Founders' Forum

Marc Bernstein

Great business stories and great people come together on Marc Bernstein’s Founders’ Forum!  Marc Bernstein sits down with business founders across the country to discuss their lives, successes, lessons, and their vision for the future.  It’s all about the success they’ve earned and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.  These are American success stories and they’re not done yet!                                   Your Host, Marc Bernstein                                  Marc Bernstein is an entrepreneur, author, and consultant. He helps high performing entrepreneurs and business owners create a vision for the future, accomplish their business and personal goals, financial and otherwise, and on helping them to see through on their intentions. Marc recently co-founded March, a forward-looking company with a unique approach to wealth management. He captured his philosophy in his #1 Amazon Bestseller, The Fiscal Therapy Solution 1.0. Marc is also the founder of the Forward Focus Forum, a suite of resources tailored specifically to educate and connect high performing entrepreneurs, and helping them realize their vision of true financial independence. Find out more about Marc and connect with him at marcjbernstein.com.                              Are you a visionary founder with a compelling success story that deserves to be shared with our audience? We're on the lookout for accomplished business leaders like you to be featured on the Founders' Forum Radio Show and Podcast. If you've surmounted challenges, reached significant milestones, or have an exciting vision for the future, we'd be honored to have you as a guest on our show. Your experiences and insights can inspire and enlighten others in the business world. If you're eager to share your journey and the invaluable lessons you've learned along the way, we invite you to apply here. Connect with us, and let's discuss the possibility of featuring you in an upcoming episode. Join us in celebrating your success and contributing to the legacy of the Founders' Forum! Securities offered through DFPG Investments, LLC (“DFPG”) Investment Advisory Services offered through Diversify Advisory Services, LLC (“Diversify”). DAS and DFPG are affiliated entities. March is unaffiliated with DAS and DFPG. Member FINRA/SIPC The information provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as investment advice. The views expressed are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Diversify or DFPG.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    How to Scale Your Business Without Doing Everything Yourself with Deanna Robinson

    Success doesn’t always come from a perfectly mapped out plan. Sometimes it starts with simply showing up and sharing what you know. In this episode of Founders Forum, Deanna Robinson reveals how a few pieces of marketing advice and a batch of cupcakes sparked the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey. As the founder of Social Impression, Deanna walks us through her evolution from working in a male dominated industry to building a full service marketing agency and stepping into a fractional CMO role. Joined by guest co-host Nik Mondo, Founder and CEO of Mondo Media Solutions, the conversation brings added perspective as they explore real-world business challenges and growth strategies. Deanna shares how she scaled her business while raising three kids, why she chose a contractor based team model, and how staying authentic became her biggest advantage.  The discussion also dives into real world marketing challenges like aligning sales and marketing teams, choosing the right clients, and using AI without losing your brand voice. Key Takeaways:  Be confident and authentic  Start before you feel ready  Build the right team  Align sales and marketing  AI is a tool, not the answer  Protect your time and energyAbout Deanna Robinson: Deanna is the founder of Social Impression, a full-service marketing agency established in 2012 that helps businesses stand out through strategic planning, creative campaigns, and digital marketing. As a Fractional CMO, she combines big-picture strategy with hands-on execution, guiding clients to reach their goals with a unique laddered marketing approach. Connect: Website www.socialimpression.org LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/deannaleerobinson/ Facebook facebook.com/socialimpression Instagram instagram.com/socialimpression This episode is brought to you by CamaPlan, A Different Way to Invest. Go to camaplan.com/foundersforum to learn more. 📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now! 💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow! 📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook 🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast. 📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

