The Patent Hacks Podcast

Trevor Skene
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Entrepreneurship

We talk to business leaders gaining insights on the world of startups and patents.

  1. May 8

    From Tobacco Fields to Global Deals: A Conversation with CEO Will Morris

    In this episode, I sit down with Will Morris, CEO of The Morris Organization, serial entrepreneur, investor, and dealmaker operating at the crossroads of global trade, acquisitions, brand building, and frontier tech. Will shares an incredible journey that starts on a tobacco farm in Eastern Kentucky and expands into building, scaling, and exiting multiple companies across construction, manufacturing, real estate, and international business. We dive into what separates successful founders from everyone else: relentless curiosity, taking action before you feel ready, learning how to sell, and thinking bigger than your current circumstances. Will also breaks down practical business lessons around pricing, bidding, consulting offers, acquisitions, and why many founders unknowingly trap themselves inside their own companies. If you’re an entrepreneur trying to grow, scale, or make smarter moves in business, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Timeline Summary[2:10] – Will shares how growing up on a tobacco farm in Eastern Kentucky shaped his hunger to build something bigger.[6:25] – The moment curiosity changed everything: discovering importing and turning one construction project into a national cabinet supply business.[12:40] – How Will leveraged NASA’s technology transfer portal to license innovation and launch a new venture.[19:15] – Why “shiny object syndrome” can sometimes be a founder’s superpower when managed correctly.[28:30] – The truth about net-30 billing, cash flow pressure, and how to structure offers that keep businesses alive.[38:05] – A hard lesson in pricing psychology: why a $1,000 consulting offer failed—and a $10,000 version would’ve sold instantly.[52:20] – What buyers actually look for in acquisitions and how founders can increase business value before an exit. Links & ResourcesConnect with Will Morris on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/WillMorris Patent Hacks Website: https://www.patenthacks.comTrevor Skene LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-skene/ Closing ThoughtsIf you enjoyed this episode of The Patent Hacks Podcast, be sure to follow, rate, review, and share the show with another founder or entrepreneur who needs to hear this conversation. Your support helps us keep bringing on world-class guests and valuable insights every week.

    1h 12m

  2. Apr 15

    Think Like Silicon Valley From Anywhere: Building Startups Without Limits

    In this episode, I sit down with Jorge Zavala, serial entrepreneur, global mentor, and CEO of Latteware, to unpack what it really takes to turn an idea into a scalable business. Jorge shares his journey from building early microcomputers in Mexico to launching multiple companies and mentoring founders across Silicon Valley and beyond. We dive into the mindset shifts, practical frameworks, and real-world experiences that help entrepreneurs move from “idea in a backpack” to a product people actually pay for. We also explore how AI and no-code tools are reshaping the startup landscape, making it easier than ever to prototype, validate, and launch. Jorge breaks down the experiment-driven approach to building businesses, how to identify real problems worth solving, and what separates ideas that stay stuck from those that gain traction. If you’ve ever wondered how to start, validate, or scale a business, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Timeline Summary [2:10] – Jorge’s early journey: building microcomputers and discovering the power of technology[8:45] – The “idea in your backpack” concept and how to take the first step toward action[15:30] – The three core steps: identifying a real problem, building a solution, and generating revenue[22:18] – Experiment-driven entrepreneurship: prototyping and validating ideas quickly[31:05] – Service vs. product businesses: timelines, risks, and opportunities[40:12] – How AI and no-code tools are transforming startups and lowering barriers to entry[52:40] – Thinking like Silicon Valley anywhere: mindset, failure, and iteration[1:05:55] – Advice for early-stage founders vs. scaling entrepreneurs Links & Resources Jorge’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jorgezavala/ Patent Hacks Website: https://www.patenthacks.comTrevor Skene LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-skene/ If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow, rate, and review the podcast, and share it with someone who’s ready to turn their ideas into reality.

