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  • Pickleball & the Growth of Sports Enterprises & Investment w/ Evan Floersch of the Texas Ranchers Pickleball Team - AZ TRT S06 EP21 (283) 11-23-2025

    Pickleball & the Growth of Sports Enterprises & Investment w/ Evan Floersch of the Texas Ranchers Pickleball Team - AZ TRT S06 EP21 (283) 11-23-2025
    Dec 23 2025
    Pickleball & the Growth of Sports Enterprises & Investment w/ Evan Floersch of the Texas Ranchers Pickleball Team - AZ TRT S06 EP21 (283) 11-23-2025 What We Learned This Week: 1. Pickleball is now fully professionalized with a unified league structure. The merger of PPA + MLP created a stable, closed league system with real team economics, structured seasons, and national distribution. 2. Media partnerships are accelerating the sport's visibility. Pickleball now has a dedicated channel, plus national TV exposure on CBS and Fox—putting it in the same conversation as traditional sports. 3. Austin is becoming a major sports & tech hub fueling this growth. With Meta, Apple, Oracle, UT Austin, F1, MLS, and huge tourism, Austin is the perfect environment for emerging sports franchises. 4. Sports franchises are now a serious investment class—not a vanity asset. Private equity has poured $30B into sports recently. Firms like Permian aim to operate teams professionally, build value, and own multiple franchises across leagues. 5. The big opportunity is not just the sport—it's the stadium & real estate ecosystem. Sports districts (like The Battery or Wrigleyville) generate tens of millions by combining sports, entertainment, dining, hotels, concerts, and tourism. Pickleball could follow this playbook. Guest: Evan Floersch– co owner Texas Ranchers Evan Floersch is on a mission to redefine sports, starting with the 2 billion dollar professional pickleball industry as an entrepreneur, investor, and champion of change leading with a dynamic and forward-thinking passion. As the founder and CEO of the premier Texas Ranchers Major League Pickleball Team, he is transforming the industry while positioning Austin as a major sports hub integrating his passion for the city's thriving cultural arts and future tech scene. In 2022, at just 26 years old, he made history as the youngest principal owner in sports by acquiring a controlling interest in the Texas Ranchers Major League Pickleball Team. Partnering with high-profile investors such as Lil Wayne, Scottie Scheffler, Kendra Scott, and NBA owner Dennis Wong, Evan is on a mission to turn the Ranchers into a global sports powerhouse. His long-term vision extends beyond pickleball—he has publicly committed the next phase of his career to elevating Austin, Texas, into one of the world's premier sports and entertainment markets. With its booming population, tech-driven economy, and untapped potential for championship-winning franchises, Evan sees Austin as the perfect city to build a lasting sports legacy. A former All-American soccer player at Emory University, Evan's passion for competition and strategy extends to the pickleball court, where he plays regularly to better understand the game's evolution. While he grew up surrounded by Chicago sports, his true inspiration comes from those who have built or guided industry-defining companies, with books like Shoe Dog, The Innovator's Dilemma, The War of Art, and Relentless shaping his perspective on leadership, risk-taking, and disruption. Evan is an avid pickleball player and enjoys the fun and competitive aspect of America's fastest growing sport. "Like great companies, a great sports organization isn't built by following the rules. It's built by questioning them, pushing past them, and creating something entirely new. The Texas Ranchers, and future sports franchises we helm in Texas, will win because we see beyond what sports are on the court or field." - Evan Floersch, Founder and CEO Texas Ranchers | Official Home of the Major League Pickleball Team Texas Ranchers: A New Era of Sports Ownership & Global Fan Engagement Who is the most valued high grossing sports franchise? I bet you didn't guess professional pickleball did you? With pickleball exploding into a $2 billion industry and viewership surpassing major professional leagues, the Texas Ranchers are at the forefront of this revolution. By leveraging their brand authority and expansive network, they are attracting exceptional opportunities, captivating fans worldwide, and redefining what it means to be part of a professional sports franchise. The Texas Ranchers Major League Pickleball Team is proving that ownership isn't just for high wealth individual ownership—it's a collective force driven by business leaders, entertainment icons, and sports enthusiasts. By bringing together a powerhouse network of investors—including Lil Wayne, Scottie Scheffler, Kendra Scott, and NBA owner Dennis Wong—the Ranchers are revolutionizing franchise ownership, making it more dynamic, engaging, and accessible. The Texas Ranchers aren't just the most followed franchise in Major League Pickleball—they're the highest-grossing and one of the most marketable brands in the sport. With top-tier talent, including men's and women's pro players like Christian Alshon ...
