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. 6D AGO

    The Mindset Behind Lasting Success with Gal Borenstein

    What if most disappointment comes from unspoken expectations—and the cure is a simple agreement? In this episode, we explore how shifting from assumptions to aligned agreements can transform leadership, teams, and even families. Hosted by Marc Bernstein, with guest co-host Scott Reuter of Product Command Data, this conversation features Gal Borenstein, founder and CEO of The Borenstein Group. Gal shares a remarkable journey—from flying with generals in the Israeli Defense Forces’ media unit to studying communications at Temple University and launching a niche marketing firm with just a few thousand dollars on a credit card. That bold bet on the future of technology became a top B2B branding and marketing agency helping complex tech companies communicate with clarity and confidence. Along the way, Gal opens up about learning sales without formal training, building a competitive advantage as a small agency, and creating long-term client relationships that span decades. Key takeaways: Why replacing expectations with clear agreements improves leadership and resultsThe sales lesson that changed everything: “people buy from people”How niching into technology gave a small agency a powerful edgeThe early thinking behind today’s fractional CMO modelHow to translate complex technical products into compelling storiesWhy self-belief—and sufficient runway—are critical for foundersAbout Gal Borenstein: Gal Borenstein is the CEO and Founder of The Borenstein Group, a top-ranked technology-focused B2B and B2G branding and marketing agency serving technology innovators, cyber and defense contractors, and professional services firms. With over 30 years of experience, Gal is a sought-after speaker and strategic advisor to C-level executives, known for his expertise in digital branding, marketing transformation, and building trust in the age of AI. He is the author of three business books: Activate! How to Power Up Your Brand, What Really Counts for CEOs, and Don’t Believe the Hype. His strategic brand insights help organizations grow with clarity, credibility, and competitive impact. Connect: Website borensteingroup.com LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/galborensteinexecutiveprofile Facebook facebook.com/borensteingroup/?_rdr X x.com/BorensteinGroup This episode is brought to you by Workshop Strategy; Merging experience, innovation, and purpose. Go to workshopstrategy.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
  2. FEB 4

    How Tom McEvoy Built a Breakthrough Building Product

    How do you turn decades of corporate experience into something that truly lasts—both in business and in your community? In this episode of Founders Forum, Marc Bernstein sits down with Tom McEvoy, CEO and Founder of LumberCon LLC and Founder and Board Chair of the Uptown Theater in West Chester, Pennsylvania. After spending 24 years with Armstrong World Industries—including leadership roles overseas—Tom transitioned into entrepreneurship, helping develop a revolutionary fireproof concrete decking product. At the same time, he turned his focus toward giving back, playing a key role in bringing live performing arts back to his hometown. This conversation explores Tom’s journey from corporate leadership to purpose-driven entrepreneurship, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. From a decade-long research and development process to educating architects and contractors on new materials, Tom shares what it really takes to bring innovation to market. He also reflects on the importance of mentorship, long-term thinking, and the leadership skill he calls “aggressive listening.” The episode wraps with Tom’s vision for the future of both LumberCon and the Uptown Theater—and what legacy means to him as a founder. Key Takeaways: Why giving back matters for entrepreneursThe long road behind LumberCon’s innovationIntroducing new products in traditional industries“Aggressive listening” as a leadership skillBuilding a legacy beyond the founderAbout Tom McEvoy: After 24 years with Armstrong World Industries, including seven years overseas in Hong Kong and London, I started a second career in the concrete industry with High Concrete, one of the leading precast concrete companies in the U.S. That introduction to concrete led me to develop LumberCon, a lightweight, high-strength concrete deck plank. Separately, my wife and two other friends started the Uptown Theater in West Chester. Connect: Website lumberconusa.com ; uptownwestchester.org LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/tom-mcevoy-28504741/ Facebook facebook.com/uptownwc Instagram instagram.com/uptownwc/ This episode is brought to you by CamaPlan, A Different Way to Invest. Go to camaplan.com/foundersforum 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
  3. JAN 28

