Alpha Edge: The Entrepreneur’s Launchpad

Loren Dougherty CEO
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Alpha Edge is hosted by Loren Dougherty, the show delivers real conversations with founders and CEOs who share the lessons, failures, and strategies behind building successful companies. Get practical advice, mindset shifts, and the unfiltered truth about business so you can grow faster, lead stronger, and level up your life and career.

Episodes

  1. Jun 9

    Introducing Throughway.AI — Real AI for Local Businesses, Finally Made Simple

    AI has been promised to small business owners for years, but most people still have no clear path to actually use it. They jump on ChatGPT, try a few tools, and get nowhere. That ends now. Loren Dougherty and Raymond Beckham — operators who've built and run nine companies across security, IT, software, vending, and more — introduce Throughway.AI: an AI services company built specifically for local businesses. No six-figure projects. No complicated installs. Just real AI tools, set up and run for you, on a simple monthly subscription. In this intro video, Loren and Raymond break down what Throughway.AI is, why they built it, and what's coming next — including free website audits, ADA compliance testing, and a full menu of AI services designed to help your business answer calls, close more sales, manage your reputation, and run more efficiently. Visit throughway.ai to see what's on the menu, or book a free call to find out which services fit your operation.

    3 min

  2. May 8

    Jordan on Entrepreneurship, Hiring, and Hard Lessons

    In this episode of the Yardbros Podcast, we sit down with Jordan for an honest conversation about what it really takes to build a business from the ground up. Jordan opens up about his journey into entrepreneurship — the spark that started it all, the long days no one sees, and the lessons he had to learn the hard way. We get into the realities of hiring and building a team you can trust, the mistakes that cost him the most (and taught him the most), and the mindset shifts that have kept him going when things got tough. Whether you're running your own business, thinking about taking the leap, or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, there's something in this one for you. Tune in for real talk on growth, grit, and the lessons you only learn by doing. 🎧 In this episode: How Jordan got started and what almost stopped himThe hiring philosophy that changed his businessThe biggest mistake he's ever made — and what it taught himAdvice he'd give his younger selfWhat's next for him and the businessFollow the Yardbros Podcast for more conversations with the people building, grinding, and making it happen. #YardbrosPodcast #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #Hiring

    28 min

  3. Apr 10

    Episode 9: What It Takes to Run a Stadium: Jim Mercurio’s Playbook

    In this episode of the Alpha Edge Podcast, we sit down with Jim Mercurio, a seasoned stadium operations and safety executive with nearly three decades of experience with the San Francisco 49ers and Levi’s Stadium. Jim takes us behind the scenes of what it really takes to run large-scale events like the Super Bowl—from managing high-pressure environments to leading massive teams and ensuring safety at every level. We also dive into his transition into entrepreneurship, where he now brings his expertise to businesses across the country. This episode is packed with real-world leadership lessons, operational insights, and what it truly means to perform at the highest level.

    47 min

  4. Mar 20

    Episode 8: From Idea to Income: Building VendBoss & VBossCharge

    In this episode, we break down how smart vending machines and phone charging stations are creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs. We dive into: • How to start a vending machine business• How passive income works with vending• The rise of charging station rentals• Real insights from building VendBoss• What you need to get started This is one of the fastest-growing automated business models right now and most people are still sleeping on it. 👇 Learn more or get started: https://vbosscharging.com/ola/services/free-30-min-new-team-member-consultation 👇 Learn more Purchase at: https://vendbossllc.com/

    13 min

  5. Jan 13

    Episode 6 Why Busy Leaders Respond Faster (And Amateurs Disappear)

    Responsiveness is respect. The busiest, most successful people in business don’t disappear — they communicate. They close loops. They don’t leave people guessing, spiraling, or chasing clarity. In this episode, we cover: Why silence kills momentum in business How slow or nonexistent responses damage trust, deals, and culture What real operators do differently when it comes to communication Clear do’s and don’ts for email, text, Slack, CRM, and client communication Why any response is better than no response How your response time sets the standard for your entire organization This applies to every form of communication — email, text, internal messages, client follow-ups, and leadership decisions. If you’re building a company, leading a team, closing deals, or trying to operate at a higher level, this episode will challenge how you communicate — and why it matters more than you think. Real leaders don’t go dark.Real operators close the loop.And when there’s respect, you’ll never have to chase clarity. 🎙️ Subscribe to The Alpha Edge CEO Podcast for real strategy, real execution, and real-world leadership lessons.

    5 min

  6. 12/18/2025

    Episode 5: Pressure, Persistence & Profound Growth — Bradd Fisher

    Bradd Fisher: The Tough Road to Business — Grit, Failure & Building What Lasts Entrepreneurship isn’t built overnight — it’s forged through pressure, setbacks, and hard decisions. In this episode of the Alpha Edge CEO Lounge, we sit down with Bradd Fisher, founder of Profound Technologies and formerly of RSD and ICD Systems, to unpack the real journey behind building a successful business. Bradd shares the challenges most founders don’t talk about — early failures, uncomfortable leadership moments, and the resilience required to keep moving forward when the road gets tough. This conversation dives deep into what it truly takes to survive and scale in business: grit over talent, lessons learned the hard way, and why the toughest seasons often produce the strongest operators. If you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or someone considering taking the leap, this episode delivers raw insight, real perspective, and hard-earned wisdom from someone who’s lived it. No hype. No shortcuts. Just the truth about the road to business.

