<![CDATA[Modern Founders]]>Modern Founders is conversations about how to build companies in the modern era. We deconstruct the intersection of high-level business strategy and consumer psychology to find out what actually works in today’s digital landscape. Hosted by Barrett Williams, founder of MeloAd Media. We go beyond the surface to uncover the frameworks and mindsets used by some of the best business minds to win in the modern ever-changing economy.

]]>https://meloadmedia.com/Riverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:45:27 GMTTue, 24 Mar 2026 19:17:47 GMT60Barrett Williams<p>Modern Founders is conversations about how to build companies in the modern era. We deconstruct the intersection of high-level business strategy and consumer psychology to find out what actually works in today’s digital landscape. Hosted by Barrett Williams, founder of MeloAd Media. We go beyond the surface to uncover the frameworks and mindsets used by some of the best business minds to win in the modern ever-changing economy.</p>episodicBarrett Williamsbarrettwilliams@meloadmedia.comno<![CDATA[Does Getting in Shape Make You a Better Business Man?]]>Thanks for tuning in!! If you like what you see go check out my socials:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/
Website: https://meloadmedia.com/

]]>e164e770-f3e6-4b27-a60a-0f42be30cb2dSun, 02 Aug 2026 17:27:23 GMT<p>Thanks for tuning in!! If you like what you see go check out my socials: <br /><br />Instagram: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/</a> <br />Website: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://meloadmedia.com/" target="_blank">https://meloadmedia.com/</a></p>no00:17:25Does Getting in Shape Make You a Better Business Man?full<![CDATA[The Reality Of Scaling a Business Solo ]]>Thanks for tuning in!! If you like what you see go check out my socials:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/
Website: https://meloadmedia.com/

]]>578a8a48-79a9-4df7-b897-2da8cc569837Wed, 22 Jul 2026 18:30:05 GMT<p>Thanks for tuning in!! If you like what you see go check out my socials: <br /><br />Instagram: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/</a> <br />Website: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://meloadmedia.com/" target="_blank">https://meloadmedia.com/</a></p>no00:18:09The Reality Of Scaling a Business Solo full<![CDATA[How to Hire Where Your Weakest And Drive Your Business Forward | Sue Bortone]]>Building a team is one of the biggest challenges an early-stage entrepreneur will face but hiring full-time employees may not be the best place to start.

In this episode, Barrett sits down with Sue Bortone, founder of Noble Talent, to discuss how entrepreneurs can build a strong team without taking on unnecessary overhead.

Sue shares how to identify the weaknesses holding your business back, use fractional and freelance talent effectively, create better processes, and know when it is finally time to make your first hire.

We also discuss:

• Why you should hire for your weaknesses
• The benefits of fractional and freelance talent
• How to find people you can trust
• What to budget for your first hire
• Why cheaper talent can sometimes cost you more
• How Sue grew Noble Talent from a solo business into a team
• Why networking is essential for early-stage founders

Connect with Sue and learn more about Noble Talent:

Website: https://www.nobletalent.group/

Follow Modern Founders for honest conversations, practical strategies, and lessons for building your business:

Instagram: ModernFounder.pod
YouTube:  @Modern.Founders 
Website: https://meloadmedia.com/

Subscribe for more conversations with founders and experts who can help you build smarter, grow your team, and move your business forward.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Introduction
01:47 – How Sue entered the recruiting industry
03:17 – Why she created Noble Talent
04:41 – The biggest hiring mistake solo entrepreneurs make
06:35 – Identifying the weaknesses in your business
07:05 – What fractional hiring means
08:38 – Why freelancers work well for small businesses
10:17 – Where to find reliable freelance talent
11:37 – Fiverr, LinkedIn, and freelance platforms
13:41 – How much should you budget for your first hire?
16:07 – Hiring entry-level talent
18:32 – Managing remote and international teams
21:19 – Creating processes before making a hire
23:06 – Using advisors for only a few hours per quarter
25:52 – Sue’s journey from employee to founder
28:31 – Building a more transparent recruiting company
31:19 – The challenges of Sue’s first year in business
33:27 – Building relationships instead of making cold pitches
35:14 – Sue’s biggest advice for early-stage entrepreneurs