    What the Media Really Wants: Ronica Cleary on Strategic PR

    What happens when a White House correspondent trades breaking political news for building a purpose-driven PR agency? In this episode of Founders’ Forum, Marc Bernstein sits down with Ronica Cleary to talk about clarity, intention, and the realities of growing a modern communications business. Ronica Cleary is the Founder and CEO of Cleary Strategies, a full-service public relations agency serving leaders and organizations across the U.S. Before launching her firm, Ronica spent years as a television journalist, including covering the first 18 months of the Trump administration as a White House correspondent—an experience that shaped her deep understanding of media, messaging, and storytelling. Ronica shares how she transitioned from journalism to entrepreneurship while raising a young family, why she intentionally avoids a frantic work culture, and how intuition has guided her business decisions. She also discusses building a remote, contractor-based team, maintaining strong culture, navigating client growth and pricing, and adapting to a rapidly changing media landscape—including how SEO and generative engine optimization (GEO) have become unexpected growth drivers. Key Takeaways: Why clarity and intention matter more than hustleLessons from transitioning out of journalism into entrepreneurshipHow to build culture with a remote PR teamNavigating growth, pricing, and evolving media channelsAbout Ronica Cleary: Ronica Cleary is an award-winning publicist and the Founder & CEO of Cleary Strategies, a full-service public relations agency and a two-time Inc. Power Partner Award winner. Cleary Strategies provides public relations, media placements, and crisis management services to leaders and corporations. Cleary Strategies’ clients can be seen on broadcast television, heard on podcasts and radio, and featured in digital and print media. Prior to launching her agency, Ronica worked as a White House Correspondent for Fox 5 in Washington, DC, and hosted a Sunday morning political talk show, Fox 5 On The Hill. Connect: Website clearystrategies.com LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/cleary-strategies/ ; linkedin.com/in/ronica-cleary/ Instagram instagram.com/cleary_strategies/; instagram.com/ronicacleary/ Facebook facebook.com/RonicaCleary/ YouTube youtube.com/channel/UCBi-DNk7yTqKTrJtdX2DCsg This episode is brought to you by The Satell Institute; the leading CEO organization dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility. Go to satellinstitute.org 📅 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. JAN 21

    Darek Hahn on Turning IT Into a Business Advantage

    What if the biggest risk to your business isn’t technology itself—but your relationship with it? In this episode of Founders’ Forum, Marc Bernstein sits down with Darek Hahn to explore why strong human connection is the missing link in modern IT and leadership. Darek Hahn is the founder and CEO of AffinIT, a relationship-first managed IT services company, and the soon-to-be-published author of Team We. Drawing from decades of experience across startups, acquisitions, and exits, Darek shares how seasons of life, business, and leadership shaped his philosophy around technology, trust, and teamwork. From selling an IT company for $8 million to launching a new venture grounded in empathy and communication, his journey offers valuable lessons for founders navigating growth and change. In this candid conversation, Darek and Marc discuss why many businesses struggle with IT, how “tech debt” quietly erodes opportunity, and why excluding technology leaders from business decisions can cost companies millions. Darek also opens up about vulnerability, recovery, and how personal transformation influenced his leadership style and upcoming book. Key Takeaways: Why underinvesting in technology creates hidden business riskHow poor IT relationships weaken foundations and stall growthWhat “tech debt” really means—and how it impacts revenueWhy technology must be part of strategic business decisionsHow vulnerability and trust strengthen leadership and teamsWhy the future of IT depends on human connection, not just toolsAbout Darek Hahn: A relationship driven technology leader focused on building a team of amazingly talented, customer focused people who understand the importance of the personal connection in all we do. Darek's goal for his new company is to help clients change their relationship to IT, bringing it into the business as a value add rather than a value drag. Tech Debt is real and he can help you see it in your own company. Connect: Website affinitmsp.com LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/darek-hahn/ ; linkedin.com/company/affinitmsp/ This episode is brought to you by AffinIT, helping businesses build better relationships with their technology. Go to affinitmsp.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
  5. JAN 14

    Playing to Win: Creating Workplaces People Actually Love with Theresa Hummel-Krallinger

