Knoodle Founders Hour

Knoodle
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Welcome to Knoodle Founders Hour, the ultimate destination for deep-dive interviews with company founders. Every week, we pull back the curtain on the startup journey, exploring the raw stories behind innovative brands. From the "lightbulb moment" to scaling through the struggle, we talk entrepreneurship, leadership, and the grit required to build something from nothing. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur looking for a business roadmap or a seasoned leader seeking inspiration, join us for tactical advice and powerful founder stories. Watch and listen as we build the future.

Episodes

  1. 14H AGO

    Urman Founder Ronit Urman

    From Immigrant to Commercial Real Estate Powerhouse | Ronit Urman on Leadership, Negotiation & Building a Global Investment Firm What does it take to build a 30+ year commercial real estate company from scratch — in a brand new country? In this episode of Knoodle Founder’s Hour, Rosaria Cain sits down with Ronit Urman, co-founder of Urman Enterprises, to talk about entrepreneurship, commercial real estate investing, property management, and the resilience it takes to thrive across decades of market cycles. Ronit shares her remarkable journey — from immigrating to the United States as a teenager, to launching a commercial real estate firm in Arizona with her husband, to building an international investor base spanning the U.S., Canada, Israel, and China. With more than three decades in the Phoenix commercial real estate market, Ronit offers hard-earned insights on: Commercial real estate development and property managementSolving complex tenant and leasing challengesNavigating market cycles, vacancies, and rising construction costsManaging industrial, office, and multifamily propertiesLeading a family business across generationsBuilding investor trust through transparency and integrityHiring, company culture, and taking responsibility as a leaderWhy patience is a superpower in business (the “24-hour rule”)Ronit also shares candid stories about risk, negotiation, surviving downturns, balancing family and business, and what it’s really like running a commercial real estate company for nearly 40 years. If you’re an entrepreneur, real estate investor, property manager, or business leader, this episode delivers practical wisdom on leadership, resilience, and long-term growth in today’s evolving market. Topics Covered:Commercial real estate investing, property management strategies, Phoenix real estate market, industrial real estate, multifamily vacancies, entrepreneurship, family business leadership, investor relations, negotiation skills, real estate development, market trends 2026. Subscribe to Knoodle Founder’s Hour for founder-to-founder conversations about business, leadership, and building companies that stand the test of time.  Read more and get a full transcript here: https://knoodle.com/podcast/urman-founder-ronit-urman/

    40 min

  2. FEB 17

    Neighborhood Comedy Theatre Founder Dorian Lenz

    What can unscripted comedy teach us about business, leadership, and life? In this episode, Rosaria Cain sits down with Dorian Lenz, founder of Neighborhood Comedy Theatre, to explore how improv comedy transforms not just the stage—but boardrooms, relationships, and entire organizations. With more than 25 years of experience in improvisational theatre, Dorian shares how the core principles of improv—listening skills, collaboration, vulnerability, and being comfortable with failure—translate directly into stronger leadership, better communication, and more innovative thinking. From corporate workshops that help executives think outside the box to family-friendly improv shows that offer an escape from a tense world, Dorian explains why “Yes, And” is more than a comedy technique—it’s a powerful business strategy. You’ll hear: How improv training improves public speaking and presentation skillsWhy failure comfort is essential for entrepreneurs and business growthHow group exercises unlock creativity and team collaborationThe entrepreneurial journey from stockbroker to theatre founderLessons learned from launching a theatre during the 2008 economic downturnHow community-driven businesses create long-term sustainabilityWhy listening—not talking—is the most underrated leadership skillDorian also discusses building multiple businesses, managing marketing and operations, and why laughter can fundamentally change workplace culture. Whether you're a business executive, entrepreneur, marketing leader, or simply curious about unscripted comedy, this conversation offers practical insights on communication, leadership development, creativity, and building resilient organizations. If you're interested in improv comedy, business collaboration, entrepreneurial mindset, marketing strategy, or personal growth through performance training, this episode delivers both inspiration and actionable takeaways. Subscribe for more conversations on entrepreneurship, business strategy, leadership, and the people building impactful community-driven businesses. More notes and a full transcript are available at: https://knoodle.com/podcast/neighborhood-comedy-theatre-founder-dorian-lenz/

