Entrepreneurs, Executives, and Eccentrics

• How Sean Rowe Turned a Struggling Pizzeria into a Community Staple Through Persistence

  In this conversation, Sean Rowe, founder of St. Angelo's Pizza, shares his journey from a software professional to a successful restaurateur. He discusses the origins of his family’s pizza business, the challenges he faced in the early years, and how he reinvented the menu and business model to adapt to changing circumstances, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Sean emphasizes the importance of mentorship, learning from mistakes, and the realities of running a restaurant, while also reflecting on the evolving landscape of the food industry.TakeawaysSean Rowe is the founder of St. Angelo's Pizza in Atlanta, Georgia.The restaurant's name has a family history dating back to his great uncle.Sean faced significant challenges when he first entered the pizza business.He learned the importance of fixing the food as a foundational principle.COVID-19 forced him to adapt his business model to focus on delivery and carryout.Mentorship is crucial for success in entrepreneurship.The restaurant industry is not for everyone; it requires dedication and hard work.Sean emphasizes the importance of community engagement in his business.He has learned to streamline operations to improve efficiency.The journey of entrepreneurship is often winding and filled with lessons.Today's guest, Sean Rowe, can be found online at:Website: https://www.stangelos.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-rowe-4334a23/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stangelosviningsInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/stangelos_vinings/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stangelos_lakepoint/Your host, Scott Turman, can be found online at:BrightRay Publishing: ⁠https://brightray.com/⁠⁠⁠Entrepreneur Website: ⁠https://scottturman.com/⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottturman/⁠KeywordsSt. Angelo's Pizza, entrepreneurship, restaurant business, COVID-19, menu innovation, business challenges, pizza industry, small business, community engagement, mentorship

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• From global roots to Houston: Andrejka Bernatova on risk, grit, and energy leadership

  In this conversation, Andrejka Bernatova shares her journey from a political science major to a successful investor in energy infrastructure and digital assets. She discusses her experiences in the finance sector, the importance of cultural adaptability, and the entrepreneurial spirit she found in Houston's energy community. Andrejka also delves into the complexities of SPACs, the challenges of valuation in public markets, and the future demand for energy driven by AI and digital assets. Throughout the discussion, she emphasizes the significance of resilience, grit, and surrounding oneself with good people in both personal and professional life.TakeawaysAndrejka transitioned from political science to finance and energy.She emphasizes the importance of taking risks in life.Cultural adaptability has been crucial in her career.The Houston energy community is welcoming and supportive.Grit and resilience are key to success in business.SPACs can be risky and should not be used as a last resort.Valuation challenges can hinder capital raising efforts.Energy demand is increasing due to AI and digital assets.Surrounding oneself with good people is essential for success.Understanding the energy sector is critical for future investments.Today's guest, Andrejka Bernatova, can be found online at:Website: https://www.dynamix-corp.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrejka-bernatova-85037013/Twitter/X: https://x.com/BernatovaYour host, Scott Turman, can be found online at:BrightRay Publishing: ⁠https://brightray.com/⁠⁠⁠Entrepreneur Website: ⁠https://scottturman.com/⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottturman/⁠KeywordsAndrejka Bernatova, energy infrastructure, SPACs, entrepreneurship, investment, Houston, digital assets, AI, resilience, valuation

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• From Nuclear Physics to Climate Equity: Praveen Sahay on Funding Sustainable Innovation