    She wanted to work for Merck. They rejected her. Best thing that ever happened—because Theresa Hummel-Krallinger was never meant for a lab. Theresa Hummel-Krallinger, CEO and Chief People Officer of High Five Performance, spent 18 years at Prudential before launching her consulting firm in 2002. But here's the twist: she's also a stand-up comedian, Emmy Award winner, and founder of Meet the Author—ranked #4 for business networking in Philadelphia. For $89 at community college, she learned comedy to enhance her corporate speaking. Now she gets paid for both. Her Meet the Author program started as a 12-person roundtable and grew to 80-100 attendees with 200+ authors. Theresa creates workplaces people love through better managers. Using DISC assessments and curriculum covering motivation, delegation, and coaching, she helps organizations build thriving cultures. Her new book, Make Waves: A Career Pathing Guide, curates 20 years of materials to help job seekers, career changers, and retirees figure out what they want to be. Her philosophy? Play to win, not avoid losing. Squeeze the juice out of life at every moment. Key Takeaways: Financial cushion matters: Two years runway builds without desperationPlay to win: Shift from playing safe to shooting for starsBuild with intention: Pursue opportunities that complement your missionHumor enhances credibility: Comedy makes you a better consultantSqueeze the juice: Make every moment count, don't mail it inAbout Theresa Hummel-Krallinger: Theresa Hummel-Krallinger is a powerhouse culture and leadership expert, stand-up comedian, Emmy Award winner, and award-winning community builder. As President of High Five Performance, she helps organizations create workplaces people love, while her "Meet the Author" program (ranked #4 for business networking by Philadelphia Business Journal) connects leaders in meaningful ways. Her upcoming book, "Make Waves: A Career Pathing Guide to Stand Out, Stay Employable, and Sail Ahead," empowers readers to own their careers for lifelong success — all delivered with her signature humor and heart. Connect: Website highfiveperformance.com ; theresahkcomedy.com ; meettheauthorpc.com LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/tkrallinger/ Facebook facebook.com/theresahummel/ X x.com/theresahk Instagram instagram.com/treesehk/ Youtube youtube.com/@theresahummel-krallinger115 This episode is brought to you by The Satell Institute; the leading CEO organization dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility. Go to satellinstitute.org 📅 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. JAN 7

    Creating Five Million Memories: Scaling Hospitality with Joshua Funk

    He went to Penn State to become a doctor. But bartending at his stepmother's Irish pub changed everything—and now he's creating memories for Lady Gaga tours and corporate events alike. Josh Funk, President and CEO of TFB Hospitality, discovered he was a math nerd who runs restaurants. After hating pre-med despite a 1400 SAT, one hospitality course showed him restaurants are "chaos math"—probabilities with six different bullseyes. After nine years at the National Press Club managing $10M operations, Josh bought Andy Bailey's in Lancaster in 2012. What followed: seven restaurants in six years, catering for 1,400-person conferences, and becoming Live Nation's caterer for Citizens Bank Park, Lincoln Financial Field, and Lady Gaga at Hershey Stadium. Growth wasn't smooth. Opening two unprofitable lunch counters taught him cash is king. COVID shut him down before a $100K St. Patrick's Day, and a $1.9M grant error stung hard. Yet he scaled from $5.6M in 2022 to over $12M in 2023 by taking himself out of the equation—hiring right people, building systems, and focusing on one powerful vision: create five million memories in 10 years. Currently at one million and counting. Key Takeaways: Vision unites teams: "Five million memories" gives purpose beyond profitCash is king: Growing too fast without capital kills businessesTake yourself out: Build systems for the organization, not youHard work matters: Success requires relentless dedicationPeople come first: Take care of your team—they create memoriesAbout Josh Funk: Joshua is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University's Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management program. He brings experience, vision, and cutting-edge strategy to TFB Hospitality's growing portfolio of properties. Previously, he spent nine years at the prestigious National Press Club in Washington, D.C., overseeing operations with total revenues of $10 million in food, beverage, audio/visual, and broadcast, along with a staff of 10 managers and more than 40 full-time and part-time union staff. This experience helped Joshua foster a forward-thinking hospitality company that can thrive across locations and concepts. Connect: Website tfbhospitality.com LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/joshua-funk-321780/ Instagram @tfbhospitality, @conwaysocialclub, @anniebaileys, @perdiemlititz, @docfunk6, @tfbcatering This episode is brought to you by The Satell Institute; the leading CEO organization dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility. Go to satellinstitute.org to 📅 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
  7. 12/31/2025

