FounderGPS

Hosted by Shoemaker Films, LLC

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Jun 2026

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About the show

FounderGPS is the official podcast of Shoemaker Films. Join host Dane Shoemaker in 1-on-1 conversations with entrepreneurs, founders, and creators across the globe. Join the adventure with guests as they share their experience building in public and explore the platforms and culture across the digital marketing and business landscape. Watch and listen to inspiring stories while gaining some practical business advice. Visit www.shoemakerfilms.com for more details on our company, and stay up to date by following us on Instagram @shoemakerfilms

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41 recent

June 11, 2026Episode 4137 min

Art-Forward Design and Scaling a Creative Agency with Susan Eva Goerg

In this episode of FounderGPS, host Dane Shoemaker sits down with New York-based interior designer and creative director Susann Eva Goerg to pull back the curtain on what it truly takes to build a thriving, sustainable, and premium creative business.With over a decade of experience as an art and creative director for global brands, Susann brings a unique storytelling lens to residential interior design. She challenges the traditional industry by refusing to let art be an afterthought, designing spaces where environment and fine art elevate one another.Dane and Susann dive deep into the messy realities of entrepreneurship, the courage required to niche down, and why running a design firm is actually 89% business and only 11% creativity. Whether you are an interior designer, a creative freelancer, or a founder trying to align your business with your personal values, this conversation is packed with tactical advice on reclaiming your worth and standing out in an undervalued industry.

October 9, 2025Episode 4046 min

Write Yourself Bigger Checks and Take More Vacations | FounderGPS with Sean Montgomery (Via Opus)

Are you an established business owner struggling to achieve work-life balance because you are the biggest constraint in your company? Join Sean Montgomery of Via Opus Business Coaching and Consulting (Via Opus means "the way of working" in Latin) for a an in-depth conversation on building his coaching business.Via Opus specializes in helping ambitious, growth-hungry business owners increase profits and streamline operations by implementing 12 simple, tactical business strategies. They focus on teaching you to put systems and processes in place (including SOPs and KPIs) so your company can work without constantly relying on one human—you.Key Topics Discussed:-The Constraint Is You: Learn why the business owner is frequently the major bottleneck, and how to implement systems and processes (including SOPs and KPIs) so your company can operate without constantly relying on one person.-Tactical Profit Acceleration: We retrain your brain to focus on profits (what pays the business owner) rather than just revenue. Sean shares two immediate strategies: cutting costs (one client was able to cut over $5,000 in annual expenses in just two weeks) and the power of small price increases (often just 5% increments).-The Hot Take on Content: A deep dive into the philosophy of content creation, including the surprising argument that audio is more important than video.-Coaching vs. Consulting: Understanding the key distinction: coaching teaches clients how to do it on their own, while consulting does the work for them.-Preparing for the Future: How Via Opus helps clients implement necessary structural changes when preparing for an exit strategy, such as selling or retiring the business.-AI as a Tool: Discussing how Artificial Intelligence is currently used in business coaching and content creation, stressing that it should be used to eliminate, automate, and delegate tasks, not to rush into convoluted processes.Via Opus Business Coaching stands out in the industry by being highly transparent with the Return on Investment (ROI), providing an estimate of how much money clients can expect to make from their investment. They focus on personalized, tactical, weekly sessions designed specifically for businesses that have been around for more than five years and are ready to grow.Find Out More: Connect with Sean Montgomery on LinkedIn or visit https://viaopusbcc.com///////////////////////////////////////////////Welcome to FounderGPS.This podcast explores stories of local businesses, entrepreneurs, and creatives, while also offering tactical tips and valuable knowledge on video marketing, social media, and navigating the digital landscape.At Shoemaker Films, we focus on crafting professional video content that can help your businesses thrive online. Whether you're looking to launch a new product, tell your brand story, or engage with your audience on social media, we're here to help!Looking to elevate your brand? Let's work together!Visit our website at https://shoemakerfilms.com/Follow us on Instagram @shoemakerfilmsWe use ClickUp to manage all of our video projects, collaborate with team members, and stay on top of our content schedule. Sign up for a free account here: https://try.web.clickup.com/shoemakerfilms

