Sri also served as CPO at SharkNinja, and was instrumental in bringing the Shark IQ Robot vacuum and NinjaFoodi products to market, while also holding a leadership role to take the company public. Sri spent 20 years at Hewlett Packard, serving as founder and CPO of CloudPrint, the company's wearables and IOT business. In his career, Sri has created products for world-renowned brands including Hugo Boss, Movado, Ferrari, Juicy Couture, and more. Sri holds a bachelor's degree in Engineering from NIT and an MBA from Boston University.         As Earth Day approaches (April), Kenmore is empowering greener homes and people.    The trusted appliance maker recently unveiled a new "Home Electrification Made Easy" program that looks to simplify the electrification process and reduce overall costs in transitioning to electric appliances.    Kenmore has set an ambitious goal with the program to electrify one million homes that will ultimately save homeowners one billion dollars over the next decade.    Kenmore's innovation and energy programs are driving a new generation of electrification for today's home ecosystem. Some of the company's core innovations include:    Expansion of electrification and smart products for every room in the home.  Addition of electrification enablers, such as smart electrical panels and dynamic Level 2 EV chargers, that help eliminate roadblocks many homeowners have in wanting to electrify their entire home.  Simplifying rebate and savings programs, such as Congress' Inflation Reduction Act, to help customers cut costs by taking advantage of available local and national funding and discounts.  Building relationships with industry leaders in product, service and consumer education to supplement and amplify their mission to electrify American homes.    This electric push comes as a new generation of homeowners seek to invest in smarter, greener home solutions and previous generations are coming up against new government standards making accessibility to like-for-like replacement equipment for their home obsolete.    With Kenmore's electrification program delivering a quick onramp to affordable green energy homes, homeowners of all backgrounds and budgets have a more attainable path to smart, green home adoption.          Notes:   Kenmore CEO and Appliances   Seg. 1   Major appliances and clean tech and sustainability energy security is a big issue on the macro end. The effect on the electric grid and power lines.   There is lots of demand and potential blackouts. This is a fuel and demand issue. The government and utility companies are working on clean energy. Currently they use fossil fuels and working on using less.   Design of the future house would have a battery in it that could recharge your appliances and electronics storing down ours.   The electric layout of most homes, especially homes built pre-1990s has an 100 amp circuit. If you have modern tech like an EV charger in your house, an electrician cannot set it up because the EV charger will blow up your 100 amp circuit.   It would cost you between $20 and 60 K to upgrade a house for a modern electric set up. Kenmore will install electric panel with load balance for EV vehicles and in-home appliances.   Seg. 2   Electrical layout of a house as you install new appliances. There is a booster within the inflation reduction act. There are rebates for lower income people, where it pays you for getting new appliances. 10 K instant credit for new appliances.   The comparison of older appliances versus new appliances. Many older appliances may run on fossil fuels like a gas range oven or gas water heater. Older HVAC unit has more wear and tear.   On a hot days and really cold days appliances operate at peak and are putting demand on the electric red. Looking for new ways of sustainable clean energy and examples hydroelectric power.   You would have a back up in high demand times, where are you fire up a generator running on fossil fuels.   Do you want to protect the grid for maintenance but also things like cyber attacks. One way you could do this is make all homes standalone energy producers.   Peak rates for electricity or 6 to 10 PM at night. At these times electricity use taxes the grid and also taxes your wallet. Do you want to run your dishwasher post 10 PM.   Seg. 3   We are moving from a world of done by you to a world of done for you. The smart home of the future will help you.   The electrical panel would work with the grid and decide when to charge electronics in your house. Kenmore has electric appliances that works with the electric red. These appliances save you money and also save the grid.   On a bigger scale we need to modernize the electric road. Then in the future build better homes cars and appliances. Inflation reduction act has multiprong incentives for all of this.   