FounderArc: The turning point from grit to glory.

Hosted by Blaine Bertsch

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Latest episode

Jul 2026

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About the show

FounderArc dives into the moments that define the entrepreneurial journey. Each episode features candid conversations with founders who share the real stories behind building their businesses—from early struggles and setbacks to breakthroughs and success. Hosted by Blaine Bertsch, the show uncovers the raw, behind-the-scenes experiences that rarely make the headlines. Guests reflect on the hard lessons, tough decisions, and pivotal moments that shaped their paths as entrepreneurs. Whether you're a seasoned founder or just starting out, FounderArc offers honest insight, shared struggles, and inspiration from those who’ve lived it—so you can navigate your own journey with perspective and grit. FounderArc is Produced by Dryrun: Forecasting Software for the Office of the CFO dryrun.com Learn more at founderarc.show

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60 recent

July 30, 2026Episode 8553 min

From PhD Pathology to Beverage Brand: Building Karviva with Dr. Angela Zeng

In this episode of FinFactor, host Blaine Bertsch sits down with Dr. Angela Zeng, founder of Karviva, to explore her journey from medical research scientist to functional beverage entrepreneur. Drawing from her background in pathology and her family's roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine, she shares how she translated ancient healing wisdom into a thriving retail drink brand. Blaine and Angela dive deep into the realities of early-stage business growth, including product formulation challenges, getting those crucial first shelf placements, the hidden traps of expanding too quickly, and how staying obsessed with your customer's needs builds a resilient brand. https://youtu.be/qXGTRtk-Twk Connect with Angela: linkedin.com/in/angelazeng1 Learn about Karviva: karviva.com Dryrun empowers CFOs and executive leaders to move beyond static spreadsheets with clear, dynamic cash flow forecasting and interactive scenario modeling at dryrun.com. https://youtu.be/qXGTRtk-Twk #FinFactor #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #BusinessGrowth #RetailStrategy #FunctionalBeverage #CFO #CashFlow #Dryru Master the Future of Your Finances. From cash flow management to forecasting and scenario planning, see the impact of your decisions before you act. dryrun.com

December 17, 2025Episode 8434 min

Building CPG Brands, Reviving Icons & Launching Diabetic-Safe Snacks with Josh Sizemore

In this episode of FounderArc, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Josh Sizemore, a seasoned entrepreneur in the CPG world, to unpack a career defined by speed, resilience, and reinvention. From selling basketball cards as a kid to reviving a bankrupt $200M beverage brand and scaling it into tens of thousands of retail locations, Josh shares how opportunistic thinking and relentless execution fuel long-term success. The conversation dives into what it really takes to rebuild failed brands, move fast in crowded consumer markets, and adapt across wildly different business models—from beverages and bottled water to CBD e-commerce, kombucha, and franchise operations. Josh opens up about burnout, hard-earned lessons from imperfect exits, and why experience often matters more than a “perfect” outcome. Josh also introduces his latest venture, FeastFast, a breakthrough snack brand designed for people with diabetes, pre-diabetes, and anyone focused on fasting and ketosis. He explains how clinical testing, patents, and disciplined product development are helping FeastFast deliver snacks that don’t spike blood sugar—while still tasting great. This episode is packed with real-world insights on CPG execution, cash flow discipline, brand building, and navigating risk as an entrepreneur. Learn more FeastFast at feastfast.co Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ek-9SfieoJQ Subscribe to FounderArc for more founder stories and practical lessons from the front lines of entrepreneurship. Listen on your favorite podcast network or at FounderArct.buzzsprout.com founderarc.show FounderArc is produced by Dryrun – Cash Flow Forecasting Software for the CFO Leave spreadsheets behind to get your time back, build accurate forecasts and deliver clear strategic insights to management. Learn more at dryrun.com #FounderArc #Entrepreneurship #FounderLife #StartupStrategy #BusinessGrowth #CEO #CFO #ExecutiveLeadership #FinTech #CashFlowManagement #VentureCapital #ScalingBusiness #SaaS #MarketTrends2026 #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessModel #SmallBiz #UnitEconomics #StrategicPlanning #cashflow #dryrun #founderarc Master the Future of Your Finances. From cash flow management to forecasting and scenario planning, see the impact of your decisions before you act. dryrun.com

