What Venture Capitalists Look for Before They Invest in Founders
Fervent Four
What do venture capitalists actually look for when evaluating founders and early-stage companies? In this episode of The Fervent Four Show, we sit down with Zakiya Alta Lee-Hill, Principal at Idea Fund Partners, to pull back the curtain on how VCs think about founder character, traction, communication, AI strategy, and long-term investability. Zakiya shares her unconventional journey into venture capital, from professional dance and entrepreneurship to helping deploy Fund IV at one of the Southeast’s most active early-stage VC firms. Together, we dive deep into what...
info_outline
How Cox Communications Reinvents, Innovates, and Serves the 757
Fervent Four
In this episode of The Fervent Four Show, hosts Tim Ryan and Zack Miller sit down with Jeff Merritt, Market Vice President of Cox Communications Virginia, for a deep, wide-ranging conversation on innovation, connectivity, workforce evolution, and the future of technology in Hampton Roads. Merritt shares his roots as a Chesapeake native, his 26-year journey rising through Cox, and how the company has continually reinvented itself from a newspaper founded in 1898 into a national leader in broadband, telecommunications, automotive services, and emerging industries like controlled-environment...
info_outline
How Skydiving Prepared Him for Business Risk No One Talks About
Fervent Four
What happens when you mix 1,100 skydives, a near-fatal crash, a family business handed down from a legend, and the grit to rebuild an entire industry from the inside out? You get Jay Prock, President of Tidewater Staffing, one of the most influential workforce leaders in the Port of Virginia. In this episode of The Fervent Four Show, we sit down with Jay for a raw, high-energy, no-filters conversation about: • How skydiving shaped his mindset as a CEO • The accident that nearly killed him—and what he learned about risk, recovery, and humility • The evolution of Tidewater...
info_outline
How a 22-Year-Old Became America’s Youngest AMCO Owner
Fervent Four
At 22 years old, Eric Svedberg became the youngest franchise owner of AMCO in America — buying his first automotive shop before most people finish college. In this episode of the Fervent Four Show, Eric breaks down how he went from turning wrenches in high school to owning multiple shops, scaling a service-based business, and coaching entrepreneurs across the country. We dig into the real truth behind what it takes to grow a profitable auto repair business, why so many trades struggle to scale, how AI is reshaping the service industry, and what every entrepreneur needs to understand about...
info_outline
Breaking Barriers in Tech
Fervent Four
Guillermo Fisher joins the conversation to share his journey from Brooklyn to Virginia and his experiences at MIT. He reflects on the early days of the internet, educational insights, and the challenges of keeping up with tech and AI security concerns. Guillermo discusses his passion for community through Color Coded and the importance of diversity in tech, highlighting regional talent and building a supportive tech community. The episode explores Assembly's Changemaker program, Guillermo's role as a fractional CTO, and the meaning behind Kuzaa. The discussion also covers the origin of the...
info_outline
How a Quarter-Life Crisis Sparked a National Brand
Fervent Four
Megan Riggs joins the discussion to share her journey and the evolution of her business, Crunchy, while offering holiday stress solutions. The conversation covers holistic health approaches, self-assessment strategies, and the importance of celebrating small wins through customer stories. Megan delves into market research and product development, highlighted by the Crunchy Chug Off event and the Thrive Market launch. The episode explores retail expansion timing, scaling challenges, and the impact of retail visibility on direct sales. Branding, social media presence, and Heather's role at...
info_outline
Off the Beaten Path: Building Where2Wheel
Fervent Four
Brittany and Dave Peregoff introduce Where2Wheel, sharing its inception and growth journey. They discuss transitioning the business model and partnering with landowners to develop off-road parks. The conversation touches on Zack's off-roading experiences and trail difficulty, as well as strategic pivots and market expansion in the off-roading industry. They explore demographic shifts, networking's role in business growth, and overcoming fundraising challenges. Insights into Founder University, entrepreneurial traits, and co-founder dynamics are shared, along with maintaining momentum through...
info_outline
From Forensics to Founding: Rachelle Turiello's Med Tech Mission
Fervent Four
Rachelle Turiello shares her journey from forensics to founding Avant Genomics, exploring challenges in DNA sample preparation and her experiences with TechNite and pitch competitions. She discusses synesthesia in entrepreneurship, Charlottesville's startup scene, and med tech innovation in Virginia. The conversation covers Avant Genomics' 20-year vision, wearable health tech. Rachelle also touches on Theranos comparisons, microfluidics, and early cancer detection, concluding with insights into Charlottesville's culinary scene and sourdough culture. (0:00) Rachelle Turiello's...
info_outline
Beyond the Bark: Building Yellow Dog Through Grit and Curiosity
Fervent Four
Jay Livingood joins the Fervent Four Show for a wide-ranging conversation that opens with the rebirth of 757 TechNite—where he was named Entrepreneur of the Year. The discussion dives into the importance of grit and curiosity in technology, navigating event overbooking, and the value of regional events and team networking. Jay also explores the role of CEO groups, community learning, and capital raising, while offering an inside look at Yellow Dog’s integrated services and business model. From managing client data and stadium concessions to embracing core values, supporting veterans, and...
info_outline
Gamifying Your Life Through Health Literacy
Fervent Four
Tom Chamberlain reflects the excitement for 757 TechNite, highlighting the significance of showcasing local companies and EdLogics nomination. The episode delves into building healthy communities and innovation in Hampton Roads, focusing on Tom's background and health literacy's role in reducing the life expectancy gap. Challenges in health literacy, educational gaps, starting EdLogics, and team building are discussed. Engaging users through gamification, raising capital, and the role of 757 Angels are explored, along with expanding health literacy topics and partnerships. The episode...
info_outlineJoin Crystal Brown as she delves into the complexities of trademarks, including the importance of thorough searches and policing. Discover when startups should trademark and how to tackle email scams. Crystal shares insights on AI's impact on copyright enforcement and infringement. The episode also covers franchising, documenting business processes, and creating systems for entrepreneurs. Explore cost considerations for legal services and common startup mistakes, with valuable advice for founders. Concluding with lighter topics, Crystal shares her love for sourdough baking and favorite local eateries, blending professional insights with personal interests.
(0:00) Welcome, Announcements, and Introduction of Crystal Brown
(3:30) Trademarks: Challenges and Personal Names
(7:09) The Importance of Trademark Search and Policing
(10:14) When Startups Should Consider Trademarking
(13:31) Email Scams and Trademark Issues
(15:02) Workspace Discussions and AI's Impact on Law
(19:56) Copyright Enforcement in the Age of AI
(24:58) Addressing Copyright Infringement and Legal Specialties
(28:53) Franchising Advice and Documenting Business Processes
(34:01) Time Management and System Creation for Entrepreneurs
(39:01) Leveraging Technology in Documentation and Meetings
(42:23) The Costs of Legal Services
(46:59) Startups: Common Mistakes and Operating Agreements
(54:23) Educating Founders and Personal Interests
(57:05) Sourdough Baking and Local Eateries
(1:02:06) Concluding Business Insights and Upcoming Events
- Navigating the complexities of trademarking involves understanding the distinguishability of common words and combining them with unique elements or logos for protection.
- For startups, focusing on developing a successful business model and documented systems is crucial before considering franchising or extensive trademarking.
- Effective time management and establishing clear operational protocols can significantly enhance business efficiency and long-term success.
https://artisanlegalconsulting.com/
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.
Don't miss out on key business events, local success stories, and expert insights—subscribe to This Week in 757 and stay ahead in Hampton Roads' innovation and business community. https://bit.ly/twi757newsletter