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    46 Min.
  • Startups from Funding to Community w/ Daniela Santagelo of Freeway - AZ TRT S06 EP20 (282) 10-19-2025

    Startups from Funding to Community w/ Daniela Santagelo of Freeway - AZ TRT S06 EP20 (282) 10-19-2025
    Oct 23 2025
    Startups from Funding to Community w/ Daniela Santagelo of Freeway - AZ TRT S06 EP15 (277) 10-19-2025 What We Learned This Week: Freeway - Helping Startups - Talent • Capital • CommunityTalent Retention & Reinvestment are key to building a FlywheelPhoenix Tech Ecosystem is growing, but not yet matureAlways need more VC Funding + Deal FlowGovernment Partnership as enabler for Tech Guest: Daniela Santagelo https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielaalpert/ I'm a founder, startup ecosystem builder, and civic innovation partner working at the intersection of tech, talent, and community. Through my work with Freeway Phx, I help cities, startups, and global partners co-create thriving innovation ecosystems, starting in Arizona and building bridges worldwide. I believe that opportunity doesn't just happen. It's designed. That's why I focus on activating communities, cultivating tech talent, and building connective infrastructure that turns vision into velocity. My journey spans founding multiple companies including scaling a venture-backed startup to $33M in funding and helping grow it to a $100M business. I've also spent 15 years in the Moving & Relocation industry, which gave me a unique lens on talent migration patterns and the infrastructure needed to build resilient, people-first startup communities. Like many founders, I've experienced both the highs of scaling and the lows of setback. That reinvention shaped my sharper mission: helping founders grow and give back. ⚡️ I lead Tech Talent Summits that connect employers, educators, and jobseekers🌍 I support global delegations and help founders expand across borders🧭 I advise founders on story, capital, and strategy with a human-first, results-driven approach Whether I'm building public-private partnerships, launching a new venture, or guiding a founder through their next chapter, I care about building with legacy, community, and courage. Let's co-create what's next! daniela@founderfreeway.com freewayphx.com We're your community partner in building a modern workforce Whether you're hiring, scaling, or making a career move, Freeway connects the dots that job boards and pipelines can't. Here are 5 main ideas learned from the podcast: 1. Phoenix's Tech Ecosystem Is Growing but Not Yet Mature Phoenix is showing strong momentum with new funding, company relocations, and sector growth (microchips, AI, defense, and health tech), but it hasn't reached critical mass compared to cities like Austin or Miami. The region still needs more deal flow, successful exits, and reinvestment from local founders to sustain long-term growth. 2. Talent Retention and Reinvestment Are Key to Building a Flywheel A major challenge is the "brain drain" — founders and investors leaving after exits. For Phoenix to thrive, successful entrepreneurs must stay, mentor others, and reinvest profits locally. This recycled success (the "flywheel effect") is essential for building a lasting innovation community. 3. Public-Private Partnerships Strengthen the Ecosystem Collaboration between government, universities, investors, and entrepreneurs (through groups like ACA, GPEC, and Southwest MAC) is crucial. While government can enable infrastructure, real progress happens when private founders lead and public institutions act as supporters or "feeders." 4. Culture and Community Matter as Much as Capital Brad Feld's "Startup Communities" framework highlights that strong ecosystems are entrepreneur-led, mentorship-driven, and collaborative. A culture of "give first" — where leaders help others without expecting immediate returns — builds trust and long-term strength within the community. 5. Phoenix Has a Clear Opportunity to Become a Major Tech Hub by 2030 With major investments (like Hadrian's $200M AI factory) and an influx of talent from higher-cost states, Phoenix is positioned for rapid growth. If local leaders stay committed to developing talent, attracting capital, and telling the city's tech story effectively, it can emerge as a leading innovation center in the next decade. Notes: Building a Thriving Tech Ecosystem in Phoenix Segment 1: The Phoenix Tech Landscape – Building a Community Key Theme Public and private partnerships are essential to growing a strong, sustainable tech ecosystem in Phoenix. The goal: build an environment that supports startups from funding to mentorship, attracts talent, and retains capital within Arizona. Current Ecosystem Overview · Silicon Valley (CA) and Silicon Slopes (UT) serve as models for how regional tech ecosystems can evolve. · Phoenix has growing momentum but lacks the critical mass seen in other markets. · Total deal volume: $435 million — promising, but still behind Austin, Miami, and California. · 2025 so far: 47 funding rounds, compared to 88 in 2024 and Miami's 241. Challenges ·...