]]>8a443d6b-c86f-41e9-8289-1c549b317f9bMon, 13 Jul 2026 21:34:34 GMT<p>Building a team is one of the biggest challenges an early-stage entrepreneur will face but hiring full-time employees may not be the best place to start.<br /><br />In this episode, Barrett sits down with Sue Bortone, founder of Noble Talent, to discuss how entrepreneurs can build a strong team without taking on unnecessary overhead.<br /><br />Sue shares how to identify the weaknesses holding your business back, use fractional and freelance talent effectively, create better processes, and know when it is finally time to make your first hire.<br /><br />We also discuss:<br /><br />• Why you should hire for your weaknesses<br />• The benefits of fractional and freelance talent<br />• How to find people you can trust<br />• What to budget for your first hire<br />• Why cheaper talent can sometimes cost you more<br />• How Sue grew Noble Talent from a solo business into a team<br />• Why networking is essential for early-stage founders<br /><br />Connect with Sue and learn more about Noble Talent:<br /><br />Website: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nobletalent.group/" target="_blank">https://www.nobletalent.group/</a> <br /><br />Follow Modern Founders for honest conversations, practical strategies, and lessons for building your business:<br /><br />Instagram: ModernFounder.pod<br />YouTube: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC32gs8WIackksdHAueB7U2Q" target="_blank"><b> @Modern.Founders </b></a> <br />Website: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://meloadmedia.com/" target="_blank">https://meloadmedia.com/</a> <br /><br />Subscribe for more conversations with founders and experts who can help you build smarter, grow your team, and move your business forward.<br /><br />TIMESTAMPS<br /><br />00:00 – Introduction<br />01:47 – How Sue entered the recruiting industry<br />03:17 – Why she created Noble Talent<br />04:41 – The biggest hiring mistake solo entrepreneurs make<br />06:35 – Identifying the weaknesses in your business<br />07:05 – What fractional hiring means<br />08:38 – Why freelancers work well for small businesses<br />10:17 – Where to find reliable freelance talent<br />11:37 – Fiverr, LinkedIn, and freelance platforms<br />13:41 – How much should you budget for your first hire?<br />16:07 – Hiring entry-level talent<br />18:32 – Managing remote and international teams<br />21:19 – Creating processes before making a hire<br />23:06 – Using advisors for only a few hours per quarter<br />25:52 – Sue’s journey from employee to founder<br />28:31 – Building a more transparent recruiting company<br />31:19 – The challenges of Sue’s first year in business<br />33:27 – Building relationships instead of making cold pitches<br />35:14 – Sue’s biggest advice for early-stage entrepreneurs</p>no00:36:28How to Hire Where Your Weakest And Drive Your Business Forward | Sue Bortonefull<![CDATA[The Unfiltered Reality Of Entrepreneurship In 2026 - Jerry Brazie]]>Most business advice online makes entrepreneurship look easier than it really is.

Jerry Brazie has built more than a dozen companies and generated hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. In this episode, he shares the realities of building a business, making sales, hiring employees, balancing family, and pushing through discomfort.

We discuss why founders need to stay involved in their businesses, why hiring too early can hurt you, and why real conversations will always matter more than online shortcuts.

CONNECT WITH JERRY

The Kronos Group:
https://thekronosgroup.org/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/jerrybrazie/

FOLLOW MODERN FOUNDERS

YouTube:
 @Modern.Founders 

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/

Work with Barrett:
https://meloadmedia.com/

]]>e051788e-fd13-4abf-b70e-487eaec35b9fWed, 08 Jul 2026 14:36:35 GMT<p>Most business advice online makes entrepreneurship look easier than it really is.<br /><br />Jerry Brazie has built more than a dozen companies and generated hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. In this episode, he shares the realities of building a business, making sales, hiring employees, balancing family, and pushing through discomfort.<br /><br />We discuss why founders need to stay involved in their businesses, why hiring too early can hurt you, and why real conversations will always matter more than online shortcuts. <br /><br />CONNECT WITH JERRY<br /><br />The Kronos Group:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://thekronosgroup.org/" target="_blank">https://thekronosgroup.org/</a><br /><br />Instagram:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/jerrybrazie/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/jerrybrazie/</a><br /><br />FOLLOW MODERN FOUNDERS<br /><br />YouTube:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC32gs8WIackksdHAueB7U2Q" target="_blank"><b> @Modern.Founders </b></a> <br /><br />Instagram:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/</a><br /><br />Work with Barrett:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://meloadmedia.com/" target="_blank">https://meloadmedia.com/</a> </p>yes01:04:34The Unfiltered Reality Of Entrepreneurship In 2026 - Jerry Braziefull<![CDATA[5 Questions Every Early-Stage Entrepreneur Needs to Answer]]>5 Questions Every Early-Stage Entrepreneur Must Answer

What do you do when shit hits the fan and your podcast guests fall through? You pivot, you hit record, and you make something out of nothing. That is Business 101.

In this rare solo episode, I'm getting completely out of my comfort zone to tackle 5 questions that early-stage entrepreneurs face the exact same hurdles I’m navigating in real-time. No "guru" hype, no Miami condo LARPing just raw, honest truths about building a company from the ground up.

Inside the Episode:

Question 1: How do you know if you're building something real or just doing busy work?

Question 2: When should you actually hire your first person? (Plus: My breakdown on outsourcing video editing and thumbnails).

Question 3: Why does business feel so much harder than the advice makes it sound online?

Question 4: What should early-stage founders focus on first: Brand, Sales, Systems, or Content?

Question 5: How do you keep pushing forward when the results feel painfully slow?

**** The power of uncapped potential and loving the daily hustle.

Connect With Us & Support the Show
💬 Join the Conversation: I want to hear from you. How do you keep going when results feel slow? What's your business superpower? Drop your thoughts, questions, or your take on "business LARPers" in the comments below!

Subscribe to  @Modern.Founders  Don't miss an episode. Hit that subscribe button and turn on notifications!

Instagram: Follow us @modernfounders.pod for daily clips, value drops, and behind-the-scenes content.

And as always if your looking for affordable, high-impact digital marketing, social media management, or ads that actually move the needle for small businesses. Check out my agency: MeloAd Media.

