Passage to Profit Show - Road to Entrepreneurship

Richard and Elizabeth Gearhart
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Weekly

The Passage to Profit Show is a nationally syndicated weekly radio show and podcast about entrepreneurism and innovation from multiple perspectives. Show hosts Richard Gearhart (a patent and trademark expert) and Elizabeth Gearhart (a startup entrepreneur), interview a variety of entrepreneurs, company founders, inventors, startups and experts from a range of industries. Each show presents listeners with real-life experiences, seen through the eyes of the different guests - providing valuable advice and a unique perspective on the Road to Entrepreneurship. From innovation to invention hang-ups, the show offers insight and expertise in launching a product or service, building a company, manufacturing, licensing, branding and much more.

  1. 21 min ago ·  Bonus

    Entrepreneurs: The Career Risks That Led to Mentors, Money and Business Success

    Discover entrepreneurship, innovation, business growth, scaling, and intellectual property strategies from successful founders and industry leaders. Richard Gearhart and Elizabeth Gearhart, co-hosts of the Passage to Profit Show have this discussion with Todd Drowlette founder of TITAN Commercial Realty Group and star of A&E’s The Real Estate Commission, as well as Camila Rodriguez Drowlette and Christine Haupt, also from TITAN Commerical Realty Group and cast members of A&E’s The Real Estate Commission. What happens when you take a chance on an opportunity, accept a pay cut for a better future, or learn a new skill that opens doors you never imagined? On this segment of Your New Business Journey, entrepreneurs share the pivotal decisions that transformed their careers and businesses. Todd Drowlette explains how an unexpected opportunity led to valuable mentorship and a career in commercial real estate, while Christine Haupt reveals why taking a lower-paying job ultimately paid off. Camila Rodriguez Drowlette shares how learning English opened doors to better jobs and new opportunities, and Elizabeth Gearhart reflects on leaving corporate America to raise her children and build a new chapter in life. Richard Gearhart explains how moving his law firm from a home office into a commercial building changed both his perspective and his clients' perception of the business. Discover how calculated risks, continuous learning, mentorship, and the right work environment can shape your career, create new opportunities, and help you build a more rewarding professional life. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, startup founder, inventor, or small business owner, the Passage to Profit Show is a leading podcast for insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, intellectual property and business strategy. Hosted by Richard Gearhart and Elizabeth Gearhart, the show features industry leaders, investors, and founders who share real-world lessons on scaling companies, protecting ideas, building generational wealth, and navigating today’s evolving business landscape. Visit https://passagetoprofitshow.com/ for the latest episodes, expert interviews, and resources designed to help you grow, protect, and profit from your ideas. Chapters (00:00:00) - Introductions and the Big Question(00:00:21) - Todd's Funeral Road Trip Decision(00:02:04) - Christine's Career Leap(00:03:24) - Camilla's Journey Learning English(00:04:32) - Elizabeth Leaving Corporate Life(00:05:07) - Moving the Business Out of the House(00:06:00) - Working Through COVID and Staying Focused(00:06:46) - Outro and Show Links

  2. 3 days ago ·  Bonus

    Entrepreneurial Secrets: Turn Customer Complaints Into Market Research and Business Growth

    Discover entrepreneurship, innovation, business growth, scaling, and intellectual property strategies from successful founders and industry leaders. Richard Gearhart and Elizabeth Gearhart, co-hosts of the Passage to Profit Show have this discussion with interventional cardiologist Dr. Joseph A. Puma from Sorin Medical, Brian Fried, Inventor Coach from National Inventor Club and John Schwind from ReadiMask Entrepreneurs can turn setbacks, customer complaints, and careful research into opportunities for business growth. In this segment of Secrets of the Entrepreneurial Mind, Dr. Joseph A. Puma, interventional cardiologist and founder of Sorin Medical, explains why entrepreneurs sometimes push forward despite evidence that they should stop. Inventor and innovation expert Brian Fried shares why researching ideas, checking references, and doing due diligence can prevent costly mistakes. John Schwind of ReadiMask reflects on knowing when to persevere and when to walk away, while Richard Gearhart of Gearhart Law reveals why customer complaints should be treated as valuable market research that exposes problems in business systems. Elizabeth Gearhart of Gear Media Studios emphasizes the importance of reliability and following through on commitments. Discover practical lessons on entrepreneurial persistence, informed decision-making, customer feedback, problem-solving, and building a more successful business. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, startup founder, inventor, or small business owner, the Passage to Profit Show is a leading podcast for insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, intellectual property and business strategy. Hosted by Richard Gearhart and Elizabeth Gearhart, the show features industry leaders, investors, and founders who share real-world lessons on scaling companies, protecting ideas, building generational wealth, and navigating today’s evolving business landscape. Visit https://passagetoprofitshow.com/ for the latest episodes, expert interviews, and resources designed to help you grow, protect, and profit from your ideas. Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction: Secrets of the Entrepreneurial Mind(00:00:18) - Dr. Puma on Perseverance vs. Pathology(00:00:47) - Brian Fried on Doing Your Own Research(00:01:48) - John Schwind: Knowing When to Hold or Fold(00:02:20) - Richard Gearhart: Customer Complaints as Market Research(00:02:47) - Elizabeth Gearhart on Reliability & Closing Remarks