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    27 Min.
  • AZ Bio Week & Life Sciences Innovation + Best of Biotech w/ Joan Koerber-Walker - AZ TRT S06 EP19 (281) 10-12-2025

    AZ Bio Week & Life Sciences Innovation + Best of Biotech w/ Joan Koerber-Walker - AZ TRT S06 EP19 (281) 10-12-2025
    Oct 10 2025
    AZ Bio Week & Life Sciences Innovation w/ Joan Koerber-Walker - AZ TRT S06 EP19 (281) 10-12-2025 Things We Learned This Week AZ Bio mission to improve life and bioscience, & make AZ a Top Ten Bioscience stateAZ Bio Week 2025 - Oct. - 5 Days Talks, Events & Awards AZ Advances - nonprofit donation to biotech startupsAqualung Therapeutics is treating inflammation in the lungs, get people off ventilators & save livesCalviri is working on a Vaccine to PREVENT Cancer, currently largest animal clinical trialAnuncia Medical has a Re-Flow product to help drain fluid from the brain, treats Hydrocephalus Guest: Joan Koerber-Walker President and CEO, AZBio - Arizona Bioindustry Association, Inc. Chairman, Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship Foundation LKIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joankoerberwalker www.azbio.org Bio: As President and CEO of AZBio, Joan Koerber-Walker works on behalf of the Arizona Bioscience and Medical Technology Industry to support the growth of the industry, its members and our community on the local and national level. Ms. Koerber-Walker is also a life science investor and has served on the boards of numerous for-profit and non-profit organizations. In the life science industry, Ms. Koerber-Walker serves as as Arizona's representative to the State Medical Technology Alliance (SMTA), a consortium of state and regional trade associations representing their local medical technology companies which she chaired in 2015 and represents Arizona as a member of the Council of State Bioscience Associations (CSBA) and the Coalition of State Bioscience Institutes (CSBI). Active in the entrepreneurial and investment communities, she also serves as Chairman of the Board of the Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship Foundation which provides entrepreneurial education, mentoring and support to at-risk members of the community, on the Board of Advisors to CellTrust, Inc. which provides secure communication technology to the healthcare industry, and as Chairman of CorePurpose, Inc. which she founded in 2002. Ms. Koerber-Walker has been recognized as Executive of the Year by the Arizona Society of Association Executives, as a "Most Admired Leader" by the Phoenix Business Journal (2015), in the pages of AZ Business Leaders (2013 thru 2020), Most Influential Women in Arizona Business (2014) and is a 2 time National Finalist for the Stevie Award which recognizes the work of women in business. Her past experience includes two years as the CEO of ASBA (the Arizona Small Business Association), service as a member of the Board of Trustees of the National Small Business Association in Washington D.C., President of the National Speakers Association/Arizona, Chair of the Board of Advisors to Parenting Arizona, the state's largest child abuse prevention organization, & much more. AZBio: Supporting Arizona's Life Science Industry for 19 Years (2003 – 2022) Learn more about Arizona's bioindustry: www.azbio.org | Facebook: AZBIO |Twitter: @AZBio @AZBioCEO We're part of a movement to create sustainable funding for life science innovation in Arizona. Learn more at www.AZAdvances.org MOVING LIFE SCIENCE INNOVATIONS ALONG THE PATH FROM DISCOVERY TO DEVELOPMENT TO DELIVERY OUR VISION OF THE FUTURE: Arizona is a top-ten life science state. OUR MISSION: AZBio supports the needs of Arizona's growing life science ecosystem. The Arizona Bioindustry Association (AZBio) is a not-for-profit, 501(c)6 trade association supporting the growth of Arizona's life science sector. AZBio Member Organizations in the fields of business, research and education, health care delivery, economic development, government, and other professions involved in the biosciences are the key drivers of the growth of Arizona's life science sector. As the unified voice of our industry in Arizona, AZBio strives to make Arizona a place where bioscience organizations can grow and succeed. AZBio works nationally and globally with the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed), the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), the Medical Device Manufacturers Association (MDMA), the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), and leading patient advocacy organizations. Through these relationships, AZBio has access to information, contacts, resources, cost saving programs, and the global bioscience and medtech community. Arizona's bioscience industry is growing rapidly and reached nearly 30,000 jobs spanning 2,160 business establishments in 2018. Industry employment has grown by 15 percent since 2016—twice the growth rate of the nation—with each of the five major subsectors adding jobs during the period. Arizona's universities conducted nearly $580 million in R&D activities in bioscience-related fields in 2018, fueled in part by steadily increasing NIH awards to Arizona institutions since 2016. Venture capital investments in Arizona bioscience...
