The Business Gay

In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with CEO of Endless Energy, Matt Kidd. Endless Energy is a Massachusetts-based company specializing in sustainable heating and cooling solutions. Matt joined the company in 2021, shortly after serving as Executive Director of Reaching Out MBA, the global association for LGBTQ+ business students. Throughout his career, Matt has focused on expanding sales and launching complementary offerings across a range of industries, including education, entertainment, SaaS, and professional associations. He holds an MBA from New York University's Stern School of Business and a bachelor's degree from Boston University's College of Communication. Watch on YouTube --- ► Today’s Sponsor is Castos - Start your podcast today Join the email list for news and updates --- Links mentioned in this episode: GoEndlessEnergy.com Matt Kidd on LinkedIn --- Key Takeaways for quick navigation: [00:01] HVAC and insulation upgrades are key to cutting climate emissions. [02:05] Heat pumps are highly efficient and widely incentivized. [05:04] Solar + heat pump solutions help businesses lower costs and emissions. [10:25] Most homeowners choose heat pumps after comparing with AC. [20:21] Endless Energy guides clients through green incentives and rebates. [24:40] Act soon—HVAC prices rising and federal incentives may end. [25:39] Aging buildings need green upgrades to improve efficiency.

In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with founder of Origami Customs, Rae Hill. Origami Customs is a trans and gender-diverse clothing brand and community program based in Montreal. The program operates with a network of over 100 other organizations and provides life-changing items to people facing intersectional oppressions and financial barriers. Rae draws from their background in Sociology, experience in the fashion industry, and trans healthcare advocacy work they’ve done over the past 15 years. Watch on YouTube --- ► Today’s Sponsor is Ownr - Start your business today! Join the email list for news and updates --- Links mentioned in this episode: OrigamiCustoms.com Origami Customs on IG Rae Hill on LinkedIn --- Key Takeaways for quick navigation: [00:17] Rae Hill applies mutual aid principles in trans-led business practices within capitalism. [01:12] Trans and queer communities network to overcome limited resources. [03:37] Rae emphasizes sustainable growth and value preservation. [05:20] Strong customer and staff relationships are crucial for addressing needs. [11:33] Ethical in-house production supports the trans community. [15:42] Offering resources and promoting inclusivity for trans-led businesses. [19:37] Flexible, supportive policies enhance staff well-being. [21:28] Mutual aid unites charity and commerce for equality. [23:08] Human-centric approaches are vital despite societal resistance.

In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with Co-Founder and COO of Trusti, Ella Farlinger. Trusti is a company that provides discreet, efficient, and convenient at-home rapid STI testing kits in Canada, offering users a way to test in the comfort of their own homes with subtle packaging and a secure results portal.  Ella has always been driven by a passion for communication and human connection. Growing up at the intersection of academia and the arts, she honed her ability to tell compelling stories –whether on stage, through research, or in writing. She believes that innovation and education have the power to create healthier, happier lives—yes, even in the topics that still make people blush. Watch on YouTube --- ► Today’s Sponsor is Kit - Start your email list today Join the email list for news and updates --- Links mentioned in this episode: Trusti.ca Ella Farlinger on LinkedIn --- Key Takeaways for quick navigation: [00:16] The queer community is pivotal in advancing sexual health and STI awareness. [08:06] Trusti seeks to enhance sexual health access and provide user-friendly testing. [11:31] Queer entrepreneurs offer strong ROI due to their adaptability and compassion. [14:19] Online education is crucial for reaching various demographics. [21:29] Mentorship is key for sustainable development. [24:18] Trusti will launch digital tools to improve public health engagement.

In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with Anmol Nagpal. Anmol is a neuroscientist-turned-entrepreneur with over 10 years of experience in academia, healthcare, and entrepreneurship, with research published in top journals like Nature Medicine and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences also known as PNAS. Since March 2023, he has been the Entrepreneur-in-Residence at District 3 Innovation, coaching over 50 early-stage life science startups and managing a portfolio of 25 later-stage biotech ventures, helping them accelerate their path to commercialization. Anmol holds a Master of Science in Neuroscience with a focus on Fragile X Syndrome and other genetic brain disorders. He also has a Bachelor of Arts and Science from McGill University, as well as a Graduate Diploma in Business from Queen’s University. Watch on YouTube --- ► Today’s Sponsor is Kit - start your email list today Join the email list for news and updates --- Links mentioned in this episode: Nospharma.ca Anmol Nagpal on LinkedIn --- Key Takeaways for quick navigation: [00:44] Nospharma focuses on treatments for fragile X syndrome, a rare brain disease. [01:23] The company was founded by scientists combining efforts to commercialize a treatment for fragile X syndrome. [05:02] Nospharma’s approach targets both brain cell communication and blood flow, offering a holistic treatment. [07:01] Utilizing existing drugs, Nospharma speeds up treatment availability, reducing development time and cost. [09:01] The company is preparing for FDA approval to begin clinical trials on patients. [13:28] Nospharma includes female mice in trials to gather robust data applicable to both genders. [14:55] Nospharma uses clinical research organizations to maintain flexibility and objective analysis. [16:16] Interested individuals can connect with Nospharma via LinkedIn or email; consult physicians for health concerns.

