The Unconventional Path: Entrepreneurship and Innovation Stories and Ideas.

Bela Musits
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Explore how to build and grow your business in today’s global marketplace. In each episode, we try to capture and share the essence of how interesting people often take unconventional paths to build their business, some of whom succeed, some who do not. The hosts for this podcast series are Bela Musits, former business school professor, venture capitalist, and entrepreneur based in upstate New York, and Mike Wasserman, professor of international management at the University of Applied Sciences in Münster, Germany.

  1. EP-184 The Art of the Second Career: Reinvention with Mark Compaeu

    3D AGO

    EP-184 The Art of the Second Career: Reinvention with Mark Compaeu

    In this episode of The Unconventional Path: Entrepreneurship and Innovation Stories and Ideas, hosts Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman dive into the world of career reinvention and the entrepreneurial spirit with guest Mark Compeau. Originally released in May 2020, this classic reissue is paired with a recent conversation to provide a comprehensive roadmap for anyone looking to launch a new chapter in their professional life. About This Episode Mark Compeau is the epitome of an unconventional path. With nearly 20 years of experience teaching entrepreneurship, innovation, and marketing at Clarkson University, Mark has not only shared his knowledge with students but has also lived the entrepreneurial dream himself. For the past five years, he has been the owner of Jake on the Water, a successful restaurant in Hannawa Falls, New York.Recorded live at Mark’s restaurant, this interview captures the authentic energy of a small business owner who has successfully navigated the transition from academia to the hospitality industry. Mark shares his lifelong passion for sales, beginning with childhood fundraising contests where he consistently broke records. He discusses how he "caught the bug" of entrepreneurship at an early age by listening to his father’s dining room conversations about the stresses and successes of starting an architectural firm.Key Insights for EntrepreneursThe Power of Independence: From a young age, Mark knew he wanted to be self-made and independent, even if he didn’t initially know what form that would take. Navigating Rejection: Mark’s journey began with a significant pivot after being rejected from architecture school, demonstrating that unexpected turns can lead to fulfilling destinations.The Second Career: Learn how to leverage decades of experience as a professor and consultant to build a tangible, local business like Jake on the Water. The Entrepreneurial Mindset: Discover how early experiences in sales and bootstrapping can lay the foundation for a lifetime of innovation.Whether you are a current business owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone feeling stuck in your current career, Mark’s story offers valuable insights into finding happiness through work and life. Join Bela and Mike as they explore the lessons learned over three decades of investing, managing, and teaching. Connect With UsOur podcast is now available on YouTube. Simply search for "The Unconventional Path" to subscribe and never miss an episode.We're always on the lookout for interesting guests to feature on our show. If you know someone who has an inspiring story, unique perspective, or valuable expertise to share, please let us know. We're eager to connect with potential guests who can bring fresh insights and engaging conversations to our audience. We also love hearing from our listeners! Your questions, comments, and suggestions are incredibly valuable to us. Send us an email at bela.and.mike@gmail.com with your thoughts, and we'll do our best to address them in a future episode. Whether you have a question about a specific topic, feedback on a recent episode, or ideas for future content, we want to hear from you. Your engagement helps us shape the show and deliver content that resonates with our listeners. Thanks for listening, Bela and MikeKeywords: Entrepreneurship, Mark Campeau, Small Business, Opportunity Recognition, Clarkson University, Jake's on the Water, Innovation, Real Estate Investment, Career Path, Bela Musits, Mike Wasserman.

    1 hr

  2. FEB 5

    EP-183 Life-Saving Innovation in the Bahamas: The Story of Tropic Air Rescue with Tony Marinello

