The Startup Junkies Podcast

Startup Junkie
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The Startup Junkies podcast is hosted by Jeff Amerine and his team at Startup Junkie Consulting. We’ll cover topics ranging from getting started, planning, growing your business, proving your concept, leadership, marketing, exit strategies and so much more. We’ll interview business owners, entrepreneurs, experts and people we think will bring value to our audience. Subscribe and together we will move your business to the next level.

  1. 3D AGO

    449: How CeCe Marie Turned Hard Times Into a Dance Revolution

    Summary In this episode of the Startup Junkies podcast sponsored by Bank of America, CeCe Marie, dancer, choreographer, and founder of The Vibe, joins Daniel Koonce and Ty Steele to share her inspiring journey of resilience, culture, and community through dance.  Raised in a culturally diverse family, CeCe was immersed in Afro-Caribbean dance from a young age, fueling her love for culture and movement. Life’s challenges, including her father’s incarceration and solo parenthood, only deepened her connection to the black and brown communities and hip hop, which CeCe describes as lifesaving. Her experiences ultimately led her to launch The Vibe: a space for adults to rediscover joy and unity through dance, regardless of experience. Listeners are treated to honest reflections on the intimidating leap adults face in returning to dance, with CeCe emphasizing the importance of creating safe, hype-filled environments where “you feel seen, welcomed, and refreshed.” She also highlights The Vibe’s upcoming Block Party, a dazzling celebration of hip hop’s five elements—dance, DJing, emceeing, graffiti, and fashion. Whether you’re a longtime dancer or curious first-timer, this episode reminds us all that artistry, joy, and unity are always within reach! Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (05:30) Starting The Vibe Dance Classes (06:46) Finding Inspiration Through Faith (11:30) Overcoming the Fear of Being a Beginner (13:41) Celebrating Hip Hop Culture (19:25) The Challenges of Limited Teacher Training (25:40) Closing Thoughts Links Daniel Koonce Ty Steele Startup Junkie Startup Junkie YouTube CeCe Marie The Vibe Sponsored by Bank of America

    26 min

  2. APR 20

    448: The Banking Relationship Every Startup Needs to Survive and Thrive with James Norman

    Summary In this special episode of the Startup Junkies podcast sponsored by Bank of America, hosts Daniel Koonce and Caleb Talley are joined by James Norman, Relationship Manager at Bank of America, to explore the evolving needs and challenges of today’s entrepreneurs. The conversation opens with James sharing his personal journey—moving from a small community bank to a pivotal role at Bank of America, where he leverages the bank’s robust resources and global reach to empower local business owners. Emphasizing the importance of strong banker-client relationships, James describes how Bank of America supports businesses from startup through fifty million dollars in annual revenue, offering a holistic suite of services covering capital access, risk management, and digital tools. A key highlight was Bank of America’s focus on helping founders navigate current economic pressures like inflation and supply chain issues. James stressed the necessity of proactive communication with bankers and utilizing tools like the Cash Pro and BA360 platforms for real-time financial visibility. The episode also touches on the adoption of digital solutions and AI by businesses seeking efficiency, and the critical role of community engagement in expanding customer bases and brand visibility. The discussion closes with insights on succession planning, a step often overlooked by entrepreneurs. James advises starting these conversations years before an exit to maximize business value and ensure continuity. Listen to the full episode for actionable advice at every stage of your entrepreneurial journey! Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (05:46) How Bank of America Supports Business Clients (09:30) Supporting Startups Through Challenges (11:00) Navigating Supply Chain Issues (15:26) Adopting Digital Tools in Business (19:17) Bank of America’s Small Business Support (23:47) The Importance of Succession Planning (28:34) Closing Thoughts Links Daniel Koonce Caleb Talley Startup Junkie Startup Junkie YouTube James Norman Bank of America

    30 min

  3. APR 6

    447: The Secret That Changes Everything for Startup Success with Benjamin Greene

    Summary In this powerful episode of the Startup Junkies podcast, Benjamin Greene shares his candid and deeply personal journey – from his early battles with adversity to his success as a co-founder of Green Performance & Wellness Coaching. Interviewed by Daniel Koonce, Cindy Lin, and Grace Olson, Benjamin dives deep into the heart of entrepreneurship, mindset, and resilience. A recurring theme is the importance of consistency and mastering the basics. As Benjamin Greene notes, most people will never master the foundations, stressing that true success isn’t about flashy moves but doing the fundamentals at a high level. Furthermore, Benjamin doesn’t shy away from sharing vulnerabilities. He recounts overcoming tremendous personal pain, including the loss of his father and life-changing setbacks. His breakthrough as a coach stemmed from realizing that the same energy spent on negativity could be invested in positive action and growth. He offers actionable wisdom for business owners: set long-time horizons and don’t be afraid to start—and fail—over and over. His coaching philosophy is rooted in radical candor, telling clients what they need to hear, not just what they want. This episode is a reminder that opportunity and happiness are often found in the basics and in gratitude. Listen in and rediscover the power of the fundamentals! Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (03:38) How Benjamin’s First Business Began (07:20) Tips for Authentic Networking (13:01) The Importance of Real-World Experience (18:36) Leveraging Honest Feedback (25:38) The Origin of Greene Wellness & Performance Coaching (28:40) Spotting Daily Opportunities (32:59) Overcoming Self-Criticism (34:44) Closing Thoughts Links Daniel Koonce Cindy Lin Grace Olson Startup Junkie Startup Junkie YouTube Benjamin Greene Greene Performance & Wellness Coaching

