AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0

Matt Battaglia
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  • Technology
  • Updated Weekly

AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business. AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving. Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more… AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ Please Subscribe. Thanks for Listening. - More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/

  1. 2d ago

    AZ TRT 2.0 – Best of Cybersecurity from Business to Government AZ TRT S07 EP14 (296) 9-6-2026

    AZ TRT 2.0 – Best of Cybersecurity from Business to Government AZ TRT S07 EP14 (296) 9-6-2026   What We Learned This Week Cyber and CIO mgmt Common Cyber Issues TRM Labs on security ACTRA - Cyber threats affect everyone from Gov't to business to private & growing Clips from past shows focusing on Cybersecurity and threats to both business and Government. .     Seg. 1 Clips from Related Shows: Cybersecurity, Disruption, Blockchain & Terrorism w Ari Redbord of TRM Labs - BRT S02 EP31 (78) 8-1-2021     What We Learned This Week Cybersecurity is extremely important industry for national security TRM Labs startup in cyber-security, monitors blockchain OFAC - Gov't administers economic and trade sanctions Ransomeware – specific breach, takeover of a computer system, holds data hostage Programatic Money Laundering – bad guys create new addresses, create 'shell' companies   Guest: Ari Redbord, Head of Legal and Government Affairs w/ TRM Labs https://www.linkedin.com/in/ari-redbord-4054381b4/ https://www.trmlabs.com/post/trm-labs-appoints-ari-redbord-as-head-of-legal-government-affairs   Ari is formerly a US Attorney, and worked in the Treasury Department, now advises the Government on cybersecurity, and Blockchain. Cybersecurity is a fast growing and extremely important industry for national security, and corporate interests. There are Nation States acting as bad players in the cyber realm and targeting the US Government and US business. We discuss the advancements in technology on cyber crime, blockchain, crypto, and online fraud. How is the FBI dealing with Ransomware, and other cyber attacks on prime targets like the Colonial Pipeline, or other big corps. What Regulations are coming in banking, and Fintech, with KYC (Know Your Customer), plus the big banks like JP Morgan Chase and Goldman are on board.  What the blockchain ledger can help solve in security, to monitor criminal activity in real time with the help of crypto exchanges like Coinbase.  Lastly, what TRM Labs does for clients, how they advise, operate, and who they work with.   Full Show: HERE     Phishing, Malware & Cybersecurity - Try Not to Get Pwned - BRT S02 EP47 (94) 11-21-2021   What We Learned This Week:   Have I been Pwned? Means have I been breached / hacked – did someone hack my email or website Phishing – most common type of email threat, like when you receive a strange email with a link – Do Not Open – DELETE (and alert other office staff of the email) Ramsonware – hack your website, or data – hold it hostage for an extortion 'ransom' payment Dark Web – where stolen data, & info is being bought & sold VPN Connections – direct and secure   Guests: Vince Matteo, Seven Layer Networks, Inc. https://sevenlayers.com/ Vince Matteo is a certified penetration tester, a security researcher, and a senior consultant at Seven Layers (.com) where he focuses on securing small businesses.  Vince is the author of "Hacking 101 – A Beginner's Guide to Penetration Testing", he's a bug bounty hunter with 17 published critical vulnerabilities, and he's presented talks on offensive hacking at security conferences -- most recently GrrCON in Grand Rapids, MI and BSides in College Station, TX.  Outside of work, Vince is an accomplished endurance athlete, an Ironman age group champion, and in his spare time, you can find him in the desert -- training for the next hundred-mile ultramarathon.    Full Show: HERE     Seg. 2 Cybersecurity Response Plan w/ Frank Grimmelmann of ACTRA   - AZ TRT S06 EP03 (264) 2-9-2025                 What We Learned This Week ACTRA Arizona Cyber Threat Response Alliance Cyber threats affect everyone from Gov't to business to private and growing Companies need to be responsive with speed to be effective + share information of attacks ACTRA has members from both government and private sector ACTRA helped create a state cybersecurity response model that other states can use     Guest: Frank Grimmelmann https://www.actraaz.org/actra/leadership President & CEO/Intelligence Liaison Officer   Mr. Grimmelmann also serves as Co-Chair (together with Arizona's Chief Information Security Officer) for the Arizona Cybersecurity Team ('ACT'), created through the Governor's Executive Order signed in March 2018. He also serves as a Founding Member of the National Leadership Group for the Information Sharing & Analysis Organization Standards Organization ('ISAO SO') at the University of Texas San Antonio (UTSA), created under the President's Executive Order 13691 in February 2015. As ACTRA's leader, Mr. Grimmelmann was invited as the first private sector representative in the Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center (ACTIC) and served as its first private sector Executive Board representative from 2014-2019. He presently acts as ACTRA's designated private sector liaison to ACTRA's Key Agency and other non-Member Stakeholders.    Full Show: HERE   Seg. 3   Cybersecurity & Compliance w/ Paige Hanson of Secure Labs - AZ TRT S06 EP15 (277) 8-17-2025       What We Learned This Week: A cybersecurity breach can cost more than just data—it can damage infrastructure and destroy client confidence. Even smaller companies (50–100 employees) need structured safeguards, compliance, and often outside MSSPs to stay secure. Secure Labs provides a roadmap for companies to meet regulatory standards like HIPAA, ISO 27001, and SOC 2, helping them win bigger clients. AI-driven threats like voice cloning and deepfakes make personal and business digital security more important than ever. Compliance isn't cheap—outside audits can run $5,000–$50,000 annually, while Big Four audits may exceed $100,000.       Guest: Paige Hanson, Co-Founder of Secure Labs   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hello-paige-hanson Founder of SecureLabs | Helping businesses meet their security compliance standards | Fractional GRC | 🎤 Keynote, Moderator & Speaker | Identity Theft & Cyber Safety Expert | Volunteer | Wife + Mama Full Show: HERE     Seg. 4 Cybersecurity, Ransomware, + AI Usage Guardrails w/ Gary Perkins of CISO Global - AZ TRT S07 EP01 (284) 1-18-2026         What We Learned This Week: ·         Most cyber attacks are preventable Basic controls, training, and awareness can stop the majority of threats. ·         Humans are both the weakest link and the strongest defense Ongoing education and awareness turn employees into an effective "human firewall." ·         AI will amplify cyber risk — for both attackers and defenders Organizations must adopt AI defensively to keep pace with bad actors. ·         Reputation damage often outweighs financial loss Brand trust is hard to rebuild after a breach, even if customers don't immediately leave. ·         Cybersecurity is no longer optional or technical-only It's a business risk, a leadership issue, and a shared responsibility across the organization.       Guest: Gary Perkins, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) of CISO Global   https://www.linkedin.com/in/perkinsgary/   Gary Perkins is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for cybersecurity firm CISO Global. Prior to that he was the CISO for the Government of British Columbia in Canada for 10 years -- responsible for providing cybersecurity services in support of the province and taught undergrad and graduate students at the University of Victoria for years. He has over 25 years' experience in information technology, risk management, and cybersecurity. Prior to joining the BC Government, he worked in the private sector as chief of staff for security at TELUS and, earlier in his career, led teams responsible for incident response, operations, delivery, and architecture for both corporate and managed security services customers. A Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) since 2004, Perkins also holds an MBA from Simon Fraser University's Management of Technology program.   Full Show: HERE       Biotech Shows: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Biotech-Life+Sciences-Science   AZ Tech Council Shows:  https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=az+tech+council *Includes Best of AZ Tech Council show from 2/12/2023   Tech Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Tech-Startup-VC-Cybersecurity-Energy-Science  Best of Tech: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=best+of+tech   'Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the AZ TRT Podcast.     AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ 'Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/     Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or

