Founder Shares
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© 2020 Hutchison PLLC
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Every day, we at Hutchison PLLC work with founders and entrepreneurs as they fight and grind and stress and push to bring their visions to reality. We are inspired by their incredible stories of success, of failure, of reworking and trying again.
63 Episodes
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On this episode of the Founder Shares podcast, host Trevor Schmidt is joined by Chelsey Warren, Founder and Principal of Spark People Advisory, and employment lawyer Ashley Pittman (Hutchison PLLC), who tackle the critical "people" aspect of any growing company. Chelsey shares her strategic approach to hiring, retention, and knowing when to bring in HR expertise, while Ashley provides the essential legal perspective on compliance, noting how rules change as a company crosses employee count thresholds. The discussion covers practical, tough topics for founders, including best practices for consistent interviewing to avoid costly mishires, why candid feedback is more effective than formal performance improvement plans (PIPs), and the legal best practices for termination, emphasizing the value of severance and non-disparagement agreements to mitigate risk.
In this special edition of the Founder Shares podcast, we go on location to the 2025 Grepbeat Startups to Watch event. Host Trevor Schmidt speaks with judges and founders about what it takes to build a successful startup in North Carolina's vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Founders share how they've leveraged everything from social media and AI to a deep understanding of their communities to achieve remarkable growth. The episode provides an inside look at the "founder special sauce" and the crucial elements—from a strong team to a data-driven approach—that turn a promising idea into a company to watch.Hosted by Trevor Schmidt, Founder Shares is brought to you by Hutchison PLLC.
In this episode of the Founder Shares podcast, host Trevor Schmidt sits down with Ardis Kadiu, founder and CEO of Element451. Ardis shares his journey from an engineer to a successful entrepreneur, recounting how he spun off a software company from his marketing agency to solve a core problem in student recruitment. He candidly discusses the early days of grinding in a small Dumbo, Brooklyn office and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, which ultimately became an "accelerant" for his company. Ardis also talks about the critical role of AI in their product, his experience navigating a multi-million dollar acquisition, and his decision to step away to pursue a new venture.
In this episode of the Founder Shares podcast, host Trevor Schmidt sits down with Runbin Dong, founder and CEO of Scale Social AI. Runbin shares his unique journey from corporate tech to small business owner, inspired by his mother's retirement and their handmade dumpling business. This experience led him to identify a critical gap in digital marketing, particularly the need for authenticity amidst a flood of AI-generated content. Discover how Scale Social AI empowers loyal customers to become a brand's biggest marketing asset by transforming real customer experiences into scalable, authentic content, and how Runbin navigates the challenges of entrepreneurship, balances work and family, and plans for the future of his rapidly growing company.
What if AI could turn supply chain disruptions into a competitive advantage? On this episode of Founder Shares, Chris Andrassy, co-founder and CEO of Astral Insights, shares how his company is using AI-powered business intelligence to help companies predict and resolve supply chain issues before they happen. With a vision to apply artificial general intelligence to the supply chain, Astral Insights is transforming how businesses navigate uncertainty. Chris discusses his entrepreneurial journey, lessons on startup growth, and why supply chains are the next frontier for AI-driven transformation.Hosted by Trevor Schmidt, Founder Shares is brought to you by Hutchison PLLC and is edited and produced by Earfluence.
What does it take to guide a company from early investment to a major private equity transaction?In this special Founder Shares live episode, recorded at Raleigh-Durham Startup Week, Tim McLoughlin of CoFounders Capital and Joshua M. Hayes of Hutchison PLLC share the inside story behind the $175 million investment in Element451, a Raleigh-based higher education CRM platform.What challenges arise when spinning out a new tech company from an existing business? How do investors, founders, and legal teams work together to navigate uncertainty, build resilience, and close major transactions? Tim and Josh offer real-world insights on evaluating early-stage companies, managing through crises like COVID-19, and preparing for a successful exit—including the fast-paced deal-making that led to Element451’s acquisition.Hosted by Trevor Schmidt, Founder Shares is brought to you by Hutchison PLLC and is edited and produced by Earfluence.
What if the key to success isn’t just hard work, but true happiness? On this episode of Founder Shares, Grace Ueng, founder and CEO of Savvy Growth, shares how happiness and business leadership go hand in hand. As a leadership coach, strategy consultant, and the creator of HappinessWorks™, Grace has helped countless entrepreneurs and executives unlock their potential, build resilient teams, and create thriving workplaces.How can leaders foster psychological safety in their organizations? What role does mental well-being play in business success? Find out as Grace shares insights from her own entrepreneurial journey, how she helps founders find clarity and balance, and why she believes happiness is the real driver of success—not the other way around.Hosted by Trevor Schmidt, Founder Shares is brought to you by Hutchison PLLC and is edited and produced by Earfluence.Stay Connected with Grace!Join Grace’s Happiness@Work Community for free science-backed tools to boost happiness at work.Connect with Grace on LinkedIn or email grace@savvygrowth.com to inquire about speaking engagements and 1:1 coaching.Become a Founding Member of the #HappinessHygiene Plunge Club—a monthly deep dive into happiness practices.Book a workshop for your next company retreat or lunch & learn with Grace’s Workshops: HappinessWorks, CivilityWorks, HybridWorks, PersonalBrandWorks, and ConfidenceWorks.