When we saw the bull run of tech starting in 2010 it had three things working together. Social mobile and the cloud all came together to create this tech rise. Do you need electricity plus clean energy plus clean water.   A rising tide that can raise all. Do you want to solve problems, what are the pain killers?   Seg. 4   CEO was an engineer by trade. Worked in Boston went to business school and after that he built some products. Worked at Altavista on firewalls and search.   Cloud print on printing mobile with the HP e-print. Worked in wearables at Hugo boss and Ferrari.   Worked at Comcast on Xfinity digital security and high-speed Internet. Worked with shark and ninja on home robots. Worked at Bershire Gray, consumer robots which went public with an IPO.   Then at Brands / Kenmore (also Diehard batteries) - Building better and smarter appliances   Span that I/O build a smart electrical panel. Do you want your appliances to give you repair and maintenance updates.   Whole home electrification. A whole home dashboard controlling your smart home. An example would be your fridge would tell you when you need a new filter. Kenmore is a tech forward company.   Solving problems in electricity and energy also have the same issues with working on better water and clean food. It is more than just an energy and electric issue.   Live more and live better. Also need to make it affordable. Kenmore is home electricity made easy. rebates.kenmore.com they have the blue-collar work ethic with the idea of progress over perfection. Kenmore is a consumer centric team.         Biotech Shows: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Biotech-Life+Sciences-Science   AZ Tech Council Shows:  https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=az+tech+council *Includes Best of AZ Tech Council show from 2/12/2023   Tech Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Tech-Startup-VC-Cybersecurity-Energy-Science  Best of Tech: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=best+of+tech   'Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the AZ TRT Podcast.     AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ 'Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/     Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, l

Futuristic EV Designer Sports Car w/ Nikita Bridan of Oilstainlab   - AZ TRT S06 EP02 (263) 1-26-2025              What We Learned This Week Oilstain Lab creates high end retro futuristic designer sports car - in EV models EV Car Designers for Gearheads who hate EVs All the capabilities of a sports car, on a liteweight carbon fiber frame, + sound & an electric motor Inspired by the race cars of Italy & classic 1960s sports cars     Guest: Nikita Bridan, Co-Founder, CEO Nikita Bridan is co-founder & chief executive officer of Oilstainlab. A car design strategist with 15 years of OEM and startup experience, Nikita has worked with world-renowned brands including Lyft, Cruise, GM, Toyota, Genesis, ONE, and more on electrification, platforms, and strategy. In 2019, Nikita co-founded Oilstainlab with his twin brother, Iliya, as an automotive design consultancy service and playground, and developed it into a boundary-pushing, custom vehicle manufacturer. Nikita lives his life as fast as the cars he builds, once being pulled over at 140mph in Arizona and getting off with a warning. Nikita earned bachelor's degrees in Transportation Design from the Istitudo Europeo di Design in Italy and the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California, where he now serves as an instructor to the next generation of designers.   Leading a New Generation of Automotive with Oilstainlab Co-Founder Nikita Bridan The future of automotive design is in the hands of twin brothers, Nikita and Iliya Bridan.  The founders of Oilstainlab have turned heads worldwide with their automotive creations, most notably the Half-11, its half Porsche-half Formula 1 race car that pays homage to the golden age of motor racing.  The Bridan  brothers are motor maniacs who credit to Gran Turismo for fueling their passion for car design from a young age. The brothers dropped out of high school at age 14 to pursue a design education and would eventually earn degrees in Transportation Design from the Istitudo Europeo di Design in Italy and the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena.  During their career they have worked for world-renowned car brands including Toyota, Scion, Lexus, General Motors, Honda, Acura and more, bringing 6.5M cars to the road, securing 13 patents, and winning multiple awards including Motor Trend "SUV of the Year."  In 2019, the brothers went into business for themselves. They opened Oilstainlab as a design consultancy and playground with clients ranging from EV start-ups, space vehicles, movie vehicles, hydrogen start-ups, and more.   