Why do many equity crowdfunding campaigns fail to meet long-term success despite strong fundraising? In this episode of Test. Optimize. Scale., Jason Fishman interviews Greg Burke, a seasoned researcher focused on private capital markets and startup investing trends. The discussion centers on a key compliance issue in Regulation Crowdfunding: failure to file Form C-AR, the required annual report under Reg CF. Greg brings expertise in early-stage investing, investor behavior, and capital market regulations, drawing from years of research and analysis in the crowdfunding and venture ecosystems. His work focuses on how regulatory compliance affects investor trust, founder credibility, and long-term capital formation. Topics covered include: The purpose and timing of Form C-AR filings Reporting behavior trends across Reg CF campaigns How compliance impacts future fundraising opportunities SEC expectations and enforcement considerations The role of transparency in investor decision-making The conversation provides context for both startups preparing to raise capital and those navigating post-raise responsibilities under Regulation Crowdfunding. Website: https://www.gregory-burke.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-burke/ Follow Digital Niche Agency on Socials for Up-To-Date Marketing Expertise and Insights: Facebook: / digitalnicheagency Linkedin: / digitalnicheagency Instagram: DNA - Digital Niche Agency @digitalnicheagency Twitter: / dnagency_ca YouTube: / @digitalnicheagency
Dr. Canaan Van Williams is a nationally recognized leader in Social Impact Affordable Housing, known for turning distressed, undervalued real estate into vibrant communities that deliver both above-market returns and measurable impact. With over 25 years of experience and more than $36 million in repositioned assets, Dr. Van has proven that purpose-driven investing can be both transformative and profitable. Raised in Section 8 housing in Berkeley, California, Dr. Van's mission is personal. That firsthand understanding of housing insecurity drives his relentless focus on dignity, opportunity, and stability for the underserved. Through The Proactive Realty Group LLC, he has created a blueprint for investing that tackles some of the nation’s most urgent challenges—housing affordability, social equity, and community revitalization. Website: https://proactiveincomefund.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-canaan-williams-aa3924b/ Follow Digital Niche Agency on Socials for Up-To-Date Marketing Expertise and Insights: Facebook: / digitalnicheagency Linkedin: / digitalnicheagency Instagram: DNA - Digital Niche Agency @digitalnicheagency Twitter: / dnagency_ca YouTube: / @digitalnicheagency
Josh Cohn, Chief Commercial Officer of EndoSound, joins Test. Optimize. Scale. to share how his team is changing access to GI procedures through innovative medical technology and equity crowdfunding. With 17 years of experience in the medical device industry, Josh has built a track record of leading teams ranked #1 in revenue, percent to plan, and conversion dollars year after year. In this episode, Josh explains why EndoSound is gaining national attention from investors, physicians, and surgical centers. He breaks down how their technology lowers costs for patients, expands access to care in underserved communities, and opens new opportunities for doctors and facilities. Josh also talks about the company’s Reg CF campaign on Wefunder, how they attracted hundreds of investors, and why he believes crowdfunding is essential to the future of MedTech. Whether you’re a founder, investor, or curious about medical device innovation, you’ll hear real insights into testing, optimizing, and scaling a healthcare startup. 📌 Topics covered: - The rise of EndoSound and its impact on GI care - How equity crowdfunding is transforming MedTech - Why physicians and users are investing in the company - Lessons from raising millions in both traditional and retail capital - What’s next for EndoSound with Gen Two Raise Page: https://wefunder.com/endosound Website: https://www.endosound.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-cohn-236b623/ Follow Digital Niche Agency on Socials for Up-To-Date Marketing Expertise and Insights: Facebook: / digitalnicheagency Linkedin: / digitalnicheagency Instagram: DNA - Digital Niche Agency @digitalnicheagency Twitter: / dnagency_ca YouTube: / @digitalnicheagency
Can AI-powered robots save farming? Clint Brauer, a former California tech executive turned Kansas farmer, believes they can. As Founder of Greenfield Robotics, Clint is leading the charge with autonomous robots that cut weeds, reduce herbicide use, and even apply nutrients—helping farmers grow healthier crops with less damage. In this episode, we cover: • How farming robots reduce herbicides and protect soil health • Why tilling is like “a wrecking ball through your house” • The real issue in America’s food system: quality, not quantity • How equity crowdfunding is connecting farmers, consumers, and investors If you care about regenerative agriculture, AI in farming, or the future of food, you don’t want to miss this episode. Website: https://www.greenfieldincorporated.com/ LinkedIn: / clintbrauer Follow Digital Niche Agency on Socials for Up-To-Date Marketing Expertise and Insights: Facebook: / digitalnicheagency Linkedin: / digitalnicheagency Instagram: DNA - Digital Niche Agency @digitalnicheagency Twitter: / dnagency_ca YouTube: / @digitalnicheagency