March 20, 2025Episode 3941 min

Mollie Plotkin on Growing a Talent Agency for Speakers & Athletes

What does it take to build a powerhouse talent agency from the ground up? In this episode, we sit down with Mollie Plotkin, founder of the Mollie Plotkin Group, a talent agency that represents high-profile speakers and athletes. Mollie shares her journey of starting a sports marketing agency, evolving it into a keynote speaker agency, and how she’s grown it into one of the top agencies in the Philly area. We dive into the unique approach Mollie uses to match the right speakers to the right events, the challenges of rebranding, and why relationships are key to success in the speaker industry. Tune in to hear how Mollie’s agency operates, her thoughts on virtual vs. in-person events, and why human connection is more important than ever. If you want to learn about building a successful talent agency or just want tips on how to engage your audience better, this episode is for you!//////////////////////////////////////////////Welcome to the Shoemaker Films Podcast.This podcast explores stories of local businesses, entrepreneurs, and creatives, while also offering tactical tips and valuable knowledge on video marketing, social media, and navigating the digital landscape.At Shoemaker Films, we focus on crafting professional video content that can help your businesses thrive online. Whether you're looking to launch a new product, tell your brand story, or engage with your audience on social media, we're here to help!Looking to elevate your brand? Let's work together!Visit our website at https://shoemakerfilms.com/Follow us on Instagram @shoemakerfilmsWe use ClickUp to manage all of our video projects, collaborate with team members, and stay on top of our content schedule. Sign up for a free account here: https://try.web.clickup.com/shoemakerfilms

March 5, 2025Episode 3853 min

The Business of Returns: How DropUpp is Changing E-Commerce Logistics

Hate dealing with returns? You’re not alone. In this episode, we sit down with Naial Casanovas Mack, founder of DropUpp, a startup making online returns effortless by picking them up from your doorstep. We talk about the pain points of e-commerce returns, how DropUpp solves them, and the surprising behaviors of online shoppers. Naial shares the journey of building DropUpp, from its initial concept to a full-fledged business, and the challenges of marketing a service people don’t know they need—until they do. Tune in to learn how he built a tech-driven logistics company using no-code software, why customer interaction is key, and how DropUpp is scaling up to take over Philly.//////////////////////////////////////////////Welcome to the Shoemaker Films Podcast.This podcast explores stories of local businesses, entrepreneurs, and creatives, while also offering tactical tips and valuable knowledge on video marketing, social media, and navigating the digital landscape.At Shoemaker Films, we focus on crafting professional video content that can help your businesses thrive online. Whether you're looking to launch a new product, tell your brand story, or engage with your audience on social media, we're here to help!Looking to elevate your brand? Let's work together!Visit our website at https://shoemakerfilms.com/Follow us on Instagram @shoemaker.filmsWe use ClickUp to manage all of our video projects, collaborate with team members, and stay on top of our content schedule. Sign up for a free account here: https://try.web.clickup.com/shoemakerfilms

February 25, 2025Episode 3746 min

Bernardi Films: Transforming Wedding Films Through Music and Storytelling

Wedding films are often seen as simple event videos, but Luke Bernardi is changing that. In this episode, Dane Shoemaker sits down with Luke, the founder of Bernardi Films, to talk about how he’s transforming wedding filmmaking with original music, reality TV-style interviews, and cinematic storytelling. Luke shares his journey from freelancing for top studios to launching his own brand, the challenges he’s faced, and how he sets himself apart in the industry. He also discusses the business side of wedding videography, from pricing strategies to client expectations, and why sound design plays a crucial role in his films. Tune in to hear Luke’s unique approach to filmmaking, the impact of storytelling in weddings, and his vision for the future of Bernardi Films.//////////////////////////////////////////////Welcome to the Shoemaker Films Podcast.This podcast explores stories of local businesses, entrepreneurs, and creatives, while also offering tactical tips and valuable knowledge on video marketing, social media, and navigating the digital landscape.At Shoemaker Films, we focus on crafting professional video content that can help your businesses thrive online. Whether you're looking to launch a new product, tell your brand story, or engage with your audience on social media, we're here to help!Looking to elevate your brand? Let's work together!Visit our website at https://shoemakerfilms.com/Follow us on Instagram @shoemaker.filmsWe use ClickUp to manage all of our video projects, collaborate with team members, and stay on top of our content schedule. Sign up for a free account here: https://try.web.clickup.com/shoemakerfilms