In 2024 the brothers unveiled their first car, the HF-11. The HF-11 is the perfect mix of speed, comfort and intelligence. It offers 650 horsepower 12000RPMs and a top speed over 200 mph. The all-carbon fiber bodywork forges a radical shape obsessively honed for extreme velocities, while the interior offers all the comforts of modern-day vehicles. The company will keep turning heads with maniac design, world class advisory council going into 2025…and changing automotive landscape.         Notes:     Seg 2   Oil stain lab is a boutique, sports car designer, using an EV format. They start their design with the driver in mind, then sketch it out and think with an inside out strategy. They wanted to build a high-end retro futuristic 1960s motorsports inspired type car. These cars are expensive with future tech.   1960s sports cars were dangerous and cool. The last era of sports cars before car regulations were changed in the early 1970s.   The second step is a computer design. The car body uses a light carbon fiber frame. They also enhance their car with the idea and sound of combustion in an electric EV car.   It has a flat skateboard type platform designed very different than an actual sports car. Normally EV battery is at the bottom, but Oilstainlab put the EV battery where the engine would be. Lightweight car of 2000 pounds.   Compact and efficient, using a 911 Porsche as a model.Power train is in the back of the car, which is challenging.   Comfortable EV sports car, two seater with a manual transmission.   Has an audio signature, which is very important, creates real sound of 110 decimals. Oilstainlab is building cars for gear heads, not a traditional EV nerd type. Building EV cars for people who hate EVS.   Goes up to speeds of 200 mph, 0 to 100 in 5 seconds. Plus the driver can enjoy switching gears.     Seg 3   Twin brothers Nikita and Iliana created the company. Originally from Ukraine, then moved to Italy when they were teenagers. Eventually settled in California and created Oilstainlab.   Prior, they were auto designers for 10 years. Started Oilstainlab in 2019 with the design idea. In 2020 they started to actually manufacture cars. Fall of 2024 they came out with their HF 11 model.   Brothers were inspired by the 1960s motorsport cars and your famous Italian sports cars like Ferrari and Lamborghini.   They wanted to bring in the Hollywood flair of storytelling and branding. Think of Steve McQueen movies with the height of the sports car from 1967 through 1972.   1972 was the end of an era, with new emission standards that killed good designs. The 1960 sports cars were a wild west of innovation. Collectors still want these cars with their combustion engines.   Oilstainlab is bringing back that spirit within the next generation of car design. Building an EV car with power. Building an EV car for the EV hater.   There are challenges in this, with how heavy the car is and where to put the battery.   Aspark Owl, a $3 million car, claims to be the fastest EV in the world. It weighs 5700 pounds. Also has no noise or vibration, so it does not catch the nostalgia of a sports car.   Oilstainlab has a light car, manual transmission, plus that classic combustion sound. They replicate the experience, creating a bridge to the past with a future style sports car.   Car cost $1 million and their typical clients age from 40 to 60 years old. Using the 1960s car design, purity of a driving experience.   When they built the prototype, they were thinking about the driver first. They hired sports car drivers like JR Hildebrand, and Rick Noob to test. These guys were racecar drivers.   The 1960s cars were planned to be obsolete, the design will age out.   Post 1972 with the economic and fuel crisis, cars were mass produced. No more exotic designs, no real soul, they all look the same. Cars companies simply did not spend as much on research and development.     Seg 4   Thunderbolt has that combustion field type engine with their EV launch in April 2025   We will have a carbon fiber tub and re-create the excitement of the experience.   Oilstainlab is backed by an investor who has experience in Green tech and is an entrepreneur.   Oilstainlab is loved by the car maniacs, and they see themselves as maniacs too.   Cool EVS can help the entire EV market and change an image Oil stain lab is making a halo product for the entire industry.   They have advisors who review and drive the car – who are surprised when the EV sounds like combustion for the gearheads, creating a shock when people drive it, not even realizing it's an EV car.   Collectors want the sound of an original car, but also lightweight and manual driving for the unique experience.   Oilstainlab with their design is reconditioning the mind of what is possible with an EV car.   Their new Thunderbolt design will have swap ability, for the maniac ethos, with new engineering.   