In this episode, we talk with Jason Brents, founder of Phantastes Films and co-founder of OneDoor Studios and MyStreme.com. Jason shares his background in world literature, his experience in global film production, and his path from teaching in California to working in real estate development in Hawaii. We discuss how Jason applied his business skills to the film industry, including raising over $3 million through equity crowdfunding and building partnerships to help OneDoor Studios grow. Jason also talks about his time living in China, his interest in literature, and his family life in Lake Tahoe. This episode covers filmmaking, entrepreneurship, and the process of building creative businesses, with practical insights from Jason Brents’ career. Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with industry professionals. Website: https://www.wego.one/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbrents/ Follow Digital Niche Agency on Socials for Up To Date Marketing Expertise and Insights: Facebook: / digitalnicheagency Linkedin: / digitalnicheagency Instagram: DNA - Digital Niche Agency @digitalnicheagency Twitter: / dnagency_ca YouTube: / @digitalnicheagency
This week’s guest is Andrew Easton. Andrew is the founder and CEO of Mastermind, a Bitcoin mining and tokenization company bridging institutional capital with real-world assets. With a background that spans Northrop Grumman, EY, Amazon, Walmart Labs, and high-profile consulting projects for Fortune 500 companies, Andrew brings a rare blend of corporate strategy and entrepreneurial grit to Web3. From breeding CryptoKitties in 2017 to launching a 100-machine Bitcoin mining operation and structuring SPVs that deliver tax-advantaged returns, Andrew has carved out a unique position in the market, serving DAOs, L1s, and institutional investors who want real yield and verifiable reserves. When he’s not building funds or tokenized mining products, Andrew is speaking at blockchain conferences worldwide, connecting the dots between traditional finance, emerging tech, and decentralized infrastructure. Website: https://masterminedinnovation.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewscotteaston/Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mastermined/ Follow Digital Niche Agency on Socials for Up To Date Marketing Expertise and Insights: Facebook: / digitalnicheagency Linkedin: / digitalnicheagency Instagram: DNA - Digital Niche Agency @digitalnicheagency Twitter: / dnagency_ca YouTube: / @digitalnicheagency
This week’s guest is Adam Torkildson. Adam is a former SEO account manager turned entrepreneur who’s transforming how agencies scale. After years in the trenches at SEO.com, Adam built the Tork Media Distribution Network to eliminate the biggest headaches in PR and marketing, securing guaranteed media placements, protecting content integrity, and scaling without increasing overhead. If you’re a marketing or PR agency owner tired of pitching and chasing edits, this episode is your blueprint for working smarter. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/torkildson/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/torkmedia/ Website: https://www.torkmedia.com/ Follow Digital Niche Agency on Socials for Up To Date Marketing Expertise and Insights: Facebook: / digitalnicheagency Linkedin: / digitalnicheagency Instagram: DNA - Digital Niche Agency @digitalnicheagency Twitter: / dnagency_ca YouTube: / @digitalnicheagency
This week’s guest is Doug Wilmore, the Co-Chair and CEO of World Tree, where he leads one of the most innovative models in regenerative agriculture and climate-focused investing. World Tree combines agroforestry and sustainable timber practices to sequester carbon, protect native ecosystems, and generate long-term returns for investors, all while scaling a $300M+ asset base through community-first capital raises. Prior to World Tree, Doug drove the turnaround of a research pathology lab, increasing revenue by over 2,000% and leading it to a successful exit. His leadership spans both private and public sectors, including roles as City Manager for multiple California cities and Chief Administrative Officer of Salt Lake County, Utah, where S&P recognized his work as one of the most impactful public finance stories of the 2008 recession. Doug is known for combining mission-driven leadership with operational excellence, building organizations that drive both profit and impact. Website: https://worldtree.eco/ Company LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/world-tree-technologies-inc LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/doug-willmore Follow Digital Niche Agency on Socials for Up To Date Marketing Expertise and Insights: Facebook: / digitalnicheagency Linkedin: / digitalnicheagency Instagram: DNA - Digital Niche Agency @digitalnicheagency Twitter: / dnagency_ca YouTube: / @digitalnicheagency