]]>55d42884-2be4-4668-a02e-0b420b217d97Wed, 01 Jul 2026 02:27:17 GMT<p>5 Questions Every Early-Stage Entrepreneur Must Answer<br /><br />What do you do when shit hits the fan and your podcast guests fall through? You pivot, you hit record, and you make something out of nothing. That is Business 101.<br /><br />In this rare solo episode, I'm getting completely out of my comfort zone to tackle 5 questions that early-stage entrepreneurs face the exact same hurdles I’m navigating in real-time. No "guru" hype, no Miami condo LARPing just raw, honest truths about building a company from the ground up.<br /><br />Inside the Episode:<br /><br />Question 1: How do you know if you're building something real or just doing busy work?<br /><br />Question 2: When should you actually hire your first person? (Plus: My breakdown on outsourcing video editing and thumbnails).<br /><br />Question 3: Why does business feel so much harder than the advice makes it sound online?<br /><br />Question 4: What should early-stage founders focus on first: Brand, Sales, Systems, or Content?<br /><br />Question 5: How do you keep pushing forward when the results feel painfully slow?<br /><br />**** The power of uncapped potential and loving the daily hustle.</p><p></p><p>Connect With Us &amp; Support the Show<br />💬 Join the Conversation: I want to hear from you. How do you keep going when results feel slow? What's your business superpower? Drop your thoughts, questions, or your take on "business LARPers" in the comments below!<br /><br />Subscribe to <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC32gs8WIackksdHAueB7U2Q" target="_blank"><b> @Modern.Founders </b></a> Don't miss an episode. Hit that subscribe button and turn on notifications!<br /><br />Instagram: Follow us @modernfounders.pod for daily clips, value drops, and behind-the-scenes content.<br /><br />And as always if your looking for affordable, high-impact digital marketing, social media management, or ads that actually move the needle for small businesses. Check out my agency: MeloAd Media.</p>no00:26:175 Questions Every Early-Stage Entrepreneur Needs to Answerfull<![CDATA[8 Months of Building a 7 Figure Agency Taught Me These Lessons]]>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/
YouTube:  @Modern.Founders 
My Website: https://meloadmedia.com/

In this solo episode of the Modern Founders Podcast, Barrett talks through what the first 8 months of building a business have actually looked like.

No fluff. No fake highlight reel. Just the honest reality of starting from scratch, getting your first clients, working more than you expected, figuring out what you’re actually good at, and learning how to think long-term as an early-stage founder.

This episode is for anyone building a business, thinking about starting one, or trying to figure out what kind of company they actually want to create.

The biggest takeaway: don’t just chase what’s hot right now. Build around what you’re good at, what you can stick with, and what has the potential to grow over the next 10, 15, or 25 years.

Follow Modern Founders for more real conversations and lessons from early-stage entrepreneurs.

Timestamps:
0:00 – Welcome to the solo episode
0:45 – Who Barrett is and what Meload Media does
1:45 – What 8 months in business has really felt like
2:30 – Entrepreneurship vs. a 9–5
4:30 – Why Barrett started his business
6:30 – The risk and pressure of starting young
7:25 – How he got into social media and content
9:45 – Getting let go and starting the LLC
11:40 – The first client and early months
13:00 – Moving from LinkedIn management to full-stack marketing
15:30 – Building a business that can actually scale
16:10 – Scalable industries vs. service businesses
18:30 – The difference between hot trends and long-term businesses
21:00 – What makes Barrett’s marketing approach different
23:00 – Why now is a great time to build
24:15 – Thoughts on AI agencies and AI consulting
28:30 – What young founders should focus on
30:30 – Final thoughts on business, money, and legacy

]]>a46f04f3-3c00-4025-899e-6218fbf8fbedMon, 22 Jun 2026 20:39:54 GMT<p>Instagram: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/</a> <br />YouTube: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC32gs8WIackksdHAueB7U2Q" target="_blank"> @Modern.Founders </a> <br />My Website: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://meloadmedia.com/" target="_blank">https://meloadmedia.com/</a> <br /><br />In this solo episode of the Modern Founders Podcast, Barrett talks through what the first 8 months of building a business have actually looked like.<br /><br />No fluff. No fake highlight reel. Just the honest reality of starting from scratch, getting your first clients, working more than you expected, figuring out what you’re actually good at, and learning how to think long-term as an early-stage founder.<br /><br />This episode is for anyone building a business, thinking about starting one, or trying to figure out what kind of company they actually want to create.<br /><br />The biggest takeaway: don’t just chase what’s hot right now. Build around what you’re good at, what you can stick with, and what has the potential to grow over the next 10, 15, or 25 years.<br /><br />Follow Modern Founders for more real conversations and lessons from early-stage entrepreneurs.<br /><br />Timestamps:<br />0:00 – Welcome to the solo episode<br />0:45 – Who Barrett is and what Meload Media does<br />1:45 – What 8 months in business has really felt like<br />2:30 – Entrepreneurship vs. a 9–5<br />4:30 – Why Barrett started his business<br />6:30 – The risk and pressure of starting young<br />7:25 – How he got into social media and content<br />9:45 – Getting let go and starting the LLC<br />11:40 – The first client and early months<br />13:00 – Moving from LinkedIn management to full-stack marketing<br />15:30 – Building a business that can actually scale<br />16:10 – Scalable industries vs. service businesses<br />18:30 – The difference between hot trends and long-term businesses<br />21:00 – What makes Barrett’s marketing approach different<br />23:00 – Why now is a great time to build<br />24:15 – Thoughts on AI agencies and AI consulting<br />28:30 – What young founders should focus on<br />30:30 – Final thoughts on business, money, and legacy</p>no00:25:238 Months of Building a 7 Figure Agency Taught Me These Lessonsfull<![CDATA[How to Use AI Employees to Grow Your Business Faster Than Ever | Chad Owen]]>Connect with Chad Owen:
Chad's Website: https://www.stimulus.io/