    In this episode of The Unconventional Path, hosts Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman sit down with Tony Marinello, a retired New York State Trooper who turned a "retirement vacation" into a high-stakes, life-saving aviation venture. When Tony bought a small cargo airline to the Bahamas, he never expected to found the region's first-ever dedicated helicopter air ambulance service. +4 While living in the United States often guarantees rapid emergency response, Tony realized that the 700 islands of the Bahamas tell a different story. After a pilot called him about a passenger potentially suffering a stroke on a remote island, Tony spent hours trying to find an air ambulance, only to discover that no such service existed for the region. Faced with the reality that medical help was days—not minutes—away, Tony decided to pivot his entire business model. +4 Tony’s background as a rescue helicopter pilot for 21 years gave him the expertise needed to navigate this complex industry. However, the "odyssey" to launch Tropic Air Rescue took two years of securing licenses, purchasing helicopters, and hiring a specialized medical team of doctors and paramedics. Today, the company provides emergency medical evacuation from the Bahamas back to top-tier trauma centers in Florida, including Fort Lauderdale and Miami. +4 Because traditional air ambulance flights can cost tens of thousands of dollars out-of-pocket, Tony designed a membership-based system. For a yearly fee, members (including boaters, second-home owners, and tourists) gain access to: +1 24/7 Emergency Response: A dedicated team ready to launch at a moment's notice. Direct Transport: Evacuation from remote islands or vessels directly to specialized U.S. hospitals.+1 Specialized Care: Transport to facilities with experts in everything from shark injuries to stroke and cardiac care.+1 Tony’s story is a powerful example of identifying a desperate need and fulfilling it. He shares insights into the challenges of starting a service-oriented business later in life and the importance of having a clear mission. Whether you are an entrepreneur looking for a new niche or a traveler heading to the Caribbean, Tony’s "unconventional path" offers vital lessons on grit and preparation. +3 Learn more about Tropic Air Rescue: tropicrescue.com Our podcast is now available on YouTube. Simply search for "The Unconventional Path" to subscribe and never miss an episode. We're always on the lookout for interesting guests to feature on our show. If you know someone who has an inspiring story, unique perspective, or valuable expertise to share, please let us know. We're eager to connect with potential guests who can bring fresh insights and engaging conversations to our audience. We also love hearing from our listeners! Your questions, comments, and suggestions are incredibly valuable to us. Send us an email at bela.and.mike@gmail.com with your thoughts, and we'll do our best to address them in a future episode. Whether you have a question about a specific topic, feedback on a recent episode, or ideas for future content, we want to hear from you. Your engagement helps us shape the show and deliver content that resonates with our listeners. Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike

    41 min

  3. JAN 30

    EP-182 Finding Your Niche in a $1.6 Trillion Market with Tyler Ornstein

    In this reissue episode of The Unconventional Path, hosts Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman explore the powerful impact of niche marketing within massive global industries. They are joined by Tyler Ornstein, the visionary founder of Tyler’s Coffee, who shares his remarkable journey of launching a business at just 15 years old. Tyler’s Coffee holds a unique position as the creator of the world’s first and only acid-free coffee. Tyler explains how identifying a clear and distinctive product differentiator allowed him to thrive in a highly competitive market dominated by industry giants. Unlike many competitors, Tyler’s Coffee does not compete on price; instead, it offers a premium product that addresses specific health concerns like heartburn and digestive issues without sacrificing flavor. The conversation delves into the evolution of the digital economy and how platforms like Amazon have enabled entrepreneurs to reach a global audience, making it easier than ever to build and sustain a successful niche. Tyler also reflects on being a pioneer in the subscription model space, discussing the technical challenges of implementing recurring billing before it became a standard industry practice. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or an established business owner, this episode provides valuable insights into turning visionary ideas into tangible, successful ventures by focusing on quality and specialization. Key Topics Covered: The Power of Niche Marketing: How Tyler’s Coffee carved out a segment in a $1.6 trillion industry by focusing on a specific consumer need. Innovation at a Young Age: Tyler shares the story of starting his company as a teenager with the support of his father. Product Differentiation: The importance of creating a unique product—like acid-free coffee—that offers clear benefits such as no "bitter bite" or upset stomach. The Global Digital Economy: How modern technology allows businesses to expand their reach far beyond their local market. Subscription Models: The early days of web-based recurring billing and the forward-thinking vision required to implement it. Health and Wellness in Coffee: A look into the science of pH levels and how acidic beverages impact the body’s natural neutrality. About the Guest: Tyler Ornstein is the founder of Tyler’s Coffee. He is a pioneer in the coffee industry, having developed a proprietary process to create acid-free coffee that is safe for individuals with sensitive stomachs and other medical considerations. About the Podcast: The Unconventional Path features stories of entrepreneurship and innovation, hosted by former Clarkson University professors Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman. With an extensive archive of over 180 episodes, the show highlights unique business journeys and the creative ideas that drive them. Our podcast is now available on YouTube. Simply search for "The Unconventional Path" to subscribe and never miss an episode. We're always on the lookout for interesting guests to feature on our show. If you know someone who has an inspiring story, unique perspective, or valuable expertise to share, please let us know. We're eager to connect with potential guests who can bring fresh insights and engaging conversations to our audience. We also love hearing from our listeners! Your questions, comments, and suggestions are incredibly valuable to us. Send us an email at bela.and.mike@gmail.com with your thoughts, and we'll do our best to address them in a future episode. Whether you have a question about a specific topic, feedback on a recent episode, or ideas for future content, we want to hear from you. Your engagement helps us shape the show and deliver content that resonates with our listeners. Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike