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    51 Min.
  • Offense + Defense: The 90-Second Plan to Retire Without Fear - AZ TRT S06 EP18 (280) 9-21-2025

    Offense + Defense: The 90-Second Plan to Retire Without Fear - AZ TRT S06 EP18 (280) 9-21-2025
    Sep 25 2025
    Offense + Defense: The 90-Second Plan to Retire Without Fear - Balance growth and guaranteed income to protect your lifestyle — and never worry about running out of money. - AZ TRT S06 EP18 (280) 9-21-2025 What We Learned This Week · Offense + Defense is the Key to Wealth Financial freedom isn't just about hustling harder or chasing returns — it's about balancing offense (growth, risk-taking) with defense (guaranteed cash flow, risk management). · Appreciating Assets vs. Harvesting Assets Appreciating assets grow in value but only pay off when you sell. Harvesting assets pay you while you hold them (rent, dividends, interest). The wealthy own both — using harvesting assets to cover expenses and appreciating assets to build long-term wealth. · Income is More Reliable Than Growth Steven Bavaria's "Income Factory" mindset reminds us that income is fact, growth is hope. A steady stream of cash flow lets you survive downturns without selling assets and builds confidence in your plan. · The 90-Second Retirement Plan Works Cover 80% of retirement expenses with guaranteed sources (Social Security + annuities). Use the remaining 20% of your portfolio for growth, fun, and legacy-building — no more withdrawal stress. · The Goal is Infinite Income The ultimate destination is creating income streams that never run out — from real estate, businesses, life insurance, or even intellectual property. When income covers expenses for life, you gain true financial freedom. Notes: Segment 1: Offense & Defense – The Key to Becoming Financially Unbreakable · Quote: "In today's uncertain economy, the safest solution to be wealthy, be in total control and enjoy freedom for you and your family is to have multiple streams of income." – Robert Allen (2001) · Tie to today: 20+ years later, most people still rely on one paycheck or one retirement plan. Part 1: The Problem – The "One Thing" Retirement Plan · Traditional advice: just max your 401(k) and hope for the best. · The flaw: market volatility, layoffs, health events → can wreck your plan. · Analogy: one oxygen mask — if it fails, you're out of air. Part 2: Offense + Defense = True Financial Freedom · Offense: o Growing income, scaling business, chasing higher returns. · Defense: o Creating steady cash flow, reducing risk, having a safety net. · Too much offense = risk of wipeout. · Too much defense = stagnation. · The key: Balance both to become "financially unbreakable." Part 3: Appreciating vs. Harvesting Assets Introduce the concept that not all assets are created equal — some you wait to pay you, others pay you while you wait. · Appreciating Assets: o Goal: Buy low, sell high. o Examples: stocks, gold, art, land, most crypto. o Risk: You only "win" if you sell at the right time. Gains (or losses) are just on paper until then. · Harvesting Assets: o Produce income while you hold them. o Examples: § Rental real estate → rent + depreciation + tax benefits § Bonds → interest § Dividend stocks / REITs → quarterly payouts § Staked crypto → interest § Covered call writing → option premiums § Cash-flowing businesses § Indexed life insurance → credited interest + loan access o Best assets do both: appreciate and produce cash flow (rental real estate, dividend stocks, etc.). Tie back to Offense-Defense: · Defense loves harvesting assets (cash flow covers bills). · Offense loves appreciating assets (bigger upside for growth). · Most wealthy individuals own both and balance them strategically. Part 4: Mental & Emotional Benefits of Defense · Cover 80%+ of expenses with steady income = less stress. · Frees mental bandwidth for creativity and risk-taking. · Allows you to play offense without fear. Part 5: The 3-Step Offense-Defense Plan 1. Build the Defensive Base ("Sleep-at-Night Money") o Rental properties, pensions, annuities, passive businesses, tax-free income plans. 2. Grow with Offensive Moves o
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    26 Min.