  2. Sep 2

    AZ Tech Ecosystem: Making the World Better Thru Technology w/ Eric Miller of PADT, Inc. - AZ TRT S07 EP13 (295) 8-23-2026

    AZ TRT 2.0 - AZ Tech Ecosystem: Making the World Better Thru Technology w/ Eric Miller of PADT, Inc. AZ TRT S07 EP13 (295) 8-23-2026   What We Learned This Week ·         A great product doesn't build a great company by itself. Founders eventually have to build the organization around the product—sales, marketing, finance, HR and people. The founder's job changes as the company scales. ·         The 80/20 rule applies to company building. Figure out what you are uniquely good at, keep strategic functions close, and bring in employees, fractional executives or outside specialists to fill the gaps. ·         You don't get the value of a technology community by joining—it comes from showing up. Eric's experience with the Arizona Technology Council, Venture madness & Arizona Commerce Authority demonstrates that relationships, customers, suppliers and friendships develop through repeated participation. ·         Arizona's technology economy is much bigger than semiconductors. Aerospace, photonics, medical devices, university research, startups and advanced manufacturing are all part of the ecosystem. Universities are particularly important because they help turn research into commercial companies. ·         Today's technology was somebody's science fiction yesterday. Eric's Star Trek story is a great reminder that technologies that once seemed impossible—3D printing, advanced lasers, handheld communications and artificial hearts—can eventually become real-world tools that change people's lives.   Guest: Eric Miller, Principal & Co-Founder PADT, Inc. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emillerphx/ https://www.padtinc.com/   Arizona Tech Council – Board Member, premiere org in tech community of AZ https://www.aztechcouncil.org/ Arizona Commerce Authority – Entrepreneur in Residence, building economy of AZ https://www.azcommerce.com/   Venture Café – Advisor for startups https://venturecafephoenix.org/ Venture Madness – Board Member for tech pitch competition https://venturemadness.com/       Bio: Business Owner - Engineer - Writer - ANSYS Fan Boy - 3D Printer - Speaker - Podcaster - Angel Investor At PADT "We Make Innovation Work" by helping companies that make physical products by providing them the engineering services and tools they need. Every day I get to work with smart employees, interesting customers, and fantastic vendors. Those are the basic facts, read on to learn more or follow my regular musings in the Phoenix Business Journal The official bio: Eric Miller is a co-owner of Tempe based PADT, Inc., where he is involved in providing tools and services to companies who design and manufacture physical products. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley and has lived in Arizona since 1986. He started his career focusing on the application of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computer Aided Design (CAD) to simulate turbine engine components. Over the years he became recognized as an expert user of the ANSYS software tool and in the development of custom software to automate the product simulation and design process. As a co-founder of PADT in 1994, Eric was able to also pursue his interests in IT, graphic design, additive manufacturing, database programming, and small business management. As both PADT and the use of advanced engineering tools grew, Eric became exposed to dozens of different industries and developed his broad understanding of the application of technology for product development and manufacturing. After over three decades in the industry, Eric is often called upon to write and speak on simulation, design, and 3D Printing as well as on startups and the high-tech sector. His involvement in the startup community includes angel investing as well as mentoring and serving on steering, screening, and advisory boards of a variety of technical organizations and institutions. His current and past "other" jobs are listed under Experience below. In his spare time, Eric enjoys traveling, history, cooking, running (slowly), and learning about new things.   PADT Inc. A New Company (1994) PADT's founders felt that the tools and skills they used as aerospace engineers to design, analyze, and prototype turbomachinery had applications in other industries. In the summer of 1994, they left their corporate jobs to form Phoenix Analysis and Design Technologies, Inc., better known as PADT. The first office was a one-person executive suite in Tempe, Arizona, crammed with four people and three computers. From this tiny room, they started calling potential customers. Slowly but surely, work began to come in, and the company was off and running. With the purchase of a 3D Systems SLA250 3D printer at the end of 1994, PADT became the first independent Rapid Prototyping service provider in Arizona. 30 Years and Beyond Doing anything for 30 years is an achievement worth noting. When we approached our 30th anniversary, we were dealing with something we never thought of in 1994, employees were retiring from PADT.  Or 30th year started well with continued growth around simulation. As our long-term partner, Ansys, continues to grow and evolve, so does  PADT.  The same is true for Flownex, with its adoption across the US, backed by PADT's sales and support team. The team has also met the challenge of changes in the Additive Manufacturing space, upping our offerings around the medical and aerospace industries. Our 4th decade also so the launch of several products designed with customers by our Product Development team.  Since 1994, PADT has grown to become the most respected technology company in the region. By sticking to its core principles and growing its skill and technology base. The company has positioned itself to continue this by providing the best solutions to new and current customers. Nerdtoberfest - PADT's annual open house. 2026 Event – Wed. Oct. 28 from 4 - 8pm ASU Research Park / Tempe PADT open house Technology demonstrations Community networking Partnership with the Arizona Technology Council Previous event attracted approximately 700 registrants Technology ecosystems are built by people getting together—not just companies operating independently.   Notes: AZ Tech Roundtable — Eric Miller, PADT, Inc. Interview: August 2026 Guest / Company Overview Eric Miller & PADT Eric Miller is a principal and co-owner of PADT, Inc. Eric came from an aerospace engineering background and, with two partners, started PADT in 1994. PADT originally stood for Phoenix Analysis and Design Technologies. The company was founded by engineers to serve mechanical engineers. PADT is broader than simply being a 3D-printing company. Its work includes engineering products, services, 3D printing, advanced manufacturing and technologies such as lasers. Eric's involvement in Arizona technology extends well beyond PADT: Arizona Technology Council board member Venture Cafe mentor Venture Madness board involvement Entrepreneur in Residence at the Arizona Commerce Authority Eric is also heavily involved in mentoring companies and giving back to the Arizona technology community. Segment 1 — What Founders Learn About Building a Company It's Not Just About Having a Great Product One of the biggest lessons Eric learned from starting a company is that a good idea and a good product aren't enough. You also have to build the organization around the product: Sales Marketing Finance/accounting HR Operations People The founder has to eventually stop thinking only like the person who created the product and start thinking like the person building the company. The 80/20 Rule for Founders Eric's advice is to identify the areas where you're strongest and weakest and then determine where your time is best spent. The founder doesn't have to personally do everything. Instead: Know what you need to control and know what you can delegate. That can mean hiring employees, outsourcing functions or bringing in fractional executives/advisors. What Should Stay In-House? Eric's basic rule: If something is strategic or integral to the business, you generally want to keep it in-house. For PADT, accounting is an example. Eric chose to keep accounting internally because the company's accounting requirements are very specific to the business. For another technology company, however, outsourcing finance and accounting might make perfect sense. Fractional Talent Eric highlighted the growth of fractional roles. A company can bring in an experienced person part-time to help with a critical function without taking on the cost of a full-time executive. This can give a growing company access to: Expertise Decision-making Strategic guidance Experience without requiring a full-time salary. Hire HR Earlier Than You Think Eric believes companies should bring in HR expertise relatively early. Even if HR is initially outsourced, somebody needs to be paying attention to: Hiring Onboarding Benefits Employee issues Culture People management People are your company's most important asset. Eric's own company uses Employers Council for HR support. Strategic Functions vs. Specialized Functions An interesting distinction from the conversation: Keep strategic knowledge and decision-making close to the company. Outsource specialized expertise when it makes sense. For example, PADT outsources patent work to patent attorneys who often have engineering backgrounds themselves. That gives both sides a common technical language. Segment 2 — Arizona's Technology Ecosystem PADT's History of Spinning Out Companies PADT itself has contributed to the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Examples discussed: Salad and Go - Founded by a former PADT employee. Luminosity - An en