    39 min

  4. JAN 22

    EP-181 Quality Over Commodity: Building a Hundred-Year Brand with Dave Munson of Saddleback Leather

    In this episode of The Unconventional Path, hosts Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman sit down with Dave Munson, the founder of Saddleback Leather Company. If you have ever wondered how to build a business that prioritizes legacy over quick profits, this conversation is for you. Dave shares his "non-traditional" approach to entrepreneurship, shifting from his roots as a youth pastor to creating a global leather brand famous for its "They’ll Fight Over It When You’re Dead" warranty. +4 The leather goods market is often viewed as a crowded, commodity-driven space. Dave explains how Saddleback Leather differentiates itself by refusing to compete on price. While many companies cheapen materials to satisfy shareholders or venture capitalists, Dave and his family own 100% of the company. This independence allows them to use the toughest leather, highest-quality linings, and most durable hardware available—creating products like $700 briefcases that are designed to last a century. +4 Saddleback Leather operates a factory in Mexico employing approximately 150 people. Dave discusses the importance of quality control when dealing with raw materials like leather, which varies by hide. To maintain excellence, he sources from top-tier tanneries in both the United States and Europe. +3 Dave doesn't rely on traditional marketing; instead, he uses storytelling to build a community of "super fans". The Saddleback website is famous for sharing Dave’s personal adventures, his family life, and the founding story of the brand. By focusing on brand strength rather than aggressive sales tactics, the company has secured high-profile partnerships with organizations like Toyota and luxury hotels through word-of-mouth alone. +4 Now based in Fort Worth, Texas, Dave is currently building a unique headquarters featuring buildings made from compressed leather bales. He shares his philosophy on leadership, emphasizing the need to encourage employees—even if that means helping them eventually start their own businesses. +4 Don't Race to the Bottom: Instead of asking why your product is expensive, ask why your competitors' products are so cheap. The Power of Persistence: Dave likens entrepreneurship to karate, noting that the only difference between a white belt and a black belt is that the black belt kept going. Branding vs. Marketing: Focus on building a strong brand identity that people want to associate with. Connect with Saddleback Leather Company: Visit their website to read Dave’s memoir and see his latest leather designs. Our podcast is now available on YouTube.  Simply search for "The Unconventional Path" to subscribe and never miss an episode. We're always on the lookout for interesting guests to feature on our show. If you know someone who has an inspiring story, unique perspective, or valuable expertise to share, please let us know. We're eager to connect with potential guests who can bring fresh insights and engaging conversations to our audience. We also love hearing from our listeners! Your questions, comments, and suggestions are incredibly valuable to us. Send us an email at bela.and.mike@gmail.com with your thoughts, and we'll do our best to address them in a future episode. Whether you have a question about a specific topic, feedback on a recent episode, or ideas for future content, we want to hear from you. Your engagement helps us shape the show and deliver content that resonates with our listeners. Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike The Anti-Commodity StrategyManufacturing and Global FootprintMarketing Through StorytellingLeadership and VisionKey Takeaways from the Episode:

    1 hr

  5. 02/06/2025

    EP-180 - From History to Heritage: How Vortic Watch Company Restores the Great American Timepiece with RT Custer