November 5, 2025Episode 8358 min

James Oliver of Atlas Bars: From College Startup to Multi-Million Dollar Nutrition Brand

In this episode of FounderArc, Blaine Bertsch talks with James Oliver, founder and CEO of Atlas Bars, about how he turned a college project into a thriving nutrition brand. James shares his journey from selling Cutco knives and mowing lawns to bootstrapping a seven-figure company built on clean ingredients, high protein, and zero sugar. He opens up about limiting risk, learning by doing, and why success comes from relentless execution—not just a good idea. This conversation dives deep into the realities of entrepreneurship: managing cash flow, scaling lean, overcoming false peaks, and the mental resilience needed to survive the long game. James also shares insights on brand building, knowing your customer, and why delayed gratification is the secret weapon of successful founders. If you’ve ever wondered how to grow a product-based business from nothing, this episode is packed with real-world lessons on risk management, focus, and grit. Learn more Atlas Bars at https://atlasbars.com/ Connect with James Oliver at linkedin.com/in/jamesxoliver Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GXC-1MCDwHg Subscribe to FounderArc for more founder stories and practical lessons from the front lines of entrepreneurship. Listen on your favorite podcast network or at FounderArct.buzzsprout.com founderarc.show FounderArc is produced by Dryrun – Cash Flow Forecasting Software for the CFO Leave spreadsheets behind to get your time back, build accurate forecasts and deliver clear strategic insights to management. Learn more at dryrun.com #FounderArc #Entrepreneurship #FounderLife #StartupStrategy #BusinessGrowth #CEO #CFO #ExecutiveLeadership #FinTech #CashFlowManagement #VentureCapital #ScalingBusiness #SaaS #MarketTrends2026 #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessModel #SmallBiz #UnitEconomics #StrategicPlanning #cashflow #dryrun #founderarc Master the Future of Your Finances. From cash flow management to forecasting and scenario planning, see the impact of your decisions before you act. dryrun.com

October 8, 2025Episode 8255 min

Stephen Sakach of AI CMO: Building Empathy, Emotion & Purpose Into Modern Marketing

In this episode of FounderArc, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Stephen Sakach, founder of AI CMO and Zero Company, to explore how empathy-driven marketing and purpose-led storytelling are reshaping the way brands connect with audiences. From his early entrepreneurial roots to building an AI-powered platform that helps businesses create meaningful, emotionally resonant campaigns, Stephen shares a fascinating journey through innovation, resilience, and conscious business leadership. The conversation dives into the evolution of digital marketing—from the wild west days of pay-per-click advertising to today’s AI-driven personalization—and how technology can actually make marketing more human. Stephen discusses his “BLISS” philosophy (Build Love Into Scalable Systems), a framework for embedding empathy, gratitude, and purpose into company culture and marketing systems. He explains how emotional connection drives higher customer loyalty and lifetime value, and why businesses that lead with authenticity and kindness are better positioned to thrive. Blaine and Stephen also touch on entrepreneurship, the challenges of leading through economic downturns, and how self-managed teams, gratitude-based culture, and conscious capitalism are shaping the future of work. This episode is packed with lessons for entrepreneurs, marketers, and leaders who want to build brands that inspire trust, loyalty, and love. Learn more about AI CMO at aicmo.io Connect with Stephen Sakach at linkedin.com/in/stephen-sakach-3181aa28b Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Er6MIJrj31g Subscribe to FounderArc for more founder stories and practical lessons from the front lines of entrepreneurship. Listen on your favorite podcast network or at FounderArct.buzzsprout.com founderarc.show FounderArc is produced by Dryrun – Cash Flow Forecasting Software for the CFO Leave spreadsheets behind to get your time back, build accurate forecasts and deliver clear strategic insights to management. Learn more at dryrun.com #FounderArc #Entrepreneurship #FounderLife #StartupStrategy #BusinessGrowth #CEO #CFO #ExecutiveLeadership #FinTech #CashFlowManagement #VentureCapital #ScalingBusiness #SaaS #MarketTrends2026 #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessModel #SmallBiz #UnitEconomics #StrategicPlanning #cashflow #dryrun #founderarc Master the Future of Your Finances. From cash flow management to forecasting and scenario planning, see the impact of your decisions before you act. dryrun.com