    36 min

  4. MAR 30

    446: Why NWA Is the Best Place for Entrepreneurs with Randy Wilburn

    Summary On this insightful episode of Startup Junkies, the team sits down with Randy Wilburn, director of communications and marketing at the Fayetteville Public Library and founder/host of the I Am Northwest Arkansas podcast. Randy shares his journey moving from Boston to Northwest Arkansas in 2014, and how the region’s rich entrepreneurial spirit inspired him to start a podcast that now boasts over four hundred episodes. Throughout the episode, Randy details the vibrant business culture in Northwest Arkansas and explains why it’s an ideal place to launch a new venture. He highlights the power of relationship-building, noting that genuine connections drive success in the area. Listeners gain valuable tips, including the importance of storytelling for founders and the need to know your “why” before pitching your business. Randy also shares his philosophy of striving to get one percent better every day, inspired by James Clear’s "Atomic Habits" and the Japanese concept of Kaizen as a path to sustained growth. The episode closes with practical advice from Randy for anyone looking to start or scale a business in Northwest Arkansas: leverage local resources, be willing to pivot, and lean into the supportive founder ecosystem. Tune in for an uplifting, information-packed conversation that reminds us all that incremental steps, strong networks, and authentic storytelling are the heart of sustained entrepreneurial success! Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (07:21) Northwest Arkansas’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (13:02) The Importance of Testing Ideas (18:51) Nailing Your Pitch and Audience (22:18) Advantages of Modern AI Tools (28:59) Small Changes That Lead to Big Results (33:42) The Legacy of NWA’s Leaders (36:37) Using Library Resources for Startups (43:24) Closing Thoughts Links Daniel Koonce Ty Steele Grace Olson Startup Junkie Startup Junkie YouTube Randy Wilburn Fayetteville Public Library I Am Northwest Arkansas

    45 min

  5. MAR 23

    445: The Untold Challenges of Rapid Growth with Thomas Healy

    Summary In this episode of the Startup Junkies podcast, hosts Caleb Talley and Grant Boston sit down with Thomas Healy, founder of Hyliion, to dive deep into his entrepreneurial journey and the innovative path his company is charting in the power generation space. Thomas shares how Hyliion moved from an initial focus on electrifying commercial vehicles to developing the groundbreaking KARNO power module, a distributed power generation solution intended to transform how facilities like Walmarts, data centers, and airports get their energy. Drawing on his experiences as a young, ambitious founder at Carnegie Mellon, Thomas recounts the importance of perseverance, strategic pivots, and continuous learning. He discusses how a failed pitch at his university’s business plan competition spurred him to adapt and eventually land in the winner’s circle at a national competition, reinforcing the power of feedback, resilience, and iteration. Listeners will get an insider’s view of the regulatory landscape, from headwinds in the electric vehicle market to the tailwinds now benefitting distributed power generation, such as significant tax credits and expedited approvals. Thomas also emphasizes the value of strong mentorship and strategic investors in overcoming the inevitable hurdles faced by founders. The episode is a must-listen for anyone captivated by the intersection of energy innovation and entrepreneurial grit. As Thomas puts it, the key advice is: just get started and don’t fear pivots—today’s setback may be tomorrow’s breakthrough. Listen now! Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (04:47) Reimagining the Outdated Power Grid (07:34) Using Feedback to Fuel Momentum and Growth (13:49) Regulatory Impacts on Electric Trucking (20:23) Efficient Energy for Data Centers (30:35) Closing Thoughts Links Caleb Talley Grant Boston Startup Junkie Startup Junkie YouTube Thomas Healy Hyliion

    32 min

  6. MAR 16

    444: How a Failed Entertainment Venture Shaped a Real Estate Empire

    Summary In the latest episode of the Startup Junkies podcast, hosts Daniel Koonce and Grant Boston sit down with real estate mogul Ari Rastegar, founder and CEO of Rastegar Capital, to discuss entrepreneurship, investing, and the value of failure. Calling in from Austin, Texas, Ari Rastegar shares his journey from law school student to head of a multi-billion dollar real estate firm, including the pivotal moments, such as a multi-million dollar entertainment company undone by a freak ice storm. Throughout the episode, Ari emphasizes the importance of relentless energy, expansive learning, and the humility to embrace setbacks. He encourages would-be entrepreneurs to "learn before you do anything," pushing listeners to leverage the abundance of resources available today, from podcasts to YouTube, before risking their own or others’ capital. He also highlights how failures can be one’s greatest teachers, sharing stories from his own career and the insights they provided about planning for the “unplannable.” Notably, Ari discusses the deep importance of health—mental, physical, and spiritual—for sustaining long-term success. He suggests that taking care of oneself is the essential first step to building impactful teams, businesses, and communities. For anyone navigating the rollercoaster of startup life, this episode serves as both a playbook and a pep talk, packed with actionable advice and candid wisdom from someone who has truly failed forward. Check out the latest episode and get inspired to turn adversity into your own entrepreneurial advantage! Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (05:05) Learn First, Act Wisely (07:30) Why Mentorship and Learning Are Key (12:41) The Value of Diverse Perspectives (18:54) Finding Heart-Mind Coherence (22:49) Simple Steps for Wellness (28:57) Persevering Through Challenges (32:38) Closing Thoughts Links Daniel Koonce Grant Boston Startup Junkie Startup Junkie YouTube Ari Rastegar Rastegar Capital