    In this episode of The Unconventional Path, hosts Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman dive into the fascinating world of American manufacturing and historical preservation with RT Custer, the visionary founder of Vortic Watch Company . If you’ve ever wondered why the world’s most famous watches come from Switzerland or Japan, this conversation explores how one entrepreneur decided to bring the craft back to the United States by repurposing the "iPhones of the 1800s"—the antique American pocket watch.A Beautiful Clash of Old and NewRT Custer describes Vortic as a "beautiful clash of old and new" . Based in Fort Collins, Colorado, the company takes antique American pocket watch movements (the "guts") and restores them into one-of-a-kind, 100% American-made wristwatches. By combining 19th-century mechanical engineering with modern 3D-printed titanium cases and updated glass, Vortic creates a bridge between America's industrial past and its manufacturing future.The Golden Era of American WatchmakingDuring the period between 1850 and 1950, ten major American companies manufactured over 150 million pocket watches . These mechanical engines were essential tools for the era, particularly for the railroad industry. RT Custer, a history enthusiast and relative of General George Armstrong Custer, was inspired by this overlooked chapter of American business history. He set out to preserve these mechanical movements, which are often discarded after their precious metal cases are melted down How It Works: The Restoration ProcessVortic sources its antique movements from estate auctions, pawn shops, and former jewelry stores. The restoration involves:Extracting the Guts: Salvaging the dial, hands, and gears (the movement) from antique pocket watches .Reconditioning: Tuning up the mechanical springs and gears to ensure they keep perfect time .The Modern Case: Engineering a custom wristwatch case to protect and display the historic movement .Growing a Heritage BrandRT shares insights into building a successful business without traditional advertising . By focusing on branding and answering customer questions directly, Vortic has built a community of "super fans" who serve as word-of-mouth marketers.The company operates through three primary revenue streams :Watch of the Day: A unique, one-of-a-kind release every weekday .Military Edition: Limited-edition watches featuring movements that served in World War II, released every Veterans Day.Custom Conversions: Restoring customer heirlooms into functional wristwatches .The Entrepreneurial LeapBefore Vortic, RT worked in logistics for Walmart, managing a $25 million budget at age 22 . He reflects on the "expensive masters of business" he earned by launching Vortic on Kickstarter in 2014 and the importance of taking the leap into entrepreneurship, even when the "math" seems daunting.Visit Vortic Watch Company: vorticwatches.comOur podcast is now available on Youtube. Simply search for "The Unconventional Path" to subscribe and never miss an episode.We're always on the lookout for interesting guests to feature on our show. If you know someone who has an inspiring story, unique perspective, or valuable expertise to share, please let us know. We're eager to connect with potential guests who can bring fresh insights and engaging conversations to our audience.We also love hearing from our listeners! Your questions, comments, and suggestions are incredibly valuable to us. Send us an email at bela.and.mike@gmail.com with your thoughts, and we'll do our best to address them in a future episode. Whether you have a question about a specific topic, feedback on a recent episode, or ideas for future content, we want to hear from you. Your engagement helps us shape the show and deliver content that resonates with our listeners.Thanks for listening,Bela and Mike