  • Inside Real Estate Syndication Investing: Returns, Risks, & Opportunity Zones w/ Adam Gower of GowerCrowd - AZ TRT S06 EP17 (279) 9-7-2025

    Inside Real Estate Syndication Investing: Returns, Risks, & Opportunity Zones w/ Adam Gower of GowerCrowd - AZ TRT S06 EP17 (279) 9-7-2025
    Sep 10 2025
    Inside Real Estate Syndication Investing: Returns, Risks, & Opportunity Zones w/ Adam Gower of GowerCrowd - AZ TRT S06 EP17 (279) 9-7-2025 What We Learned This Week: Real estate syndications let accredited investors pool money with a sponsor to buy large properties. Investors earn preferred returns, dividends, and tax perks like depreciation and 1031 exchanges. These deals are illiquid, locking up money for years in exchange for long-term gains. Adam Gower showed how trust and consistent marketing are key to raising capital. High interest rates are squeezing deals, creating both challenges and distressed opportunities. Guest: Adam Gower of GowerCrowd https://www.linkedin.com/in/gowercrowd/ Per Adam: I help real estate syndicators raise equity capital online. We integrate AI into everything we do so you have a competitive advantage. Our clients have raised $100's of millions using our proprietary Investor Acquisition System. I share all our secrets in my free newsletter. Bio: Adam Gower is a bilingual, 30-year veteran in real estate, banking, and finance who earned his Ph.D. in banking history at the University College London. He has held senior management positions at some of the largest companies and institutions in the world and is recognized as an industry thought leader on the impact of crowdfunding on real estate. During the 1990's he lived in Japan, working as the President and CEO of a major Hollywood studio developing their real estate portfolio throughout the Asia Pacific Region. After the financial crisis of 2008 had taken hold, Dr. Gower was recruited to advise the largest regional bank in California on their asset disposition strategy, assisting them to divest of a large portfolio of real estate collateralized loans, and subsequently in doubling the institution's size. He subsequently went on to work at Colony Capital, one of the world's largest private equity real estate firms, where he worked on assets acquired with the FDIC as a result of the global financial crisis. When the JOBS Act of 2012 was passed, Dr. Gower had been actively engaged in tech startup angel investing. He quickly realized that commercial real estate finance would be transformed by the new regulations by permitting equity to be raised online. Seeing that this would bring about a revolution in the industry he formed GowerCrowd, an agency geared to assisting real estate developers raise money for their projects, and to educating investors how to invest online. Dr. Gower lives and works in California and has taught the only fully accredited university course in the country that focuses on how to raise money by and invest in crowdfunded real estate syndications. The course was a 'flipped course' allowing students to study the primary curriculum online, while engaging in practical learn-by-doing exercises in class. He is host of an internationally syndicated podcast focused exclusively on real estate crowdfunding, The Real Estate Crowdfunding Show, Syndication in the Digital Age, and publishes one of the most popular real estate investing blogs on the web. Dr. Gower is author of several books focused on the history of real estate crowdfunding, real estate investing, and risk mitigation, and his educational courses have been sold worldwide. Books Link – HERE https://gowercrowd.com/about We help you find more high-net-worth investors so you can raise more equity, faster. GowerCrowd is a team of digital marketing professionals with deep, multi-cycle real estate syndication experience. We build digital marketing systems (aka 'crowdfunding' platforms) for seasoned real estate sponsors so they can find more investors, raise more capital, and scale faster. Our clients handle in excess of $35bn in AUM and have raised upwards of $1bn using our systems with minimum investments as low as $25,000. Reference Info: https://gowercrowd.com/real-estate-investing/guides Segment 1: Real Estate Syndication Basics Definition & Structure Syndication: a real estate professional pools investor money to purchase assets (apartments, offices, car washes, medical buildings, etc.). Typical structure: 70% financed with a bank loan, 30% down from investors. Investors: Accredited investors (SEC-defined high-net-worth individuals). Deals: Can involve dozens or even hundreds of private investors. Returns & Profit Sources Investors may receive:Preferred return (commonly around 8% ROI).Dividends from rental income (net operating profit).Profit share from property appreciation and sale. Liquidity: Funds are locked in for years—these are illiquid investments. Tax Treatment Investors receive a K-1 for pass-through tax benefits like depreciation. Depreciation is recaptured upon sale. Unearned income is taxed as normal income.1031 Exchange: Allows deferral of capital gains taxes by rolling profits into another property (45-day identification rule, 180-day purchase rule).Step-Up in...