    40 min

  3. FEB 10

    New Frontier Immigration Founder Hillary Walsh

    What is the current state of U.S. immigration—and how does it affect real people navigating the system today? In this episode, immigration attorney Hillary Walsh, founder of New Frontier Immigration, joins Rosaria Cain for an in-depth conversation about the realities of U.S. immigration law, the challenges facing families and businesses, and why the system is often far more complex than it appears from the outside. Hillary explains how immigration processes actually work—from green cards and family-based petitions to tourist visas and humanitarian parole—and why wait times can stretch decades for some applicants. She shares real-world examples from her legal practice that highlight how policy, enforcement, and administrative delays impact families, employers, and individuals trying to follow the law. The discussion also explores how immigration enforcement has evolved, what happens during workplace raids and detention, and why misconceptions like “just get in line” oversimplify a system filled with legal barriers and unintended consequences. Hillary offers insight into how attorneys, families, and business owners are adapting amid ongoing uncertainty, and why immigration reform remains a long-term, complex issue. This episode also covers: How the U.S. immigration system differs from other countriesGreen card backlogs and family reunification challengesTourist visas, work authorization, and admissibility risksHumanitarian parole and emergency entry requestsThe emotional and operational strain on immigration law firmsLeadership, entrepreneurship, and managing a growing legal practiceWhether you’re directly affected by immigration policy or simply want a clearer understanding of how the system functions in practice, this conversation provides valuable perspective grounded in experience and real cases. Listen now for a thoughtful, informative discussion on immigration law, policy, and the human side of the process. Get more notes and read a full transcript at: https://knoodle.com/podcast/new-frontier-immigration-founder-hillary-walsh/

    42 min

  4. FEB 3

    Belfiore Analytics Founder Jim Belfiore

    What really drives success in today’s housing market?It’s not guesses. It’s data. In this episode of The Founders Hour, host Rosaria Cain sits down with Jim Belfiore, founder of Belfiore Analytics, to unpack how high-quality, on-the-ground data is reshaping decision-making in the home building industry. Jim shares why he returned to the market with a new analytics firm, how Belfiore Analytics collects data differently than competitors, and why builders, developers, and investors are hungry for more accurate, real-time market intelligence—especially in fast-moving markets like Phoenix real estate. You’ll hear deep insights on: How home builders use market data to track competitors, pricing, incentives, and absorption The real impact of mortgage rates, incentives, and affordability on new home sales Why build-to-rent and rental housing are surging Market feasibility studies and how developers decide what to build, where to build, and for whom The future of housing data across Phoenix, Tucson, Colorado, California, Utah, and Nevada Leadership, entrepreneurship, and what it really takes to build a durable data-driven business Jim also shares candid lessons from COVID, the Great Recession, expanding across markets, and why “giving a damn” might be the most underrated leadership skill of all. Whether you’re a home builder, real estate developer, investor, analyst, or entrepreneur, this episode delivers a masterclass in housing market analytics, real estate data, and strategic decision-making. If you care about where housing is headed—and how smart data creates an edge—this is a must-listen. Read more and get a full transcription at: https://knoodle.com/podcast/belfiore-analytics-founder-jim-belfiore/