Connect With Me:
MeloAd Media: https://meloadmedia.com/
Barrett Williams: https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Modern Founders, Barrett sits down with AI consultant Chad Owen to discuss how early-stage entrepreneurs can use AI employees to scale without growing a team. Chad shares his transition from filmmaker to consulting, why founders quietly become their own company bottlenecks, and how to practical steps to delegate menial tasks like inbox management, sales prep, and onboarding workflows to AI

Work Smarter, Not Harder: We drop actionable strategy teardowns like this every single week to help you scale your business automatically. Hit that SUBSCRIBE button and turn on notifications to join a community of modern founders building the future. Like this video if you're ready to get out of your own way!

]]>a3217cb7-e268-424f-89c4-8be5b013f7c6Mon, 15 Jun 2026 19:29:29 GMT<p>Connect with Chad Owen:<br />Chad's Website: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.stimulus.io/" target="_blank">https://www.stimulus.io/</a><br /><br />Connect With Me:<br />MeloAd Media: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://meloadmedia.com/" target="_blank">https://meloadmedia.com/</a> <br />Barrett Williams: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/</a> <br /><br />Episode Summary:<br /><br />In this episode of Modern Founders, Barrett sits down with AI consultant Chad Owen to discuss how early-stage entrepreneurs can use AI employees to scale without growing a team. Chad shares his transition from filmmaker to consulting, why founders quietly become their own company bottlenecks, and how to practical steps to delegate menial tasks like inbox management, sales prep, and onboarding workflows to AI <br /><br />Work Smarter, Not Harder: We drop actionable strategy teardowns like this every single week to help you scale your business automatically. Hit that SUBSCRIBE button and turn on notifications to join a community of modern founders building the future. Like this video if you're ready to get out of your own way!</p>no00:46:26How to Use AI Employees to Grow Your Business Faster Than Ever | Chad Owenfull<![CDATA[25-Year CEO Shares How AI Makes This the Best Time to Build a Business | Michael Lavista]]>The Reality of 25 Years in Tech & Business with Mike LaVista 🚀

In this episode of Modern Founders, I sit down with Mike LaVista, the founder of CAXI. Over the last 25 years, Mike has navigated the rapidly changing world of technology, shifting his company from hand-coding in Notepad to building advanced AI-driven solutions.

We talk openly about the mistakes, the growth spikes that almost broke the business, and the frameworks he used to scale.

🔗 Connect With Us

Follow Barrett Williams & Modern Founders:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/

Connect with Mike LaVista & CAXI:

Website: https://www.caxy.com/
Mike's LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaellavista/

⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction & The Evolution of CAXI
01:25 - Staying Ahead of the 25-Year Tech Curve
02:10 - The Mistake of Skipping Industry Conferences
03:15 - Using Data & AI to Solve Real Customer Problems
05:28 - US-Based Teams vs. The Chaos of Offshore Outsourcing
06:15 - How AI is Wiping Out Overseas Tasks
08:14 - The Citibank Breakthrough: Going from Zero to One Thousand
09:39 - Surviving the Growth Spikes That Almost Killed Us
11:44 - The Startup Dilemma: Pricing Strategy & Cash Flow
13:42 - Moving Beyond "Hiring People You Like"
18:06 - Hire Slow, Fire Fast: A Founder's Real Job
18:44 - Validating Ideas: Talking to Customers First
20:55 - Burning the Boats: Handling Self-Doubt & Loneliness
26:13 - Side-Hustlers: The 80/20 Rule for Product
27:25 - Narrow the Focus, Broaden the Market: Finding a Niche
31:30 - Staying Sane: Long-Term Visions & Goal Setting
33:38 - Loving the Game & Making Your Own Luck
39:07 - Shifting from Developer to Sales Lead
41:15 - Systems Thinking: The E-Myth Playbook
43:03 - Rapid Fire: Essential Books & Underrated Advantages