In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with email marketing genius, Sebastian Dziuk. Sebastian is a professional speaker, U.S. Army Veteran, and founder of Dziuk Studios LLC, an email marketing agency helping LGBTQ+ and Allied professional speakers expand their businesses through email. He’s a contributing author to two books, Thriving in Business: Strategies for the LGBTQ+ Entrepreneur, and With Honor and Integrity: Transgender Troops in Their Own Words. As a queer, trans man, Sebastian uses his experiences to help others tell their authentic stories to elevate their messages. Watch on YouTube --- ► Today’s Sponsor is Kit - Start your email list today! Join the email list for news and updates --- Links mentioned in this episode: SebastianDziuk.com Sebastian Dziuk on LinkedIn Sebastian Dziuk on IG QueerBrandGuide.com --- Key Takeaways for quick navigation: [00:27] Sebastian Dziuk highlights the importance of storytelling and copywriting in his transition to email marketing after years in content creation. [02:00] An email list provides a direct communication line with your audience, essential in an unpredictable digital landscape. [04:03] Regular newsletters foster engagement and help maintain relationships for future product launches. [08:14] Service providers should focus on consistent lead generation through email marketing rather than chasing viral success on social media. [09:20] Offering a valuable lead magnet encourages potential subscribers to share their email addresses effectively. [12:09] The quality of your email list is more important than its size; engaged subscribers lead to better results. [14:40] Removing inactive subscribers from your email list improves open rates and reduces the risk of spam classification. [16:30] A case study shows a graphic designer leveraged their email list to launch a successful paid community, underscoring email marketing's effectiveness. [18:20] Sebastian is active on LinkedIn and offers consultations, committed to helping others with email marketing.

In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with founder and CEO of Gaddies, David Morgenstern. Gaddies is the brand doing fatherhood the gay way. Inspired by his own experiences as a dad, Gaddies' mission is to build community and celebrate gay dads through physical products and digital storytelling. Before launching Gaddies, David held global leadership roles in Apparel and Supply Chain at Nike, as well as leading their global PRIDE employee resource group. Prior to Nike, he built a career in financial services before receiving an MBA from Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management. Watch on YouTube --- ► Today’s Sponsor is OWNR - Start your business today! Join the email list for news and updates --- Links mentioned in this episode: HeyGaddies.com David Morgenstern on LinkedIn Gaddies on IG --- Key Takeaways for quick navigation: [00:01] David Morgenstern shares his journey as a new entrepreneur focused on gay dads, emphasizing representation. [00:45] Gaddies connects the queer parenting community, celebrating diversity through a unique brand identity. [02:36] David discusses the challenges of starting a queer business and the importance of community support. [05:51] Engaging with LGBTQ+ networks and mentorship provides valuable support for queer entrepreneurs. [11:51] Gaddies seeks to create a global community for gay dads, fostering connections through apparel. [17:13] David identifies three consumer groups for Gaddies: gay dads, supporters, and allies. [19:06] Explore Gaddies and shop at heyGaddies.com.

In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with founder and principal at Elle Community Strategies, Erica Charron. With more than a decade working in the nonprofit community development sector, Erica founded Elle Community Strategies as a response to the evolving landscape of nonprofit/corporate partnerships and the drive for collaborative social impact. She is the author of various publications exploring complex social issues through community-based participatory research practices that aim to advance public policy. Erica is a certified diverse supplier with Canada's 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) and a proponent of social change. Watch on YouTube --- ► Today’s Sponsor is OWNR - Start your business today! Join the email list for news and updates --- Links mentioned in this episode: Ellecs.ca Erica Charron on LinkedIn --- Key Takeaways for quick navigation: [01:00] Economic resilience hinges on adaptability and cross-sector collaboration. [02:30] Nonprofits and businesses must work together for effective grassroots solutions and scalability. [05:54] Canada emphasizes collaboration over the US's capital-centric growth. [10:15] Systemic inequities arise from unchecked capitalism, impacting all sectors. [12:35] Businesses should prioritize social impact alongside profit for sustainable growth. [15:04] Future-proofing requires creativity and adaptability in response to crises. [26:19] Engaging in local policy forums helps businesses align values with social impact initiatives. [27:53] Voting is crucial for younger generations to protect rights and make their voices heard.