September 25, 2025Episode 8156 min

Mark Newman on Founder Resilience & Healthcare Innovation at Nomi Health

In this episode of FounderArc, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Mark Newman, founder of HireVue and current CEO of Nomi Health, to explore his entrepreneurial journey from creating one of the first video interviewing platforms to tackling the massive challenges of U.S. healthcare. Mark shares candid stories of building HireVue from a college project into a global company, navigating the highs and lows of venture capital, and learning the hard lessons that shaped his leadership. The conversation dives into the emotional realities of startup life, including the identity struggles entrepreneurs face after exiting a company, the critical role of resilience, and the importance of embracing both luck and foresight in business. Mark also unpacks the inspiration behind Nomi Health, a company rethinking healthcare by cutting out the middleman, lowering costs, and improving the experience for employers, providers, and families. With insights on risk tolerance, founder mindset, and the importance of systems thinking, this episode is a masterclass in entrepreneurship, innovation, and building enduring businesses. Whether you’re a startup founder, CEO, or part of a team looking to innovate in tough industries, Mark’s story offers actionable lessons on perseverance, business strategy, and making an impact. Learn more about Nomi Health at nomihealth.com Connect with Mark Newman at linkedin.com/in/marknewman Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CDatIxChrH8 Subscribe to FounderArc for more founder stories and practical lessons from the front lines of entrepreneurship. Listen on your favorite podcast network or at FounderArct.buzzsprout.com founderarc.show FounderArc is produced by Dryrun – Cash Flow Forecasting Software for the CFO Leave spreadsheets behind to get your time back, build accurate forecasts and deliver clear strategic insights to management. Learn more at dryrun.com #FounderArc #Entrepreneurship #FounderLife #StartupStrategy #BusinessGrowth #CEO #CFO #ExecutiveLeadership #FinTech #CashFlowManagement #VentureCapital #ScalingBusiness #SaaS #MarketTrends2026 #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessModel #SmallBiz #UnitEconomics #StrategicPlanning #cashflow #dryrun #founderarc Master the Future of Your Finances. From cash flow management to forecasting and scenario planning, see the impact of your decisions before you act. dryrun.com

September 2, 2025Episode 8048 min

Scott Porter of San Diablo Churros on Entrepreneurship, Startup Lessons & Resilience

In this episode of FounderArc, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Scott Porter, CEO of San Diablo Artisan Churros, to dive into the inspiring highs and lows of his entrepreneurial journey. From co-founding Surf Air, the innovative all-you-can-fly membership airline, to creating unforgettable churro experiences, Scott shares how risk-taking, innovation, and customer obsession have shaped his career. The conversation explores the emotional realities of startup life, from the rollercoaster of funding challenges to the flaws in the entrepreneurial ecosystem that can make or break a founder’s journey. Scott reflects on how resilience, creativity, and adaptability helped him pivot from the airline industry to launching a successful food brand built on extraordinary customer experiences. Packed with lessons on perseverance, leadership, and building businesses rooted in purpose, this episode offers a roadmap for entrepreneurs navigating transitions, managing risk, and staying true to their vision. Whether you’re an early-stage founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, Scott’s story delivers powerful insights into the grit and passion required to succeed. Learn more about San Diablo Artisan Churros at sandiablochurros.com Connect with Scott at linkedin.com/in/scottcraigporter Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oNREs_SjUEE Subscribe to FounderArc for more founder stories and practical lessons from the front lines of entrepreneurship. Listen on your favorite podcast network or at FounderArct.buzzsprout.com founderarc.show FounderArc is produced by Dryrun – Cash Flow Forecasting Software for the CFO Leave spreadsheets behind to get your time back, build accurate forecasts and deliver clear strategic insights to management. Learn more at dryrun.com #FounderArc #Entrepreneurship #FounderLife #StartupStrategy #BusinessGrowth #CEO #CFO #ExecutiveLeadership #FinTech #CashFlowManagement #VentureCapital #ScalingBusiness #SaaS #MarketTrends2026 #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessModel #SmallBiz #UnitEconomics #StrategicPlanning #cashflow #dryrun #founderarc Master the Future of Your Finances. From cash flow management to forecasting and scenario planning, see the impact of your decisions before you act. dryrun.com