February 11, 2025Episode 361 hr 48 min

Behind the Beard Media: Story-Driven Video Marketing & Client Collaboration

Ever wondered how a simple cold call could change your career? In this episode, we sit down with CA Green, founder of Behind the Beard Media, to talk about his path in the video production world. CA shares how he built relationships in the industry, his creative approach to storytelling, and the wild projects that shaped his career—including a viral coaching video and an undercover rabbi mission. We also dive into the highs and lows of working in film, the balance between writing and producing, and how an unexpected spiritual journey shifted his perspective. Tune in for an inside look at filmmaking, client collaboration, and navigating the creative hustle.//////////////////////////////////////////////Welcome to the Shoemaker Films Podcast.This podcast explores stories of local businesses, entrepreneurs, and creatives, while also offering tactical tips and valuable knowledge on video marketing, social media, and navigating the digital landscape.At Shoemaker Films, we focus on crafting professional video content that can help your businesses thrive online. Whether you're looking to launch a new product, tell your brand story, or engage with your audience on social media, we're here to help!Looking to elevate your brand? Let's work together!Visit our website at https://shoemakerfilms.com/Follow us on Instagram @shoemaker.filmsWe use ClickUp to manage all of our video projects, collaborate with team members, and stay on top of our content schedule. Sign up for a free account here: https://try.web.clickup.com/shoemakerfilms

January 28, 2025Episode 3540 min

Ronica Cleary on How Social Media is Changing PR

PR isn’t just about press releases—it's about telling your story at the right time. In this episode, host Dane Shoemaker sits down with Ronica Cleary, founder of Cleary Strategies and former White House correspondent, to dive into the world of public relations. They discuss the changing media landscape, how social media has reshaped public relations, and why building meaningful relationships with clients and the public is more important than ever. Ronica also offers actionable advice for entrepreneurs, insights into crisis communications, and the importance of repurposing content for maximum visibility. Tune in to learn how PR can help you build your brand and navigate today’s fast-paced media world.__________________________________________🎙️ Welcome to the Shoemaker Lab podcast, your go-to source for insights, inspiration, and actionable tips in the world of business, entrepreneurship, and creativity! This podcast explores stories of local businesses, entrepreneurs, and creatives, while also offering solo shows where I share valuable knowledge and advice on video marketing, social media, and navigating the digital landscape.At Shoemaker Films, we focus on crafting professional video content that can help your businesses thrive online. Whether you're looking to launch a new product, tell your brand story, or engage with your audience on social media, we're here to help!Looking to elevate your brand? Let's work together!Visit our website at https://shoemakerfilms.com/Follow us on Instagram @shoemaker.films and Tiktok @shoemakerfilms.We use ClickUp to manage all of our video projects, collaborate with team members, and stay on top of our content schedule. Sign up for a free account here: https://try.web.clickup.com/shoemakerfilms