    50 min

  6. 01/17/2025

    EP-179 Why Most Product Launches Fail: The 10X Reality with Laure Mandin

    In this episode of The Unconventional Path: Entrepreneurship and Innovation Stories and Ideas, hosts Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman sit down with Laure Mandin, the founder of the product launch agency Graphos. Laure is also the author of the insightful new book, I Need That, which explores the high-stakes world of product marketing and the science behind successful product introductions. +4 Launching a new product or service is the lifeblood of any growing company, yet many entrepreneurs underestimate the immense challenges involved. Laure explains that the primary reason most new products fail isn’t that they are "bad" ideas, but rather that they aren’t "great" enough to overcome the status quo. This episode dives deep into the "10X Reality"—the psychological and mathematical threshold that a product must meet to gain true market traction. +4 The Go-To-Market Roadmap: Laure discusses how Graphos helps innovators de-risk their launches by creating a guide book for navigating challenges and maximizing the likelihood of success. The Planning Fallacy: Entrepreneurs often fall victim to "unrealistic optimism," overstating potential gains while underestimating the time and budget required to reach the market.+1 The 10X Rule: While many believe a product only needs to be twice as good as the competition, Laure argues it must be 10 times better to overcome the "pain of change" for consumers.+2 The Psychology of the Status Quo: Consumers typically overvalue their current solutions by at least three times, while innovators overvalue their new benefits by three times—creating a nine-fold imbalance that only a 10X improvement can break.+2 Case Studies in Innovation: From the iPhone to Tesla, learn why these products succeeded by blowing the status quo out of the water rather than offering marginal improvements. Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting to develop your first prototype, Laure’s perspective on product marketing and the introduction of new products will change how you view your go-to-market strategy. +2 Laure Mandin is a Canadian innovation expert and the founder of Graphos. Through his agency and his book, I Need That, he provides entrepreneurs with the tactics and roadmaps necessary to bridge the gap between a great idea and a market-leading product. Our podcast is now available on YouTube. Simply search for "The Unconventional Path" to subscribe and never miss an episode. We're always on the lookout for interesting guests to feature on our show. If you know someone who has an inspiring story, unique perspective, or valuable expertise to share, please let us know. We're eager to connect with potential guests who can bring fresh insights and engaging conversations to our audience. We also love hearing from our listeners! Your questions, comments, and suggestions are incredibly valuable to us. Send us an email at bela.and.mike@gmail.com with your thoughts, and we'll do our best to address them in a future episode. Whether you have a question about a specific topic, feedback on a recent episode, or ideas for future content, we want to hear from you. Your engagement helps us shape the show and deliver content that resonates with our listeners. Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike Key Insights from This Episode:About Today's Guest:Connect With Us

    45 min

  7. 12/13/2024

    EP-178 Stop Wasting Your Marketing Budget: Mastering Digital ROI with Jeff Greenfield

    Are you throwing away half of your advertising budget? In this episode of The Unconventional Path, hosts Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman sit down with serial entrepreneur Jeff Greenfield to discuss the evolving landscape of digital marketing and how businesses can maximize their marketing spend. Jeff Greenfield is the founder of Provalytics, a company dedicated to helping brands understand their metrics and stop wasting money on ineffective advertising. With over 20 years of experience in the digital space, Jeff explains how marketing has shifted from traditional avenues like the Yellow Pages and radio to the complex web of social media, display ads, and behavioral retargeting. The Third Essential for New Businesses: Why every entrepreneur in 2024 needs a digital marketing consultant alongside their lawyer and accountant to navigate complex metrics. Decoding the "Wasted" Half: Jeff explores the old adage that "half the money spent on advertising is wasted" and reveals how modern software can finally identify which half that is. The Complexity of Customer Acquisition: Understanding why reaching customers today is infinitely more complex for everyone from a local pizzeria to a billion-dollar corporation. The Evolution of Digital Ads: A look back at the rise of the internet, from the early days of Yahoo homepage takeovers to the current era of user-generated content on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.+1 The Power of Real-Time Reporting: How the shift from lagged print media effects to immediate digital "click-based" reports revolutionized how marketers prove their impact. Redeploying Your Budget: Strategies for taking saved money from wasted campaigns and redeploying it to achieve 2x or 3x returns on investment. Jeff Greenfield is a serial entrepreneur currently leading Provalytics. His expertise lies in providing companies with the software tools necessary to precisely measure the effectiveness of various campaigns across multiple digital paths. Jeff’s insights are essential for any business owner looking to improve their return on marketing investment in an increasingly digitized world. The Unconventional Path explores entrepreneurship and innovation through the stories and ideas of those who have paved their own way. Hosted by Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman, the podcast features high-level content designed to help listeners succeed in the modern business environment. Our podcast is now available on a variety of platforms to suit your listening preferences. You can find us on YouTube, where you can watch the recordings of our episodes, as well as on your favorite podcasting app. Simply search for "The Unconventional Path" to subscribe and never miss an episode. We're always on the lookout for interesting guests to feature on our show. If you know someone who has an inspiring story, unique perspective, or valuable expertise to share, please let us know. We're eager to connect with potential guests who can bring fresh insights and engaging conversations to our audience. We also love hearing from our listeners! Your questions, comments, and suggestions are incredibly valuable to us. Send us an email at bela.and.mike@gmail.com with your thoughts, and we'll do our best to address them in a future episode. Whether you have a question about a specific topic, feedback on a recent episode, or ideas for future content, we want to hear from you. Your engagement helps us shape the show and deliver content that resonates with our listeners. Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike Keywords: Digital Marketing, Customer Acquisition Cost, Marketing ROI, Entrepreneurship, Jeff Greenfield, Provalytics, Advertising Spend, Social Media Marketing, Business Innovation. In This Episode, You’ll Learn:About the Guest: Jeff GreenfieldAbout The Unconventional Path