What if the key to advancing brain health and neuroscience lies in harnessing neurodata in ways never thought possible? On today’s episode of Founder Shares, Robert S. Cooley Jr., founder and CEO of Nuream, discusses how his company is revolutionizing the way we capture and analyze brain activity. With cutting-edge smart-sensing materials, Nuream is creating new possibilities for early intervention in conditions like dementia, improving sleep health, and expanding our understanding of cognitive performance.How can this technology shape the future of healthcare, wellness, and beyond? Find out in this episode as Rob shares his journey from military leadership to tech entrepreneurship, the breakthroughs Nuream is making, and the impact neurodata could have on industries far beyond medicine.Hosted by Trevor Schmidt, Founder Shares is brought to you by Hutchison PLLC and is edited and produced by Earfluence.
How do you turn a passion for problem-solving into a thriving business that benefits millions? In this episode of Founder Shares, Brandon Kashani, founder and CEO of TRAKID, offers listeners a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and strategic thinking. Brandon’s journey from a chemical engineering student to the leader of a tech company revolutionizing guest experiences is filled with invaluable lessons for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. Brandon delves into the importance of calculated risks, team dynamics, and staying connected to the mission of creating meaningful impact. Whether you're seeking guidance on overcoming challenges, scaling your business, or creating meaningful impact, this episode is a must-listen for anyone striving to turn their vision into reality.Hosted by Trevor Schmidt, Founder Shares is brought to you by Hutchison PLLC and is edited and produced by Earfluence.
What if AI could transform your frustrating interactions with local government into seamless, efficient experiences? In this episode of Founder Shares, Chip Kennedy, founder and CEO of CivicReach, shares how his voice AI platform is revolutionizing government customer service by acting as a “well-trained intern” for local agencies. Chip discusses how CivicReach addresses common frustrations like long hold times and bureaucratic inefficiencies, all while ensuring responsible AI practices that prioritize privacy and empower, rather than replace, human workers. Tune in to discover how AI is reshaping civic engagement and why trust and innovation are key to creating smarter, more efficient public services.Hosted by Trevor Schmidt, Founder Shares is brought to you by Hutchison PLLC and is edited and produced by Earfluence.
Could the future of electric vehicle adoption hinge on our ability to accurately assess the health of EV batteries? On today’s episode of Founder Shares, Davide Giacobbe, CEO of ScoutIt, shares his journey from automotive engineer at Lamborghini to founder of a startup tackling one of the biggest challenges in the electric vehicle market—battery health transparency. Davide explains why accurate battery health assessments are essential for the used EV market and how Scout It is enabling dealerships, wholesalers, and service shops to generate fast, reliable battery health reports. What are the main obstacles preventing widespread adoption of EVs, and how can transparent battery data support the circular economy? Find out in this episode as Davide describes his vision for the future of mobility and energy, and the pivots Scout It has made to address emerging market needs.Hosted by Trevor Schmidt, Founder Shares is brought to you by Hutchison PLLC and is edited and produced by Earfluence.
Have you ever wondered how scientific research can be translated into tangible products and services that benefit patients, clients, or customers? Or how an academic idea can transform into a successful healthcare business? In this episode, John Bamforth, executive director of UNC Chapel Hill's Eshelman Innovation, shares his work in developing therapeutics and digital health companies in North Carolina. With a background in neuropharmacology and experience at Eli Lilly, John discusses the challenges and opportunities in translating research into impactful healthcare solutions, and how aligning incentives and integrating entrepreneurship education can help bridge the gap between academia and commercialization.Hosted by Trevor Schmidt, Founder Shares is brought to you by Hutchison PLLC and is edited and produced by Earfluence.
What if the key to unlocking true autonomy and advancing artificial intelligence lies in the development of more efficient and intelligent visual sensors? On today's episode of Founder Shares, Charbel Rizk, the visionary founder and CEO of Oculi, discusses the need for a shift towards advanced visual sensors over traditional motion sensors, and shares their potential to revolutionize automation and AI capabilities. What are the limitations of traditional motion sensors and how do advanced visual sensors address these challenges? Find out in this episode as Charbel describes the benefits of smarter, more efficient visual sensors that can accurately identify objects and activities, thereby automating tasks and enhancing overall system intelligence, while also acknowledging the significant challenges that startups face in this cutting-edge field. Hosted by Trevor Schmidt, Founder Shares is brought to you by Hutchison PLLC and is edited and produced by Earfluence.
How integral are networking and community-building to becoming a successful entrepreneur? Pablo Casilimas and Justis Mendez of OneSixOne Ventures join Founder Shares to discuss how they harnessed the power of these strategies to jumpstart their venture capital firm and connect founders and funders. Listen as they share some of the most useful insights they gained from hosting highly curated programs and events in different cities across the country and hosting a virtual accelerator program that helped 40 companies raise over $13 million and generated $15 million in revenue. How did they overcome challenges in raising capital and building a reputation as first-time fund managers? Find out in this conversation, as Pablo and Justis discuss their unique approach to venture capital and their focus on community building, reputation, long-term thinking, building value, and supporting founders in ways that other firms are not. Hosted by Trevor Schmidt, Founder Shares is brought to you by Hutchison PLLC and is edited and produced by Earfluence.