January 21, 2025Episode 3423 min

Delirium Photo Collective: Reviving Film and Tintype Photography

What makes a photograph truly timeless? In this episode, we sit down with Drew Pignatelli, the founder of Delirium Photo Collective and Golden Tintype Photography, to talk about his passion for tintype photography and the journey that’s shaped his career. Drew discovered tintype during the pandemic, and it’s not just become his art form; it’s turned into a thriving business. We talk about what makes this historic process so special, the hurdles and wins of starting a photography collective, and why building a strong creative community is so important. Drew’s story is inspiring, real, and full of heart. If you’re curious about the craft of tintype or just love hearing how someone turned their passion into a purpose-driven business, this episode is one you’ll want to tune into. Plus, Drew shares an exciting glimpse into what’s next for Delirium Photo Collective!__________________________________________🎙️ Welcome to the Shoemaker Lab podcast, your go-to source for insights, inspiration, and actionable tips in the world of business, entrepreneurship, and creativity! This podcast explores stories of local businesses, entrepreneurs, and creatives, while also offering solo shows where I share valuable knowledge and advice on video marketing, social media, and navigating the digital landscape.At Shoemaker Films, we focus on crafting professional video content that can help your businesses thrive online. Whether you're looking to launch a new product, tell your brand story, or engage with your audience on social media, we're here to help!Looking to elevate your brand? Let's work together!Visit our website at https://shoemakerfilms.com/Follow us on Instagram @shoemaker.films and Tiktok @shoemakerfilms.We use ClickUp to manage all of our video projects, collaborate with team members, and stay on top of our content schedule. Sign up for a free account here: https://try.web.clickup.com/shoemakerfilms

January 14, 2025Episode 3353 min

The Story of Darrell Alston: Incarceration, Redemption, and Building Bungee USA

Can you turn your lowest moments into a life-changing opportunity? In this episode, we sit down with Darrell Alston, the inspiring founder and CEO of Bungee USA. Darrell shares his incredible journey from incarceration to building a thriving luxury fan gear brand that has redefined sports merchandise. We discuss the challenges he faced in prison, his passion for art and design, the role of resilience in entrepreneurship, and how he’s breaking barriers in corporate America. Darrell also talks about the cultural impact of his brand and the importance of unifying fans through innovative designs. Listen in to be inspired by Darrell’s journey and discover what it takes to turn adversity into success.__________________________________________🎙️ Welcome to the Shoemaker Lab podcast, your go-to source for insights, inspiration, and actionable tips in the world of business, entrepreneurship, and creativity! This podcast explores stories of local businesses, entrepreneurs, and creatives, while also offering solo shows where I share valuable knowledge and advice on video marketing, social media, and navigating the digital landscape.At Shoemaker Films, we focus on crafting professional video content that can help your businesses thrive online. Whether you're looking to launch a new product, tell your brand story, or engage with your audience on social media, we're here to help!Looking to elevate your brand? Let's work together!Visit our website at https://shoemakerfilms.com/Follow us on Instagram @shoemaker.films and Tiktok @shoemakerfilms.We use ClickUp to manage all of our video projects, collaborate with team members, and stay on top of our content schedule. Sign up for a free account here: https://try.web.clickup.com/shoemakerfilms

November 26, 2024Episode 3247 min

Starting a Private Detective Agency: Tips from ELPS Founder Jeff Stein

Starting and growing a successful business takes more than just hard work—it requires strategic thinking and continuous learning. In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Stein, the founder of ELPS, a leading private investigative and security firm. Jeff shares his journey from law enforcement to entrepreneurship, giving valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of running a private investigation agency. We talk about everything from managing clients and navigating regulatory challenges to marketing strategies and building a strong team. Tune in to gain tips for growing your business, building client trust, and standing out in a competitive market.__________________________________________🎙️ Welcome to the Shoemaker Lab podcast, your go-to source for insights, inspiration, and actionable tips in the world of business, entrepreneurship, and creativity! This podcast explores stories of local businesses, entrepreneurs, and creatives, while also offering solo shows where I share valuable knowledge and advice on video marketing, social media, and navigating the digital landscape.At Shoemaker Films, we focus on crafting professional video content that can help your businesses thrive online. Whether you're looking to launch a new product, tell your brand story, or engage with your audience on social media, we're here to help!Looking to elevate your brand? Let's work together!Visit our website at https://shoemakerfilms.com/Follow us on Instagram @shoemaker.films and Tiktok @shoemakerfilms.We use ClickUp to manage all of our video projects, collaborate with team members, and stay on top of our content schedule. Sign up for a free account here: https://try.web.clickup.com/shoemakerfilms