    1h 2m

  3. Apr 8

    Why Most Startups Fail—and How to Avoid It

    In this episode, I sit down with Zach Wright, a founder whose journey into entrepreneurship is anything but conventional. From dropping out of college multiple times to working blue-collar jobs and eventually rising to an executive role at a publicly traded company, Zach shares how purpose, persistence, and self-awareness shaped his path. We unpack what it really takes to break into the startup world when you don’t come from a traditional tech background. We also dive deep into the realities of building a startup—from validating an idea before writing a single line of code to navigating failure, layoffs, and tough feedback. Zach shares the inspiration behind Grapevine, a virtual HQ platform designed to solve the chaos of remote work, and breaks down exactly how he approached product development, customer discovery, and scaling early traction. If you’ve ever thought about starting something of your own, this episode is packed with real, actionable insight. Timeline Highlights[02:10] – Zach’s unconventional journey: from blue-collar work to organizational psychology[08:45] – The mindset shift that changed everything (fixed vs. growth mindset)[15:20] – Getting laid off before Christmas—and turning it into opportunity[22:05] – The grind of early entrepreneurship: consulting, dropshipping, and lessons learned[30:40] – The core problem behind Grapevine: remote work, silos, and tool overload[40:15] – How to validate a startup idea before building it[52:30] – Solo founder advice: building a network and embracing rejection[1:02:10] – Key lessons for early-stage founders vs. scaling startups Links & ResourcesGrapevine Website: https://grapevineworkplace.com/Zach Wright on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-wright-mba/ Patent Hacks Website: https://www.patenthacks.comTrevor Skene LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-skene/ Closing ThoughtsIf you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow, rate, and review the podcast, it helps us reach more founders and innovators like you. And don’t forget to share this episode with someone who’s thinking about taking the leap into entrepreneurship. Catch you in the next one!

    1h 7m

  4. Mar 13

    From Data to Dollars: Building AI-Ready Businesses with Maribeth Martorana

    In this episode of Patent Hacks, I sit down with Maribeth Martorana, CFA and CEO of Sapient Advisors, to unpack the real foundation behind successful AI and data-driven businesses. While AI is dominating headlines, Maribeth explains why most projects don’t fail because of the technology, they fail because companies skip the fundamentals like clean data, governance, infrastructure, and user adoption. We explore how startups and mid-market companies can think strategically about data, from sourcing and licensing to building scalable data products with massive profit margins. Maribeth also shares practical insights on avoiding costly mistakes with data usage, navigating licensing issues, and why successful AI initiatives require alignment across people, culture, and technology. If you’re building a startup, scaling a product, or thinking about launching an AI-powered solution, this conversation will help you focus on what truly matters behind the scenes. Timeline Highlights[2:11] – Maribeth’s career journey from finance and equity research to product leadership at FactSet, Moody’s, and AI startups. [7:38] – Why many innovators eventually leave corporate environments to build startups of their own. [12:44] – The simple way to think about data: why it’s the “fuel” that powers AI—and why it must be refined first. [19:03] – The hidden cost of data in AI startups and the critical “build vs. buy” decisions founders must make. [27:18] – Why scraping data from the internet can lead to legal issues—and how data licensing really works. [36:12] – The economics of data companies and why mature data businesses can reach margins as high as 95%. [43:41] – Why AI projects fail: the three pillars companies overlook—people, culture, and data infrastructure. Links & ResourcesMaribeth’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maribeth-martorana/Maribeth’s Website: https://www.sapient-advisors.com/Maribeth’s Substack: https://substack.com/@maribethmartoranaPatent Hacks Website: https://www.patenthacks.comTrevor Skene LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-skene/ If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the Patent Hacks podcast. And don’t forget to share it with someone building the next generation of startups and AI-powered businesses.