June 18, 2025Episode 791 hr 0 min

Scaling eCommerce Success with Sabir Semerkant: Strategies for the Future of Online Retail

Join Blaine Bertsch in this insightful episode of Turning Point with Sabir Semerkant, a leading eCommerce strategist and growth expert, as they dive deep into the future of online retail. Sabir shares proven methods for scaling eCommerce businesses, leveraging AI-powered automation, and optimizing customer journeys to maximize conversions and long-term loyalty. They explore how data-driven decision-making, personalized marketing, and streamlined operations can transform your online store into a high-performing, global retail brand. This episode is perfect for entrepreneurs, startup founders, and eCommerce professionals who want to stay ahead of emerging trends and build resilient digital businesses. Learn how to scale effectively, improve profitability, and compete in a marketplace where technology and consumer expectations evolve faster than ever. Connect with Sabir at linkedin.com/in/sabirsemerkant Learn more about Growth by Sabir at growthbysabir.com Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Dv0ArqumIkQ Subscribe to FounderArc for more founder stories and practical lessons from the front lines of entrepreneurship. Listen on your favorite podcast network or at FounderArct.buzzsprout.com founderarc.show FounderArc is produced by Dryrun – Cash Flow Forecasting Software for the CFO Leave spreadsheets behind to get your time back, build accurate forecasts and deliver clear strategic insights to management. Learn more at dryrun.com #FounderArc #Entrepreneurship #FounderLife #StartupStrategy #BusinessGrowth #CEO #CFO #ExecutiveLeadership #FinTech #CashFlowManagement #VentureCapital #ScalingBusiness #SaaS #MarketTrends2026 #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessModel #SmallBiz #UnitEconomics #StrategicPlanning #cashflow #dryrun #founderarc Master the Future of Your Finances. From cash flow management to forecasting and scenario planning, see the impact of your decisions before you act. dryrun.com

June 11, 2025Episode 7850 min

Boost Sales Conversions and Business Growth with Kirstin Carey

In this episode of FounderArc, Blaine Bertsch is joined by entrepreneur Kirstin Carey to unpack her dynamic journey across marketing, public speaking, the restaurant industry, and the wellness space. From launching successful gluten-free restaurants to building a transformative wellness program designed to reverse autoimmune conditions, Kirstin shares how passion, purpose, and persistence fueled her growth as a women-owned business leader. The conversation dives deep into the psychology of sales, why understanding customer behavior is critical, and how mastering lead generation, client acquisition, and sales funnels can drastically boost conversions. Kirstin explains the power of closing strategies, funnel optimization, and performance metrics to improve revenue generation while maintaining authenticity and customer engagement. She also highlights how professional development, coaching, and sales training programs elevate business leaders and help them drive long-term success. Packed with practical sales techniques, conversion strategies, and hard-earned entrepreneurial lessons, this episode is a must-watch for business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders who want to improve revenue growth, customer relationships, and sales performance while building a resilient and purposeful business. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0OKg45FdF1U Listen on your favorite podcast network or at FounderArc.buzzsprout.com Connect with Kirstin: linkedin.com/in/kirstincarey Learn more about Evolve Sales Consulting at evolveminded.com Subscribe to FounderArc for more founder stories and practical lessons from the front lines of entrepreneurship. Listen on your favorite podcast network or at FounderArct.buzzsprout.com founderarc.show FounderArc is produced by Dryrun – Cash Flow Forecasting Software for the CFO Leave spreadsheets behind to get your time back, build accurate forecasts and deliver clear strategic insights to management. Learn more at dryrun.com #FounderArc #Entrepreneurship #FounderLife #StartupStrategy #BusinessGrowth #CEO #CFO #ExecutiveLeadership #FinTech #CashFlowManagement #VentureCapital #ScalingBusiness #SaaS #MarketTrends2026 #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessModel #SmallBiz #UnitEconomics #StrategicPlanning #cashflow #dryrun #founderarc Master the Future of Your Finances. From cash flow management to forecasting and scenario planning, see the impact of your decisions before you act. dryrun.com