All goes back to how they were inspired with the famous sports cars of Italy, like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Pagani. Italy is the Mecca of auto passion, culture, and approach to how a sports car should be done.       Seg 1   Past Clips (2) from related shows on EVs:   Best of Clean Energy, EVs & Battery Power AZ TRT S05 EP15 (230) 4-14-2024    What We Learned This Week Steve Zylstra of AZ Tech Council on Clean Energy Daniel Tonkopiy of Delfast Bikes on EV bikes Praveen of Monarch Tractor on AI, EVs & Farming Mark Hanchett of Atliss Motors on EV Trucks & Batteries Clean Energy - many Tech Co's working on zero emission plan Delfast E Bikes – smart bike, connects to E Bike, range of 220 miles on 1 charge, & speed of 50 mph, can drive on all different terrain  Monarch Tractor is AgTech working towards a future with Clean Farming Atlis Motors is an Energy Company - Apple of energy – vehicle is their 'I-Pod' Revolutionizing the Electric Battery - Lithium, cobalt, copper w/ a Lifespan – 1 million miles or 10 years + Full Show: HERE         EV Charging at Home w/ Broc TenHouten of Intrinsic Power AZ TRT S05 EP05 (220) 2-4-2024  What We Learned This Week Intrinsic Power - Next Gen EV Charger EV Charging in your home will be standard Electrical Panel upgrade to handle new tech Electric Grid not prepared for consumer demand & EV charging needs EV Infrastructure for charging stations as EV Cars w/ longer range are the Future   Full Show: HERE         Biotech Shows: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Biotech-Life+Sciences-Science     AZ Tech Council Shows:  https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=az+tech+council *Includes Best of AZ Tech Council show from 2/12/2023   Tech Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Tech-Startup-VC-Cybersecurity-Energy-Science    Best of Tech: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=best+of+tech     'Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the BRT Podcast.       AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Commo

Machine Learning (AI) Onsite w/ Eddi Weinwurm of Obvious Future   - AZ TRT S06 EP01 (262) 1-5-2025                 What We Learned This Week Obvious Future is building Machine Learning (AI) programs to be used onsite for a business Corporate Data is too sensitive to be in the cloud / internet Business cannot use cloud AI programs like ChatGPT, Google Cloud, etc because of IP and privacy concerns Large Language Models are not necessary, have more data than needed, can have smaller AI programs tailored for business     Guest:  Eddi Weinwurm AI is top of mind for most enterprises…but most don't know the risks especially in the cloud.   https://obviousfuture.com/#    Eddi Weinwurm is a co-founder and CEO of Obvious Future an AI company with a new approach to keeping AI local and secure.   Eddi Weinwurm has many years of experience in both the development of media management software and AI.  As a visionary he formed the company to address critical enterprises in the growing AI market.     ObviousFuture Resident AI: Faster, Safer, and Transforming Enterprise AI   Eddi Weinwurm co-founder and CEO of ObviousFuture is on a mission to make AI safer and faster for enterprises.   ObviousFuture, a trailblazer in secure and private AI solutions, will be unveiling a disruptive AI solution for the enterprise on December 18—Resident AI.    This solution empowers enterprises to harness the full potential of AI while safeguarding their data locally, marking a critical evolution in the AI landscape.   ObviousFuture's Resident AI operates entirely on-premise, solving a $500 billion market problem by addressing vulnerabilities like data privacy risks, compliance challenges, and vendor lock-ins. The company is focused on key sectors such as government, defense, surveillance, medical, and media.   Early adopters, have achieved ROI within just two months of deployment of the Resident AI platform.           Key benefits for Enterprises  Local- Resident AI is an artificial system that resides directly on the enterprises infrastructure reducing risk and latency often associated with edge computing.  ObviousFuture's approach is fully private and operates with very low latency.    Offline Access- Resident AI allows for complete work productivity without a single point of failure and no third-party API reliance.     Not Edge AI-Resident AI delivers full AI capabilities similar to big cloud models and doesn't require a data center.   Reduces Cost-  Substantial lower deployment and operational costs means a higher ROI for businesses.     Learn more about the company at ObviousFuture and sign up for a demo today.         