Tech, Talent, and Tourism: The New Virginia Beach Economy
Fervent Four
Christian Green joins the conversation to discuss his passion for community development and his role in Virginia Beach Economic Development. The episode begins with a look at the Savannah Bananas' success before diving into the history of Virginia Beach's Dome and plans for a surf park. Christian shares his long-term vision for the city's growth, highlighting tech opportunities and the defense community. His career journey and management philosophy are explored, emphasizing collaboration and accountability. The discussion covers regional development, affordable housing, and urban planning...
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Harnessing LinkedIn for Business Growth and the Power of Discipline
Fervent Four
Lauren Krailo, founder of Krailo Socials, joins us to break down why LinkedIn is the most underutilized tool in B2B marketing—and how companies in commercial construction and beyond can turn connections into contracts. A self-proclaimed gym rat and business strategist, Lauren shares how discipline from fitness transfers into marketing success. We dig into how to boost your Social Selling Index (SSI), decode LinkedIn’s algorithm, test video lengths, and use AI to streamline content. Lauren also tackles common myths like “my industry isn’t on LinkedIn” and offers real strategies to...
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Is Hampton Roads the Next Seattle Tech Powerhouse?
Fervent Four
Berry Brunk joins the discussion, sharing insights from Hampton Road's entrepreneurial ecosystem and his background in media ventures. The episode examines financial challenges, economic downturns, and the importance of educating outside capital. Berry discusses the role of pitch contests, the evolving landscape of founder resources, and the impact of social media on deal flow and networking. The conversation addresses remote work challenges and economic development incentives, focusing on current capital raising hurdles for startups. Berry highlights his work with COVA BLVD magazine,...
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The Music Industry Mindset That Builds Better Businesses
Fervent Four
Jarrett Beeler, Sway Creative Labs, shares his journey from the music industry to advertising, highlighting lessons applicable to business success. The discussion explores Norfolk's startup incentives and local business climate, emphasizing fostering creativity and talent. Jarrett delves into the economics of streaming, changing revenue models, and educating clients on music industry dynamics. Topics include personal growth, leadership, managing responsibilities, and acquiring advertising clients. Ethical considerations, AI's impact on advertising, and talent recruitment are examined,...
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Navigating Funding: Venture Capital, Integrated Capital, and Entrepreneurial Identity
Fervent Four
Himalaya Rao-Potlapally discusses the dynamics of venture capital and startup funding, advising founders on when to avoid VC money. The episode delves into various funding types and the significance of the TomTom festival. Himalaya shares insights on starting a venture fund, early startup events, and the importance of mentorship for new entrepreneurs. The conversation touches on investor motivations, matching capital to business needs, and integrated capital approaches. Challenges like funding disparities and fostering innovation in rural areas are explored, along with entrepreneurship's role...
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Building Better Founders at Lighthouse Labs
Fervent Four
Debbie Irwin, Lighthouse Labs, explores metrics for evaluating entrepreneurial resilience, inspired by Rick Rubin's creativity. She shares insights and her experiences supporting founders. Topics include regionalism in startup funding, inspiration from the Kaufman Foundation, and Debbie's personal journey. The episode delves into founders' motivation, feedback dynamics, mentorship's impact, the Lighthouse (Labs) Network's evolving support, Richmond's corporate scene, and founder responsiveness. (0:00) Metrics for measuring founder resiliency and reinvestment (0:37) Zack Miller...
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Shaping Cities: Landscape Architecture and Urban Development
Fervent Four
Nate Lahy joins the episode to explore landscape architecture, sharing his morning routine and favorite inspirational books. He discusses Orbis Landscape Architecture and the field's evolution, focusing on innovative flood management in Norfolk. The conversation emphasizes historical context, networking, and community-building. Additional topics include insights from Rick Rubin's book, the value of authors narrating their works, and fostering relationships with Assembly. The episode wraps up with local food recommendations and business shout-outs. (0:00) Introduction and Casual Chatter...