  3. Aug 22

    How to Get a Deal on Shark Tank w/ Tony Gonzales of Slick Barrier - Revisited AZ TRT S07 EP12 (294) 8-16-2026

    How to Get a Deal on Shark Tank w/ Tony Gonzales of Slick Barrier - Revisited   AZ TRT S07 EP12 (294) 8-16-2026   What We Learned This Week Have Faith: 'You're not on Shark Tank until you're on Shark Tank' Have a Great Story: Power of a Story - PR & a great business story got them on Shark Tank Have a Great Product: Slick Barrier is pest control (not pesticide) applied to the base of the house Have a Plan: Lori Greiner / Home Shopping Queen - that was the Shark they wanted & got a deal   Guest: Tony Gonzales – Slick Barrier – Attorney – Shark Tank   https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonygonzalesesq/     https://www.slickbarrier.com/ As Seen On Shark Tank Now available at Bug and Weed Mart Retail Locations! Pro Install Available in Arizona and Nevada! Click Here   LinkedIn: Click Here YouTube channel: Click Here Shark Tank / Lori Greiner / Slick Barrier article: Click Here Shark Tank appearance video: Click Here Bio Article: Click Here     Notes:   Seg. 1 Partner is Aaron, they met as kids in Santa Fe New Mexico. Aaron created the Slick Barrier product. Tony is an attorney by trade. He was originally brought into the business by Aaron to work on the patent. They went into business together in 2013 with a company called Aversion. This was the marketing company to sell slack barrier. Tony worked in real estate business and contract law, and a grad of ASU. He had a general firm in Flagstaff AZ, then moved his office and family to Phoenix. At one point he was also doing criminal law. Tony is from the southwest, but had not seen any scorpions. Then his 3 year old son was stung by a scorpion in his home in Chandler, AZ. It was a very traumatic experience, with an overnight stay at the hospital. Tony joined Aaron full time in 2017, they incorporated and by 2018 they were selling, testing, and developing the product. Seg. 2 When you start the business, you usually operate as a sole proprietor. This is risky as you are personally liable for damages. If you form a partnership with someone, there are other risks, plus you still could be liable. Form an LLC (corporation), it's fast and easy and can be done online. After you setup the Corp., then register with the state and now you have a legal entity. Very scary starting a business, you take on risk so you need to know how to protect yourself, and your idea. You're incorporated, and now the business is responsible. This provides you with a legal shield, and it protects your assets (and your family). Shark Tank Previously Tony had tried to get on the Trump show, The Apprentice. He got an audition, but nothing further. Process for the Shark Tank is different. You apply to get on, and any business can apply. If approved, you go through a process which takes months to see if you will actually get on the show. Tony referenced the book - Third Door by Alex Banayan – about a college student on a quest to meet successful people and learn from them. The main message of the book is to find another way in. Tony found a back door. They produced content about their product Slick Barrier, and sent it to the producers. They were selling their idea to the people who would decide if they get on the show.   The Producers of a show like Shark Tank need to determine, if a company will work well on TV. Is the product and business story good. They also have to consider that any company that comes on the show cannot embarrass the parent company, Disney. The process for going on Shark Tank is similar to raising capital. The standard capital raise is: you make a pitch, have to have a good story, need to have sales of your product, and be a viable company. When they were accepted for Shark Tank, they flew to California and filmed the episode. They did not know if it was going to air. Per Tony - 'You're not on Shark Tank until you're on Shark Tank'. They had applied to be on Shark Tank in May 2022. They were accepted in September 2022, and had 2 weeks to prepare before filming the episode that same month. The episode did not air until January 2023. All that time, they did not know when, or if the show would air. They also could not tell people that they were on Shark Tank. The people that knew were, Tony, his partner Aaron, and a patent attorney that they took with them for the filming. Oddly, when they were notified that they were going to be going to California to appear on Shark Tank it was via email that went to spam. Fortunately the Shark Tank Producer called also. They were notified in early January that the show was going to air and be on Shark Tank. They had 2 weeks to do the PR prep. They had to move fast to do their own PR to get the word out. Seg. 3 There are lots of rules from Shark Tank on how you can do your PR. They went to a whole bunch of local publications in Arizona and local TV. They lucked out because, both Nevada New Mexico picked up the story. Tony also appeared in the Arizona Foothills, and The Phoenix Business Journal with a 150K website, Three partners from New Mexico and some investors legitimize your business. Did they get a deal with a Shark? Yes, they got a $500K deal with Lori Greiner. Terms were for 15% equity, part cash, part loan.   They had a plan going in, and Lori Greiner was the Shark they wanted. They did their research on Lori. They read her book, and knew what her expectations were for a potential deal. The whole time during the taping of the show they were focused on Lori, being careful to keep eye contact with her. Now post the deal, they are in the due diligence stage (as of Q1 – 2023). Tony has a background in law and politics, and now he is in pest control. In the past, pest control was all about pesticides. Now it's about pest management. Stop the pest from getting into the house. How does the pest get in the house? For example, a spider will roam the grounds near your house, finds a spot to crawl up the house, and eventually find a way in the wall. What does Slick Barrier do? Slick Barrier is a coating that you put around the house,  about 8 inches off the ground. Pests and insects can't climb up the house anymore. It keeps out scorpions, spiders and rodents. Slick barrier is a non-pesticide physical barrier that is EPA approved. It is not labeled as a pesticide. Now families do not need to spray pesticides inside their house. It is safe and parent approved. It will not harm your pets or kids. Homebuilders could use it to spray on a new house. Seg. 4 New home builds often use a Taexx System in the walls. This is a tube system built in the walls, and then pesticides are sprayed in the tubes. This is a pretty good system. HomeTeam Pest Defense makes the Taexx System - https://pestdefense.com/ Slick barrier is better. You can do annual touchups with Slick Barrier. Then you could spray the backyard and the base of the house with pesticides if you want. You can spray the pesticides on the Slick Barrier area of the coating on the house. Why Lori Greiner? Lori understands brand new products from her years of selling products on the home shopping channel. She knows how to get them in the hands of consumers. She understands the public. They trust Lori, she can help. Lori has the contacts, and experience to market these types of products like Slick Barrier. They also knew that Lori had a past interest in pest control. Mr. Wonderful had stole a deal from her in 2020 (First Saturday Lime – eco-friendly insect repellant - HERE). Tony said this looked like a pretty good product. PR is very powerful for any business, especially when you know how to tell your story. The Power of the story is what captures customers. Matt actually found Tony as a guest on BRT, through a story on LinkedIn talking about his appearance on Shark Tank. You start a business to solve a problem. Find your passion business. Why do you believe in your business? What's your story? You need to have a personal connection to the business. Just telling people my product is better, no one cares. They need to have the experience of your business. Why is your product different from other business? Why is it better? You need to know how people connect with your product. Show people your passions, and inspire them. Tony and his partner are working on a Good Scorpions campaign.     Tech Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Tech-Startup-VC-Cybersecurity-Energy-Science  Best of Tech: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=best+of+tech   'Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the AZ TRT Podcast.     AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ 'Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/