    1h 1m

  5. Mar 11

    From Startup to $30M: The Real Playbook for Scaling a Business

    Episode SummaryIn this episode, I sit down with Eric Leaver, a high-velocity CEO and board member who has spent decades scaling SaaS and healthcare companies, leading acquisitions, and transforming underperforming businesses into profitable industry leaders. From launching Zipfizz from a kitchen-table idea to $30M in sales to overseeing dozens of acquisitions, Eric shares hard-earned lessons from the front lines of entrepreneurship and private equity. We dig into what truly drives business success—from building real customer value instead of chasing quick exits to designing scalable systems that investors want to buy. Eric also breaks down how founders should think about team building, operational processes, AI adoption, and the mindset required to survive the uncertainty of entrepreneurship. If you’re a founder, operator, or aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with practical insights on scaling companies and building businesses that actually last. Timeline Highlights[00:00] – From Seminary to CEO Eric shares his unconventional journey from training for Christian ministry to discovering his passion for the measurable, meritocratic world of business. [07:30] – Why Entrepreneurs Should Focus on Value, Not Exits We discuss the myth of the “get rich quick” startup and why the best businesses are built around delivering real value to customers. [16:45] – Lessons from Building Zipfizz Eric explains how he spotted the intersection of two trends—bottled water and energy drinks—and turned a simple kitchen-table idea into a $30M product. [26:10] – The Power of Sales Channel Focus Why entrepreneurs shouldn’t “boil the ocean” and instead focus on dominating one strategic distribution channel first. [34:20] – Why Most Founders Stall Around $10M Eric breaks down the common mistake founders make: failing to build scalable systems and leadership teams that can take the company to the next level. [46:05] – Turning Around Struggling Companies Eric walks through his turnaround framework: start with the product, align the messaging, fix sales channels, and rebuild around customer success. [58:30] – AI as a Workforce Multiplier We explore how companies should actually adopt AI—thinking of it as an army of “super-smart interns” and starting with small wins before scaling enterprise-wide. Links & ResourcesEric’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericcleaver/ Eric’s Website: https://www.olacapital.vc/ Patent Hacks Website: https://www.patenthacks.comTrevor Skene LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-skene/ If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow, rate, and review the Patent Hacks Podcast, and share it with someone who’s building something big. Your support helps us keep bringing conversations like this to founders and innovators everywhere.

    1h 1m

  6. Feb 26

    Authentic Marketing in the Age of AI (Without Losing the Human Touch)

    In this episode, I sit down with Emanuel Rose, award-winning author, B2B strategist, speaker, and founder of Strategic eMarketing, to unpack what it really takes to market effectively right now… when AI is everywhere, attention is scarce, and trust is the ultimate currency. We dig into why authenticity is suddenly easier (and harder) than ever, what legacy brands keep getting wrong about Gen Z, and how founders can use AI tools without turning their marketing into spam. If you’re building a startup, scaling a business, or even still sitting in a 9–5 planning your leap, Emanuel shares practical frameworks you can apply immediately—especially if you’re trying to stand out in a crowded market. Timeline Highlights[1:35] – Emanuel’s origin story: selling seeds as a kid to buy a boomerang (his first “business win”)[6:30] – The concept of “selfish altruism” and why marketing has to serve both sides[11:45] – Why “send me your calendar link” can be a relationship-killer in sales[16:20] – What older brands misunderstand about Gen Z and the rise of the Social CEO[21:40] – The 60/40 rule: why branding must outweigh transactional selling[29:10] – B2B demand gen today: 6–10 hours of self-education before buyers even reach out[33:55] – The “5-minute follow-up” rule—and why speed wins deals[39:20] – Emanuel’s framework: less AI as prospects move down the funnel, more human contact[49:15] – Overhyped vs underrated AI: why replacing sales teams is a trap, and why voice AI is a must[56:30] – Emanuel’s advice to two groups: the 9–5 founder-in-waiting vs the scaler who needs leverage Links & ResourcesEmanuel’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/b2b-leadgeneration/ Emanuel’s Website: https://emanuelrose.com/ Patent Hacks Website: https://www.patenthacks.comTrevor Skene LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-skene/ ClosingIf you enjoyed this conversation, make sure you follow the Patent Hacks Podcast, and please take a second to rate and review—it helps more founders and builders find the show. And if you know someone navigating marketing, AI, or growth right now, share this episode with them.