Seg 1    Obvious Future AI CEO, Eddi Weinwurm   Resident AI for companies, storage of sensitive data, not for use with 3rd parties   Predictive editing from media, has Search and use features   No open AI, search documents internally – onsite at your company   Use local servers and data center on site, nothing goes to the Internet or cloud   For business to use AI with sensitive data, it cannot be in the cloud, it must be on site Business needs verticals with AI integration   Examples of companies with sensitive data that cannot be on the Internet, are media, banking, healthcare, companies doing research and development RND   Also dealing in Research, or math, like at universities   Eddie does not want to call this AI, prefers the term machine learning, using a lot of that now and it will grow   Standard cloud AI used in conjunction online with companies like Google or Microsoft,   You can connect to an API, example is chat GPT The AI work is done in the cloud and over the Internet This involves data centers and huge computer networks Parameters of lots of neurons or brain power in computing   Obvious Future is a technology company, looking to engineer a smaller API with the same machine learning intelligence   History of technology, initially things are large and cost a lot of money Over time, it should be smaller and cheaper and faster   How do you perform the same tasks and have great efficiency?   Lots of uses for artificial intelligence, just one example is checking email for spam   Currently, most AI is a large language model, tons of info or put into the machine learning. But a lot of it is not needed, lots of waste   Compounds and routing models can be the future     Seg 2   Chat GPT, is a supermodel, knows everything, but has wasted data To Eddie, this does not make sense   For most AI tasks, you need a specialist, a form of expert knowledge Need to be routed to the right model, compound the route and info   Network of smaller models – then Which expert model to ask a question This will reduce resources and energy use, plus better use, and faster   Alan Tuning said, difficult work requires lots of engineering   Obvious Future has created a machine learning product called Cara One, used for media production and film   Runs on the premises of a business, local, not in the cloud   Not connected to the Internet, in-house, so you can protect your Intellectual Property (IP)   Air gapped setup with hardware, provide AI resources in house   Problem, how to keep data in house Run in a server room on the premises Cap X model for a business where they can own their own AI   Current AI Cloud set up as a subscription model, this a company would own     Seg 3   Set up a server or multiple servers in a closet in a business office on site, but not a super computer   AI hardware equals expensive cost   Math plus technology and you can shrink the tech   Companies cannot even use lots of AI services or ChatGPT right now, because it is open cloud, too much business risk, can't have your IP or information in the cloud   Cloud options for business are limited, and typically a no go, plus regulations with data protection   Obvious Future has their Resident AI product, called Cara One   Even if the Internet is down, you can still use their resident AI product, and it cost less   Huge paradox in technology right now, we have the best AI products and software and yet many companies cannot use it   Resident AI resides on premises. This opens up the business environment for different verticals and markets that need resident AI   Engine for AI, small sized so companies can use   Rate of return will continue to go up as companies invest in this   Hardware, software, chips are all improving and incorporating AI. Like all things in technology. There is constant improvement, and enhancing AI.   Obvious Future dealing in financing rounds for a business opportunity   Verticals of financing include industries like: banks, medical, legal, research data, customer data   All can be potential customers   Obvious Future working on developing the next level of Cara One, Resident AI for all of these potential businesses   US Patent Office would be another example, they can only partially use cloud AI, need resident AI to sift through all the data         Biotech Shows: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Biotech-Life+Sciences-Science     AZ Tech Council Shows:  https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=az+tech+council *Includes Best of AZ Tech Council show from 2/12/2023   Tech Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Tech-Startup-VC-Cybersecurity-Energy-Science  Best of Tech: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=best+of+tech     'Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the BRT Podcast.       AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ 'Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/     Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.  