]]>01f899bd-25fd-4813-bfa5-613b8ea4dc6cMon, 08 Jun 2026 17:20:58 GMT<p>The Reality of 25 Years in Tech &amp; Business with Mike LaVista 🚀<br /><br />In this episode of Modern Founders, I sit down with Mike LaVista, the founder of CAXI. Over the last 25 years, Mike has navigated the rapidly changing world of technology, shifting his company from hand-coding in Notepad to building advanced AI-driven solutions. <br /><br />We talk openly about the mistakes, the growth spikes that almost broke the business, and the frameworks he used to scale. <br /><br />🔗 Connect With Us<br /><br />Follow Barrett Williams &amp; Modern Founders:<br /><br />Instagram: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/</a> <br /><br />Connect with Mike LaVista &amp; CAXI:<br /><br />Website: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.caxy.com/" target="_blank">https://www.caxy.com/</a> <br />Mike's LinkedIn: [<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaellavista/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaellavista/</a> <br /><br />⏱️ Timestamps<br />00:00 - Introduction &amp; The Evolution of CAXI<br />01:25 - Staying Ahead of the 25-Year Tech Curve<br />02:10 - The Mistake of Skipping Industry Conferences<br />03:15 - Using Data &amp; AI to Solve Real Customer Problems<br />05:28 - US-Based Teams vs. The Chaos of Offshore Outsourcing<br />06:15 - How AI is Wiping Out Overseas Tasks<br />08:14 - The Citibank Breakthrough: Going from Zero to One Thousand<br />09:39 - Surviving the Growth Spikes That Almost Killed Us<br />11:44 - The Startup Dilemma: Pricing Strategy &amp; Cash Flow<br />13:42 - Moving Beyond "Hiring People You Like"<br />18:06 - Hire Slow, Fire Fast: A Founder's Real Job<br />18:44 - Validating Ideas: Talking to Customers First<br />20:55 - Burning the Boats: Handling Self-Doubt &amp; Loneliness<br />26:13 - Side-Hustlers: The 80/20 Rule for Product<br />27:25 - Narrow the Focus, Broaden the Market: Finding a Niche<br />31:30 - Staying Sane: Long-Term Visions &amp; Goal Setting<br />33:38 - Loving the Game &amp; Making Your Own Luck<br />39:07 - Shifting from Developer to Sales Lead<br />41:15 - Systems Thinking: The E-Myth Playbook<br />43:03 - Rapid Fire: Essential Books &amp; Underrated Advantages</p>no00:42:4025-Year CEO Shares How AI Makes This the Best Time to Build a Business | Michael Lavistafull<![CDATA[He Made $800 His First Year In. Now His Agency Does 6 Figures | Benas Leonavicius]]>In this episode of Modern Founders, I sit down with Benas, a freelancer turned agency founder, to talk about what it really takes to turn a skill into a real business.

We get into the early struggles of freelancing, finding your first clients, learning sales, escaping the feast-or-famine cycle, and building long-term client relationships.

This one is for freelancers, solopreneurs, service providers, and early-stage founders trying to build something that actually lasts.

We cover:

Why his first year only made $800
Freelancing vs. building an agency
How to find your first clients
Why sales matters so much
Escaping feast-or-famine work
When to niche down
Building retainers and long-term clients
Why YouTube is underrated for business

Drop a comment with your biggest takeaway.

Connect with Benas:


Website: https://avium.vip/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benasleo/
YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@UCMhNdqVY3HFZQ3I5bH3xWGA

Connect with Modern Founders:


Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/barrett-williams-662497324
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Modern.Founders

]]>5c32aa13-bc63-4210-85e2-f0a447ac8dc9Mon, 01 Jun 2026 20:43:11 GMT<p>In this episode of Modern Founders, I sit down with Benas, a freelancer turned agency founder, to talk about what it really takes to turn a skill into a real business.<br /><br />We get into the early struggles of freelancing, finding your first clients, learning sales, escaping the feast-or-famine cycle, and building long-term client relationships.<br /><br />This one is for freelancers, solopreneurs, service providers, and early-stage founders trying to build something that actually lasts.<br /><br />We cover:<br /><br />Why his first year only made $800<br />Freelancing vs. building an agency<br />How to find your first clients<br />Why sales matters so much<br />Escaping feast-or-famine work<br />When to niche down<br />Building retainers and long-term clients<br />Why YouTube is underrated for business<br /><br />Drop a comment with your biggest takeaway.<br /><br />Connect with Benas:</p><p><br />Website: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://avium.vip/" target="_blank">https://avium.vip/</a> <br />LinkedIn: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/benasleo/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/benasleo/</a> <br />YouTube:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@UCMhNdqVY3HFZQ3I5bH3xWGA" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@UCMhNdqVY3HFZQ3I5bH3xWGA</a> <br /><br />Connect with Modern Founders:</p><p><br />Instagram:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/</a><br />LinkedIn: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/barrett-williams-662497324" target="_blank">www.linkedin.com/in/barrett-williams-662497324</a> <br />YouTube: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@Modern.Founders" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@Modern.Founders</a></p>no00:52:20He Made $800 His First Year In. Now His Agency Does 6 Figures | Benas Leonaviciusfull<![CDATA[10-Year VC Investor Explains How to Turn Ideas Into Real Businesses ]]>In this episode of Modern Founders, Barrett sits down with Andrew Ackerman, a serial entrepreneur, early-stage investor, innovation expert, professor, and author of The Entrepreneur’s Odyssey. Andrew has invested in over 70 startups and mentored or advised hundreds of founders, giving him a deep understanding of what actually separates ideas from real businesses.

We talk about why most first-time founders build too fast, how to test an idea before wasting time and money, what investors really look for, how to find your business model, and why the best founders keep their opinions well-reasoned but loosely held.

Andrew also breaks down simple startup lessons from his book, The Entrepreneur’s Odyssey, a story-driven guide that follows the journey from early idea to funded startup.

Connect with Andrew:


Website: https://www.andrewbackerman.com/
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Entrepreneurs-Odyssey-Approach-Startup-Success/dp/1032883545/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewbackerman/

Connect with Modern Founders:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Modern.Founders
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/
Website: MeloAdMedia.com

Subscribe for more conversations with founders, investors, and entrepreneurs breaking down what it actually takes to build a business in today’s world.