    33 min

  7. MAR 9

    443: Trucking, Tech, and Taking Risks: Inside Hemet’s Founding with Alex Kruchten

    Summary On this episode of the Startup Junkies podcast, Alex Kruchten, co-founder of Hemut, joins Caleb Talley and Harrison Kitson to share his journey from adventurous student to tech entrepreneur and how Hemut is revolutionizing the trucking industry. Alex unpacks the founding story of Hemut, a venture born from the resourcefulness of his co-founder, who overcame extraordinary odds and built a multimillion-dollar trucking operation in his teens. Together, their team identified a major problem: trucking companies rely on outdated systems, with most current Transportation Management Systems (TMS) dating back to the ‘90s or early 2000s. Hemut’s mission is to modernize these processes, eliminating unnecessary middlemen, and finally giving trucking companies the automation and workflow efficiency they deserve. The conversation highlights Hemut’s unique approach, including co-locating their development team within client offices to ensure rapid iteration based on real-time user feedback. Alex also explains how programs like Y Combinator and Arkansas’s Fuel Accelerator expanded their network, opening doors to communities geared toward supporting high-growth tech businesses. Beyond the business, Alex emphasizes the power of genuine relationships, taking risks, and the value of authentic connection. To sum up, this episode isn’t just about tech innovation; it’s a powerful story of resilience, teamwork, and the importance of community—one that every entrepreneur will find both insightful and inspiring. Tune in today! Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (05:56) Reluctance to Full Commitment (06:35) Modernizing Transportation Management Systems (09:52) User-Centered Software Development Strategy (13:16) The Impact of Fuel Accelerator (16:27) Big-City Perks in Arkansas (20:32) Hemut’s Scaling and Expansion Plan (25:07) Consumer Interest Over Transactionality (30:15) Embrace Risks for Growth (31:38) Closing Thoughts Links Caleb Talley Harrison Kitson Startup Junkie Startup Junkie YouTube Alex Kruchten Hemut

    33 min

  8. MAR 2

    442: The Power of Persistent Capital: Lessons for Rural Economies

    Summary The latest episode of the Startup Junkies podcast shines a spotlight on the enduring legacy and forward-thinking strategies of ACC Capital (formerly Arkansas Capital Corporation). Host Caleb Talley, joined by Jeff Amerine, welcomes Sam Walls, who shares the rich history and impact of ACC in Arkansas’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. From its inception in the 1950s, ACC played a pivotal role in driving economic development and entrepreneurship in a state once plagued by poverty and limited capital. Sam details how ACC, born out of the vision of leaders like Winthrop Rockefeller, became a “third leg” in supporting capital needs, working alongside the state and private sector to bring manufacturing to Arkansas. Over the decades, ACC expanded its services, from pioneering SBA and USDA-guaranteed lending to launching Arkansas’s first in-state SBIC venture capital fund and leading initiatives like the Governor’s Cup business plan competition. Additionally, the episode highlights ACC’s bold leap into the federal EB-5 immigrant investor program, which contributed nearly six hundred million dollars to transformative projects like Big River Steel in Mississippi County. For those passionate about economic development, this episode is an inspiring look at how steady vision and adaptability can create lasting impact. To learn more about ACC Capital or the Governor’s Cup, listen to the full conversation! Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (05:58) Diverse Economic Development Initiatives (08:18) Arkansas Capital’s Foundational Impact (16:03) Collaborating with an Abundance Mindset (21:20) EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program (25:13) Perseverance Amid Financial Struggles (29:30) Congressional Testimony on Job Creation (37:46) Balancing Capital and People (45:45) National Presence and Accessibility Links Caleb Talley Daniel Koonce Startup Junkie Startup Junkie YouTube Sam Walls ACC Capital

    47 min
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5
out of 5
45 Ratings

About

The Startup Junkies podcast is hosted by Jeff Amerine and his team at Startup Junkie Consulting. We’ll cover topics ranging from getting started, planning, growing your business, proving your concept, leadership, marketing, exit strategies and so much more. We’ll interview business owners, entrepreneurs, experts and people we think will bring value to our audience. Subscribe and together we will move your business to the next level.

Information

  • Creator
    Startup Junkie
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2026
  • Episodes
    491
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Startup Junkie
  • Show Website
    The Startup Junkies Podcast

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