Founders' Forum

Marc Bernstein

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

  1. 1d ago

    Before SEO Had a Name: How Susan & Devon McCrossin Built Boomtown

    Susan McCrossin launched Boomtown Internet Group in 2001, when nobody knew what to call what she was doing. Two decades later, her daughter Devon is running the company and building it into something even bigger. From cold-calling clients in the early days of Google to managing a global team of 25, the Boomtown story is one of timing, grit, and an unexpected family handoff. Susan shares how she and her husband Jim built one of the earliest digital marketing agencies from scratch, and Devon opens up about leaving corporate America to take the reins and chart a new vision for the company. Key Takeaways: The entrepreneurial mindset often starts long before anyone opens a business.Rapid growth forces hard decisions about roles, hiring, and letting go.Stepping into a parent's business means earning trust on your own terms.The next chapter for Boomtown: a group of companies built to grow together.About Susan and Devon McCrossin: Susan McCrossin and her husband Jim founded Boomtown Internet Group (BiG) in 2004 to help small businesses navigate the internet and grow online.  BiG rapidly evolved into an easy and affordable way for businesses to outsource website design, programming and digital marketing as technologies improved. As Marc can probably attest, Susan finds satisfaction in helping small businesses grow, and instilled that thrill in her daughter Devon who now runs BiG.  Susan has retired to a small Pennsylvania farm where she continues to pursue entrepreneurship through a new woodworking business with her husband.  Devon McCrossin is a partner and owner of Boomtown Internet Group. She has an MBA and undergraduate degree from Penn State with certifications in Google Ads, Google Analytics, and Lean Six Sigma. She has lived and worked across the US and internationally, currently based in Phoenixville, PA. Connect: Website www.boomtownig.com LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/boomtown-internet-group/; linkedin.com/in/suemccrossin/; linkedin.com/in/devonmccrossin/ Marc Bernstein's Founders' Forum is brought to you by March Forward, LLC, and this episode is sponsored by Boomtown Internet Group; the digital marketing and web design agency helping businesses grow online with SEO, paid advertising, and custom websites. Go to boomtownig.com to learn more. 📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now! 💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow! 📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook 🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast. 📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

    29 min
  2. May 27

    The Exit Nobody Prepares You For with Chris Donnelly

    Selling your business doesn't mean you've arrived. It means you're starting over. And nobody warns you about the wall you hit on the other side. In this episode, Marc Bernstein sits down with Chris Donnelly, a former investment banker turned plumbing and HVAC entrepreneur who spent a decade rebuilding his family's business before selling it in 2023. Amy Wicks, founder of Wicks Consulting Group, joins as guest co-host. Chris shares the unfiltered story of leaving Wall Street for a trade shop in Lansdale, how one employee exit forced him to launch an entirely new service line, and the identity crisis that followed a successful exit. Key Takeaways: Losing 30% of revenue overnight can be the push a business needsCulture balance: caring deeply about people while staying performance-drivenConsistent one-on-ones are the simplest way to grow leaders from withinKnow when to develop talent internally and when to hire outside A-playersThree unsolvable problems became the clearest sign it was time to sellPost-exit identity reset is real, and most entrepreneurs don't see it comingAbout Chris Donnelly: Chris Donnelly is a galvanizer who removes barriers to agency for mid-market CEOs. After selling his business in 2023, he's navigating his "second curve"—from operator to advisor—serving as a Vistage chair and strategic advisor. Chris helps stuck CEOs ($30-200M revenue) escape operational quicksand by building systems that solve problems without them. Drawing on frameworks from psychology, strategy, and power dynamics, he transforms decision paralysis into decisive action. He's proof that your next chapter can be more meaningful than your first. Connect: Website www.vistage.com LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/chrisdonnellyvistage Marc Bernstein's Founders' Forum is brought to you by March Forward, LLC, and this episode is sponsored by The Satell Institute; the leading CEO organization dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility. Go to satellinstitute.org to learn more. 📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now! 💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow! 📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook 🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast. 📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

    31 min
  3. May 20

    Marta Sylvester: When Conscience Becomes Your Business Plan

    Her son asked her one question that changed everything. How many tons of plastic are you personally responsible for sitting in a landfill right now? For Marta Sylvester, founder and CEO of NuGen Packaging, that moment didn't just sting. It sparked a company. After 20 years climbing the ranks of the traditional packaging industry, Marta walked away from a VP of Sales role to build something she actually believed in. Today, NuGen Packaging is a leading sustainable packaging solutions provider and the first company in the U.S. to introduce aluminum bottles to the nutraceutical and OTC markets. Key Takeaways: Breaking into B2B sales without a degreeWhy she left a VP role after 20 years in corporateSurviving pandemic supply chain chaosConvincing skeptical brands to ditch plasticBuilding a learning culture in a lean teamHer three-year vision for disrupting packagingMarta also opens up about imposter syndrome, navigating a male-dominated industry as a woman founder, and her plans to support other women in business through WeBank. About Marta Sylvester: Marta is the Founder and CEO of NuGen Packaging, a packaging solutions provider changing the way brands think about sustainability. With more than three decades of experience, she brings both expertise and fresh perspective to how packaging can drive impact in today’s market. Connect: Website nugenpackaging.com LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/martasylvester/; linkedin.com/company/nugen-packaging Instagram @nugen_packaging This episode is brought to you by NuGen Packaging, Modern Solutions, Sustainable Impact. Go to nugenpackaging.com to learn more. 📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now! 💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow! 📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook 🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast. 📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

