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Dr. John Cumbers is the Founder and CEO of SynBioBeta, a vibrant community and conference centered around the synthetic biology field. With a background in molecular biology, biochemistry, and bioinformatics, including a stint at NASA, he made a dramatic leap from science to creating a thriving industry community. Dr. Cumbers' efforts at SynBioBeta have led to an annual conference attracting thousands of global participants, whereas as a dedicated connector, he passionately facilitates introductions that result in significant scientific advancements. He retains a robust academic background with a PhD in molecular biology, yet his childhood entrepreneurial spirit has fundamentally shaped his career.
In this episode… Ever wondered how a single idea can spark a global movement, bringing together innovators worldwide to revolutionize an entire industry? What if the key to pioneering change was not just the idea itself but connecting the right minds to make it happen? How did one man's journey from playing with conkers to shaping the future of synthetic biology exemplify this transformative power of community and connection?
Dr. John Cumbers turned his childhood entrepreneurial spirit into a mission to build a community at the forefront of synthetic biology. His journey from selling conkers as a child to founding a premier biotech conference exemplifies how a vision can evolve into a dynamic, worldwide hub of innovation. Through SynBioBeta, Dr. Cumbers has created a platform where the brightest minds in biotechnology converge, sharing ideas and sparking collaborations that drive the industry forward. This episode dives into how he harnessed his passion for connecting people to foster an ecosystem where groundbreaking scientific advancements are the norm.
Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Dr. John Cumbers, the Founder and CEO of SynBioBeta, about building influential networks and fostering innovation in the biotech industry. They delve into Dr. Cumbers’ entrepreneurial journey, from his early days of selling conkers to leading a significant player in the synthetic biology arena, and how strategic connections and persistent vision can lead to monumental achievements in science and business.

Tomer London is the Chief Product Officer and Co-founder of Gusto, a comprehensive platform offering payroll, benefits, and human resource management for small to medium-sized businesses. By the age of 12, he had taught himself programming and created an inventory management system for his father's small clothing business, marking the beginning of his journey in software development. With an electrical engineering background from Stanford University, Tomer channeled his passion for technology into founding several successful ventures. He went on to co-found Gusto, which has grown into a multibillion-dollar enterprise that is changing the way businesses care for their teams.
In this episode… From a young age, a boy's entrepreneurial spirit emerged as he used computers to solve real-world problems in his father's clothing store. His journey wasn't smooth; facing rejection and challenges, he crafted his path through technology and innovation. Could these early experiences have paved the way for a revolutionary business idea?
Tomer London, CPO at Gusto, transformed these formative experiences into a thriving enterprise. His journey from a curious child in Haifa, Israel, to a tech entrepreneur in Silicon Valley is a testament to the power of resilience and innovation. At Gusto, Tomer and his team tackled the complex world of payroll and benefits, driven by a mission to simplify and humanize the process for small businesses. By focusing on customer pain points and leveraging technology, they reshaped how small businesses operate and manage their teams.
Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Tomer London, the Co-founder of Gusto, about the origins and evolution of Gusto. They explore how Tomer's early experiences with technology and entrepreneurship shaped his approach to business, leading to the creation of a company that profoundly impacts the small-business ecosystem. 

Anthony A. Luna is the CEO of Coastline Equity, a firm specializing in commercial real estate advisory and property management. Growing up in a challenging environment in San Pedro, California, Anthony faced the hardships of gang violence and a single-parent upbringing. Despite these obstacles, he became the first in his family to graduate high school and pursue higher education.
Anthony honed his leadership and mentorship skills at the Boys and Girls Club, transitioning from grant management to real estate under the guidance of Holocaust survivor George Mayer. Committed to community service, he continues his involvement with the Boys and Girls Club, writes on real estate for Forbes, and serves as a trusted industry thought leader.
In this episode… Have you ever wondered how a challenging childhood environment shapes a person's future? How does one transition from such adversity to becoming a leading figure in the corporate world?
Anthony A. Luna, growing up amidst economic hardships in San Pedro, California, transformed these obstacles into stepping stones for success. Through his journey from the Boys and Girls Club to the helm of Coastline Equity, Anthony's story is one of resilience, mentorship, and unexpected opportunities. His encounter with a Holocaust survivor, who became his mentor, fundamentally altered his career path and instilled in him a profound sense of purpose and direction. This pivotal experience catalyzed Anthony's rise in the real estate industry and significantly amplified his community contributions.
Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Anthony A. Luna, CEO at Coastline Equity, about navigating life's challenges and leveraging mentorship for success. They delve into Anthony's childhood and how his resilience and relentless work ethic led him to balance multiple jobs from a young age. They also discussed why George Mayer chose Anthony to take over his business, and how to overcome fear and embrace massive opportunities.