    59 min

  7. Feb 11

    From Wall Street to Warp Speed: Mindset, KPPRIs, and Building an AI Sales Coach Without Code (with Scott Finkelstein)

    In this episode, I sit down with Scott Finkelstein, founder, startup advisor, coach, and the mind behind Sales Scalers, to unpack the real shift that turns someone from a “corporate employee” into an entrepreneur. Scott opens up about the identity change that finally clicked for him, why mindset isn’t just motivational talk (it’s operational leverage), and how impact became the core driver behind everything he builds. Then we get into the fun stuff: Scott breaks down how he launched an AI sales coaching platform without being a developer, using tools like ChatGPT and Replit as his “CTO.” We talk about the difference between generic AI output and truly personalized sales messaging, how founders can use AI to save massive costs, and why the next 12 months will separate the people who adapt from the people who get left behind. Timeline Highlights[0:00] - Introducing Scott Finkelstein: founder, advisor, and creator of Sales Scalers [3:40] - Scott’s journey from Wall Street and 9/11 to coaching, startups, and embracing entrepreneurship [10:45] - The shift from chasing revenue metrics to chasing impact (and why Scott still loves KPIs) [15:30] - KPPRIs explained: why predictive indicators matter more than lagging KPIs in sales [22:10] - Mindset mechanics: language, goals, and why most people accidentally set “negative goals” [29:40] - The hardest mindset move: controlling your external environment (and your inner circle) [39:10] - Building an AI platform without code: using ChatGPT as a “CTO” + launching on Replit [48:20] - How AI cuts startup costs (and how Scott estimates saving hundreds of thousands) [55:10] - What founders get wrong with AI: generic messaging, lazy prompting, and skipping the “3 layers deep” work [1:04:30] - Designing AI to act like a coach—not a chatbot (tone, clarity, CTA strength, personalization) [1:17:20] - Underrated sales tactic for founders: humanize through vulnerability [1:20:30] - Scott’s advice for (1) aspiring founders and (2) founders trying to scale Links & ResourcesScott’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-finkelstein-08026914/ Scott’s Website: https://salesscalers.com/ Patent Hacks Website: https://www.patenthacks.comTrevor Skene LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-skene/ Closing RemarkIf you enjoyed this episode, do me a favor, follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with a founder or salesperson who needs a mindset reset (or a push to finally start building). See you in the next one.

    1h 1m

  8. Jan 29

    Single Source of Truth: Securing Construction Data with Blockchain + AI (with Zach Gentry)

    In this episode of the PatentHacks Podcast, I sit down with Zach Gentry, co-founder and CEO of ConcertVDC, to dig into how real innovation happens when you’re building in the physical world, and why intellectual property strategy can’t be an afterthought. Zach’s path into entrepreneurship is anything but traditional (finance → business school → deep tech), and his story is packed with hard-earned lessons from raising capital, scaling startups, and navigating the realities of patents in crowded industries. We get into the “minefield” of prior art, why IP road mapping should run alongside your product roadmap, and how patents, trade secrets, and timing all play into fundraising and exits. Plus, Zach breaks down the massive data problem in construction and how Concert is tackling it with immutable records, workflow orchestration, and AI-powered extraction—all to create a true “single source of truth” for project delivery. Timeline Highlights[1:10] - Zach’s unconventional start: finance, 2001 disruption, and committing to entrepreneurship [4:30] - Why IP road mapping matters before you build: avoiding the “back to the drawing board” moment [8:45] - The “patent minefield” reality: the more successful you get, the bigger the target becomes [12:10] - Patents in fundraising + due diligence: why some industries basically require them [17:40] - What Concert VDC is solving: bad data in construction and the push for a single source of truth [21:30] - Signing digital assets (3D models, code): blockchain-backed immutability + workflow orchestration [29:10] - Trade secrets as leverage: the “intangibles” that make patents worth something [36:30] - Fundraising in hard tech today: fewer bets, tighter theses, and the rise of “physical AI” narratives [43:10] - Zach’s advice to founders: “Just do it” for 9–5 jumpers, and emotional regulation for startup operators Links & ResourcesZach’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-gentry-7b6196/ Zach’s Website: https://www.getconcert.com/ Patent Hacks Website: https://www.patenthacks.comTrevor Skene LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-skene/ ClosingIf you enjoyed this one, do me a quick favor, follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share this episode with a founder or operator who’s building in a competitive space. Catch you in the next one.

    1h 1m
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About

We talk to business leaders gaining insights on the world of startups and patents.

Information

  • Creator
    Trevor Skene
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Trevor Skene
  • Show Website
    The Patent Hacks Podcast