    51 min

  8. 12/06/2024

    EP-177 Transforming the Global Food System with the Mighty Chickpea | Featuring Kathryn Cook of NuCicer

    Can a tiny legume save the world? In this episode of The Unconventional Path, hosts Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman dive into a fascinating conversation with Kathryn Cook, the visionary co-founder of NuCicer, an innovative ag-tech and food technology company. +4 Kathryn is on a mission to unlock the full potential of the chickpea, moving it beyond just hummus and salads to become a staple crop that can revolutionize our global food system. With over 50% of human caloric intake currently relying on just three crops—corn, wheat, and rice—our food security is increasingly at risk due to climate change and environmental shifts. +4 In this interview, Kathryn reveals the "mysterious" history of the chickpea and explains why modern varieties are actually "broken" for large-scale food production. You will learn how NuCicer is using 15 years of research from UC Davis to tap into the 95% of genetic diversity left behind in wild ancestors 8,000 years ago. By breeding chickpeas with higher protein, better flavor, and improved functionality, they are creating a sustainable, climate-resilient solution for farmers and a highly nutritious, minimally processed ingredient for food manufacturers. +4 In this episode, we discuss: The Power of Chickpeas: Why this nitrogen-fixing crop is essential for soil health and sustainable crop rotations. Fixing a Broken System: How NuCicer overcomes the challenges of high oil content and low yields in traditional chickpeas to create superior chickpea flour and protein. Ag-Tech Innovation: The process of spinning a company out of university research and scaling a business that bridges the gap between farmers and grocery store shelves.+2 Entrepreneurial Journey: Kathryn shares her "elevator pitch" and the process of securing funding to bring a high-vision mission to life. Whether you are an entrepreneur interested in ag-tech, a foodie looking for more sustainable protein sources, or someone curious about the future of food, this episode offers a deep dive into how innovation can transform an ancient crop into a global solution. +1 We're always on the lookout for interesting guests to feature on our show. If you know someone who has an inspiring story, unique perspective, or valuable expertise to share, please let us know. We're eager to connect with potential guests who can bring fresh insights and engaging conversations to our audience. We also love hearing from our listeners! Your questions, comments, and suggestions are incredibly valuable to us. Send us an email at bela.and.mike@gmail.com with your thoughts, and we'll do our best to address them in a future episode. Whether you have a question about a specific topic, feedback on a recent episode, or ideas for future content, we want to hear from you. Your engagement helps us shape the show and deliver content that resonates with our listeners. Thank you for being a part of our podcast community. We appreciate your support and look forward to continuing to bring you inspiring stories and thought-provoking conversations on The Unconventional Path. Remember to subscribe, leave a review, and share the show with your friends and family. Together, we can explore the endless possibilities that lie beyond the conventional. Thanks for listening, Bela and Mike Connect with The Unconventional PathKeywords: Chickpea, Ag-Tech, Food Technology, Sustainable Agriculture, Plant-Based Protein, NuCicer, Kathryn Cook, Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Soil Health, Global Food System, Climate-Resilient Crops.

    53 min
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About

Explore how to build and grow your business in today’s global marketplace. In each episode, we try to capture and share the essence of how interesting people often take unconventional paths to build their business, some of whom succeed, some who do not. The hosts for this podcast series are Bela Musits, former business school professor, venture capitalist, and entrepreneur based in upstate New York, and Mike Wasserman, professor of international management at the University of Applied Sciences in Münster, Germany.

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