How can a founder transition from a successful entrepreneur, to empowering other entrepreneurs by becoming a key figure in building startup communities? Join host Trevor Schmidt as he talks to Chris Heivly, Co-Founder of MapQuest and The Startup Factory and author of the book “Build the Fort”, about the importance of self-awareness, curiosity, and customer understanding for startup success--and how that success can, in turn, lead to building successful communities. What are some of the many ways that these startup communities can be beneficial? Find out on today's episode, as Trevor and Chris discuss the value of entrepreneurial communities, mentorship, and technology in navigating the entrepreneurial landscape effectively.Hosted by Trevor Schmidt, Founder Shares is brought to you by Hutchison PLLC and is edited and produced by Earfluence.
At the end of every Founder Shares episode, host Trevor Schmidt poses the question, “If there's one piece of advice that you would share with somebody who's thinking about starting a company or who's currently running their company, what would that advice be?” In this "Best Of" episode of Founder Shares, that question is answered with a collection of insightful advice from various founders and professionals who have graced the show throughout the season. Covering topics from taking the first step into entrepreneurship as discussed by Philip Freeman, Tina Tang, and Josh Owen, to the necessity of decisive action discussed by Tierney Schmidt, Scot Wingo, and Susan Cates, these discussions provide invaluable tips on overcoming business challenges and staying flexible within entrepreneurship. Tune in for information on strategic planning and building strong teams, with insights from Dan O’Korn, Neal Shah, Donald Thompson, and Joe Colopy, along with advice on the importance of leveraging networks highlighted by Jason Caplain, Charlie Banks, and Bill Spruil. Kurt Sysock, Tom Droege, Keith Daniel, and Dr. Nehemiah Mabry. If you want to learn the best ways to embrace the challenges of entrepreneurship, seek support, and remain resilient in pursuit of goals, look no further than today’s episode of Founder Shares.Hosted by Trevor Schmidt, Founder Shares is brought to you by Hutchison PLLC and is edited and produced by Earfluence.
Have you ever wondered about the myriad of ways your personal data can be utilized by artificial intelligence? What important legal considerations should you make when using AI professionally?On today's episode of Founder Shares, we talk to attorney Lucas Beal and dive deep into the legal implications of AI on data privacy, copyright, and patents. Can you legally copyright AI output for your business? And is it possible to own content created by artificial intelligence? Find out about individuals' rights as they pertain to AI, and discover the important distinctions between personally identifiable information and de-identified data. Additionally, hear more about the use of protected health information (PHI) in AI training and the impact on consent and compliance with evolving regulations like the EU AI Act. Tune in to this thought-provoking episode to get some assistance navigating the complex world of AI.Hosted by Trevor Schmidt, Founder Shares is brought to you by Hutchison PLLC and is edited and produced by Earfluence.
Ever wondered how successful entrepreneurs navigate through challenges and achieve groundbreaking success? In our latest podcast episode, we dig into the remarkable journey of Scot Wingo. From founding companies like Stingray and ChannelAdvisor to revolutionizing traditional business models with Spiffy, Scot embodies the spirit of innovation. But what sets him apart? Join us as we uncover Scot's secret sauce – mentorship, seizing opportunities, and strategic decision-making. Looking to carve your path to success? Tune in to discover how Scot's experiences and insights can guide you through the maze of entrepreneurship.Hosted by Trevor Schmidt, Founder Shares is brought to you by Hutchison PLLC and is edited and produced by Earfluence.
Have you ever wondered what it takes to navigate the labyrinth of venture capital and emerge as a true industry luminary? Join host Trevor as he takes us into the dynamic world of venture capital with industry titan Jason Caplain, Co-Founder and General Partner of Bull City Venture Partners. With a career spanning over twenty years, Jason's investments have catalyzed the success of renowned companies like Channel Advisor, Wedding Wire, Spiffy, and Spoonflower. Find out as Trevor and Jason embark on a journey through the heart of entrepreneurship and investment, offering insights that promise to reshape your perspective on the power of purpose in business.Hosted by Trevor Schmidt, Founder Shares is brought to you by Hutchison PLLC and is edited and produced by Earfluence.
Ever wondered how startups in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors navigate the maze of university licensing agreements? Join us as we sit down with Dan O'Korn, a seasoned attorney specializing in life sciences. Dan sheds light on the critical role of legal counsel in securing fair agreements and avoiding potential pitfalls early in the licensing process. From dissecting license fees to understanding royalty rates and milestone payments, Dan offers practical advice for startups diving into this complex terrain.Tune in as Dan shares his insights on the power of early connections and navigating the dynamic world of university licensing agreements.Hosted by Trevor Schmidt, Founder Shares is brought to you by Hutchison PLLC and is edited and produced by Earfluence.
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