    28 min
  2. 1 APR

    Turning Complex Technology into Human-Centered Experiences with Vera Hempel

    Commitment can feel heavy, especially when you think it means locking into one path forever. In this episode, Vera Hempel offers a simpler approach: choose a direction, take action, and adjust as you go. We’re joined by Vera Hempel, co-founder of KissUX and Cactus Club Creative. Vera shares the mission driving her work today, helping aging adults and underserved communities access technology in a way that feels simple, secure, and usable. She explains how that purpose shapes everything from product development to long-term vision, including her goal of impacting millions through digital literacy and better user experiences. We also dig into the realities of building two companies at once. Vera talks about the challenge of clearly communicating what they do, especially when combining website and app development with AI-driven user experience and security. She shares how staying committed to the mission, not just chasing funding, helps guide decisions and keep momentum. The conversation also explores company culture and why trust and transparency are essential, not only within teams but also in how users experience technology. Vera emphasizes that what you build should reflect how you want people to feel when they interact with your product. Key Takeaways: Commit to the goal, not just the processFocus on impact over fundingSimplify how you communicate your workBuild trust into both culture and productTake action and adjust as you goAbout Vera Hempel: Vera grew up in Munich, Germany, and has been an entrepreneur since she was 18, helping businesses with their marketing and translating books before moving to the U.S. in 2017. In 2021 she teamed up with UI/UX designer Kuba Kerner to launch Cactus Club Creative, helping startups turn ideas into products and brands. Their work soon revealed a bigger challenge: businesses struggling to prioritize accessibility which lead them to found KissUX in 2023 to help bridge the digital divide with Agentic AI, so everyone can be part of the digital world. Connect: Website cactusclubcreative.com; withkissux.com LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/vera-hempel/; linkedin.com/company/kiss-ux/; linkedin.com/company/cactus-club-creative/ This episode is brought to you by Workshop Strategy; Merging experience, innovation, and purpose. Go to workshopstrategy.com to learn more. 📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now! 💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow! 📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook 🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast. 📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

    28 min
  3. 25 MAR

    What Smart Entrepreneurs Do in Uncertain Times with Kerry Benson

    Uncertainty is everywhere—but what if it’s actually an opportunity? In this episode of Founders Forum, recorded in July 2025, Marc Bernstein sits down with Kerry Benson, alongside guest co-host Karla Trotman, to unpack how leaders can navigate constant change with clarity and confidence. Kerry, President & CEO of Big Edge Advisors, shares his journey from humble beginnings in Queens to becoming a trusted advisor to executives and boards. With over 35 years of experience in technology, finance, and leadership, he offers a grounded perspective on thriving through disruption—without losing sight of what truly matters. Together, they explore how today’s uncertainty—driven by global shifts, AI, and economic changes—differs from the past, and what leaders can do to stay steady in the chaos. Key Takeaways:  Why uncertainty feels more intense today  The power of having a constant anchor  How early hustle shaped Kerry’s path  Lessons from scaling and transformation  The “Seeds and Seasons” life framework  Why people-first leadership mattersAbout Kerry Benson: Kerry is a seasoned technology executive, business advisor, private investor, board member, and mentor who has built a 35+ year career driving digital transformation and enterprise value. As former Chief Information Offer of PFM and now President and CEO of Big Edge Advisors, he helps senior executives, business owners, and boards solve complex challenges through leveraging his expertise, strategic partnerships, and powerful network. Known for his leadership, operational excellence, and people-first approach, Kerry is a trusted advisor to C-suite leaders and colleagues alike. Connect: Website bigedgeadvisors.com LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/kerry-benson-a5417a This episode is brought to you by Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association; empowering people with disabilities through adaptive outdoor recreation. Visit glasa.org to learn more. 📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now! 💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow! 📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook 🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast. 📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