 Tech Productivity - AZ TRT S06 EP06 (267) 3-23-2025              What We Learned This Week ChatGPT is an AI chatbot, developed by OpenAI, that can engage in human-like conversations ChatGPT can read docs, edit docs, answer Qs, and transcribe Elevenreader – app that turns any document into audio Google Drive – office suite of tools for spreadsheets, docs, powerpoints, & more Todoist – task management program Pocket – web research tool that saves & organizes links   Guest: Denver Nowicz, President - Wealth For Lifehttp://wealthforlife.net/ Denver is an advisor with nearly 20 years experience working with clients in investments and insurance, designing retirement plans with a combo of both. He takes us through different strategies for clients to get the best allocations for their money over the long term. It is the Combo Strategy of both Offense and Defense, the synergy of the mix, not 'All or Nothing'.     Notes: Seg 1  https://openai.com/index/chatgpt/   ChatGPT is an AI chatbot, developed by OpenAI, that can engage in human-like conversations and generate various text formats, including articles, emails, and code, based on the prompts it receives.  Denver uses ChatGPT daily for both business and personal use You can have live interaction with ChatGPT where you can actually talk with the AI program using a microphone  Example of this, Denver had to fix his boat motor and suspected something was wrong with the fuel line. Able to turn on the camera on his computer to show it to ChatGPT who helped diagnose the problem in real time. Another example is you can use ChatGPT for cooking to help with recipes It's important to understand how you frame the questions to ChatGPT, to get the best answer as possible. ChatGPT can create work docs and summary docs. Common use is as an editor to what you write.  Denver uses ChatGPT to help with his weekly newsletter. He will voice text into his phone the Notes. Then he copies those notes into the AI program and it helps create and write the newsletter. Then Denver can make edits on it. Can also upload previous docs that you have written, so the AI can figure out your writing style, and philosophy. Then the AI can write future docs in your style. The speed of AI is amazing where it literally saves you time and makes you more efficient.  AI program can even read PDFs and screenshots, or you can give it a link to a video and it can pull the audio transcript. AI can be used as a teacher to discover new things, and even as a psychologist. There is a tech arms race going on in AI with programs like Microsoft Copilot, Google Bard, ChatGPT, and now Deepseek.   Seg 2 Productivity apps recommended by Denver  Many of the apps he uses are free or a very low cost, here are some he likes: Elevenreader AI voice app Turns any document into an audiobook. This can be time saving as you can listen to it vs reading it. App also has a library to store your audiobooks. https://elevenlabs.io/blog/introducing-elevenlabs-reader-app   Google Drive Has a number of programs you can use like docs, storage, PowerPoint, share forms, and folders with people, an easy to tag and organize https://workspace.google.com/products/drive/   Todoist task management program The program can also sync up with your Google calendar, so you can voice task, text a task and then categorize it https://www.todoist.com/   Carl Pullen on time blocking – videos on LKIN  YouTube link: HERE   Pocket - web research tool so you can save links of website websites you search Also can organize your web, searches and links, and it saved in an app on your phone Search features in categorize in a folder Visual dashboard with links Very good to use with work or especially if you're saving notes for a newsletter https://getpocket.com/home     Wealth for Life Shows: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Wealth+For+Life+    Investing Shows: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Investing-Stocks-Bonds-Retirement   'Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the AZ TRT Podcast.     AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ 'Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/     Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.  

  EV Trucks for Commercial Use w/ George Gebhart of Voltu Motor - AZ TRT S05 EP45 (261) 12-30-2024          What We Learned This Week Voltu Motor provides EV battery and drive train for commercial trucks Creating new EV tech that is lighter, extended charge for longer range, and Inverter to charge on site Deals in Class 3 trucks for business – utility, fleet, delivery, repair   Further the cause of EV adoption to help the environment and be more efficient     Guest: George Gebhart, CEO and founder of Voltu Motor https://www.voltumotor.com/   A trailblazer in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, leveraging nearly two decades of expertise in engineering, innovation, and leadership to redefine sustainable transportation. A bioengineer by training, George began his career conducting research in robotics and brain-computer interfaces (BCI), focusing on semi-autonomous systems for handicapped individuals. This groundbreaking work laid the foundation for his passion for electrification and technology-driven solutions​.   