]]>7d26b8ec-0140-4624-bd9b-e69a4f7e303aMon, 25 May 2026 11:52:30 GMT<p><b>In this episode of Modern Founders, Barrett sits down with Andrew Ackerman, a serial entrepreneur, early-stage investor, innovation expert, professor, and author of <i>The Entrepreneur’s Odyssey</i>. Andrew has invested in over 70 startups and mentored or advised hundreds of founders, giving him a deep understanding of what actually separates ideas from real businesses.</b></p><p></p><p>We talk about why most first-time founders build too fast, how to test an idea before wasting time and money, what investors really look for, how to find your business model, and why the best founders keep their opinions well-reasoned but loosely held.</p><p></p><p>Andrew also breaks down simple startup lessons from his book, <i>The Entrepreneur’s Odyssey</i>, a story-driven guide that follows the journey from early idea to funded startup.</p><p></p><p><b>Connect with Andrew:</b></p><p><br />Website: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.andrewbackerman.com/" target="_blank">https://www.andrewbackerman.com/</a><br />Book: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/Entrepreneurs-Odyssey-Approach-Startup-Success/dp/1032883545/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/Entrepreneurs-Odyssey-Approach-Startup-Success/dp/1032883545/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0</a> <br />LinkedIn: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewbackerman/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewbackerman/</a> </p><p></p><p><b>Connect with Modern Founders:</b><br />YouTube: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@Modern.Founders" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@Modern.Founders</a><br />Instagram:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/</a><br />Website: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://MeloAdMedia.com" target="_blank">MeloAdMedia.com</a> </p><p></p><p>Subscribe for more conversations with founders, investors, and entrepreneurs breaking down what it actually takes to build a business in today’s world.</p>no00:49:3110-Year VC Investor Explains How to Turn Ideas Into Real Businesses full<![CDATA[The Agency CEO Powering Billion-Dollar Brands Growth Reveals What Founders Get Wrong in 2026]]>In this episode of Modern Founders, I sit down with John Sampogna, co-founder and CEO of Wondersauce, to talk about what it really takes to build and grow a business in today’s world.

John shares practical lessons from growing Wondersauce from the early days into a 100-person agency, including how to land your first clients, build trust, hire smarter, create repeatable systems, and use AI without losing originality.

They also break down why founders should focus less on quick wins and more on building a brand, understanding their customers, and creating work people actually remember.

Connect with John:

Website: https://www.wondersauce.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnsampogna/

Connect with Barrett:

Website: https://meloadmedia.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrett-williams-662497324/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/

]]>49f97cab-83b8-4246-97d1-14c2a69e2fddMon, 18 May 2026 13:35:09 GMT<p>In this episode of Modern Founders, I sit down with John Sampogna, co-founder and CEO of Wondersauce, to talk about what it really takes to build and grow a business in today’s world.<br /><br />John shares practical lessons from growing Wondersauce from the early days into a 100-person agency, including how to land your first clients, build trust, hire smarter, create repeatable systems, and use AI without losing originality.<br /><br />They also break down why founders should focus less on quick wins and more on building a brand, understanding their customers, and creating work people actually remember. <br /><br />Connect with John: <br /><br />Website: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.wondersauce.com/" target="_blank">https://www.wondersauce.com/</a> <br /><br />LinkedIn: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnsampogna/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnsampogna/</a> <br /><br />Connect with Barrett: <br /><br />Website: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://meloadmedia.com/" target="_blank">https://meloadmedia.com/</a> <br /><br />LinkedIn: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrett-williams-662497324/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrett-williams-662497324/</a> <br /><br />Instagram: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/</a></p>no00:47:34The Agency CEO Powering Billion-Dollar Brands Growth Reveals What Founders Get Wrong in 2026full<![CDATA[The Blueprint to a Customer First Business: Using Hospitality to Disrupt the $157B Pet Industry ]]>In this episode of Modern Founders, we sit down with Courtney and Slava, the husband-and-wife duo behind Puptique. They share their journey of moving away from traditional, lean e-commerce models to build a high-touch, retail experience focused on community activation.

We dive deep into the strategic reasoning behind their membership-based model, why they believe loyalty programs are a myth, and how they navigate the unique challenges of building a brand as a couple. Whether you are a solo founder or building with a partner, this conversation provides a blueprint for creating a category-leading business in a crowded market.

]]>0bf4f959-dc07-4491-a7cc-1cad70396061Mon, 11 May 2026 16:06:16 GMT<p>In this episode of <b>Modern Founders</b>, we sit down with <b>Courtney and Slava</b>, the husband-and-wife duo behind <b>Puptique</b>. They share their journey of moving away from traditional, lean e-commerce models to build a high-touch, retail experience focused on community activation.</p><p></p><p>We dive deep into the strategic reasoning behind their membership-based model, why they believe loyalty programs are a myth, and how they navigate the unique challenges of building a brand as a couple. Whether you are a solo founder or building with a partner, this conversation provides a blueprint for creating a category-leading business in a crowded market.</p>no00:47:50The Blueprint to a Customer First Business: Using Hospitality to Disrupt the $157B Pet Industry full<![CDATA[He Lost $10k To Online Courses Now He’s Disrupting the Whole Industry | Amit Zandberg]]>In this episode of Modern Founders, Barrett sits down with Amit Zandberg, the 22-year-old founder and CEO of Allpros.

After spending over $10,000 on online courses, Amit saw a major problem: people often don’t know if a course is actually worth it until after they buy it.

So he built Allpros, a platform that helps people review and evaluate online courses, mentors, and creators before spending their money.