From Emmy-winning documentaries to rebuilding a 102-year-old schooner, Charles Kropke reveals how passion + Reg CF are powering a new wave of entrepreneurial growth. Discover what founders should TEST, how to OPTIMIZE broken models, and when to SCALE. Kropke, CEO of Windjammer, shares lessons from restoring legacy cruise brands and leading successful crowdfunding campaigns. Whether you're running a Reg A+, Reg D, or Reg CF raise, his stories are packed with insights for scaling brands with loyal communities. 📈 For founders, marketers & investors in equity crowdfunding, venture capital, and experiential startups. Socials and website Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-j-kropke-066419a/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewindjammerway/posts/?feedView=all Raise Page: https://marketplace.vicinitycapital.com/offers/69 Follow Digital Niche Agency on Socials for Up To Date Marketing Expertise and Insights: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/digitalnicheagency Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalnicheagency Instagram: DNA - Digital Niche Agency @digitalnicheagency Twitter: https://twitter.com/DNAgency_CA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DigitalNicheAgency
I’m joined by Michael Schreiber, an award-winning journalist and founder of MediaFeed. Michael began his career as an award-winning journalist, producing acclaimed documentaries and in-depth reporting on topics like the credit card industry. Today, he’s at the forefront of helping businesses and individuals leverage content to grow their brands and connect with audiences. Socials and website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-schreiber-5682821/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/mediafeed-llc/ Follow Digital Niche Agency on Socials for Up To Date Marketing Expertise and Insights: Facebook: / digitalnicheagency Linkedin: / digitalnicheagency Instagram: DNA - Digital Niche Agency @digitalnicheagency Twitter: / dnagency_ca YouTube: / @digitalnicheagency
This week’s guest is Daniel Kooman, founder of UnveilTV and director/producer at Unveil Studios. With 18+ years of experience, Daniel creates original content for global platforms like BBC and ABC. He’s passionate about storytelling that inspires real-world impact through films, series, and documentaries. Alongside his brothers, he produces high-quality, purpose-driven stories that bring brands and missions to life. Socials and Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielkooman/ https://unveiltv.com/ Follow Digital Niche Agency on Socials for Up To Date Marketing Expertise and Insights: Facebook: / digitalnicheagency Linkedin: / digitalnicheagency Instagram: DNA - Digital Niche Agency @digitalnicheagency Twitter: / dnagency_ca YouTube: / @digitalnicheagency
This week’s guest is Devin Melnyk. With over 25 years of hands-on experience in the cannabis industry and eight years steering operations in Canada’s legal market, Devin Melnyk brings unmatched expertise and insight to HiNote AI. As a key player in building Pure Sunfarms, one of Canada’s premier cannabis cultivators, Devin has a proven track record of scaling high-impact brands and navigating regulatory landscapes. At HiNote AI, he’s on a mission to revolutionize the cannabis experience. Under his leadership, the platform harnesses real-time, crowd-sourced reviews and AI-powered tools to empower consumers, surface credible quality signals, and elevate transparency across the industry. Devin believes in democratizing knowledge and driving demand for authentic, high-quality products, building trust one user at a time. Socials and website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devin-melnyk-181a14147/ https://hinoteinvest.ai/ Follow Digital Niche Agency on Socials for Up To Date Marketing Expertise and Insights: Facebook: / digitalnicheagency Linkedin: / digitalnicheagency Instagram: DNA - Digital Niche Agency @digitalnicheagency Twitter: / dnagency_ca YouTube: / @digitalnicheagency
This week’s guest is Kevin Drolet, a business strategist, storyteller, and advocate focused on accelerating impact-driven innovation. He’s the Founder of Climate Hive, a collective of experts dedicated to supporting tech companies with the tools they need to scale, from marketing strategy and business development to fractional C-suite support. Kevin works alongside innovators across sectors like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, green building, and electrified transportation to: Build go-to-market strategies that drive solution adoption. Connect companies with the right talent, investors, and partners. Fuel business growth through authentic storytelling and strategic communications. His approach combines mission-driven clarity with proven business execution, helping founders turn vision into traction. Socials and website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-drolet-3625378/kdro@kdroconsulting.com Follow Digital Niche Agency on Socials for Up To Date Marketing Expertise and Insights: Facebook: / digitalnicheagency Linkedin: / digitalnicheagency Instagram: DNA - Digital Niche Agency @digitalnicheagency Twitter: / dnagency_ca YouTube: / @digitalnicheagency