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    40 Min.
  • The New Wave of AI-First SaaS Companies Serving SMBs w/ Cooper Simson of Martell Ventures - AZ TRT S06 EP16 (278) 8-24-2025

    The New Wave of AI-First SaaS Companies Serving SMBs w/ Cooper Simson of Martell Ventures - AZ TRT S06 EP16 (278) 8-24-2025
    Aug 29 2025
    The New Wave of AI-First SaaS Companies Serving SMBs w/ Cooper Simson of Martell Ventures - AZ TRT S06 EP16 (278) 8-24-2025 What We Learned This Week: · Political & product risk can kill a business overnight. · AI is lowering barriers to software creation while eliminating low-value roles. · SMBs are ripe for AI adoption, especially in workflow automation & marketing. · The best AI businesses solve real problems — not just add shiny features. · Future-proofing means building where the "puck" is going, not where it's been. Guest: Cooper Simson https://www.linkedin.com/in/cooper-simson-896957b1/ Website: https://martellventures.com Contact Cooper - Instagram: @Coop_Doggy_Dog Dan Martell's portfolio manager and business partner at Martell Ventures. Cooper talks about what they're building around AI and SaaS software, companies they work with, and the products for SMBs. Show Notes Guest: Cooper – Entrepreneur & AI Venture Builder Bio · Started with a finance degree but never pursued traditional finance. · First venture: lead-gen & marketing agency (failed when partner left). · Pivoted through freelance work → launched a business helping people apply for government grants using AI. · Business collapsed overnight due to political risk when U.S. policy changed. · Backed by Dan Martel, who later brought Cooper into Martel Venture Studio AI. · Lessons learned: Always maintain control of the product and build businesses that can withstand outside risks. Segment 1: AI + SMB Software Companies · Martel Ventures works with AI-first SaaS companies solving real business problems for SMBs (0–100 employees, $1M–$50M+ in revenue). · Examples of portfolio companies: o Precision Connect – cleans and organizes business data dashboards. o Atlas AI – AI voice agent that can call leads, nearly indistinguishable from a human caller. o Hero – recruitment tool powered by AI. · AI is the middleman killer → entry-level tech jobs (SDRs, data analysts) most at risk. · Core question for any AI product: Does it solve a real problem, or is it just an AI feature? Segment 2: Dan Martel & Martel Ventures · Dan Martel: 27+ years in tech, 3 major software exits, 5M+ followers. · Founder of SaaS Academy (coached 6,000+ students). · Author of Buy Back Your Time. · Martel Ventures (founded 2024): o Invests in and advises AI SaaS startups. o Target: 10–12 portfolio companies per year. o Provides equity, funding, and advisory services to accelerate growth & marketing. · Martel Ventures' niche: AI + SaaS companies with clear use cases and revenue potential. · Cooper's biggest takeaway: "Skate to where the puck is going" — build for future AI demand, not yesterday's. Segment 3: The AI Shift in Business · Cost transformation: AI drastically reduces software development and coding costs. · AI enables SMBs to: o Automate workflows & reduce repetitive tasks. o Boost employee efficiency → turns "C players" into "B+ players." o Increase ROI per employee by shifting them to higher-value work. · SMB Examples: Local service providers, agencies, or firms generating $1M–$50M annually with 5–200 employees. · Key insight: If you can't identify the customer and the problem solved in 5 seconds, the product likely won't succeed. AI Use Cases in Marketing & Ops · Lead research automation. · Retargeting: AI can read your website, identify IPs, and find who visited. · Ad research: analyze competitor ads with AI agents. · Campaign automation: compresses timelines from weeks to days. · Contact management: AI can segment and organize lists for sharper targeting. Cooper Philosophy: Frameworks & Systems · The "Founding 50" framework walkthrough · How to diagnose bottlenecks and build fast paths to MRR · Distribution engine strategies that accelerate growth Contrarian Takes · "Distribution beats capital — especially when your offer hits" · Why founders waste time perfecting products instead of selling · Red flags he spots instantly in founders AI Market Insights
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    42 Min.