    1h 10m

  7. 12/12/2025

    Side Hustle, Selling, Scaling & Saying Yes

    In this episode of the Alpha Edge CEO Lounge, Loren breaks down four game-changing pillars of entrepreneurship: knowing when to take your side hustle full-time, learning when to work for free vs. when to charge your worth, shifting from selling to serving, and the biggest lessons learned from scaling multiple businesses. You’ll hear the real triggers that pushed Loren to go all in, the mindset behind saying “yes” to opportunities before you understand them, and how owning companies across alarms, fitness, vending, consulting, and media shaped his approach to leadership and growth. This episode is raw, practical, and built for anyone who’s ready to take the next step in their business journey. Real leaders. Real strategy. Real talk.Welcome to the Alpha Edge CEO Lounge.

    27 min

  8. 12/02/2025

    From Tradesman to CEO: Larry Waters on Scaling Electrify My Home

    In this episode, Loren sits down with Larry Waters, founder of Electrify My Home, to break down how he built a thriving business in the fast-growing home electrification industry. Larry shares his journey, the challenges of scaling a technical trade, how to educate customers in a new market, and what it really takes to lead a company through rapid growth. Packed with strategy and real talk for entrepreneurs looking to build, innovate, or dominate their niche.

    1h 15m

  9. 11/26/2025

    Episode 2: The Truth About Getting Started — Fear, Clarity & Your First Steps

    Starting a business isn’t about logos, websites, or waiting for the perfect timing. It’s about getting clear on what you want to build, pushing through fear, and taking real action before you feel ready. In Episode 2 of The Alpha Edge CEO Lounge, Loren Dougherty sits down with himself in a powerful, honest dialogue about what truly happens before you launch a business. This is a raw look behind the curtain — not a motivational quote, but the real process and mindset shifts every entrepreneur faces. Loren breaks down the first real steps of entrepreneurship and the fears most people never talk about, using his own journey building Alpha Alarm & Audio, Elite Fitness Dixon, VendBoss, and How2Consulting as the foundation. In this episode, Loren discusses: • The #1 first step every entrepreneur must take: getting brutally clear on the problem you solve• How to validate an idea quickly — with real customers, not friends• Why starting messy is better than planning yourself into paralysis• The three biggest fears people face when starting a business• How those fears showed up in Loren’s life and shaped his journey• Why fear never fully disappears — you just get better at moving through it• How to build confidence through action, not waiting Loren opens up about the early stages of his entrepreneurial path — the fear of failing publicly, looking stupid, losing money, or not knowing enough. He shares how these fears impacted him when building multiple companies from scratch, and how each business forced him to grow into the next version of himself. You’ll hear how he pushed forward even when people were watching, when the pressure was high, and when there was no guarantee of success. This episode is full of straight talk for anyone who's thinking about starting a business or stuck overthinking the details. You’ll learn:– The difference between “wantrepreneurs” and real founders– Why clarity comes from doing, not thinking– How to move through fear without letting it stop your momentum– The mindset shift that can change your entire future– How to take the first step today, even if you feel unprepared– Why perfection is the enemy of progress If you’re looking for a real roadmap to the beginning of entrepreneurship — not the sugarcoated version — this episode will give you the truth. The fears are real. The doubts are real. But so is the opportunity on the other side of taking action. If you’re watching on YouTube or any platform, make sure to subscribe and smash that like button so you never miss an episode. Big interviews with top CEOs and founders are coming soon, and you don’t want to miss the strategies they’ll share. This is your reminder:There is no perfect moment to start.There is no perfect plan.There is only fear, clarity, and your first step. Press play — and get moving.

    18 min
  10. Episode 1: How this will go and all about Loren Dougherty

    11/19/2025

    Episode 1: How this will go and all about Loren Dougherty

    Welcome to the very first episode of the Alpha Edge CEO Lounge — the show built for doers, builders, and entrepreneurs who are ready to level up. In this kickoff episode, host Loren Dougherty lays out exactly what this podcast will be, how each episode will flow, and what you can expect as a listener who’s hungry for real leadership and real strategy. Loren also takes you behind the curtain of his own story — from growing up with a relentless work ethic, to building multiple companies across security, fitness, vending, consulting, and beyond. He shares the struggles, turning points, and mindset shifts that shaped who he is today, and why he believes anyone can create a life and business they’re proud of if they’re willing to take action. This episode sets the foundation for everything to come. You’ll hear: 🔥 What the Alpha Edge CEO Lounge is really about🔥 Why entrepreneurship isn’t for watchers — only for doers🔥 What future episodes will cover and how each guest will bring real, tactical value🔥 Loren’s journey from employee to multi-business owner🔥 The mistakes, failures, and breakthroughs that shaped his entire path🔥 How this podcast will become your weekly launchpad to growth, discipline, and leadership Whether you're just starting a business or scaling something big, this first episode will motivate you, center you, and set the tone for a powerful journey ahead. Welcome to the circle.Welcome to Alpha Edge.

    37 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

Alpha Edge is hosted by Loren Dougherty, the show delivers real conversations with founders and CEOs who share the lessons, failures, and strategies behind building successful companies. Get practical advice, mindset shifts, and the unfiltered truth about business so you can grow faster, lead stronger, and level up your life and career.

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