My guest this week is Matthew Mead. Mattie Mead is a Sun Valley, Idaho based entrepreneur who has a passion for reenvisioning the materials used in construction and beyond. In 2016, he was a TEDx speaker on the topic of "Building a Better World." As the CEO and Founder of Hempitecture, he is dedicated to seeing the use of sustainable, healthy building materials in our built environment. His work with Hempitecture awarded him a spot on the 2020 Forbes "30 under 30" list, alongside his cofounder Tommy Gibbons. Outside of Hempitecture, Mattie served on the Board of Directors of Idaho BaseCamp, a non-profit organization that connects underserved communities to the outdoors. In his home of Ketchum, Idaho, he serves as the Vice-Chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission, and the Chairperson of the Historical Preservation Commission. Mead is a graduate of Hobart College '13, where he studied architecture, environmental sciences, studio Socials and website: https://www.hempitecture.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattie-mead/ Follow Digital Niche Agency on Socials for Up To Date Marketing Expertise and Insights: Facebook: / digitalnicheagency Linkedin: / digitalnicheagency Instagram: DNA - Digital Niche Agency @digitalnicheagency Twitter: / dnagency_ca YouTube: / @digitalnicheagency
My guest this week is Gene Massey. Gene Massey is the Chairman/CEO of MediaShares.com, a consulting firm that helps companies prepare their offerings for Crowdfunding platforms and brokerages. Using Regulation CF and Regulation A+, companies can raise capital from even non-accredited investors while simultaneously building recognition for its products and services andaccumulate thousands of users and followers. MediaShares specialises in introducing companies to attorneys, marketing firms, accountants, and overseeing the crowdfunding process. Socials and website: https://www.mediashares.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/genemassey Follow Digital Niche Agency on Socials for Up To Date Marketing Expertise and Insights: Facebook: / digitalnicheagency Linkedin: / digitalnicheagency Instagram: DNA - Digital Niche Agency @digitalnicheagency Twitter: / dnagency_ca YouTube: / @digitalnicheagency
My guest this week is Tim Martinez. Tim is known for being a true catalyst for change. As a sought-after thought leader and mentor, he has dedicated his career to helping the world’s visionaries redefine what is possible. His transformative insights and no-limits mindset have aligned him with the top CEOs, executives, entertainers and global changemakers who are ready to step into their next level of success. With a track record that spans continents and industries, Tim specializes in empowering leaders to break through their own ceilings, shatter outdated paradigms, and build legacies that matter to the world at large. Whether crafting strategies for billion-dollar enterprises or guiding high-performers to reclaim their purpose, his approach is equal parts spirited innovation and grounded wisdom. Fueled by a passion for transformation, Tim is on a mission to help people unlock their greatest potential. When he’s not mentoring or writing, you’ll find Tim exploring the world, defying his own boundaries, and seeking out the inspiration that fuels his drive to help others do the same. Socials and website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theinsideman/ https://timtheinsideman.substack.com/ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYJT3343 Tim@theinsideman.biz Follow Digital Niche Agency on Socials for Up To Date Marketing Expertise and Insights: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/digitalnicheagency Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalnicheagency Instagram: DNA - Digital Niche Agency @digitalnicheagency Twitter: https://twitter.com/DNAgency_CA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DigitalNicheAgency