  3. 4 days ago ·  Bonus

    Entrepreneurs: How ReadiMask Solved the Mask Seal Problem Overnight with John Schwind

    Discover entrepreneurship, innovation, business growth, scaling, and intellectual property strategies from successful founders and industry leaders. Richard Gearhart and Elizabeth Gearhart, co-hosts of the Passage to Profit Show interviews John Schwind from ReadiMask. What does it take to turn a failed product idea into an innovative business after 22 years? John Schwind, founder of ReadiMask, shares the entrepreneurial journey behind a strapless protective mask designed to create a secure seal around the face. John explains how early prototypes failed, why mask fit and sealing are critical, what COVID-19 revealed about public education and mask effectiveness, and how ReadiMask evolved for consumers, healthcare workers, travelers, and industrial applications involving airborne particulates. He also reveals the persistence, product iterations, testing, and business challenges behind what he jokingly calls an “overnight success after 22 years.” Read more at: https://readimask.com/ Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, startup founder, inventor, or small business owner, the Passage to Profit Show is a leading podcast for insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, intellectual property and business strategy. Hosted by Richard Gearhart and Elizabeth Gearhart, the show features industry leaders, investors, and founders who share real-world lessons on scaling companies, protecting ideas, building generational wealth, and navigating today’s evolving business landscape. Visit https://passagetoprofitshow.com/ for the latest episodes, expert interviews, and resources designed to help you grow, protect, and profit from your ideas. Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction and Origin of ReadyMask(00:00:58) - Why a Strapless, Sealed Mask Design(00:01:51) - Mask Seal, Fit Testing and COVID Lessons(00:02:20) - Customer Base and Industrial Applications(00:03:06) - Facial Hair, Occupational Hazards and Comfort(00:04:53) - Live Mask Demonstration(00:05:35) - Communication, Comfort and Travel Use(00:06:08) - Colors, Future Plans and Journey Reflection(00:07:39) - Where to Buy and Wrap-up

  4. 4 days ago ·  Bonus

    Entrepreneurs: How to Turn an Invention Idea Into a Profitable Business with Brian Fried

    Discover entrepreneurship, innovation, business growth, scaling, and intellectual property strategies from successful founders and industry leaders. Richard Gearhart and Elizabeth Gearhart, co-hosts of the Passage to Profit Show interview Brian Fried, Inventor Coach from National Inventor Club. Brian Fried, Inventor Coach and founder of the National Inventor Club, has spent more than 20 years helping inventors turn ideas into successful products and businesses. In this episode, Brian explains how to evaluate an invention before investing time and money, conduct a preliminary market and patent search, build a prototype, determine whether an idea is patentable, and decide whether licensing or manufacturing is the right path. He also shares real-world examples from his own products, QVC experience, Amazon sales, and licensing deals—including how a simple paper towel invention became a proven product opportunity. Read more at: https://brianfried.com/ Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, startup founder, inventor, or small business owner, the Passage to Profit Show is a leading podcast for insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, intellectual property and business strategy. Hosted by Richard Gearhart and Elizabeth Gearhart, the show features industry leaders, investors, and founders who share real-world lessons on scaling companies, protecting ideas, building generational wealth, and navigating today’s evolving business landscape. Visit https://passagetoprofitshow.com/ for the latest episodes, expert interviews, and resources designed to help you grow, protect, and profit from your ideas. Chapters (00:00:00) - Introducing Brian Fried, the Inventor Coach(00:01:31) - License or Manufacture Yourself?(00:02:40) - Finding a Big Enough Market: The Pull Ties Story(00:04:08) - Steps to Take an Invention Idea Forward(00:04:47) - Patent Searches and Making It Real(00:06:23) - Knowing When to Walk Away From an Idea(00:07:18) - Licensing Rejections and Finding the Right Timing(00:08:06) - Starting Small: The Haircare Manufacturing Story(00:09:51) - The Paper Towel Topper Success Story(00:11:50) - Inventor Mindset and Taking Action(00:12:56) - Other Hit Products: Scoopers and Brand Licensing Deals(00:15:00) - Keeping Manufacturing Costs Low and Final Advice(00:16:09) - Closing and Where to Find Brian