In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with Jim Fielding. Jim is a respected leader and C-Suite veteran in brand strategy, consumer products and experiences, and storytelling. He has worked at some of the world’s largest media and retail companies, including Disney, Dreamworks, and 20th Century Fox. He is a passionate advocate and philanthropist for the Queer Community, higher education, and diversity, equity and inclusion. As author of “All Pride, No Ego” he is committed to safe and authentic spaces for all individuals and communities. Jim now spends his time as an Executive Coach, Speaker, and Advocate and gives back through his work with Braven Mentoring, the Indiana University Foundation Board, The Point Foundation, and various local community efforts in Atlanta. Watch on YouTube --- ► Today’s Sponsor is Kit - start your email list today! Join the email list for news and updates --- Links mentioned in this episode: hijimfielding.com Jim Fielding on LinkedIn All Pride, No Ego - Book --- Key Takeaways for quick navigation: [00:05] Highlighted the importance of diversity in creative corporate environments for improved outcomes. [01:54] Showcased success in diverse teams at Disney, linking diversity to revenue growth and innovation. [09:23] Warned that reducing DEI initiatives risks losing talent and market competitiveness. [12:58] Stressed the importance of inclusivity to attract younger, socially aware talent. [21:11] Encouraged leaders to create a positive legacy and foster environments free from ego. [22:20] Urged a shift to new political leadership, highlighting figures like AOC. [23:44] Advocated for kindness and empathy in debates and discussions. [24:53] Highlighted the need for community support for marginalized groups.

In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with Podcast Growth Strategist and Marketing Expert, Kylee Chandler. Kylee has scaled top podcasts, including The Amy Porterfield Show which she helped grow over 234%. Kylee has also led audience growth for Cathy Heller and Bossbabe to name a few. She has worked with networks like HubSpot and YAP and now runs  her company - Podcast Marketing Hub, helping podcasters grow their audience and build their email list with high-converting strategies. Kylee is also the Host of “Podcast Growth Tools” that you can find across all podcast platforms. Watch on YouTube --- ► Today’s Sponsor is Castos - Start Your Podcast Today! Join the email list for news and updates --- Links mentioned in this episode: PodcastMarketingHub.com Grab Kylee's Free Podcasting Checkling Kylee on LinkedIn Kylee on IG --- Key Takeaways for quick navigation: [01:13] Podcasting creates personal connections between brands and audiences. [04:40] SEO-friendly titles improve searchability and attract the right audience. [09:20] Early email list building fosters listener loyalty. [16:32] Collaborations and podcast swaps expand reach and build community. [19:50] Lead magnets can boost website traffic and new subscriptions. [24:24] UTM parameters track audience behaviour to optimize marketing efforts. [29:00] Monthly membership calls deepen engagement and provide monetization opportunities. [32:28] Affiliate marketing offers simple, no-cost monetization options as the audience grows. [34:20] Collaboration over competition is vital in podcasting. [35:02] Use the podcast to build and nurture your email list for mutual growth.

In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with Michael Venturiello. Michael is a historian, writer, educator, and New York City tour guide. He is the founder of Christopher Street Tours, an LGBTQ+-owned and -operated walking tour company with a mission to increase access to LGBTQ+ history by sharing stories and uplifting the voices of those who paved the way before us. Michael has been recognized as one of FindSpark’s 'Top LGBTQ+ Influencers & Thought Leaders Transforming the Workplace Through Innovation and Impact' and as a 'Block Star of the Village' by Schneps Media. He has spoken at various organizations including New York University, the LGBTQ+ Wedding Congress, and Christian Dior, with his work featured in Time Out, National Geographic Travel, and Attitude magazine. Watch on YouTube --- ► Today’s Sponsor is QuickBooks Join the email list for news and updates --- Links mentioned in this episode: ChristopherStreetTours.com TikTok Instagram --- Key Takeaways for quick navigation: [00:14] Christopher Street Tours offers LGBTQ+ walking tours and connects participants with queer history and activism since 2018. [01:11] The COVID-19 pandemic spurred virtual engagements, increasing access to LGBTQ+ history for those unable to visit New York City. [02:47] Success in entrepreneurship often comes from community support and consistency rather than scaling. [04:51] Revenue diversification includes curated experiences beyond traditional walking tours, enhancing offerings related to LGBTQ+ history. [19:44] Activism is diverse; sharing personal stories and uplifting queer voices is essential to the tour experience. [22:33] Engaging with queer peers fosters community and serves as activism, especially for those from countries where queerness is criminalized. [25:19] Interactive tours enhance community building and empower participants through engagement. [28:08] Businesses must consider safety and adaptability in response to political changes to sustain their missions. [32:41] Joining LGBTQ+ business organizations offers crucial support and connections for entrepreneurs navigating challenges.