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Jumping Into Business: Niche Markets, Innovation, and Entrepreneurial Insights with Sanele Lasana
Fervent Four
Sanele Lasana joins this episode to explore the power of embracing unique business ideas and the importance of celebrating milestones along the entrepreneurial journey. The conversation delves into learning and risk-taking in business, and a discussion on the Startup World Cup. The episode highlights innovations in adult tumbling and exercise science, uncovering niche acrobatic communities and the significance of play for adults. Challenges like insurance in gymnastics and strategic partnerships for market adoption are discussed. Sanele shares insights on coaching adults, structuring pricing...
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A Founder’s Journey: From Startup to Exit
Fervent Four
Join Ned Lilly as he discusses the evolution of open source ERP software and XTuple's acquisition journey. Explore the role of data in AI and the challenges of remote work. Ned shares insights into Start Norfolk and Hatch, emphasizing regional leadership and community engagement. The episode covers talent recruitment, customer engagement strategies, and trends in mergers and acquisitions. Ned offers investment banking perspectives from Quorum Group, highlighting M&A preparation and due diligence. Plus, hear about AI's impact on tech, the value of data, and favorite regional cuisine and...
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Unlocking Government Market Opportunities
Fervent Four
(0:00) Importance of staying on tune and finishing tasks (0:19) Making lots of little bets in government contracting (1:01) Weekly struggles, motivation, and guest introduction (2:27) Meeting William Randolph and his background (4:53) Overview of MicroMarket and government purchase card program (10:33) Challenges and features in government marketplace (13:08) Impact of government resolutions and spending on businesses (16:22) Preparing vendors for government opportunities and DOGE purchase freeze (20:09) Proposal for purchase card efficiency and business uncertainty (22:01) Government...
info_outline(0:00) Metrics for measuring founder resiliency and reinvestment
(0:37) Zack Miller discusses Rick Rubin's creative book and Tim Ryan's thoughts on fluctuating temperatures
(3:12) Recollection of meeting at the Startup World Cup and behind the scenes chaos
(5:17) Appreciation for Debbie's support of founders and regional collaboration
(10:50) Barriers in startup communities and Lighthouse's role in economic development
(15:13) Debbie's transition to leading Lighthouse and shoutout to sponsor Roombrick
(17:30) Debbie's personal background, upbringing, and dealing with loss
(27:13) Challenges of mentoring, defining success, and handling feedback
(30:15) Lighthouse Labs' success metrics, mentor network, and founder skill development
(37:17) Importance of coachability and feedback for founders
(39:01) Personal anecdotes and introduction of the Lighthouse Network
(46:00) Long-term support, operational training, and founders learning from one another
(48:43) Benefits of partnering with founder-friendly lawyers and Pillsbury's legal services
(51:06) Richmond's corporate landscape and Engage program's impact
(52:58) Lighthouse companies seizing opportunities and expansion plans
(54:15) Tim's secret salad strategy
(57:06) Debbie's favorite Richmond and Stanton eateries and Tim's dining preferences
(1:02:00) Final thoughts and gratitude
- Focusing on founder resiliency and long-term support, Lighthouse Labs is transitioning to the Lighthouse Network, which includes three networks: Founders, Mentors, and Investors.
- Lighthouse Labs has successfully maintained a high rate of active companies, with 91 out of 140 still operating and several reaching significant milestones like $1 million ARR.
- Debbie Irwin's leadership emphasizes the importance of direct, non-personal feedback and the need for continuous development and support for founders well beyond the initial acceleration phase.
https://www.lighthouselabsrva.org/
Innovate Hampton Roads is on a mission to foster the growth of Hampton Roads' innovation and technology ecosystem by educating entrepreneurs and business leaders, providing access to essential resources, and building connections that drive synergistic partnerships. We are committed to creating a supportive environment that empowers entrepreneurs, strengthens the regional economy, and fuels long-term prosperity. By growing, guiding, and connecting key players in the ecosystem—including investors, industry leaders, universities, corporate partners, and community organizations—we aim to build a more innovative and inclusive economy. It’s time to unify our efforts, amplify our collective voice, and streamline resources to benefit aspiring entrepreneurs, students, employees, and businesses throughout the region.
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