In this conversation, we talk about:

- Why online courses are hard to trust
- What makes a course worth buying
- Red flags to look for before investing
- The real cost of bad advice
- How Amit built Allpros
- Why trust matters in business

This episode is for founders, creators, and entrepreneurs who want to make smarter decisions before investing in online education.

Connect with Amit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amit-zandberg-9b2072317/
Allpros: https://www.linkedin.com/company/allpross/

Connect with Barrett:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrett-williams-662497324/
Modern Founders:
https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/
MeloAd Media:
https://meloadmedia.com/

]]>ca66160d-082e-4dcf-8d2f-c64cd9383434Mon, 04 May 2026 13:20:20 GMT<p>In this episode of Modern Founders, Barrett sits down with Amit Zandberg, the 22-year-old founder and CEO of Allpros.<br /><br />After spending over $10,000 on online courses, Amit saw a major problem: people often don’t know if a course is actually worth it until after they buy it.<br /><br />So he built Allpros, a platform that helps people review and evaluate online courses, mentors, and creators before spending their money.<br /><br />In this conversation, we talk about:<br /><br />- Why online courses are hard to trust<br />- What makes a course worth buying<br />- Red flags to look for before investing<br />- The real cost of bad advice<br />- How Amit built Allpros<br />- Why trust matters in business<br /><br />This episode is for founders, creators, and entrepreneurs who want to make smarter decisions before investing in online education.<br /><br />Connect with Amit: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/amit-zandberg-9b2072317/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/amit-zandberg-9b2072317/</a> <br />Allpros: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/allpross/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/company/allpross/</a> <br /><br />Connect with Barrett: <br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrett-williams-662497324/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrett-williams-662497324/</a> <br />Modern Founders: <br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/</a> <br />MeloAd Media: <br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://meloadmedia.com/" target="_blank">https://meloadmedia.com/</a></p>no00:37:23He Lost $10k To Online Courses Now He’s Disrupting the Whole Industry | Amit Zandbergfull<![CDATA[Why This Messaging Mistake Is Costing You Customers | George Little]]>In this episode of Modern Founders, I sit down with George Little, entrepreneur, designer, and founder of Brandzap, to talk about what it really takes to build a business in today’s market.

George shares his journey from designer to founder, how he built his consultancy, and why early-stage entrepreneurs need to get specific about who they serve, what problem they solve, and how they position their offer.

In this episode, we talk about:

- Why being too broad can hurt your business
- How micro-agencies are becoming a bigger opportunity
- Why people don’t just need good design they need clarity
- How AI is lowering the barrier to entry for founders
- The importance of pressure testing your ideas early
- Why being human is still one of the most underrated founder skills

Connect with George:

Website: https://www.brandzap.xyz/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rglittle3/

Connect with Barrett / Modern Founders:

MeloAd Media: https://meloadmedia.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrett-williams-662497324/


Thanks for watching. If you found value in this conversation, make sure to like, subscribe, and follow along for more conversations with founders building in the modern era.

]]>bd0a9b01-23ba-49a3-8021-7528d662a57fMon, 27 Apr 2026 13:34:14 GMT<p>In this episode of Modern Founders, I sit down with George Little, entrepreneur, designer, and founder of Brandzap, to talk about what it really takes to build a business in today’s market.<br /><br />George shares his journey from designer to founder, how he built his consultancy, and why early-stage entrepreneurs need to get specific about who they serve, what problem they solve, and how they position their offer.<br /><br />In this episode, we talk about:<br /><br />- Why being too broad can hurt your business<br />- How micro-agencies are becoming a bigger opportunity<br />- Why people don’t just need good design they need clarity <br />- How AI is lowering the barrier to entry for founders<br />- The importance of pressure testing your ideas early<br />- Why being human is still one of the most underrated founder skills<br /><br />Connect with George:<br /><br />Website: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.brandzap.xyz/" target="_blank">https://www.brandzap.xyz/</a> <br />LinkedIn: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rglittle3/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/rglittle3/</a> <br /><br />Connect with Barrett / Modern Founders:<br /><br />MeloAd Media: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://meloadmedia.com/" target="_blank">https://meloadmedia.com/</a> <br />LinkedIn: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrett-williams-662497324/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrett-williams-662497324/</a> <br /><br /><br />Thanks for watching. If you found value in this conversation, make sure to like, subscribe, and follow along for more conversations with founders building in the modern era.</p>no00:50:18Why This Messaging Mistake Is Costing You Customers | George Littlefull<![CDATA[How To Beat Billion-Dollar Competitors In Your Niche | Thalia Vila]]>In this episode, I sit down with Thalia Vila, the founder of Resilient Meals, a high-quality meal prep company based in Central Florida. Thalia shares her inspiring journey from a failed restaurant attempt during the COVID-19 lockdowns to building a successful, health-focused business that prioritizes transparency and real food.

Key Highlights

The "Anti-Factor" Approach: How Thalia competes with Huge companies by using fresh, local ingredients, avoiding seed oils, and keeping recipes to fewer than 10 recognizable ingredients.

Finding the Right Audience: Why her initial focus on gym-goers failed and how she pivoted to serve busy professionals and moms who value quality over macros.

Systems and Legacy: Thalia discusses the operational systems built by her late husband, Jesse, and how she transitioned from the creative side to managing a team of six.

Marketing Through Authenticity: The power of being "unapologetically yourself" and why word-of-mouth and community trust often outperform viral social media metrics.