Jeff Hill is a seasoned entrepreneur with an inspiring narrative of resilience and determination. He successfully established and grew a 1-800-GOT-JUNK? franchise into one of the most prosperous ones in the system, boasting over two decades of business experience with the brand. Jeff's early life was marked by challenges, including the loss of his father and personal struggles, yet his positive attitude remains intact, making him a tough and resilient figure. Currently semi-retired, he still plays a primary role in his company, always seeking new and sustainable ways to drive the business forward.
Jeff is also the President of RePurpose Center, where he leads a network of diversion partners committed to redistributing reusable, recyclables, and donatable items to and with community partners.
In this episode… In a world where setbacks often define our path, have you ever wondered what it takes to turn adversity into a launching pad for success? How can someone emerge from hardships not just unscathed but thriving, building a business empire from the ground up?
Jeff Hill, a semi-retired entrepreneur, turned his challenges into opportunities, resulting in a successful 1-800-GOT-JUNK? franchise. Imagine a young boy cutting firewood to help his family make ends meet, navigating through personal and business failures, and battling cancer, all while maintaining a positive outlook on life. Jeff's resilience and entrepreneurial spirit remained steadfast as he navigated challenges and found joy and purpose in creating a business that reflected his values and commitment to community service. Now Jeff delves into the mindset and strategies that propelled him from adversity to success, offering insights into the power of perseverance, positive thinking, and strategic business acumen.
Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Jeff Hill, Franchise Owner at 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, about turning life's challenges into business success. They discussed how he evolved his company to an eight-figure success by adeptly managing young employees, implementing controls against embezzlement, and navigating economic hurdles.

Jay Jung is the Founder and Managing Partner of Embarc Advisors, a disruptive corporate finance advisory firm focused on supporting startups, SMBs, and middle-market firms. Over the past six to seven years, Jay and Embarc Advisors have become renowned for bringing Fortune 500 financial expertise to small and medium-sized businesses. An alumnus of the prestigious Wharton School, his career includes prestigious roles at Goldman Sachs, McKinsey & Company, and other leading companies across the globe. 
Jay's entrepreneurial spirit was kindled by engaging in childhood business ventures. Before pivoting to corporate finance, he co-founded Evixar, a technology startup that raised capital from Softbank and other VCs. His journey from business owner to finance expert has given him a vantage point in financial advisory for cutting-edge startups.
In this episode… Can childhood ventures reveal the blueprint of a future business mogul? From an early age, the knack for recognizing demand and seizing opportunity can set the stage for monumental success. How does a journey from selling pizza slices to advising firms on multi-million-dollar deals unfold?
Jay Jung, starting with his early entrepreneurial ventures, transitioned from a clever youngster leveraging unit economics to a financial wizard at the helm of Embarc Advisors. His narrative includes stops at prestigious firms like Goldman Sachs and McKinsey, where he developed his corporate finance and M&A advisory skills. Jay's journey is not just about his ascent to financial expertise but also a reflection of his unique ability to apply his childhood lessons on value and investment to the complex world of business finance.
Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Jay Jung, Founder and Managing Partner at Embarc Advisors, about transforming early entrepreneurial instincts into a successful career in financial advisory. They delve into Jay's unique background, the importance of unit economics, and how he pivoted from co-founding a tech startup to finance. It covers the effects of travel on consultancy work, the joy of aiding startups and niche sectors, and the efficacy of hourly billing in M&A.

Dan Engel serves as the Managing Partner and Founder of Santa Barbara Venture Partners, an early-growth VC firm focusing on technology startups. Renowned for his expertise in B2B and B2C domains, he has emerged as a luminary in devising customer acquisition strategies. Early in his career, he played a primary role in significantly growing Picasa, which Google later acquired before its public debut. Moreover, Dan co-founded FastSpring, a SaaS fintech platform that achieved remarkable revenue exceeding $100 million despite minimal funding. With a track record of successful exits, Dan's entrepreneurial journey traces back to his upbringing in New York, where he embarked on diverse side ventures ranging from neighborhood services to operating an ice cream truck.
In this episode… In a world driven by the ambition to scale, attracting millions of customers becomes the ultimate quest for businesses aiming to leave a mark on the competitive landscape. What secrets fuel successful customer acquisition strategies? How does a company transform from a concept to a household name amidst market saturation and consumer indifference?
Software entrepreneur Dan Engel unravels the complexities of customer acquisition with the precision of a seasoned strategist, offering a roadmap for capturing and retaining a vast customer base. Dan's approach, characterized by innovative thinking and relentless adaptation in the entrepreneurial battlefield, underscores the significance of deeply understanding market signals and customer behavior. Through his stories, listeners gain a front-row seat to the tactical maneuvers and strategic pivots that have propelled companies from the fringes of obscurity to the center stage of their industries.
Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Dan Engel, the Managing Partner and Founder of Santa Barbara Venture Partners, about attracting millions of customers in a saturated market. Dan shares his journey from childhood ventures to becoming a seasoned tech entrepreneur and venture capitalist, the power of community in entrepreneurship, strategies for scaling startups, challenges in B2B fintech, and how to navigate the evolving venture capital landscape.