    28 min
  4. May 13

    Amy Wicks on What Sustainable Engineering Really Looks Like

    What does it really take to build a brand people trust and remember? In this episode of Founders Forum, Amy N. Wicks, P.E. shares how she turns insight into impact and helps founders create meaningful connections that support long term growth. Joined by guest co-host Chris Donnelly, the conversation explores Amy’s journey through business growth, brand strategy, and staying authentic in a crowded market. She opens up about early challenges, key turning points, and what it really takes to build something sustainable, not just something that launches. You’ll also hear practical insights on how founders can position themselves more clearly, communicate their value, and stay aligned with their bigger vision as they scale. Key Takeaways:  Clear messaging matters  Authenticity builds trust  Storytelling strengthens connection  Growth comes from key pivots  Positioning sets you apartAbout Amy Wicks: Amy Wicks, P.E., is the Founder and President of Wicks Consulting Group, a civil engineering and planning firm focused on resilient land development and sustainable infrastructure. She specializes in stormwater management, flood resiliency, and helping communities grow responsibly in rapidly changing environments. Amy is passionate about building projects — and teams — that create lasting impact for both clients and communities. Connect: Website wickscg.com LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/amy-wicks-149aa911/; linkedin.com/company/wicks-consulting-group/ Marc Bernstein's Founders' Forum is brought to you by March Forward, LLC, and this episode is sponsored by Wicks Consulting Group; where innovation meets sustainability in civil engineering. Go to www.wickscg.com to learn more. 📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now! 💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow! 📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook 🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast. 📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

    30 min
  5. May 6

    Why Entrepreneurs Should Start Earlier with Bill Sprague

    Bill Sprague didn't wait for the perfect moment — he built one. Starting Risk Averse Insurance in 2015 with no clients and a blank slate, Bill and his childhood best friend turned a bold idea into one of Philadelphia's leading commercial insurance brokerages. Bill Sprague, President and founder of Risk Averse Insurance, shares how he grew a firm built on proactive service, strategic acquisitions, and a culture of accountability. From saying no to the wrong clients to navigating culture clashes during mergers, Bill gets real about what it takes to scale with intention. Key Takeaways: Clarity is a moving target — stepping back regularly to realign with your vision is essential during rapid growth.Moving upstream changes everything — transitioning to larger commercial clients required bold decisions and full team buy-in.Organic growth fuels staying power — acquisitions are great, but investing in sales training builds the foundation that lasts.Culture is built on accountability — Bill's firm runs on a can-do attitude and a winning mentality.Start earlier — Bill's biggest advice to his younger self is that the risk of starting a business never gets smaller.About Bill Sprague: Bill is the founder and president of Risk Averse Insurance which is a commercial insurance brokerage serving clients in construction, manufacturing, wholesale, and commercial real estate. In business since 2015, Bill and team have turned Risk Averse into a leading brokerage in the area by providing clients a more proactive approach to protecting their business.  Connect: Website riskaverseinsurance.com LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/risk-averse-insurance/ Facebook facebook.com/RiskAverseInsurance/ This episode is sponsored by The Satell Institute; the leading CEO organization dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility. Go to satellinstitute.org to learn more. 📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now! 💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow! 📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook 🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast. 📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

    28 min
  6. Apr 29

    Hiring the Right Number Two Leader with Alec Broadfoot

    If you feel like your company can’t grow unless you work harder, you’re not broken. You’re probably missing the right second-in-command. In this episode of Founders Forum, Alec Broadfoot, Founder and CEO of Vision Spark and author of Hiring Your Right Number Two Leader, joins Marc Bernstein and guest co-host Anthony Naccarato to break down how the right leadership hire can completely change the trajectory of a business. Alec shares his journey from a short stint in banking to buying businesses at 25 and the hard lesson that even strong operations fall apart with poor hiring. He explains the “science of hiring,” why data and structured assessments outperform gut feel, and how one costly hiring mistake reshaped his entire approach. Together with Marc and Tony, the conversation also unpacks EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) in simple terms, from 90-day goals to weekly meeting rhythms, and highlights the critical role of the integrator, the number two leader who turns vision into execution. For founders stuck at a ceiling, this episode offers a practical path to reclaim time, improve decisions, and scale with clarity. Key Takeaways:  Why hiring mistakes hold businesses back  The shift from instinct to data-driven hiring  A simple breakdown of EOS and how it works  The role and ROI of a strong number two leader  How founders can scale without burnoutAbout Alec Broadfoot: Alec Broadfoot leads VisionSpark® - a consulting firm that has successfully completed over 200 #2 leader searches for entrepreneurial companies, many of whom run on EOS®, and searches for other leadership roles with a 98% placement rate. VisionSpark® is recognized in the 2023, 2024, and 2025 Inc. 5000 lists as one of the fastest growing companies in the country. Alec is a member of Strategic Coach®, a sought-after speaker, and the author of the #1 Amazon bestseller “Hiring Your Right #2 Leader.” In his free time, Alec enjoys playing tennis, collaborating with fellow entrepreneurs, and spending time with his family.  Connect: Website https://visionsparksearch.com/ LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/vision_spark/; linkedin.com/in/alecbroadfoot Facebook: facebook.com/visionspark/ Marc Bernstein's Founders' Forum is brought to you by March Forward, LLC, and this episode is sponsored by The Satell Institute; the leading CEO organization dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility. Go to satellinstitute.org to learn more. 📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now! 💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow! 📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook 🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast. 📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