    From Babysitting to 40,000 Workers: Fearless Grit with Renee Patrone Rhinehart

    She was babysitting to pay rent while building a business. But that 27-year-old had something her 44-year-old self admires—fearless grit. Renee Patrone Rhinehart, founder and CEO of Events by Renee and Party Host Helpers, started event planning in 2007 when the economy crashed. Working part-time jobs for eight years, she went full-time in 2015. When clients kept asking for bartenders and servers, Renee launched Party Host Helpers in 2013, expanding nationwide within two years. Today, 40,000 gig workers power events from birthday parties to PGA tournaments. COVID hit hard. With zero events, Renee worked at a wine store while pregnant and buying a house. Post-COVID demand skyrocketed her business. Now managing 10 employees nationwide, she builds her brand, streamlines technology, and expands internationally while serving on EO and NAWBO boards. Her secret? Show up, get involved, and ask "what can I do for you?" Key Takeaways: Grit over perfection: Side jobs teach resilience you can't learn elsewhereSpot the pattern: Client requests reveal opportunitiesGet involved: Networking and service build business naturallyTech aids, doesn't solve: Streamline but expect new challengesVision boards work: Write it down, visualize it, make it happenAbout Renee Patrone Rhinehart: Renee Patrone Rhinehart is the founder and CEO of Party Host Helpers, a nationwide event-staffing company, and Events by Renee, an award-winning wedding and corporate event planning firm. A natural connector and leader, she’s known for making hosts feel like guests at their own parties while empowering her team across the country to deliver exceptional hospitality. Renee frequently appears on TV and speaks at industry events, inspiring others through her passion for people, leadership, and celebration. Connect: Website partyhosthelper.com, eventsbyrenee.net LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/reneepatronerhinehart/ Instagram @partyhosthelpers, @events_byrenee, @reneepatronerhinehart  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
  8. 12/24/2025

    Fighting Loneliness with Coffee: Creating Third Spaces That Connect with Matt Ramsay

    What if a cup of coffee could do more than wake you up? Matt Ramsay, founder and co-owner of Denim Coffee, shares how a late-night campus job sparked a mission to build cafés that are about people first, not transactions. While working 11 PM shifts, Matt noticed students weren’t coming in just for drinks—they were lonely. With over 40% of college students experiencing extreme loneliness, he saw coffee shops as modern “third spaces” where connection matters. The road to building Denim Coffee was anything but smooth: 39 bank rejections, a roaster supplier collapse, and years of barely breaking even alongside his partner, Tony Diehl. Today, Denim Coffee operates seven locations (with an eighth on the way), employs 80 team members, and lives by a clear philosophy: hire for warmth, train for craft, and define “better coffee” as care for both the customer and the farmer. Matt also dives into the tough economics of coffee—price volatility, sustainability, and why long-term farmer relationships are about justice, not branding. Innovation plays a role too, from flash-chilled coffee brewed hot and cooled in under 30 seconds to scalable systems that reduce waste while expanding reach. Growth, for Matt, only matters if the mission grows with it. Key Takeaways: Coffee shops as third spaces can combat lonelinessJustice in coffee starts with supporting farmersHire warmth, train skill—personality can’t be taughtHard innovations create real differentiationScale the mission, not just the revenueAbout Matt Ramsay: Matt Ramsay is a former college minister who, along with his wife Kristin and business partner Tony Diehl, has built a coffee roasting business, a bakery, and seven coffee shops across central PA and is currently building their eighth location. Denim helps new coffee shops open and is also uniquely bringing flash-chilled coffee to the market. Matt cares about justice, great coffee, and hospitality. Connect: Website denimcoffeecompany.com LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/matthew-ramsay-06452660/ Facebook facebook.com/DenimCoffee Instagram instagram.com/denimcoffee X x.com/DenimCoffee YouTube youtube.com/@denimcoffee TikTok tiktok.com/@denimcoffee This episode is brought to you by Denim Coffee; Pennsylvania specialty coffee roaster with cafés across Central PA—Make Better Coffee. Go to denimcoffeecompany.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.

    27 min
5
out of 5
8 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.