Built to Finish

Steven Pivnik
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to Built to Finish! Join host, Steven Pivnik, each week as he explores the journeys of audacious goal setters. This includes experienced Founders, CEOs and entrepreneurs sharing pivotal moments that propelled their success. We'll also be talking with endurance athletes who push the limits of physical and mental ability. This show is brought to you by Acresis — offering tailored, high-impact advisory services to help founders get to their finish line with a strategic acquisition or majority investor recapitalization. To learn more, go to: https://acresis.com/

  1. 2d ago

    From Tech CEO to Hollywood Director: Building a Feature Film from Scratch with Nick Wilkinson

    "Building a feature film is every bit as hard as building a company." After leading technology companies through billion-dollar operations and successful acquisitions, Nick Wilkinson decided to start over—this time in Hollywood. In this episode, Nick shares the behind-the-scenes story of producing Death on the Brandywine, the unexpected similarities between entrepreneurship and filmmaking, and the leadership principles that have remained constant throughout every chapter of his career. From fundraising and casting to creative vision and learning to let go, this conversation offers valuable insights for anyone building something meaningful. Key Takeaways Reinvention doesn't end after one successful career. Building a film isn't much different than building a startup. Raising capital is only the beginning—the real challenge is execution. Leadership is about creating environments where people do their best work. Great teams outperform great individuals. Letting go is one of the hardest parts of leadership. Every first project comes with expensive lessons. Creativity and business discipline must coexist. Independent filmmaking requires relentless persistence. Success often comes from following curiosity rather than rigid plans. Film Information 🌐 Website: https://deathonthebrandywine.com 📺 Watch Death on the Brandywine: Amazon Prime Video Apple TV 📸 Instagram: @deathonthebrandywine 📘 Facebook: Death on the Brandywine

  2. Jul 15

    Healthspan Over Lifespan: The Future of Longevity with Hunter Ziesing

    "Don't focus on lifespan. Focus on healthspan." Everyone wants to live longer,but what if we've been asking the wrong question? In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven sits down with longevity entrepreneur Hunter Ziesing to explore the future of healthcare, AI-powered medicine, preventive health, and why increasing your healthspan matters more than simply extending your lifespan. Hunter shares his journey from Wall Street to building companies focused on longevity after losing his father and close friends to preventable diseases. Together they discuss the future of AI doctors, why America's healthcare system rewards sickness over prevention, the biggest mistakes startup founders make while raising capital, and the surprisingly simple habits that have the biggest impact on living a longer, healthier life. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to perform at a higher level or simply want to age with purpose, this conversation offers practical insights into building a better future, for both your business and your body. Key Takeaways Why healthspan is more important than lifespan. The future of AI-powered healthcare and personalized medicine. Why preventive health is still largely inaccessible. The four pillars of longevity everyone should prioritize. The biggest fundraising mistakes startup founders make. Why customer feedback matters more than founder ego. How endurance sports shape better entrepreneurs. Why social connection may be one of the greatest longevity tools we have. Hunter's vision for democratizing health data. Contact the Guest - Hunter Ziesing Co-Founder & Head of Partnerships - Longevity Health Executive Director - Global Health Atlas Email: Hunter@LongevityHealth.me Hunter@GlobalHealthAtlas.org

  3. Jul 8

    Build a Business Buyers Actually Want with John Warrillow

    "Your job isn't just to grow revenue. Your job is to build a business that can thrive without you." Most entrepreneurs spend years growing revenue—but very few spend time building a business someone actually wants to buy. In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven sits down with bestselling author and Value Builder founder John Warrillow to discuss what truly drives company value, why so many founders unknowingly make their businesses harder to sell, and the practical changes every entrepreneur should make long before an exit is on the horizon. Together they cover recurring revenue, founder dependency, incentive structures, acquisition mistakes, AI's impact on advisory businesses, and why preparing for an exit should begin far earlier than most founders realize. Whether you plan to sell next year or twenty years from now, this conversation will change how you think about building your company. Key Takeaways Why revenue and profit alone don't determine business value The origin story behind Built to Sell The eight drivers of business value How founder dependency destroys valuation Why recurring revenue commands premium multiples The dangers of proprietary acquisition offers Why every founder should prepare for an exit years in advance How to incentivize employees to think like owners Why AI won't replace great advisors Why human relationships are becoming even more valuable in an AI-driven world Guest John Warrillow Website: Value Builder System LinkedIn: John Warrillow on LinkedIn Email: john@valuebuilder.com Mentioned Resources Built to Sell The Automatic Customer The Art of Selling Your Business Value Builder System Assessment