    29 min
  7. Apr 22

    How A Father And Son Built A National Engineering Firm with Anthony & Pete Naccarato

    Family, trust, and grit are the foundations behind one of the country’s leading structural engineering firms. Anthony and Pete Naccarato share the story behind O'Donnell & Naccarato Structural Engineers, from its early days built on long hours and strong relationships to becoming a national, employee-owned company. Pete reflects on building the firm with deep trust in his partner, while Tony shares his journey from entry-level engineer to CEO, earning his leadership along the way. They talk about embracing new technology, building lasting client relationships, and making bold decisions like transitioning to an ESOP, all while staying true to their values. At its core, this is a conversation about stewardship and building something that lasts. Key Takeaways:  Trust builds strong partnerships  Relationships drive repeat business  Start from the ground up  Innovation creates opportunity  ESOPs support long-term growth  Leadership is stewardshipAbout Anthony and Pete Naccarato: Anthony Naccarato is a lifelong Philadelphia resident and a graduate of Villanova University’s College of Engineering. He has spent his entire career at O’Donnell and Naccarato, working his way up from an entry-level role to now serving as Chairman and CEO. He was born and raised in the Tacony section of Philadelphia, where he lived for over five decades, and now resides in Bella Vista with his wife, Kathee, who he’s been with for 40 years and married to for 35. Together, they have two children, Pete and Grace, and are proud grandparents to Anthony, Declan, and Amelia. Pete Naccarato is the co-founder of O’Donnell and Naccarato, a nationally recognized structural engineering firm. With decades of experience in the industry, he helped grow the company from a three-person startup into a trusted partner on major projects across multiple markets. Known for his strong work ethic, commitment to client relationships, and values rooted in family and trust, Pete played a key role in building a firm designed for long-term success. He later helped guide the company through its transition to an employee-owned structure, ensuring continuity for both its people and its legacy. Connect: Website www.o-n.com LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/anthony-naccarato-04371a6 Facebook facebook.com/odonnellandnaccarato/ Marc Bernstein's Founders' Forum is brought to you by March Forward, LLC, and this episode is sponsored by O’Donnell and Naccarato, a national structural engineering firm. Visit o-n.com to learn more. 📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now! 💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow! 📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook 🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast. 📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

    30 min
  8. Apr 15

    Building a 600+ Employee Company Without a Playbook with Mitch Gyger

    Most founders don’t start with a clear plan. They start by figuring things out as they go. In this episode, we’re joined by Mitch Gyger, President and Co-Founder of OPS Security Group, with Vera Hempel as guest co-host. Mitch shares how graduating into the 2009 recession led him to take a security guard role, an opportunity that ultimately shaped his entire career. What started as a stopgap turned into a long-term path as he built experience, earned credibility, and eventually co-founded a company from the ground up. Mitch opens up about the early days of entrepreneurship, doing every role, making mistakes, and learning without a playbook. He also breaks down how OPS scaled into a 600+ employee organization by focusing on one key principle, putting employees first. From hiring to pricing, that philosophy drives how they operate, even when it means losing short-term deals. We also explore how Mitch thinks about growth today, from building structured sales systems to staying patient in government contracting, and how he defines success across business, faith, and family. Key Takeaways: Start where you are and build from experienceExpect chaos early, clarity comes laterPay people well to build stronger teamsShort-term losses can create long-term winsStay patient when timing isn’t in your controlPlan intentionally across business and lifeAbout Mitch Gyger: Mitch has over 20 years of experience in the security industry and currently serves as the President of OPS Security Group. Since co-founding the company, he has played a central role in shaping its growth and evolution. In his role as President, Mitch is responsible for setting the company’s strategy, overseeing finance, sales, human resources, and service delivery. His leadership ensures OPS continues to deliver high-quality service while building a culture rooted in integrity and high performance. Connect: Website opssecuritygroup.com LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/mitchgyger/ This episode is brought to you by The Satell Institute; the leading CEO organization dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility. Go to satellinstitute.org to learn more. 📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now! 💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow! 📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein: ➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook 🎤 Got a success story worth sharing? We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast. 📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.

    28 min
5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

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