  5. 6 days ago ·  Bonus

    Entrepreneurs: Can AI Detect Heart Disease Before a Heart Attack? Dr. Joseph Puma Explains

    Discover entrepreneurship, innovation, business growth, scaling, and intellectual property strategies from successful founders and industry leaders. Richard Gearhart and Elizabeth Gearhart, co-hosts of the Passage to Profit Show interview interventional cardiologist Dr. Joseph A. Puma from Sorin Medical. Dr. Joseph A. Puma, Founder of Sorin Medical, shares how AI, advanced cardiac imaging, and innovative heart scans are changing the way heart disease is detected and treated. He explains how AI-powered imaging can help identify coronary artery plaque and assess heart disease earlier, along with his vision for shifting healthcare from treating symptoms to predicting and preventing serious heart problems. Discover how technology, entrepreneurship, and preventive cardiology are coming together to transform the future of heart care. Read more at: https://sorinmedicalny.com/ Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, startup founder, inventor, or small business owner, the Passage to Profit Show is a leading podcast for insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, intellectual property and business strategy. Hosted by Richard Gearhart and Elizabeth Gearhart, the show features industry leaders, investors, and founders who share real-world lessons on scaling companies, protecting ideas, building generational wealth, and navigating today’s evolving business landscape. Visit https://passagetoprofitshow.com/ for the latest episodes, expert interviews, and resources designed to help you grow, protect, and profit from your ideas. Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction to Dr. Joseph Puma and Soren Medical(00:00:43) - How Heart Scan AI Imaging Works(00:02:06) - Shifting from Symptomatic to Predictive Heart Care(00:04:11) - Accessing the Scan and Patient Experience(00:06:02) - Personalized Treatment and Ambulatory Procedures(00:08:44) - Insurance Coverage and Costs(00:09:39) - Case Study: Avoiding Open Heart Surgery(00:11:56) - Commercial Break(00:14:21) - Lindsey Graham's Aortic Dissection Explained(00:17:07) - Full Body Scans vs. Heart-Specific AI(00:17:36) - Innovations in Treating High Blood Pressure(00:19:21) - Reducing Medications and Monitoring Patients Remotely(00:21:06) - How to Contact Soren Medical and Closing Thoughts

  6. 19 Oct ·  Bonus

    Entrepreneurs: The Risks That Turned a Cardiologist, Inventor and Lawyer Into Entrepreneurs

    Discover entrepreneurship, innovation, business growth, scaling, and intellectual property strategies from successful founders and industry leaders. Richard Gearhart and Elizabeth Gearhart, co-hosts of the Passage to Profit Show have this discussion with interventional cardiologist Dr. Joseph A. Puma from Sorin Medical, Brian Fried, Inventor Coach from National Inventor Club and John Schwind from ReadiMask. What does it take to bet on yourself, turn an invention into a multimillion-unit success, or build a business around an idea others doubt? In this segment of "Your New Business Journey", hosts Richard Gearhart, Esq. and Elizabeth Gearhart talk with interventional cardiologist Dr. Joseph A. Puma about leaving hospital leadership to build a business focused on preventing heart disease, inventor and licensing expert Brian Fried about the QVC opportunity that transformed his career and helped sell millions of products, and founder of ReadiMask John Schwind about how COVID brought new attention to respiratory protection. Elizabeth Gearhart shares how marketing evolved into using AI and large language models to attract clients, while Richard explains how networking and relationships are creating new opportunities for his law firm and its clients. Discover how entrepreneurs recognize opportunities, take calculated risks, turn ideas into businesses, and adapt to changing markets. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, startup founder, inventor, or small business owner, the Passage to Profit Show is a leading podcast for insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, intellectual property and business strategy. Hosted by Richard Gearhart and Elizabeth Gearhart, the show features industry leaders, investors, and founders who share real-world lessons on scaling companies, protecting ideas, building generational wealth, and navigating today’s evolving business landscape. Visit https://passagetoprofitshow.com/ for the latest episodes, expert interviews, and resources designed to help you grow, protect, and profit from your ideas.

