From Apple to AI: Building Startups and Communities with Jake Spracher
Release Date: 06/19/2025
Why Good Ideas Stall — and What Actually Moves Them Forward
Fervent Four
Most good ideas don’t stall because they’re bad — they stall when execution breaks down. In this episode, Chris Davidson, founder of Orca Strategies, shares how complex initiatives actually move forward, why business and government are more connected than most people realize, and what leaders must stop doing if they want real momentum. Drawing on experience across entrepreneurship, chambers of commerce, public policy, and community building, this conversation explores execution, leadership, and long-term impact. 0:00 Early leadership lessons and public speaking roots 3:59...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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_outlineJake Spracher shares his journey from working at Apple to becoming an entrepreneur, discussing challenges in the Bay Area and the role of AI in software development. The episode covers the 757 Build Weekend and Startup World Cup, highlighting opportunities for local startups. Jake emphasizes building a startup ecosystem,.. Cultivating community interaction in Hampton Roads and focusing on core business principles are also discussed.
(0:00) Introduction and casual banter with Jake Spracher
(5:37) Jake Spracher's background and entry into entrepreneurship
(13:30) Jake Spracher's experience at Apple and decision to leave
(21:41) Challenges of living and working in the Bay Area, embracing AI in software development
(30:49) 757 Build Weekend overview and StartUp World Cup opportunities
(41:34) Building a local startup ecosystem, Paul Chin's contributions, and revenue split offers
(47:34) Sponsor: JPMorgan Chase and building the future of the community
(51:04) Cultivating community interaction in Hampton Roads and encouraging core business focus
(59:19) Local food catering discussion and appreciation for community efforts
(1:03:19) Episode closing remarks and acknowledgements
- Building a strong community around coding and technology can significantly boost collaborative innovation and local talent retention.
- Participating in hackathons not only provides hands-on experience but also enhances your credibility and resume by showcasing real projects.
- The integration of AI in software development is increasing productivity but still requires human oversight to ensure quality and accuracy.
Startup World Cup: https://www.innovate757.org/startupworldcupva/
757 TechNite: https://www.innovate757.org/757technite/
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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