  4. Aug 4

    Reinventing the Supply Chain with AI from Rail-to-Road w/ Kevin Damoa of GlidTech - AZ TRT S07 EP11 (293) 7-26-2026

    Reinventing the Supply Chain with AI from Rail-to-Road w/ Kevin Damoa of GlidTech - AZ TRT S07 EP11 (293) 7-26-2026       What We Learned This Week The Biggest Supply Chain Problem Isn't Transportation—It's Handling Freight often changes hands multiple times before reaching its destination. Every transfer increases cost, delays, and complexity. America Already Has the Infrastructure Rather than building new rail systems, Glid Tech's strategy is to better utilize the thousands of miles of existing railroad infrastructure that are currently underused. AI Is Becoming a Logistics Manager Ezra 16 doesn't simply route vehicles—it evaluates weather, traffic, rail availability, and fleet positioning simultaneously to determine the most efficient route. Military Innovation Often Creates Commercial Opportunity The company's technology originated from solving dangerous military logistics problems before expanding into commercial transportation, continuing a long history of defense-driven innovation. The Future of Transportation Is Integration Instead of choosing between trucks or trains, the future may involve seamless transitions between both, allowing each mode to be used where it performs best.     Guest: Kevin Damoa LKIN: HERE   Website: https://www.glidtech.us/   Founder and CEO Glīd Technologies Kevin A. Damoa builds the systems that move what matters. Over two decades, he has carried mobility from the factory floor to the launch pad and onto the battlefield, advancing the hard logistics of rockets, aircraft, electric vehicles, and now autonomous road-to-rail freight. As Founder and CEO of Glīd Technologies, he is building the dual-mode autonomous infrastructure that connects the nation's roads and rails into a single logistics network. His operating discipline was forged in military service. Damoa enlisted in the US Army at seventeen, served two years in South Korea, and completed two combat tours in Iraq with the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, where he ran railhead logistics in a theater of war. He continued his service in the Air National Guard as a Logistics Officer and firefighter supporting California's Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System mission, retiring in 2018 after twelve years of concurrent service. Damoa joined SpaceX in 2012 as Flight Module Logistics Manager, where he built the logistics systems and programs behind a maturing launch operation and designed and deployed the transport apparatus that carried rockets from production to the launch site. Following a tour at Northrop Grumman as an Integration Program Manager on the F-35 program, he moved into senior operating leadership across a generation of clean-mobility companies, holding executive roles at Romeo Power, Xos Trucks, Canoo, and Serial 1, a Harley-Davidson brand. In each, he owned the unglamorous work that decides whether a product reaches the market: industrialization, supply chain, manufacturing deployment, and launch. In 2022, Damoa founded Glīd Technologies to solve a problem the freight system has carried for a century, the broken handoff between road and rail. Glīd designs and builds US-made autonomous dual-mode vehicles and the AI logistics orchestration software that directs them, serving commercial freight and national defense. The company is built on a granted dual-mode road-to-rail patent, is a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, and won the 2025 TechCrunch Disrupt Startup Battlefield. Damoa holds an MS in Mechanical Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and an MBA in Project Management from Keller Graduate School of Management. He leads Glīd as both its CEO and its Architect, a reflection of his conviction that the people who set a company's direction should understand, in detail, how the thing is built.   Notes:   Summary Technical logistics and supply chain challenges were discussed along with prototype development and potential military applications. Supply Chain Efficiency Challenges Excessive handling requirements create significant dwell time in global shipping. Current infrastructure heavily relies on road transport due to rail inaccessibility, resulting in massive maintenance costs. Startup Prototypes and Technology The startup developed 4 prototypes featuring human-operated and autonomous vehicles alongside AI orchestration software. This technology utilizes existing rail and road infrastructure to enable seamless transport transitions. Military and Market Outlook Applying rail logistics to defense sectors aims to improve safety for military personnel by reducing reliance on road convoys. Future strategy balances defense and commercial growth across various sectors.     Segment 1 ·         Definition of Supply Chain Challenges: Kevin Damoa identified that the core problem in the current supply chain is the inefficiency of moving goods due to excessive handling requirements. Noted that 72% of commercial freight is stuck on roads because rail is viewed as inaccessible, while the military faces similar issues, utilizing only 20% of their 44,000 miles of rail infrastructure. ·         Company Status and Prototypes: Kevin Damoa confirmed that Glidech is a startup that raised a pre-seed round the previous year and currently has 14 full-time employees. The company has developed four prototypes: two human-operated vehicles named "Glider M" that function on road and rail, and two autonomous vehicles named "Raiden". They also have an AI orchestration software tool called "Ezra 16," which provides transportation management, fleet tracking, and autonomous coordination. ·         Supply Chain Inefficiencies and "Touches": Kevin Damoa detailed the complexity of global shipping, describing how goods undergo numerous transfers between boats, "hustler" trucks, cranes, and trains. They explained that this leads to significant "detention time" or "dwell time," where goods sit idle for weeks, often resulting in increased costs and the need for expensive expedited shipping. ·         Comparison of Road and Rail Infrastructure: Kevin Damoa highlighted that while trucks are more accessible, they contribute to congestion, pollution, and high road maintenance costs, citing that $105 billion is spent annually in the United States repairing roads damaged by 80,000-pound trucks. Conversely, they argued that rail infrastructure is simpler and cheaper to maintain using small crews, yet rail remains unattractive due to the difficulties in getting freight onto the system.     Segment 2 ·         GlidTech Solution and Ezra 16 Capabilities: Kevin Damoa described Glidec as a hardware and software company that leverages existing infrastructure rather than creating new fixed systems. The "Ezra 16" software creates a digital twin environment that incorporates weather, road congestion, and rail allocation to determine the most efficient, safe, and cost-effective transport mode for goods. The goal is to facilitate seamless transitions between road and rail, avoiding the necessity of staying exclusively on one mode for the entire journey. ·         Origin of GliTech Technology: Kevin Damoa traced the origin of their technology to their personal military experience, specifically a process called "rail heading" while preparing for deployment in Iraq. They described the process as dangerous, slow, and cumbersome, requiring multiple pieces of heavy machinery and many people; Glidec was created to consolidate these steps into a single vehicle and one maneuver. ·         Technical Operation of Vehicles: Kevin Damoa explained the mechanics of the Glider M and Raiden vehicles, which feature specialized rail gear, 360-degree cameras, and sensors that use "positive recognition" to identify datums on the track. Once identified, the rail gear deploys, the steering wheel locks, and the vehicle operates on the rail; upon exit, the system triggers a release notification to return to road operation. ·         Safety and Integration with Rail Systems: Kevin Damoa noted that their technology patches into existing "positive train control" systems used by railroads. This allows their vehicles to receive time-slot allocations and operate dynamically, such as exiting the track to allow a train to pass before returning to the route. ·         Utilization of Infrastructure: Kevin Damoa emphasized that their approach leverages "the best of both worlds" by using road networks to navigate traffic and rail networks for faster transit in less developed or woodsy areas. This strategy utilizes existing, underused tracks rather than requiring the construction of new infrastructure. ·         Professional Background of Kevin Damoa: Kevin Damoa detailed their professional history, starting with military service in the Army and the Air Force National Guard, where they participated in firefighting operations. Their corporate background includes managing transportation and recovery operations for the first 17 SpaceX Falcon 9 vehicles, working as an engineer and program manager on the F-35 fighter jet program at Northrop Grumman, and holding roles in e-mobility at Romeo Power, Canoe, XOS Trucks, and Harley-Davidson's Serial 1.   Segment 3 ·         Historical and Defense Context: Historical overview, noting that President Eisenhower used the Defense Act in the 1950s to develop the US highway system based on models like the German Autobahn. Kevin Damoa discussed how the Department of Defense currently relies heavily on road convoys despite owning 44,000 miles of rail, and noted that they aim to make this existing rail infrastructure more accessible to the military. ·         Military Safety and Operational Applications: Kevin Damoa highlighted that enabling rail transport could save soldiers' l