Connect with Our Guest

Website: https://www.resilientmealsfl.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thalia-vila-bb35a0289/

Connect With The Host:

Website: https://meloadmedia.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrett-williams-662497324/

]]>26897fbe-a85f-4e86-8cd1-a776d389c618Mon, 20 Apr 2026 18:19:46 GMT<p>In this episode, I sit down with Thalia Vila, the founder of Resilient Meals, a high-quality meal prep company based in Central Florida. Thalia shares her inspiring journey from a failed restaurant attempt during the COVID-19 lockdowns to building a successful, health-focused business that prioritizes transparency and real food.<br /><br />Key Highlights<br /><br />The "Anti-Factor" Approach: How Thalia competes with Huge companies by using fresh, local ingredients, avoiding seed oils, and keeping recipes to fewer than 10 recognizable ingredients.<br /><br />Finding the Right Audience: Why her initial focus on gym-goers failed and how she pivoted to serve busy professionals and moms who value quality over macros.<br /><br />Systems and Legacy: Thalia discusses the operational systems built by her late husband, Jesse, and how she transitioned from the creative side to managing a team of six.<br /><br />Marketing Through Authenticity: The power of being "unapologetically yourself" and why word-of-mouth and community trust often outperform viral social media metrics. <br /><br />Connect with Our Guest <br /><br />Website: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.resilientmealsfl.com/" target="_blank">https://www.resilientmealsfl.com/</a> <br />LinkedIn: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/thalia-vila-bb35a0289/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/thalia-vila-bb35a0289/</a> <br /><br />Connect With The Host: <br /><br />Website: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://meloadmedia.com/" target="_blank">https://meloadmedia.com/</a><br />LinkedIn: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrett-williams-662497324/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrett-williams-662497324/</a></p>no00:53:35How To Beat Billion-Dollar Competitors In Your Niche | Thalia Vilafull<![CDATA[Building Business on Financial Education | Zac Brown]]>The conversation covers the journey of Zach Brown from education to the financial industry, the challenges faced, and the importance of financial education. It also delves into the role of a financial advisor and the need for financial education in schools and colleges. The discussion highlights the impact of market fluctuations and the value of professional expertise and emotional support provided by financial advisors. The conversation covers the advantages of investing during market fluctuations, the concept of buying low and selling high, and the drawbacks of whole life insurance policies as an investment option. It emphasizes the importance of understanding market dynamics and making informed investment decisions.

Takeaways

  • Financial education is lacking in traditional school curriculums
  • The role of a financial advisor is to provide professional expertise and emotional support during market fluctuations Investing in the stock market during market fluctuations can be advantageous.
  • Whole life insurance policies may not be the best investment option for wealth building.

]]>d8a2009e-9d52-4007-aa88-89015a4c5472Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:40:45 GMT<p>The conversation covers the journey of Zach Brown from education to the financial industry, the challenges faced, and the importance of financial education. It also delves into the role of a financial advisor and the need for financial education in schools and colleges. The discussion highlights the impact of market fluctuations and the value of professional expertise and emotional support provided by financial advisors. The conversation covers the advantages of investing during market fluctuations, the concept of buying low and selling high, and the drawbacks of whole life insurance policies as an investment option. It emphasizes the importance of understanding market dynamics and making informed investment decisions.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Financial education is lacking in traditional school curriculums</li><li>The role of a financial advisor is to provide professional expertise and emotional support during market fluctuations Investing in the stock market during market fluctuations can be advantageous.</li><li>Whole life insurance policies may not be the best investment option for wealth building.</li></ul><p></p>no01:09:07Building Business on Financial Education | Zac Brownfull<![CDATA[Disrupting the Old Model | Lucas Yeung]]>The conversation covers Lucas's journey from Hong Kong to New Zealand, his experience in the insurance industry, and the challenges and strategies of running a business in New Zealand. It also delves into the dynamics of lead generation, client relationships, and risk management in the business. The conversation covers topics such as calculated risk in business decisions, disruption in the industry, building a brand, content creation, employee management, and learning from industry leaders.

Takeaways

  • Cultural differences in sales and business between New Zealand and other countries
  • The importance of client-first approach and integrity in the insurance industry Calculated Risk
  • Disruption and Branding
  • Content Creation
  • Employee Management
  • Learning from Industry Leaders

Chapters

  • 00:00 Risk Management and Business Growth
  • 42:00 Building a Brand and Content Creation
  • 50:09 Learning from Industry Leaders and Entrepreneurship
]]>edc45040-278d-4b21-919d-da24ded07ea6Mon, 06 Apr 2026 13:38:26 GMT<p>The conversation covers Lucas's journey from Hong Kong to New Zealand, his experience in the insurance industry, and the challenges and strategies of running a business in New Zealand. It also delves into the dynamics of lead generation, client relationships, and risk management in the business. The conversation covers topics such as calculated risk in business decisions, disruption in the industry, building a brand, content creation, employee management, and learning from industry leaders.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Cultural differences in sales and business between New Zealand and other countries</li><li>The importance of client-first approach and integrity in the insurance industry Calculated Risk</li><li>Disruption and Branding</li><li>Content Creation</li><li>Employee Management</li><li>Learning from Industry Leaders</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Risk Management and Business Growth</li><li>42:00 Building a Brand and Content Creation</li><li>50:09 Learning from Industry Leaders and Entrepreneurship</li></ul>no00:49:43Disrupting the Old Model | Lucas Yeungfull