  7. 12 Oct

    Entrepreneurs: The Secrets to Winning Big Real Estate Deals with Todd Drowlette + Others (Full Episode)

    Discover entrepreneurship, innovation, business growth, scaling, and intellectual property strategies from successful founders and industry leaders. Richard Gearhart and Elizabeth Gearhart, co-hosts of the Passage to Profit Show interview Todd Drowlette founder of TITAN Commercial Realty Group and star of A&E’s The Real Estate Commission, Christine Haupt, Camila Rodriguez Drowlette, Brandon Bellamy and Sam Desany from TITAN Commerical Realty Group and cast members of A&E’s The Real Estate Commission. How do you turn a crazy business idea into a nationally televised success? Todd Drowlette, Founder and Managing Director of TITAN Commercial Realty Group and star of A&E’s The Real Estate Commission, shares how persistence, creative thinking, and refusing to accept rejection helped him build a successful real estate business and land a television deal. With more than 1,700 deals and $2 billion in transactions, Todd reveals how to evaluate commercial real estate investments, choose the right broker, avoid costly property mistakes, generate leads through education, and build a business that attracts major opportunities. Discover why successful entrepreneurs keep pushing forward, create their own opportunities, and prove their ideas work before asking others to believe in them. Read more at: https://therealestatecommission.com/ and at: https://titancommercialrealtygroup.com/ What do small deals, careful spending, and long-term client relationships have to do with entrepreneurial success? Christine Haupt, Director of Asset Management at TITAN Commercial Realty Group, reveals why taking smaller deals can lead to bigger opportunities, while Camila Rodriguez Drowlette discusses teamwork, mentorship, and working alongside family. Discover actionable insights on client retention, commercial real estate, property management, business growth, and the small decisions that can make a big difference. How do you build a lasting business in a competitive industry—and when does AI actually help? Brandon Bellamy, Licensed Real Estate Broker, and Sam Desany of TITAN Commercial Realty Group share practical lessons from commercial real estate, including how to find clients, generate referrals, overcome failed deals, and build lasting professional relationships. Discover why industry fundamentals, persistence, and direct outreach can matter more than technology alone, and how a new generation of real estate professionals is exploring AI, software, and new business opportunities to drive growth. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, startup founder, inventor, or small business owner, the Passage to Profit Show is a leading podcast for insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, intellectual property and business strategy. Hosted by Richard Gearhart and Elizabeth Gearhart, the show features industry leaders, investors, and founders who share real-world lessons on scaling companies, protecting ideas, building generational wealth, and navigating today’s evolving business landscape. Visit https://passagetoprofitshow.com/ for the latest episodes, expert interviews, and resources designed to help you grow, protect, and profit from your ideas. Chapters (00:00:00) - Intro and welcome(00:00:37) - Elizabeth's news: autumn decorating and business daydreams(00:03:13) - Favorite local businesses worth the hassle(00:04:08) - Introducing Todd Drowlette and his TITAN team(00:05:24) - Career-defining decisions: Todd's story(00:07:23) - Career-defining decisions: Christine, Camilla, Elizabeth, Richard(00:10:17) - Moving into a commercial office and work-from-home lessons(00:11:56) - A&E show season two and commercial real estate trends(00:13:38) - What makes a successful real estate agent(00:15:47) - Choosing the right broker or agent(00:17:36) - What makes a good real estate investment(00:19:42) - Launching the Better Talk to Todd podcast and Adam Carolla story(00:21:17) - The Dan/Todd/Brad mixup story(00:22:33) - Commercial break: Car Shield(00:23:26) - Commercial break: health insurance(00:24:31) - Lessons from 1700 deals and reading people(00:26:54) - Right vs paid, and The Real Estate Commission show's appeal(00:28:40) - Highlights of hosting the show and meeting people(00:30:05) - How Todd got the show on A&E during COVID(00:32:31) - Contacting Todd and wrap-up of main interview(00:32:59) - AI Use Cases roundtable: Todd, Brandon, Sam(00:34:48) - AI Use Cases roundtable: Richard and Elizabeth's book project(00:38:26) - Commercial break: debt relief(00:39:41) - Commercial break: streaming TV and internet(00:40:40) - Intellectual property news: AI and patents(00:43:58) - Entrepreneurial segment: Christine and Camilla on Todd's early career(00:48:23) - Camilla on working with Todd and marriage dynamics(00:51:35) - Small daily spending habits and entrepreneurship(00:53:31) - Christine on challenges of asset management(00:58:12) - Broker vs agent and Sam's path into real estate(01:01:57) - Surviving the ups and downs of real estate(01:05:20) - Future aspirations and expansion plans(01:08:38) - Commercial break: Car Shield repeat(01:09:29) - Secrets of the Entrepreneurial Mind and closing