    29 min
  4. 18 MAR

    Building a Design Business Rooted in Community with Rebecca Addington

    Entrepreneurship rarely follows a straight path. For Rebecca Addington, founder of Ville & Rue in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the journey blends farm roots, a passion for design, and a deep belief in the power of community. In this episode of Founders Forum, host Marc Bernstein is joined by co-hosts Ray Loewe, founder of The Luckiest Guy in the World, and Deborah Brandt, founder and CEO of Fig Industries, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, creativity, and the role community plays in building successful local businesses. Rebecca shares how growing up on a family farm shaped her entrepreneurial mindset and how her experiences in retail and design helped her discover her true calling. After working with both major brands like Pottery Barn and independent retailers, she gained the knowledge and confidence to launch her own business. She opened Ville & Rue in late 2019—just months before the pandemic. What followed was a true test of resilience. Thanks to strong community support in Lancaster, Rebecca was able to navigate the challenges and continue growing a business focused on thoughtful design, high-quality furniture, and personalized service. Key Takeaways: How farm life shaped Rebecca’s entrepreneurial mindsetLessons learned from corporate and small business retailThe power of community support during challenging timesWhy creating meaningful customer experiences mattersRebecca’s advice to entrepreneurs: stay encouragedAbout Rebecca Addington: Born and raised in the Susquehanna Valley, I later moved around the region—from Baltimore to the Lehigh Valley—before settling in Lancaster. I hold a B.A. in Communications, an AST in Interior Design, and a real estate license. I opened my business in 2019, and although it’s been a rollercoaster, I’ve loved every day. I currently live in the city with my husband, Wes, our Bernese Mountain Dog, Maverick, and our Maine Coon cat, Søren. Connect: Website villeandrue.com LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/rebecca-addington-63638b35/ Facebook facebook.com/villeandrue Instagram instagram.com/villeandrue/ This episode is brought to you by Ville & Rue, contemporary interior design styled for your life. Go to villeandrue.com to learn more. 📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now! 💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow! 📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook 🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast. 📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

    30 min
  5. 11 MAR

    Building Community Through Wine in Lancaster with Justina Latura

    What happens when passion, community, and entrepreneurship come together? In this episode of Founders Forum, Marc Bernstein sits down with Justina Latura, founder and CEO of Vine Bar in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to explore how a personal passion can grow into a thriving local business. Joining Marc as guest co-hosts are Ray Loewe, known as “The Luckiest Guy in the World,” and Deborah Brandt, founder of Fig Industries. Together, they dive into a conversation about Lancaster’s strong sense of community and how it empowers entrepreneurs to build meaningful ventures. Justina’s journey into business wasn’t traditional. She began her career as a nurse and later practiced as an herbalist before discovering a deep appreciation for artisanal wines and the families who produce them. What started as a hobby soon evolved into Vine Bar—a boutique wine café inspired by the Italian enoteca experience, where people gather to slow down, learn about wine, and connect. Today, Vine Bar goes beyond serving wine. Justina and her team work directly with small family vineyards in Italy, importing and distributing sustainable wines while creating a space for education, culture, and community in Lancaster. Key Takeaways: Justina’s path from nurse to wine entrepreneurHow Lancaster’s community supports small businessesTurning a passion into a profitable ventureVine Bar’s model: importing, distributing, and retailing wineFuture plans for growth and new locationsAbout Justina: Justina Latura is a founding partner of Vine Bar LLC, Lancaster’s sommelier-led wine collective & tasting room. Her mission is to educate and excite your palate by introducing and promoting the work of artisanal winemakers whose wines express sustainable farming, tradition, and the artists themselves. Now in its third year, Vine Bar pairs hospitality with education to bring meaningful, small-producer wines to the community. Connect: Website vinebarvino.com Instagram instagram.com/vinebarcollective/ Facebook facebook.com/vinebarcollective/ This episode is brought to you by The Satell Institute; the leading CEO organization dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility. Go to satellinstitute.org to learn more. 📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now! 💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow! 📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook 🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast. 📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