  5. Jun 30

    Predicting the Future: AI, Geopolitics & Better Decision Making w/ Anthony Vinci of VICO - AZ TRT S07 EP10 (292) 6-28-2026

    Predicting the Future: AI, Geopolitics & Better Decision Making w/ Anthony Vinci of VICO - AZ TRT S07 EP10 (292) 6-28-2026       What We Learned This Week Think in Probabilities Great decision-makers don't predict one future. They prepare for multiple possible futures. Look for Leading Indicators Government budgets, regulations, elections, trade policy, and geopolitical developments often signal future trends before markets fully respond. AI Is Becoming a Strategic Advisor AI is increasingly functioning as a research assistant, intelligence analyst, and scenario-planning tool—not just a content generator. Everything Is Connected Politics, economics, technology, energy, and national security influence one another more than ever before. Understanding those relationships creates a competitive advantage. Focus on Second-Order Effects Many investors react to headlines. The bigger opportunities often lie in anticipating the ripple effects that follow.     AZ TRT Podcast Predictive Forecasting: AI, Geopolitics & Better Decision Making Guest: Anthony Vinci Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-vinci/ https://www.anthonyvinci.com/ https://www.vico.io/ Anthony Vinci is the Founder and CEO of VICO, an AI-powered forecasting company that helps governments, financial institutions, and corporations assess political, geopolitical, and economic event risk. Rather than predicting a single outcome, VICO converts news, expert analysis, and real-world signals into probability-based forecasts to improve decision-making. Before founding VICO, Anthony served as the first Chief Technology Officer of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), where he led the integration of artificial intelligence into U.S. intelligence operations. He also held senior leadership roles at Bridgewater Associates and Cerberus Capital Management, focusing on technology, national security, aerospace, and strategic investments. Anthony is the author of The Fourth Intelligence Revolution, recognized by the Financial Times as one of the Best Books of 2025. His work focuses on the intersection of AI, intelligence, geopolitics, and global finance. Theme Today's world moves faster than ever. Political events, wars, technological breakthroughs, trade policy, and artificial intelligence all create ripple effects throughout the economy and financial markets. The question isn't simply: "What will happen?" Instead, it's: "What are the most likely outcomes, and how should we prepare for them?" That is the foundation of predictive forecasting. Segment 1 The World Has Become an Event-Driven Economy One of the biggest themes discussed was how major events rarely stay isolated. Instead, they create ripple effects throughout politics, economics, and financial markets. Examples from 2026 include: The conflict involving Iran Concerns over the Strait of Hormuz disrupting global shipping Oil price volatility Inflation concerns AI adoption across industries Global trade tensions For example, if shipping through the Strait of Hormuz were disrupted, the effects could extend far beyond oil: higher energy prices increased transportation costs higher inflation pressure on consumer spending lower corporate profits political consequences during the 2026 midterm elections One geopolitical event can trigger dozens of second- and third-order consequences. Narrative Economics Markets increasingly react to information almost instantly. News travels within seconds through: X (Twitter) social media financial news AI-generated analysis Sometimes markets move more from the narrative than from the underlying facts. The speed of information has increased volatility. AI as an Intelligence Analyst AI is evolving beyond a simple chatbot. Examples discussed: Claude drafting emails in seconds ChatGPT analyzing massive amounts of information AI summarizing research AI identifying patterns humans might overlook Rather than replacing executives, AI increasingly acts like an executive assistant or intelligence analyst that can evaluate possible outcomes and estimate probabilities. Segment 2 Forecasting Through Leading Indicators One of Anthony's core ideas is that forecasting begins with identifying early signals rather than reacting after events occur. Examples include: Government Spending Watching federal budgets provides clues about future economic priorities. For example: A proposal to increase defense spending from roughly $1 trillion toward $1.5 trillion could benefit industries such as: aerospace defense contractors cybersecurity satellite technology Markets often recognize these trends before the spending actually occurs. Elections Forecasting elections isn't just about polling. Leading indicators include: redistricting economic conditions inflation employment approval ratings legislative trends These become measurable inputs rather than opinions. Tariffs and Trade Tariffs and sanctions affect: supply chains inflation manufacturing exports corporate earnings Rather than relying solely on headlines, investors can monitor government announcements and policy developments as early indicators. VICO Anthony explained that VICO was created to help organizations answer questions like: "What happens if tariffs increase?" "What happens if a regional conflict expands?" "What happens if inflation persists?" Instead of producing opinions, the platform attempts to quantify probabilities so businesses can make better strategic decisions. Current users include: investment firms hedge funds insurance companies corporations government agencies The platform is also available through Bloomberg Terminal. Segment 3 Thinking Like an Intelligence Officer Anthony explained that investing and intelligence analysis are surprisingly similar. Neither profession knows the future with certainty. Instead, both attempt to improve decision-making through probabilities. Questions include: What's the upside? What's the downside? What scenarios exist? What is the probability of each? Instead of asking for certainty, professionals ask for better odds. AI as a Thought Partner Rather than replacing human judgment, AI becomes another analyst at the table. It helps: challenge assumptions compare scenarios estimate probabilities reduce emotional decision-making The objective isn't perfect predictions. It's consistently making better-informed decisions. Indicators and Warnings (I&W) Government intelligence agencies constantly monitor "Indicators and Warnings." Examples include: military activity cyber threats terrorism supply chain disruptions political instability The same thinking can apply to investors and business owners by identifying leading indicators before markets fully react. Rare Earth Minerals A fascinating discussion centered on rare earth materials. These minerals are essential for: semiconductors missiles satellites electric vehicles MRI and CT scanners advanced electronics Although called "rare," many are relatively abundant. The challenge is that mining and processing are concentrated in a handful of countries, particularly China. This explains why governments increasingly view domestic production as a national security issue. Segment 4 Second- and Third-Order Effects One of the strongest concepts discussed was cascading consequences. Instead of focusing only on one event, ask: "What happens next?" Example: Conflict with Iran↓ Shipping disruptions↓ Higher oil prices↓ Higher transportation costs↓ Inflation↓ Reduced consumer spending↓ Lower corporate earnings↓ Market volatility↓ Political consequences↓ Policy changes Understanding these chains of events helps improve forecasting. AI Regulation AI is both part of the opportunity and part of the risk. Potential future regulations may focus on: cybersecurity national security privacy export controls access to advanced AI models computing infrastructure One challenge will be balancing innovation with security while remaining globally competitive. Anthony noted that governments may have access to AI capabilities that are not immediately available to the private sector, highlighting the strategic importance of advanced AI systems.   Closing Thought One of the biggest lessons from this conversation is that forecasting isn't about predicting the future with certainty—it's about improving the quality of your decisions. The best investors, business leaders, and intelligence professionals don't rely on opinions alone. They gather data, monitor leading indicators, evaluate multiple scenarios, and assign probabilities to each possible outcome. In an increasingly interconnected world, those who think like forecasters rather than reactors will be better positioned to navigate uncertainty and identify opportunities before the crowd.         Tech Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Tech-Startup-VC-Cybersecurity-Energy-Science  Best of Tech: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=best+of+tech   'Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the AZ TRT Podcast.     AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ 'Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click H