    54 min

  5. JAN 27

    Scottsdale Rodeo Museum Founder Dave Alford

    What does it take to preserve history, build community, and keep Western culture alive in a modern city like Scottsdale? In this episode of Knoodle Founder’s Hour, host Rosaria Cain sits down with Dave Alford, founder of the Scottsdale Rodeo Museum and a lifelong steward of Arizona’s rodeo heritage. Dave shares the untold story behind the Scottsdale Rodeo—now in its 70+ year legacy—and how a small group of volunteers built one of the most respected community-driven rodeos in the country. From growing up in Old Town Scottsdale to riding bulls, running rodeos, and turning a city-owned building into a living museum, Dave offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to sustain tradition while adapting to modern realities. This conversation goes far beyond rodeo history. Dave breaks down: How nonprofit organizations can thrive with 100% volunteer leadership Why tradition, consistency, and restraint matter more than hype in event marketing The truth about animal welfare in professional rodeo How scholarships and youth programs are shaping the next generation of rodeo athletes Lessons in leadership, family legacy, and community-first business thinking You’ll also hear how smart branding decisions—like repositioning Parada del Sol as Rodeo Scottsdale—dramatically increased reach, visibility, and engagement, proving that the right marketing strategy can honor the past while unlocking future growth. Whether you’re a founder, marketer, nonprofit leader, or simply fascinated by Western culture and Arizona history, this episode delivers powerful insights wrapped in unforgettable stories. Read more and get a full transcript here: https://knoodle.com/podcast/scottsdale-rodeo-museum-founder-dave-alford/

    31 min

  6. JAN 20

    One Hope Founder Pat Crowley

    Can the homebuilding industry fix its affordability and labor crisis by going back to the roots? In this episode of The Founder’s Hour, Pat Crowley—founder of One Hope and longtime leader in the homebuilding and interior finishes world—shares a powerful, deeply personal story and a bold vision for the future of housing. From growing up in a working-class neighborhood in West Phoenix to leading initiatives with roots at Shaw Industries, Fulton Homes, and EPIX Interiors, Pat explains why today’s housing challenges—rising costs, labor shortages, and inefficiency—can’t be solved with surface-level fixes. Instead, he’s tackling the problem at its core. Pat joins Knoodle CEO and founder Rosaria Cain to unpack: Why housing affordability is fundamentally a labor and systems problem How a new trade school at Borgade Catholic High School could reshape the skilled labor pipeline The real role of AI in construction and the skilled trades (and what it can’t replace) Why changing the social perception of the trades is critical to the future of homebuilding How industry leaders can align builders, trades, and suppliers to create a sustainable housing ecosystem Pat also opens up about his faith-driven leadership philosophy, the inspiration behind One Hope, and how uniting contractors, builders, and educators could unlock a more efficient, affordable, and human-centered housing market. If you’re a homebuilder, developer, trade partner, housing leader, or construction professional, this episode challenges conventional thinking and offers a compelling roadmap for real change in the industry. Listen now to hear how fixing housing starts long before the first foundation is poured. Read more, along with a full transcript at: https://knoodle.com/podcast/one-hope-founder-pat-crowley/

    26 min

  7. JAN 13

    AE Ventures Founder John Galante

    How do you build a successful media and events company in a niche industry? In this episode of Knoodle Founders Hour, Knoodle Founder and CEO Rosaria Cain talks with John Galante, Founder and President of AE Ventures, about building and scaling a media and events business serving the homebuilding, construction technology, and housing innovation industries. John shares lessons from growing AE Ventures and leading platforms like the Builder Innovator Summit, insights on entrepreneurship and leadership, and what it takes to create long-term value as markets and technology evolve. “You can have a lot of good ideas, but if you can’t bounce back, if you don’t have the resilience to keep at it, you will be done no matter how good your ideas are.” – John Galante Listen now for founder-level insights on building a durable business in a changing industry. Read more an get a transcript here

    37 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

Welcome to Knoodle Founders Hour, the ultimate destination for deep-dive interviews with company founders. Every week, we pull back the curtain on the startup journey, exploring the raw stories behind innovative brands. From the "lightbulb moment" to scaling through the struggle, we talk entrepreneurship, leadership, and the grit required to build something from nothing. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur looking for a business roadmap or a seasoned leader seeking inspiration, join us for tactical advice and powerful founder stories. Watch and listen as we build the future.

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