  • Cybersecurity & Compliance w/ Paige Hanson of Secure Labs - AZ TRT S06 EP15 (277) 8-17-2025

    Cybersecurity & Compliance w/ Paige Hanson of Secure Labs - AZ TRT S06 EP15 (277) 8-17-2025
    Aug 21 2025
    Cybersecurity & Compliance w/ Paige Hanson of Secure Labs - AZ TRT S06 EP15 (277) 8-17-2025 What We Learned This Week: A cybersecurity breach can cost more than just data—it can damage infrastructure and destroy client confidence. Even smaller companies (50–100 employees) need structured safeguards, compliance, and often outside MSSPs to stay secure. Secure Labs provides a roadmap for companies to meet regulatory standards like HIPAA, ISO 27001, and SOC 2, helping them win bigger clients. AI-driven threats like voice cloning and deepfakes make personal and business digital security more important than ever. Compliance isn't cheap—outside audits can run $5,000–$50,000 annually, while Big Four audits may exceed $100,000. Guest: Paige Hanson, Co-Founder of Secure Labs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hello-paige-hanson Founder of SecureLabs | Helping businesses meet their security compliance standards | Fractional GRC | 🎤 Keynote, Moderator & Speaker | Identity Theft & Cyber Safety Expert | Volunteer | Wife + Mama Speaker Info: https://speakerhub.com/speaker/paige-hanson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PaigeonCyber Secure Labs Website: https://securelabs.ai/ Fortify Your Company's Future: Expert GRC Solutions SecureLabs empowers organizations to navigate the complex landscape of governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) with ease. Our cutting-edge platform and expert services simplify critical processes, helping you achieve and maintain compliance while effectively mitigating risks. Podcast Notes: Segment 1: The Reality of Cybersecurity Risks What's at stake in a breach? Data loss Infrastructure damage Loss of client confidence Common Cyber Terms: hack, breach, ransomware. Compliance & Budgeting: Every company must include cybersecurity and compliance in their budget. Company Example (50–100 employees): Usually 1 internal cybersecurity employee (legal + security). Outsource parts of the process to MSSPs (Managed Security Service Providers). Use SaaS tools to defend/alert against threats. Cyber risk insurance often included. Safeguards & Processes: Passwords, mobile device policies, website usage, software downloads. Security parameters for access and usage within the company. Company-issued laptops/phones are common, but personal device use may create security risks. Oversight: Department manager responsible for implementation, oversight, and quality control. Segment 2: Secure Labs & Paige's Journey About Secure Labs: Provides an app/platform for companies to outsource cybersecurity. Offers compliance, oversight, and process validation. About Paige (Founder Bio): Accidentally entered the cybersecurity industry. 17 years at LifeLock, building ID theft programs for law enforcement. Co-founded Secure Labs with two partners. Runs a remote global team. Common Client Question: "Where do I start?" Frameworks & Compliance:NIST Protocols: Best practices baseline for cybersecurity.GRC Platform (Secure Labs): Handles regulated industries (HIPAA, ISO 27001).SOC 2 Reports: Validation for security compliance. Why It Matters: Businesses must prove strong cyber/data protocols to win bigger clients. Medium/large companies demand strict security from partners. Interconnected SaaS & cloud systems increase risk. Validation & Auditing: Small companies seeking larger clients often need validation. Outside auditors review processes for compliance & insurance. Secure Labs provides both the platform and the roadmap for this. Segment 3: Budgets, Tips, and Best Practices Key Practices: GBLA compliance (Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act). Onboarding & offboarding client data securely. Regular security team meetings (quarterly). Ongoing record upkeep and compliance tracking. Social Media Risks: What info are you sharing? Photos, posts, public/private profile settings. Timing of posts – avoid real-time "check-ins." Businesses also need to monitor their public digital profile. AI Threats: Voice cloning & deepfakes possible with as little as 10 seconds of audio. Reinforces importance of strict security protocols. Ongoing Monitoring: Secure Labs sends periodic alerts on major breaches (e.g., AWS, Microsoft, Amazon). Budgets & Costs: Outside auditors: $5,000 – $50,000/year. Big Four audits: $100,000+. Compliance budgeting is critical for long-term protection. Where to Learn More: Website: securelab.ai LinkedIn: Paige's profile YouTube: Paige on Cyber Biotech Shows: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Biotech-Life+Sciences-Science AZ Tech Council Shows: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=az+tech+council *Includes Best of AZ Tech Council show from 2/12/2023 Tech Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Tech-Startup-VC-Cybersecurity-Energy-Science Best of Tech: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=best+of+tech 'Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+...