June 5, 2025Episode 7747 min

Startup Stress, Burnout, and Resilience with Eli Portnoy of BackEngine

In this episode of FounderArc, Blaine Bertsch sits down with serial entrepreneur Eli Portnoy to explore the untold realities of startup life. From launching his first venture in college to scaling companies like Sense360 and now BackEngine, Eli shares the highs, lows, and critical lessons every founder needs to hear. He reveals how timing, traction, and customer insights shape business success—and why resilience, focus, and mental health are just as important as growth metrics. The conversation goes deep into the darker side of entrepreneurship: startup stress, founder anxiety, and the burnout that so often comes with rapid scaling. Eli discusses strategies for maintaining founder wellness, building a sustainable entrepreneur mindset, and creating systematic processes that empower teams through better customer service, support, and CRM tools. Along the way, he highlights the importance of prioritizing mental health, setting goals with clarity, and cultivating resilience in the face of setbacks. Whether you’re a founder navigating the early grind, an entrepreneur scaling fast, or part of a startup team seeking balance, this episode delivers raw insights, actionable strategies, and the kind of honesty that makes long-term success possible. Learn more about BackEngine at BackEngine.ai Connect with Eli at linkedin.com/in/eliportnoy Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/M6H_52YOTDM Subscribe to FounderArc for more founder stories and practical lessons from the front lines of entrepreneurship. Listen on your favorite podcast network or at FounderArct.buzzsprout.com founderarc.show FounderArc is produced by Dryrun – Cash Flow Forecasting Software for the CFO Leave spreadsheets behind to get your time back, build accurate forecasts and deliver clear strategic insights to management. Learn more at dryrun.com #FounderArc #Entrepreneurship #FounderLife #StartupStrategy #BusinessGrowth #CEO #CFO #ExecutiveLeadership #FinTech #CashFlowManagement #VentureCapital #ScalingBusiness #SaaS #MarketTrends2026 #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessModel #SmallBiz #UnitEconomics #StrategicPlanning #cashflow #dryrun #founderarc Master the Future of Your Finances. From cash flow management to forecasting and scenario planning, see the impact of your decisions before you act. dryrun.com

May 1, 2025Episode 7654 min

Adam Nathan of Blaze: Startup Funding, AI Marketing Automation & Entrepreneur Mindset

In this episode of FounderArc, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Adam Nathan, CEO of Blaze, to uncover the mindset, strategies, and lessons that shaped his entrepreneurial path. Drawing from his experiences at Apple and in government administration, Adam shares how structured startup strategies, risk management, and an entrepreneurial mindset helped him navigate the challenges of building companies from the ground up. The conversation explores startup funding, product-market fit, and how founders can balance innovation with the realities of founder stress and startup risk. Adam introduces Blaze, an AI-powered platform designed to help small businesses scale with smarter automation—combining AI marketing, digital marketing, growth marketing, and marketing automation into a unified system that drives lead generation, boosts e-commerce strategies, and accelerates business growth. Packed with real-world insights, Adam also shares practical marketing strategies, lessons in performance marketing, and the emotional highs and lows of startup life. He emphasizes why founders must focus on solving meaningful problems rather than chasing short-term trends to build lasting, impactful companies. Learn more about Blaze at blaze.ai Connect with Adam at linkedin.com/in/adampnathan Sign up for Adams Newsletter! Get Blaze CEO Adam Nathan's cheat codes to building and growing a $150M company in your inbox every week with Startup Tycoon. Powered by Adam's experience shipping product to millions, raising $46M, and hyperscaling to $7M+ in revenue in 15 months with only 25 people. Subscribe at startuptycoon.com Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qrpvqSfSA6A Subscribe to FounderArc for more founder stories and practical lessons from the front lines of entrepreneurship. Listen on your favorite podcast network or at FounderArct.buzzsprout.com founderarc.show FounderArc is produced by Dryrun – Cash Flow Forecasting Software for the CFO Leave spreadsheets behind to get your time back, build accurate forecasts and deliver clear strategic insights to management. Learn more at dryrun.com #FounderArc #Entrepreneurship #FounderLife #StartupStrategy #BusinessGrowth #CEO #CFO #ExecutiveLeadership #FinTech #CashFlowManagement #VentureCapital #ScalingBusiness #SaaS #MarketTrends2026 #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessModel #SmallBiz #UnitEconomics #StrategicPlanning #cashflow #dryrun #founderarc Master the Future of Your Finances. From cash flow management to forecasting and scenario planning, see the impact of your decisions before you act. dryrun.com