  4. Jul 1

    The Legal Mistakes That Kill Business Exits (And How to Avoid Them) with Matthew Fornaro

    "Have the uncomfortable conversation now instead of having the really uncomfortable conversation later." Most founders think about legal protection only after something goes wrong. That's backwards. In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven sits down with business attorney Matthew Fornaro to discuss why legal structure, governance, contracts, and documentation should be part of every founder's strategy from day one, not just when preparing to sell. They dive into what buyers actually look for during due diligence, why handshake agreements create massive risk, how poor documentation can destroy multimillion-dollar exits, and why your attorney should be part of your business long before litigation ever appears. They also discuss AI's growing role in professional services, where it helps, where it fails, and why human expertise still matters. If you're building a business with the goal of creating long-term value, or eventually selling it, this conversation could save you years of expensive mistakes. Key Takeaways Why legal planning begins before launching your business The biggest mistakes founders make with LLCs and corporate structure Why governance documents matter more than most entrepreneurs realize How missing paperwork can derail acquisitions The importance of contracts for every business relationship When founders should begin preparing for an exit Why attorneys and accountants should be year-round advisors The hidden costs of partnership disputes How buyers evaluate legal risk during due diligence AI's strengths—and dangerous limitations—in legal work Connect with Matthew Fornaro Website: https://fornarolegal.com Connect with Steven Pivnik Website: https://stevenpivnik.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenpivnik Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenpivnik

  5. Jun 24

    AI Won't Replace Humans. It Will Expose How We Work with Christa Hill

    "The more technology we have at our disposal, the more human we need to be." Everyone is talking about AI tools, prompts, and automation, but few are talking about the human side of transformation. In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven sits down with AI educator, leadership trainer, and Tacit Edge CEO Christa Hill to discuss what truly separates organizations that thrive with AI from those that struggle to keep up. They explore why curiosity may be the most valuable skill of the future, how leaders can create cultures that embrace experimentation, why failure is essential to innovation, and what companies are getting wrong about AI adoption. Christa also shares practical strategies for creating AI-powered workflows, developing personal AI assistants, preparing the next generation for an AI-driven future, and why emotional intelligence may become the most important workplace skill of all. Whether you're a founder, executive, manager, or professional trying to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of AI, this conversation offers a refreshingly human perspective on what comes next. Key Takeaways AI transformation starts with people, not technology. Curiosity is becoming one of the most valuable professional skills. Organizations need experimentation before they can expect ROI. Technical expertise can sometimes limit AI adoption. Leaders who delay AI education risk holding their teams back. Employees are already using AI, whether companies acknowledge it or not. AI should be viewed as a collaborator, not just a tool. Voice conversations often produce better AI outcomes than typing. Emotional intelligence will become more valuable as technology advances. Entrepreneurship remains one of the best ways to future-proof your career. Guest Links Tacit Edge Learnit Training Christa Hill on LinkedIn

  6. Jun 18

    Founder Executive Triathlon Retreat with Steven Pivnik

    Most founder retreats happen in a conference room.This one starts with an ocean swim. In this special solo episode, Steven Pivnik pulls back the curtain on the Founder Executive Triathlon Retreat and answers the most common questions founders ask before applying. Why combine business strategy with endurance sports? Do you need triathlon experience? Who is the ideal participant? What actually happens over the course of the weekend? And what kind of business breakthroughs can founders expect when they step away from their companies and challenge themselves alongside other high-performing entrepreneurs? Drawing on lessons from building and exiting a global technology company, completing 17 IRONMAN races, and advising founders on growth and exit readiness, Steven explains why entrepreneurship is an endurance sport and why some of the most important business decisions happen outside the office. Over three days in Atlantic Beach, New York, participants will tackle an ocean swim, a group bike ride, a run, strategic business workshops, founder roundtables, and one-on-one coaching sessions designed to help them build stronger companies and become more effective leaders. The weekend culminates in a sprint triathlon where participants put both mindset and preparation to the test. Whether you're considering applying for a future retreat or simply curious about the connection between endurance, leadership, and building a company worth owning, and eventually selling. This episode provides an inside look at one of the most unique founder experiences available today. In This Episode You'll Learn: • Why Steven created the Founder Executive Triathlon Retreat • The parallels between entrepreneurship and endurance sports • Who the retreat is designed for (and who it isn't) • What founders can expect during the weekend • Common concerns about fitness and triathlon experience • The business lessons that emerge under physical challenge • How the retreat helps founders build more valuable, scalable companies Entrepreneurship is an endurance sport. The question is: are you training for the finish line? Apply here: www.stevenpivnik.com/founder-triathlon-retreat Contact Steven: Email: steven@stevenpivnik.com IG: @stevenpivnik LinkedIn: Steven Pivnik