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    40 Min.
  • Voxify: AI Voice Assistant for Small Business w/ David Duguan - AZ TRT S06 EP14 (276) 8-3-2025

    Voxify: AI Voice Assistant for Small Business w/ David Duguan - AZ TRT S06 EP14 (276) 8-3-2025
    Aug 8 2025
    Voxify: AI Voice Assistant for Small Business w/ David Duguan - AZ TRT S06 EP14 (276) 8-3-2025 What We Learned This Week AI Assistant software Aurora for phonesSmall Business are overwhelmed with many aspects of business from sales to customer serviceBad Customer Service costs $ in lost revenueAI Adoption by business is growing as they go from not knowing, to known David is from Ghana in Africa, & tried Soccer, then a DR, to finally land a Tech career Guest: David Duguan, CEO of Voxify, https://hellovoxify.com/ About David Duguan David Duguan is a Ghanaian born and raised entrepreneur, founder and CEO of Voxify. A human innovation company focused on automating and increasing business performance serving the 16 trillion dollar small to medium business market. He was formerly the CTO of a seven-figure tech startup, Visual Solution Nexus. With experience spanning technical leadership, product management, and team-building, he balances big-picture strategy with focused execution. He attended Ball State University and Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis and studied science. He is also highly skilled in building scalable and efficient technology infrastructure and is a Certified AWS Cloud Architect. He is multilingual with fluency in English, Twi, Fanti and conversational in French, and has a passion for music, good African food, cars, golf, design, art, and cigars. Voxify focused on empowering small business to accelerate growth with an AI Powered phone assistant, Aurora. The platform has proven to fuel new revenue streams for business. In fact, one of Voxify's customers, a small window cleaning company recovered $90,000 in previously lost revenue within a few months. The AI-powered voice automation company transforms how small and mid-sized businesses stay competitive in a fast-moving world. Ultimately the company is redefining business communications for small to medium business which is an addressable US$130billion dollar market opportunity. Aurora Hub ensures businesses never miss a call, automatically handles customer inquiries, and helps owners focus on what matters most—growing their business. Whether it's capturing leads after hours, streamlining Respond to Customer Instantly: Keeps businesses connected 24/7 so every call, lead, or inquiry is captured—no more lost business. Boosts Revenue and ROI: Converts missed calls into booked jobs, helping businesses grow without increasing overhead. Personalized and Customizable AI: Aurora adapts to each business, acting as a seamless extension of staff—not just a tool, but a trusted liaison with real sentiment supporting 29 languages. Delivers Confidence and Control: Owners gain peace of mind knowing communications are handled professionally, even outside of business hours with phone, SMS, web and email. Data at your fingertips: Aurora real-time actionable insights to better understand your business opportunities. Save Time and Money: By handling routine tasks and follow-ups automatically, Aurora reduces the need for extra staff, minimizes scheduling mistakes, and frees up owners to focus on what matters most Keep your customers happy: Aurora ensures prompt, friendly, and accurate responses every time—no hold music, no missed calls. With human-like sentiment and multilingual support, customers feel heard and valued, increasing satisfaction and loyalty across every channel Aurora AI Assistant - has proven to fuel new revenue streams for business and for one small window cleaning company Notes: Voxify Segment 1 Sam Walton, who started Walmart, said the business has only one boss, the customer. Every business needs good customer support, but it rarely gets the attention it needs. Many small businesses are overwhelmed, and allways need to make more revenue. Solution to this problem, introduce Voxify, the AI assistant, that can also help with your internal data. In 2025, data is crucial to a business and helps keep you organized. There is an adoption level in AI that Voxify needs to get their clients to. Part of the problem is just education and awareness. It's not the fault of the business market. They're overwhelmed and unaware of what solutions are out there. Voxify product Aurora is easy to use, and gets over the gap of education. Average business with a solo operator loses calls. They also do not have enough customer insight which creates gaps in their business. Voxify tool solves this. You get the best customer support and you eliminate things customers hate like back-and-forth or voicemail tag. Clients see the outcome fast, and so to their customers. Voxify's real customers, are actually the customers of their customers. Company size of a typical client could be an HVAC, home, plumbing or some type of consultant company. Outcome from ...
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    38 Min.