My guest this week is Adam Spector. The founder and CEO of Chore, a back office operations partner for founders handling HR, finance, compliance, and equity so startups can stay focused on what sets them apart. He is also the host of the Entrepreneurial Excellence podcast, where he dives deep with multi time founders to unpack the decisions, hires, and strategies that drive breakout success. As General Partner at the Autopilot Fund, Adam has invested in over 200 startups, 14 of which became unicorns, backing obsessed founders with a track record of pushing through walls. With experience as a product leader, Chief Revenue Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and founder of four companies, Adam is passionate about building teams, processes, and shared stories that unify around a mission. He values clarity, execution, and continuous learning, believing that compounding progress and thoughtful delegation are the keys to long term success. Above all, he is driven by the joy of helping others build impactful, durable businesses. Socials and website Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamspector2/ X: https://x.com/aspec00 Website: https://www.hirechore.com/ Follow Digital Niche Agency on Socials for Up To Date Marketing Expertise and Insights: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/digitalnicheagency Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalnicheagency Instagram: DNA - Digital Niche Agency @digitalnicheagency Twitter: https://twitter.com/DNAgency_CA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DigitalNicheAgency
My guest this week is Steven Schneider. The Co-Founder and CEO of TrioSEO, where he helps SaaS and B2B brands drive high-intent organic traffic with 100% human-written content. His team specializes in bottom-of-the-funnel blogs, sales pages, and SEO strategies that directly connect businesses with ideal customers. Before launching TrioSEO, Steven scaled a portfolio of 40 blogs to 7-figures in just three years using pure SEO, without relying on paid ads or social media. Today, Steven is teaming up with entrepreneurs Connor Gillivan and Nathan Hirsch, known for building and exiting multiple 6, 7, and 8-figure businesses. After growing FreeUp to over $12M in annual revenue, they are now applying their proven SEO strategies to help TrioSEO clients achieve sustainable, scalable growth. Socials and website Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schneis/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trioseo1 X: https://x.com/trioseo Website: https://trioseo.com/ Follow Digital Niche Agency on Socials for Up To Date Marketing Expertise and Insights: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/digitalnicheagency Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalnicheagency Instagram: DNA - Digital Niche Agency @digitalnicheagency Twitter: https://twitter.com/DNAgency_CA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DigitalNicheAgency
My guest this week is Chris Van Dusen, a Senior Partner at Solyco Capital, a vertically integrated PE/VC firm providing capital and operational support to late-stage startups and growth companies. With over $20M in marketing leadership experience, he helped drive a $75M exit as Chief Growth Officer at Balanced Health Botanicals and has worked across high-growth sectors from CBD to CPG and spirits. Chris also co-founded Surf City Still Works, raising $3.7M and scaling it into a 25,000 sq ft production facility—the first of its kind in Orange County. A former founder, operator, and marketing agency leader, he brings deep expertise in capital strategy, brand growth, and building companies from the ground up. Socials and website Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismvandusen/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christophervandusen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrismvandusen X: https://x.com/vandusen Website: https://linktr.ee/chrismvandusen Follow Digital Niche Agency on Socials for Up To Date Marketing Expertise and Insights: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/digitalnicheagency Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalnicheagency Instagram: DNA - Digital Niche Agency @digitalnicheagency Twitter: https://twitter.com/DNAgency_CA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DigitalNicheAgency
My guest this week is Christopher Treloar, The Chief Executive Officer and Principal Accounting Officer of PLNTBurger. Chris has spent his career exclusively in restaurant operations. With a strong background in multi-unit operations management, team development, and systems innovation, Chris is a visionary leader who has consistently driven success in the food service industry. His dedication to excellence, data-driven decision-making, and people-focused approach make him a standout CEO in the field. His commitment to developing systems and procedures, combined with his strong analytical skills, has left a lasting impact on the organizations he's been a part of. Socials and website Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-treloar-0baaaa99/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/46679956/admin/dashboard/ Website: https://www.plntburger.com/ Follow Digital Niche Agency on Socials for Up To Date Marketing Expertise and Insights: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/digitalnicheagency Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalnicheagency Instagram: DNA - Digital Niche Agency @digitalnicheagency Twitter: https://twitter.com/DNAgency_CA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DigitalNicheAgency