With over 15 years of experience in electric drives and EVs, George founded Voltu to revolutionize the EV market with an integrated, proprietary powertrain solution. Voltu's innovations—such as the patented immersive cooling battery technology and the bidirectional inverter that enables the industry-first onboard fast charging—are a testament to his technical ingenuity and determination to eliminate barriers to EV adoption​.   George's journey as a leader is marked by a rare combination of intellectual curiosity, mathematical acumen, and unwavering resilience. These traits not only underpin his own achievements but also inspire his team. "I haven't personally seen or heard about a group more tough or resilient, with an unmatched work ethic," George says of Voltu's team, who have worked closely with him over the past years to prepare for scaling the company. This collaboration and shared vision fuel his conviction that Voltu can make a lasting impact in the EV industry​   A seasoned speaker, including as a TEDx presenter, George emphasizes perseverance, teamwork, and the transformative power of innovation in addressing global challenges. Today, as Voltu secures multi-million-dollar contracts and advances its vision of energy freedom, George continues to lead the charge toward a cleaner, smarter, and more connected world.       Leading a Greener Future in Class 3 Trucking—Meet Voltu Motors   Voltu Motor Redefines Sustainability with the Future of Class 3 Electric Trucks  As the electric vehicle (EV) market hurtles toward a projected $255 billion valuation by 2030, Voltu Motor Inc. is emerging as a transformative force Class 3 trucking. Founded in Argentina and now headquartered in Riverside, California, Voltu Motors is setting a new industry standard with its innovative technologies and groundbreaking approach to electrification.   The company's flagship Voltu 3 Pickup Work Truck addresses the critical needs of businesses in the commercial sector. With a 350-mile range, patented Immerse Cooling Technology, and Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) capabilities, it's more than a truck—it's a mobile energy solution poised to revolutionize urban freight and fleet operations.       Notes:   Seg 1   Truck chassis with an embed electric battery Voltu deals with Class 3 commercial trucks   They plan to launch a midsize pick up truck in 2025   The benefits are: extended charge, lightweight, charging inverter, cloud based monitoring in the future   In the future they could have a setup for car conversion, from fuel to EV based.   They are a technology company, and already delivering vehicles   EV industry challenges: adoption, and cost, battery range, charging infrastructures.   Electric powertrain, and drivetrain to integrate in vehicles   Class 3 commercial vehicles are used for fleet, delivery, pick up truck Utility, service, maintenance, equipment, trucks, supply chain   New electric vehicle chassis, battery plus drive chain   Supply to legacy auto makers, and do the final assembly of the vehicle   Range of 350 miles, smaller battery and is lighter with lithium cells Better cooling immersion and more efficient Over the long-term EV batteries will be smaller   Patent on charging technology, inverter for a fast charge a DC   Can plug the vehicle into any industrial outlet, and charge right at your business   Seg 2   Fast charge tech, on vehicle charging – can charge vehicle to vehicle on the road More adoption of EV cars, and market share is grow Legacy auto maker struggle to transition to EV fleet   Voltu started about 10 years ago, developing technology company with 20 people stationed in California, future plan to hire 400 more   George background is a bio engineer   Semi autonomous vehicle and Motor tech to Motor drivetrain, battery Vertical integration with the power   Investment in the Voltu Motor company so far has been startup, family, some VC   Raise money, in VC and capital markets   Goal of 1 million commercial vehicles on the road in 10 years   Solve tech issue for Class 3, dealing in Power, towing capacity, range, charging     Seg 3   Government fleets, utility, airport trucks, ports, any type of delivery   B to B type business, or businesses that want to do conversion to EV   This is a common vehicle in commercial, pick up trucks, more EV coming   Compatible with fast charging stations   Typically, a fleet truck would charge on site first thing in the morning   Truck on the road needs energy to do tasks   Has capacity to charge vehicle to vehicle when someone is in the field   Warranty of EV batteries is 10 years plus we can have an afterlife second life with energy storage   Manufacturing in the USA and certified with US in California standard   Carbon plus EBA standards, federal base of standards, be good all across the USA   Battery for light and medium commercial vehicles   Other type of vehicles are a class eight, example as long haul and big vehicles         Biotech Shows: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Biotech-Life+Sciences-Science     AZ Tech Council Shows:  https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=az+tech+council *Includes Best of AZ Tech Council show from 2/12/2023   Tech Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Tech-Startup-VC-Cybersecurity-Energy-Science  Best of Tech: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=best+of+tech     'Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the BRT Podcast.       AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ 'Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/     Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.