  In this conversation, Praveen Sahay, founder of Wave Equity Partners, discusses his journey in investing in climate solutions, focusing on deep tech innovations that address critical issues in energy, food, and water. He emphasizes the importance of sustainable investments that do not rely on government subsidies and shares insights on innovative approaches to carbon capture and energy generation. Praveen also reflects on his unique career path from a nuclear physicist to a venture capitalist, highlighting the significance of creativity and purpose in driving innovation.TakeawaysInvesting in climate solutions requires a deep understanding of interconnected sectors.Sustainable solutions must be economically viable without government subsidies.Innovation is essential for transforming industries and creating value.The energy sector's reliance on government funding can distort market dynamics.Carbon capture technology can significantly reduce emissions and costs.Clean energy generation can be achieved using alternative fuels like water and ethanol.Entrepreneurship is a mindset that transcends industry boundaries.Life's opportunities should be embraced without fear of the unknown.Purpose in life can stem from love and creativity.Engaging with passionate entrepreneurs is a rewarding experience.Today's guest, Praveen Sahay, can be found online at:Profile: https://waveep.com/our-firm/team/praveen-sahay/Website: https://waveep.com/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/psahayYour host, Scott Turman, can be found online at:BrightRay Publishing: ⁠https://brightray.com/⁠⁠⁠Entrepreneur Website: ⁠https://scottturman.com/⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottturman/⁠Keywordsclimate solutions, venture capital, carbon capture, energy generation, sustainable investments, innovation, clean technology, environmental impact, entrepreneurship, deep tech

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• Alexander Hejazi on Growing Placement, the Startup Born From BallBox and Bold Pivots

  In this conversation, Alex Hejazi, founder and CEO of Placement, shares his journey from finance to the kiosk industry, detailing the evolution of his business through various pivots, especially during the pandemic. He discusses the challenges and successes of launching a startup, the importance of adaptability, and the lessons learned along the way. The conversation highlights the innovative approach of Placement in the unattended retail space and the future potential of kiosk technology.TakeawaysAlex Hejazi transitioned from finance to the kiosk industry.Placement started as a rental service for sports and leisure equipment.The pandemic forced a pivot to package management solutions.The company evolved from hardware to a software-focused model.First dollar earned came from a proof of concept at the beach.Hiring a co-founder was a pivotal moment for the business.Entrepreneurs should consider maintaining supplemental income initially.Pivots are essential for adapting to market changes.The kiosk industry is evolving towards unattended retail solutions.Placement aims to maximize asset utilization for brands. Today's guest, Alexander Hejazi, can be found online at:Website: https://findplacement.io/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexhejazi/Your host, Scott Turman, can be found online at:BrightRay Publishing: ⁠https://brightray.com/⁠⁠⁠Entrepreneur Website: ⁠https://scottturman.com/⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottturman/⁠KeywordsPlacement, kiosks, unattended retail, entrepreneurship, business pivot, startup journey, technology, package management, distribution, innovation

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• Marilyn Yang on Popadelics, Making Mushrooms Mainstream, and Building Fun-Gal Snacks From Scratch

  In this conversation, Marilyn Yang, co-founder and CEO of Fun-Gal Snacks, shares the journey of creating Popadelics, a brand specializing in crunchy mushroom chips. From the initial idea sparked during the COVID-19 pandemic to navigating product development, scaling the business, and securing distribution in major retailers, Marilyn discusses the challenges and successes faced along the way. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the market, leveraging resources, and learning from experiences in the food industry.TakeawaysThe idea for Popadelics emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic.Marilyn and her husband leveraged their finance backgrounds to navigate the startup world.They recognized a gap in the market for mushroom snacks.Outsourcing R&D was crucial for product development.Building relationships with distributors was key to scaling the business.They focused on creating a product that was both tasty and commercially viable.Participation in trade shows helped validate their product concept.They learned the importance of being in retail spaces where their target customers shop.Marilyn reflects on the need for industry knowledge before diving into entrepreneurship.The journey has been both challenging and rewarding, leading to significant growth.Today's guest, Marilyn Yang, can be found online at:Website: https://popadelics.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/popadelics/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/popadelicsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/popadelics/Your host, Scott Turman, can be found online at:BrightRay Publishing: ⁠https://brightray.com/⁠⁠⁠Entrepreneur Website: ⁠https://scottturman.com/⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottturman/⁠KeywordsPopadelics, mushroom snacks, entrepreneurship, product development, retail distribution, startup journey, food industry, business growth, R&D, healthy snacks

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