  6. Jun 22

    Why Data Centers Are Becoming America's New Industrial Backbone w/ Tom Sullivan of Air2O - AZ TRT S07 EP09 (291) 6-14-2026

    Why Data Centers Are Becoming America's New Industrial Backbone w/ Tom Sullivan of Air2O - AZ TRT S07 EP09 (291) 6-14-2026         What We Learned This Week 1. AI Is Creating One of the Largest Infrastructure Booms in History The AI revolution isn't just software. It requires: physical buildings massive electrical systems cooling infrastructure energy innovation The data center buildout may become one of the biggest infrastructure projects ever undertaken. 2. Cooling Technology Is Becoming Just as Important as Computing Power The future winners in AI may not only be software companies. Engineering and thermal management firms could become critical infrastructure players. Cooling is no longer an afterthought: it's now central to AI scalability. 3. Arizona Is Quietly Becoming a Strategic Technology Hub Arizona's: land climate business environment power infrastructure are making it increasingly attractive for: semiconductors data centers advanced manufacturing Phoenix continues evolving into a major technology corridor. 4. Many Public Narratives Around Data Centers Are Outdated The perception that modern data centers waste massive amounts of water may no longer reflect reality. Modern facilities: increasingly use closed-loop systems focus on efficiency consume more electricity than water The real long-term challenge may actually be: grid power generation. 5. Nuclear Energy May Return Through AI Demand AI could accelerate adoption of: SMRs localized nuclear power next-generation energy systems Technology growth may revive public discussions around nuclear power in ways not seen in decades.       Guest: Tom Sullivan, CEO & Co-Founder of Air2o LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-sullivan-491706b4/ Bio: Tom is a seasoned leader with a diverse background, rooted in military service and later refined in the civilian sector. Commencing his professional journey in 2007 with enlistment in the British Army. Graduating from the Military College of Leadership & Development in Harrogate, he went on to pursue advanced studies in Electrical Engineering at the Military College of Electronic & Aeronautical Engineering. His operational deployments, spanning both peace and wartime roles, equipped him with invaluable experience. Tom served as a pivotal military liaison to civilian weapons development contractors, specializing in diverse missile platforms, including ground-to-air and ground-to-ground systems. Recognition for his exceptional service came as he was awarded a Commander's Commendation for his work on a mission-critical system and process development project he led in Afghanistan. Beyond the battlefield, Tom further underlined his pursuit of excellence and commitment to professional development by achieving accreditation by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM).  In 2014, Tom brought his wealth of experience to the fledgling startup Air2O, joining the three-person company as the Operations and Project Management Lead. His role evolved, culminating in his appointment as Chief Operating Officer in 2020. In this capacity, Tom led a management team responsible for the development and implementation of foundational processes and routines, encompassing HR, recruitment, retention, IT management, Health and Safety, and Vendor management. Under Tom's operational guidance, Air2O witnessed substantial growth, expanding from a modest three-person team in 2014 to a multinational workforce of over 100 employees across four countries today. His initiatives included implementing modern Quality Management Systems (QMS) and Project Management (PM) techniques, culminating in the recent ISO 9001 company accreditation with zero non-conformances reported during external assessment.   Website: https://air2o.com/  Air2O is a global leader in advanced thermal management solutions to the mission critical environments of Data Centers, Indoor Agriculture/Cultivation and large Industrial Facilities such as Lithium Battery and Semi-Conductor production globally. With custom build capabilities, a culture of creative engineers and an infrastructure to support the manufacture of the most innovative of solutions, Air2O aims to deliver the most efficient and optimal solutions for our clients globally. Air2O is an Eren Groupe company, a multi billion organization based in Luxembourg whose mission is to support innovative technological solutions in the fields of renewable energy production, energy conservation and energy storage. Together, we deliver a unique solution for highly efficient, ecologically sound thermal management systems that can be deployed cost-effectively in the most demanding environments.   Our reach spans North America, EMEA, and Asia Pacific, emphasizing custom-engineered solutions prioritizing efficiency and sustainability. We stand proud as Arizona's exclusive low dew point HVACD system manufacturer.     About Air20 Company Focus "Thermal Management Without Compromise" Industries served: data centers semiconductors pharmaceuticals healthcare lithium industry Growth Story 3 employees in 2017 150+ employees today rapid scaling after COVID fueled by VC and private equity investment   Episode Theme The future of data centers, cooling technology, AI infrastructure, and why Arizona has become a major hub for next-generation digital infrastructure. Segment 1 — What Data Centers Really Are Core Concepts Data centers have existed for more than 30 years, but the explosion of: the Internet cloud computing smartphones AI has dramatically increased demand. Society now depends on massive amounts of digital infrastructure to support: computers cell phones cloud applications AI processing streaming business systems Tom Sullivan predicts that within a few years: 40–50% of the population may live within 5 miles of a data center. What a Data Center Looks Like Usually located in industrial areas Large buildings with few or no windows Inside are: server racks data halls GPUs backup batteries power systems cooling infrastructure The Biggest Challenge: Heat Servers consume enormous electricity and generate significant heat. Cooling systems can account for: roughly 30% of a data center's electricity usage. Evolution of Cooling Traditional Cooling Similar to a computer fan system Cool air pushed in, hot air pulled out Older facilities maintained temperatures around 72°F Modern Efficiency Newer facilities can safely operate in the 90°F range. Immersion Cooling Servers submerged in special cooling fluid (not water) Highly efficient but: expensive difficult to maintain operationally complex Direct-to-Chip Cooling Emerging next-generation solution Liquid cooling piped directly to processor chips More efficient and scalable for AI workloads Segment 2 — The AI Infrastructure Boom Why Cooling Matters More Now AI workloads require: far more computing power denser server environments advanced thermal management Cooling Technology Timeline Immersion cooling gained momentum around 2020 Direct-to-chip cooling accelerated around 2023 Historic Infrastructure Buildout Tom discussed the scale of current infrastructure spending: Estimated global data center infrastructure investment: $7 trillion Comparisons: 12x the U.S. roadway network cost 23x the Apollo moon mission cost Who Is Investing? Major technology companies are driving this expansion: Microsoft Amazon NVIDIA Investment areas include: data centers utilities energy construction AI infrastructure Air20 Company Background Origins Started in 2012 as a part-time engineering company Specialized in: thermal management data centers semiconductor facilities pharmaceuticals healthcare engineering Founder Background Tom Sullivan: former military electrical engineer 10 years military experience entrepreneur with deep engineering expertise Company Growth In 2017: connected with venture capital in Scottsdale moved operations to Arizona expanded manufacturing and engineering Current Capabilities Air20 now handles: engineering software programming manufacturing construction coordination Cooling systems can range from: $50,000 units to $1 million+ systems Private Equity Company was eventually acquired by private equity Significant scaling followed VC and PE investment Segment 3 — Why Arizona Became a Data Center Hub Arizona Advantages Tom explained why Arizona attracts major data center investment: Business Climate business-friendly environment attractive economics supportive infrastructure Geography flat land affordable real estate low natural disaster risk Climate predictable weather conditions strong operational reliability Debunking the "Water Usage" Myth A major discussion centered around misconceptions about data centers and water consumption. Historical Cooling Older evaporative cooling systems: used more water used less electricity Modern Systems Current systems: use more power use significantly less water Closed Loop Cooling Modern cooling systems circulate water through: sealed piping systems closed-loop infrastructure This minimizes water loss. Bigger Water Users Tom pointed out: electric generation plants steam turbines nuclear facilities often use far more water than data centers themselves. Massive Power Consumption Data centers now operate at unprecedented scale. Power progression: homes → kilowatts industrial → megawatts hyperscale data centers → gigawatt-level demand One comparison: A large data center can equal the energy usage of 833,000 homes. Future Energy Solutions Potential future s