    28 min
  6. 7 MAR

    Jason Sherman on Turning Website Visitors Into Customers

    Success in entrepreneurship rarely happens overnight—it’s often the result of decades of learning, experimenting, and refining what works. In this episode of Founders Forum, Marc Bernstein sits down with Jason Sherman to explore the experiences that shaped his entrepreneurial journey. In this conversation, recorded in July 2025, Jason Sherman—CEO and co-founder of Vengo AI—shares how a childhood filled with music, technology, and curiosity set the foundation for a career building and leading innovative businesses. Over the past two decades, Jason has experimented with different ventures, continuously learning from both successes and setbacks along the way. Jason also discusses the evolution of Vengo AI, a platform designed to turn traditional websites into interactive AI-powered sales engines. By enabling businesses to engage visitors instantly and capture valuable leads, the technology aims to solve a major challenge many companies face: converting website traffic into real conversations and opportunities. Throughout the episode, Marc and Jason dive into the realities of scaling businesses, managing complexity, and finding ways to focus on the work that drives the most impact. Key Takeaways: The importance of continuous learning throughout an entrepreneurial journeyHow AI-powered tools can transform website engagement and lead generationWhy delegating and documenting processes helps businesses scaleThe role of curiosity and creativity in long-term successAbout Jason Sherman: Jason Sherman is the CEO and Co-Founder of Vengo AI, a B2B SaaS platform that transforms websites into 24/7 AI sales engines. A seasoned startup founder and Wharton lecturer, Jason has helped companies scale through data-driven growth, product innovation, and storytelling. Connect: Website vengoai.com LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/vengoai; linkedin.com/in/jasonsherman76/ Instagram instagram.com/vengoaiapp X x.com/vengoaiapp Facebook facebook.com/vengoai YouTube youtube.com/@VengoAIapp Blog blog.vengoai.com Discord discord.gg/WKvn2xGdhV This episode is brought to you by Crossover Capital; make informed decisions about your financial future. Go to crosscapadvisors.com to learn more. 📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now! 💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow! 📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook 🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast. 📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

    29 min
  7. 4 MAR

    How Gui Costin Built Dakota by Helping Others Win

    What if getting fired was the best thing that ever happened to your career? In this episode of Founders Forum, Gui Costin shares how a career setback led him to build Dakota into a company serving thousands of investment firms nationwide. Gui Costin, Founder and CEO of Dakota, shares his journey from losing his job to creating Dakota Marketplace, a powerful database used by over 1,200 investment firms and 6,000 fundraisers. Along the way, he discovered that success isn’t just about sales—it’s about service, systems, and leadership. Gui explains how documenting his proven sales methodology, the “Dakota Way,” helped scale the business, and why a failed product ultimately became his biggest opportunity. At the core of Dakota’s growth is Gui’s commitment to helping others succeed—from his employees to customers and the community. His leadership philosophy centers on building a high-performance culture rooted in kindness, accountability, and continuous improvement.  Key Takeaways: Getting fired pushed Gui to start Dakota and build something better.Systems like the “Dakota Way” helped scale growth and performance.A failed idea led to Dakota Marketplace, now used by thousands.Kind leadership creates stronger teams and long-term success.Growth creates opportunities for employees and the business.About Gui Costin: Gui Costin is the Founder and CEO of Dakota, a business development and database company for investment firms. Founded in 2006, Dakota has over 60 employees with offices in Bryn Mawr and Philadelphia, PA. Dakota’s eight-person investment sales team has raised over $40 billion for 15 different investment firms. Dakota has also raised over $13 billion in the RIA channel alone. Dakota Marketplace, an institutional investor database, is used by thousands of investment salespeople who use it to source leads of institutional investors. Gui shares the mission of Dakota, which is to make the life of an investment salesperson easier. Each choice and decision Dakota makes daily comes back to that one point, including Dakota’s own sales team. Gui is the author of Millennials Are Not Aliens, a best-selling book on a generation who grew up on the Internet and have fundamentally changed how we buy things. Gui attended the University of Virginia and is married with three kids. Connect: Website dakota.com LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/dakota-about/mycompany/ YouTube @DakotaRainmakerPodcast; @DakotaLivePodcast This episode is sponsored by Dakota; helping investment firms connect with the right opportunities through the industry’s leading institutional investor database. Learn more at dakota.com. 📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now! 💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow! 📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook 🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast. 📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