  8. 5 Oct

    Entrepreneurs: How AI Transforms Heart Care & Detects Heart Disease Before Symptoms with Dr. Joseph A. Puma + Others (Full Episode)

    Discover entrepreneurship, innovation, business growth, scaling, and intellectual property strategies from successful founders and industry leaders. Richard Gearhart and Elizabeth Gearhart, co-hosts of the Passage to Profit Show interview interventional cardiologist Dr. Joseph A. Puma from Sorin Medical, Brian Fried, Inventor Coach from National Inventor Club and John Schwind from ReadiMask. Dr. Joseph A. Puma, Founder of Sorin Medical, shares how AI, advanced cardiac imaging, and innovative heart scans are changing the way heart disease is detected and treated. He explains how AI-powered imaging can help identify coronary artery plaque and assess heart disease earlier, along with his vision for shifting healthcare from treating symptoms to predicting and preventing serious heart problems. Discover how technology, entrepreneurship, and preventive cardiology are coming together to transform the future of heart care. Read more at: https://sorinmedicalny.com/ Brian Fried, Inventor Coach and founder of the National Inventor Club, has spent more than 20 years helping inventors turn ideas into successful products and businesses. In this episode, Brian explains how to evaluate an invention before investing time and money, conduct a preliminary market and patent search, build a prototype, determine whether an idea is patentable, and decide whether licensing or manufacturing is the right path. He also shares real-world examples from his own products, QVC experience, Amazon sales, and licensing deals—including how a simple paper towel invention became a proven product opportunity. Read more at: https://brianfried.com/ What does it take to turn a failed product idea into an innovative business after 22 years? John Schwind, founder of ReadiMask, shares the entrepreneurial journey behind a strapless protective mask designed to create a secure seal around the face. John explains how early prototypes failed, why mask fit and sealing are critical, what COVID-19 revealed about public education and mask effectiveness, and how ReadiMask evolved for consumers, healthcare workers, travelers, and industrial applications involving airborne particulates. He also reveals the persistence, product iterations, testing, and business challenges behind what he jokingly calls an “overnight success after 22 years.” Read more at: https://readimask.com/ Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, startup founder, inventor, or small business owner, the Passage to Profit Show is a leading podcast for insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, intellectual property and business strategy. Hosted by Richard Gearhart and Elizabeth Gearhart, the show features industry leaders, investors, and founders who share real-world lessons on scaling companies, protecting ideas, building generational wealth, and navigating today’s evolving business landscape. Visit https://passagetoprofitshow.com/ for the latest episodes, expert interviews, and resources designed to help you grow, protect, and profit from your ideas. Chapters (00:00:00) - Intro and AI extinction fears(00:01:54) - Talk like a pirate day fun(00:02:23) - Fall decorating and losing patience(00:03:58) - Guest preview for today's show(00:04:26) - Panel: career-changing decisions(00:11:24) - Dr. Puma: AI heart imaging breakthrough(00:14:24) - Preventive heart scans vs wellness fads(00:19:55) - Insurance, costs, and patient outcomes(00:23:07) - Commercial break(00:25:33) - Lindsey Graham's aortic tear discussion(00:28:03) - Full body scans and blood pressure innovation(00:32:26) - How to reach Sorin Medical(00:33:39) - Real AI Use Cases roundtable(00:39:26) - Commercial break(00:41:37) - IP News: Anthropic distillation controversy(00:45:32) - Brian Fried: inventor coaching secrets(00:47:14) - Licensing vs manufacturing decisions(00:55:26) - Success stories: paper towel topper and more(01:01:11) - Finding Brian Fried's services(01:02:01) - John Schwind and the ReadiMask story(01:06:57) - Mask demonstration and real-world uses(01:09:30) - Where to buy ReadiMask(01:09:52) - Commercial break(01:10:56) - Noah's retrospective on keys and technology(01:12:09) - Secrets of the entrepreneurial mind(01:15:09) - Closing credits and sign-off

See All (792)

Ratings & Reviews

About

The Passage to Profit Show is a nationally syndicated weekly radio show and podcast about entrepreneurism and innovation from multiple perspectives. Show hosts Richard Gearhart (a patent and trademark expert) and Elizabeth Gearhart (a startup entrepreneur), interview a variety of entrepreneurs, company founders, inventors, startups and experts from a range of industries. Each show presents listeners with real-life experiences, seen through the eyes of the different guests - providing valuable advice and a unique perspective on the Road to Entrepreneurship. From innovation to invention hang-ups, the show offers insight and expertise in launching a product or service, building a company, manufacturing, licensing, branding and much more.

Information