  7. May 28

    Flat-Fee Legal Services & the Rise of Fractional General Counsel w/ Ryan Hurley of Litix Legal - AZ TRT S07 EP08 (290) 5-28-2026

    Flat-Fee Legal Services & the Rise of Fractional General Counsel w/ Ryan Hurley of Litix Legal - AZ TRT S07 EP08 (290) 5-28-2026       Things We Learned This Week Small businesses still need sophisticated legal strategy Even companies with only 5–10 employees need governance, operating agreements, cap tables, and employment structures built correctly from day one. The traditional legal billing model is under pressure Hourly billing and massive retainers are frustrating both client & attorneys. Flat-fee legal services are emerging as a more predictable alternative. Arizona is becoming a legal innovation hub Arizona's ABS laws now allow non-attorney ownership & outside investment. This could fundamentally reshape how legal services operate. AI will likely compress legal fees across the industry AI is helping firms automate admin, documents and research. That efficiency may lower costs for clients and increase competitive pressure on traditional firms. AI legal tools still need human oversight Platforms like Legalzoom can help with basic setup work, but founders still need experienced legal counsel for fundraising, equity structure, governance, and long-term growth decisions.   Guest: Ryan Hurley, CEO - Principal Attorney & Co-Founder, Litix Legal Website: https://www.litixlegal.com/ Certified Attorney | Strategic Business Guidance | Startup Representation | Compliance & Risk Mitigation | HR Oversight | Contract Negotiation | Equity & Debt Raises | Joint Ventures | Mergers & Acquisitions | Board Governance | Investor Relations | Government & Media relations   An experienced attorney with 20 years, Ryan Hurley is CEO and co-founder of Litix Legal, a new kind of law firm on a mission to make clients love their lawyers and lawyers love their law firm by replacing the outdated hourly billing model with flat fees whenever possible. Hurley previously served as general counsel for Copperstate Farms, a vertically integrated cannabis company with 9 dispensaries under the Sol Flower brand name and one of the largest greenhouse cannabis production facilities in North America. Hurley was an instrumental player in Copperstate Farms' birth, growth, and development, positioning the company as a market leader through his strategic business advice, careful compliance and risk mitigation. Referred to as Arizona's "Father of Cannabis Law," Hurley has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Lawyers in Arizona and as one of the 20 Names to Know by Phoenix Business Journal. He has been a part of the Arizona cannabis industry from its inception and played a pivotal role in the initiatives to legalize medical and adult-use cannabis in Arizona. A founding member and former board member of the National Cannabis Industry Association, Hurley is deeply entrenched in all aspects of the cannabis industry and a sought-after expert on cannabis policy. Ryan Hurley was also a founding member of the Arizona Dispensaries Association and the organization's former vice president. Hurley was also a pioneer in the AZ solar energy and cryptocurrency/blockchain industries. A dedicated, passionate, and knowledgeable attorney, innovator, and entrepreneur, Hurley has presented at several conferences and seminars throughout the country and has been featured in many interviews in television, print, and radio. His expansive background in policy has cemented his reputation as a reliable thought leader. Hurley holds a B.S. in environmental science from the University of Arizona and a J.D. from the University of Arizona's James E. Rogers College of Law. Before emerging as a leader in the cannabis industry and co-founding Litix, Hurley was an associate attorney at Lewis and Roca LLP focusing on land use, zoning, water, and environmental issues and a named partner at Rose Law Group.   Podcast Notes Guest: Ryan Hurley Company: Litix Legal Episode Theme: How Arizona's new legal business model, flat-fee legal services, and AI are reshaping legal support for startups and small businesses.     Episode Notes Episode Overview Litix Legal was formed in 2025 using Arizona's new "alternative business structure" (ABS) law, which allows non-attorneys to own equity in law firms. The firm is focused on: Startups Small businesses Growth-stage companies Fractional / outsourced general counsel services Their mission is to modernize legal services through: Flat-fee pricing Technology and AI workflows More accessible legal support Strategic partnership models for founders The firm does not handle: Litigation Criminal law Segment 1 — The Legal Gap for Small Businesses Key Discussion Points Small businesses still need real legal infrastructure Many startups and smaller businesses are: Too small for a full-time in-house attorney Too large or complex for DIY legal templates Most companies still need: Corporate structure setup Governance Employment agreements Operating agreements Cap table strategy Investor preparation Equity and profit-sharing guidance Startups need strategic legal guidance early Ryan discussed how founders preparing for: fundraising, seed rounds, or Series A growth need legal partners who understand: ownership structure, equity distribution, governance, and investor expectations. Important startup legal topics include: Number of company units/shares Ownership percentages Cap table organization Equity incentives Employment contracts A poorly structured company early on can create major issues later. "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of pain later." Traditional legal billing frustrates startups Traditional law firms often: Charge large retainers ($10,000+) Bill hourly ($650/hour+) Create unpredictable costs Litix Legal is attempting to solve this with: predictable flat-fee pricing, monthly packages, and faster attorney access. Example package: Around $2,000/month Includes meetings, calls, emails, and ongoing support The model functions similarly to: outsourced general counsel, or a fractional legal department. Segment 2 — Reinventing the Law Firm Business Model Ryan Hurley's Background Ryan has: practiced law for 20 years, worked at large corporate firms, worked in zoning and politics, advised cannabis and solar companies, and served as in-house counsel for a fast-growing cannabis company. That cannabis company reportedly grew to: 650 employees $100M in revenue Problems with the traditional legal industry Ryan explained how many attorneys dislike the traditional billable-hour system. Large firms often require: 2,000+ billable hours annually intense time tracking constant pressure to maximize billing According to Ryan: clients dislike the unpredictability, attorneys dislike the structure, and the industry has resisted modernization for decades. Arizona's Alternative Business Structure (ABS) Arizona changed legal industry rules through ABS reform. Historically: Only attorneys could own law firms Non-lawyers could not receive equity or profit-sharing The new Arizona model allows: non-attorney ownership, outside investment, operational partners, and more scalable business structures. Example: Ryan's COO/cofounder has a technology background and is not an attorney. Other regions experimenting with similar models: Utah Washington DC Internationally: UK and Australia already use versions of this structure Industry resistance Ryan noted that some traditional firms oppose these changes because: legal firms have operated similarly for 100+ years, entrenched firms fear competition, and fee compression threatens legacy models. States like: California Illinois have reportedly pushed back on similar reforms. Segment 3 — AI and the Future of Legal Services AI is changing law firm economics AI and automation tools are helping firms: reduce administrative work, improve workflow efficiency, lower operating costs, and potentially reduce client fees. Ryan believes AI will contribute to: industry-wide fee compression, more efficient legal delivery, and increased competition. LegalZoom and AI still have limits Ryan noted that: DIY legal platforms, template systems, and AI tools like Claude can help with: boilerplate documents, simple entity setup, and basic workflows. However: businesses should still seek professional legal review, especially for growth-stage decisions or investor preparation. The concern is: founders may over-rely on generic AI outputs without understanding legal risks. Fractional legal services are growing Litix Legal positions itself as: an outsourced general counsel solution, or a fractional legal department. Monthly plans reportedly range from: $1,000 to $4,500+ depending on complexity and communication needs. The firm says early client feedback has been strong.         Legal Shows: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Legal-Asset+Protection-Estate+Planning       Investing Shows:  https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Investing-Stocks-Bonds-Retirement    'Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the AZ TRT Podcast.     AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ 'Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economi