    28 min
  8. 28 FEB

    Turning Burnout Into a Mental Fitness Company with Lissy Alden

    Burnout isn’t just about working too hard—it’s about lacking the mental systems to sustain performance. In this episode of Founders Forum, Lissy Alden shares how her personal burnout led her to build a company dedicated to helping individuals and organizations develop true mental fitness. Co-hosting this episode alongside Marc Bernstein is Nicole Dery, Founder of Allelo Design, who brings thoughtful perspective to the conversation around leadership, culture, and workplace dynamics. Lissy Alden, Founder and CEO of MYNDY Mental Fitness, experienced burnout firsthand while working in fast-paced corporate environments—even when she loved the work. Realizing there wasn’t a comprehensive solution addressing both workplace structure and individual resilience, she pursued research at MIT and developed a model that combines organizational design with daily mental fitness practices. Today, MYNDY helps leaders and teams strengthen mindset, build resilience, and perform at a high level without sacrificing well-being. This conversation explores the realities of founder challenges, the evolving demands of modern workplaces, and why mental fitness is becoming essential for sustainable success. Key Takeaways: How personal burnout inspired Lissy to build MYNDYWhy unclear expectations are a major driver of employee burnoutThe “Stop, Slow, Go” method for building mental resilienceLessons from building a new market as a solo founderWhy mental fitness is key to sustainable performanceAbout Lissy Alden: Lissy Alden is the visionary CEO + Founder of MYNDY, a pioneering company built to combat employee burnout from all angles through her revolutionary Organizational + Mental Fitness model developed over a decade of research beginning at MIT. Recognizing burnout as a multifaceted challenge requiring systemic intervention, she has engineered an innovative platform that addresses psychological, physiological, and organizational factors simultaneously—creating resilient workforces and healthier corporate cultures. She specializes in empowering organizations to achieve their ambitious goals while maintaining employee wellbeing—creating high-performance cultures where teams—and employees—thrive. Connect: Website www.myndy.co LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/myndy/; linkedin.com/in/lissy-alden/ This episode is brought to you by CamaPlan, A Different Way to Invest. Go to camaplan.com/foundersforum to learn more. 📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now! 💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow! 📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook 🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast. 📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

    28 min

About

Great business stories and great people come together on Marc Bernstein’s Founders’ Forum!  Marc Bernstein sits down with business founders across the country to discuss their lives, successes, lessons, and their vision for the future.  It’s all about the success they’ve earned and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.  These are American success stories and they’re not done yet!                                   Your Host, Marc Bernstein                                  Marc Bernstein is an entrepreneur, author, and consultant. He helps high performing entrepreneurs and business owners create a vision for the future, accomplish their business and personal goals, financial and otherwise, and on helping them to see through on their intentions. Marc recently co-founded March, a forward-looking company with a unique approach to wealth management. He captured his philosophy in his #1 Amazon Bestseller, The Fiscal Therapy Solution 1.0. Marc is also the founder of the Forward Focus Forum, a suite of resources tailored specifically to educate and connect high performing entrepreneurs, and helping them realize their vision of true financial independence. Find out more about Marc and connect with him at marcjbernstein.com.                              Are you a visionary founder with a compelling success story that deserves to be shared with our audience? We're on the lookout for accomplished business leaders like you to be featured on the Founders' Forum Radio Show and Podcast. If you've surmounted challenges, reached significant milestones, or have an exciting vision for the future, we'd be honored to have you as a guest on our show. Your experiences and insights can inspire and enlighten others in the business world. If you're eager to share your journey and the invaluable lessons you've learned along the way, we invite you to apply here. Connect with us, and let's discuss the possibility of featuring you in an upcoming episode. Join us in celebrating your success and contributing to the legacy of the Founders' Forum! Securities offered through DFPG Investments, LLC (“DFPG”) Investment Advisory Services offered through Diversify Advisory Services, LLC (“Diversify”). DAS and DFPG are affiliated entities. March is unaffiliated with DAS and DFPG. Member FINRA/SIPC The information provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as investment advice. The views expressed are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Diversify or DFPG.