  7. Jun 10

    Opportunity by Proximity: Building Wealth, Resilience, and a Life That Lasts with Mario Sicari

    "Everything that happens every day you wake up, there's going to be a door presented to you. It's either you go through the door or you don't." What separates people who build lasting wealth from those who stay stuck? In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven sits down with Mario Sicari, founder of BGS Capital Management, to discuss resilience, entrepreneurship, wealth creation, and the mindset required to build a meaningful life. Mario shares the remarkable story of launching his firm after losing his corporate role, surviving the 2008 financial crisis, and working overnight shifts as a cake decorator to support his family while building his business during the day. The conversation explores Mario's philosophy of "Opportunity by Proximity," why so many people miss opportunities that are right in front of them, the difference between creating wealth and preserving wealth, and the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when preparing for an exit. KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE How Mario rebuilt his life after career and personal setbacks Working nights as a cake decorator while growing a wealth management firm Why small wins create momentum and confidence The concept of Opportunity by Proximity Lessons from the 2008 financial crisis The mindset shift required to create wealth Why today's younger generations struggle with direction and opportunity How entrepreneurs sabotage their own exits The difference between wealth creation and wealth preservation Succession planning and letting go as a founder Why commitment and loyalty still matter ABOUT MARIO SICARI Mario Sicari is the founder of BGS Capital Management, a nationally recognized wealth management firm overseeing more than $400 million in assets. With decades of experience helping families, entrepreneurs, and retirees build and preserve wealth, Mario is also the author of The Art of Creating Wealth and The Art of Preserving Wealth. His work focuses on financial education, personal responsibility, long-term planning, and helping individuals create meaningful financial futures. CONNECT WITH MARIO 🌐 BGS Capital Management 📖 The Art of Creating Wealth (Available on Amazon) ✉️ mario.sicari@bgs-fg.com   Whether you're building a business, planning your financial future, or looking for inspiration to take your next step, this episode delivers practical wisdom and powerful stories you won't forget.

  8. May 20

    Growth Doesn't Fix Problems, It Exposes Them with Dr. Donna Marino

    "Growth doesn't fix problems. It exposes them." In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven sits down with Dr. Donna Marino to unpack the emotional and operational realities of scaling a family-run business. From succession planning and founder dependency to sibling conflict, leadership friction, and the hidden communication issues that slow companies down, Dr. Donna shares why family dynamics do not disappear inside a business, they often get magnified. Together, they discuss why founders wait too long to plan their exit, how unclear roles can hurt morale and valuation, and why the conversations families avoid are usually the ones that matter most. Key Takeaways Growth exposes problems that were already there. Family dynamics often carry directly into the business. Succession planning fails when families avoid the conversation. Founder dependency can seriously hurt valuation. Operational clarity requires defined roles, documentation, and communication. Retired founders often struggle because their identity is tied to the business. Co-leadership between siblings can create major conflict without clear alignment. Healthy conflict is necessary for a strong leadership team. Family businesses need to preserve culture while still evolving. Exit planning should begin years before a sale or transition. Contact Dr. Donna Marino Website: drdonnamarino.com Email: Donna@drdonnamarino.com LinkedIn: Dr. Donna Marino

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About

Welcome to Built to Finish! Join host, Steven Pivnik, each week as he explores the journeys of audacious goal setters. This includes experienced Founders, CEOs and entrepreneurs sharing pivotal moments that propelled their success. We'll also be talking with endurance athletes who push the limits of physical and mental ability. This show is brought to you by Acresis — offering tailored, high-impact advisory services to help founders get to their finish line with a strategic acquisition or majority investor recapitalization. To learn more, go to: https://acresis.com/

Information

  • Creator
    Steven Pivnik
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    85
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026
  • Show Website
    Built to Finish