  8. Apr 16

    High Growth, Higher Risk: The Business of Cannabis w/ Melissa Diaz of Highrock Accounting - AZ TRT S07 EP07 (289) 4-12-2026

    High Growth, Higher Risk: The Business of Cannabis w/ Melissa Diaz of Highrock Accounting - AZ TRT S07 EP07 (289) 4-12-2026       What We Learned This Week Cannabis Companies Are Taxed on Gross Margin Because of 280E, they can't deduct ordinary business expenses — creating massive tax burdens. Federal Classification Drives Everything Schedule I status impacts taxation, banking, regulation, and investor appetite. Many Companies Are Playing Legal Offense Some are challenging 280E aggressively, treating unpaid taxes as a strategic risk. Licensing Structure Determines Success Limited-license states create stronger economics. Unlimited states create margin compression. Consolidation Is Coming Stronger, vertically integrated, mid-sized operators are likely to dominate by 2026. Guest: Melissa Diaz https://www.highrock.co/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-k-diaz-cpa-10215623/ Melissa Diaz is a powerhouse at the intersection of accounting, strategy, and tech. As Co-Owner and CRO of High Rock Accounting (and co-founder of Rebel Rock PC, now High Rock), she leads with precision on everything from cash flow and budgeting to due diligence and audit readiness. At High Rock she helps businesses harness cutting-edge technology to make smarter, faster, fully compliant financial decisions both day-to-day and long-term. With an expertise in Cannabis and the Technology industry, Melissa's mission is clear: empower businesses to stay competitive, compliant, and efficient in high-pressure, high-growth environments. Whether she's solving complex reporting challenges or decoding 280E, Melissa brings charisma, clarity, and confidence to the table every time.       🎙 Podcast Notes Guest: Melissa Diaz Topic: The Legal, Tax & Business Reality of the Cannabis Industry Segment 1: The Federal Tax Problem (280E) The Core Issue: Federal Classification The cannabis industry's biggest challenge isn't demand — it's federal law. Cannabis is still classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, meaning: ·         No accepted medical use (federally) ·         Same category as cocaine and methamphetamine Other classifications: ·         Schedule II – Highly controlled with medical use (e.g., oxycodone) ·         Schedule III – Lower control (e.g., Tylenol with codeine) ·         Over-the-counter drugs are not controlled substances. Why This Matters: Section 280E Under Internal Revenue Code 280E: ·         Cannabis businesses can only deduct Cost of Goods Sold (COGS). ·         They cannot deduct normal operating expenses. ·         This means they are effectively taxed on gross margin, not net income. Result: ·         Extremely high effective tax rates. ·         Cash flow pressure. ·         Structural workarounds. Industry Workarounds To manage tax exposure, many cannabis companies: 1.    Use Cost Segregation o    Categorize as many expenses as possible under COGS. o    Rarely challenged aggressively. 2.    Create Management Companies o    A separate affiliated entity handles: §  Admin §  Marketing §  HR §  Operations o    Charges a management fee to the cannabis entity. o    Helps shift deductible expenses outside 280E limitations. Possible Federal Rescheduling If cannabis moves to Schedule III: ·         Businesses could deduct ordinary expenses. ·         Massive financial impact. ·         Immediate improvement in profitability. Segment 2: Legal Challenges & Risk The Harborside Case ·         Legal challenge against 280E application. ·         Many companies have followed similar strategies using management entities. ·         Ongoing uncertainty. Executive Order & Medical Cannabis ·         Medical cannabis revenue represents 10–15% of total revenue. ·         38 states allow legal medical or recreational cannabis. ·         Federal inconsistency remains. Protective Filings If companies owe significant taxes (e.g., $10K+ unpaid liabilities): ·         Protective filings can preserve rights. ·         Strategic legal positioning matters. Big Question If the IRS loses major 280E challenges: ·         Could owe interest refunds to companies. ·         Significant fiscal impact. But there's always: ·         Litigation risk ·         Opportunity cost ·         Cash flow strain during disputes Segment 3: State-Level Expansion & Industry Consolidation Florida Example ·         Recreational legalization pushed in 2024 but failed. ·         Multi-state operators (MSOs) heavily lobby for expansion. ·         Example: Trulieve and other large operators. Tax Strategy Risk Some companies treat unpaid taxes as: ·         A "loan" from the IRS ·         Betting on favorable legal rulings But risk: ·         Potential clawbacks ·         Penalties and interest Many companies are aggressively challenging 280E. Segment 4: Regulation, Licensing & Industry Structure State Regulation Differences ·         New Jersey & New England: Unified recreational frameworks. ·         Unlimited license states = oversaturation. ·         Limited license + lottery systems = high barriers to entry. Zoning Restrictions Dispensaries: ·         Cannot operate near schools or churches. ·         Subject to strict local zoning rules. ·         "Vice-style" regulation model. Vertical Integration Matters Very difficult to survive with just one vertical. Companies that control: ·         Cultivation ·         Processing ·         Distribution ·         Retail …have stronger margins and operational control. Operational Reality ·         No outdoor growing in high heat climates. ·         Indoor, climate-controlled warehouses dominate. ·         Highly regulated workforce (Facility Agent cards required). Financing Landscape ·         Real estate lending ·         Sale-leaseback arrangements ·         Hard money loans (due to banking restrictions) 2026 Industry Predictions ·         Large operators buying smaller failing companies (trend slowing). ·         Growth of mid-sized operators: o    2 states → $20–50M revenue. o    3–5 states → $100M+ revenue. ·         Continued consolidation. ·         Ongoing regulatory and tax uncertainty. Melissa's Perspective: Being a service provider in cannabis means operating in constant uncertainty — but that's also where opportunity lives.     Cannabis 2025 in Review: Lessons Operators Can't Afford to Miss If your client or employer is a cannabis operator who made it through 2025, congratulations. They survived a year that separated the strategists from the dreamers, the operators from the opportunists, and the businesses built on solid fundamentals from those riding on hype alone.   This wasn't the year of explosive growth and easy money. This was the year the cannabis industry got real.   Let's break down what happened in 2025 beyond the headlines. More importantly, let's break down what it means for the cannabis industry and you.   Article Link: HERE     Cannabis Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Cannabis-Hemp-Marijuana   Tech Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Tech   Best of Biotech from AZ Bio & Life Sciences to Jellatech: HERE   Thanks for Listening Please Subscribe to the Podcast   AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ 'Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/   Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.

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AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business. AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving. Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more… AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ Please Subscribe. Thanks for Listening. - More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/

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