The Founder Hour

?? Announcement: The Founder Hour - Final Episode What started in 2017 as a passion project between friends Patrick Tanahan (Pat) and Nerses Aposhian (Posh) has grown into something far greater than either could have imagined. Over the past seven years,?The Founder Hour?has become a platform for sharing the stories of more than 250 incredible founders and recording over 280 episodes filled with lessons, insights, and unforgettable moments. This journey has been amazing. From two friends with an idea sitting in Pat's garage, we have reached millions of listeners in 185 countries. All we can say is, WOW! Through countless conversations with some of the greatest business minds, we’ve had the privilege of learning, growing, and connecting with a community that shares our love for entrepreneurship and storytelling. Today, we’re announcing the end of?The Founder Hour?podcast—and no, this isn’t one of our infamous April Fool’s jokes! (Where are you, Oprah!?)?It’s a bittersweet decision, but we’re proud to close this chapter while still at the top of our game. The stories we’ve shared and the lessons we’ve learned will live on forever and remain accessible on our website (www.thefounderhour.com), Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you enjoy your podcasts. We owe an enormous THANK YOU to everyone who made this possible: our incredible guests, the executive assistants who worked with us dozens of times to schedule a podcast, the PR teams (the great ones and even the not-so-great ones),?our sponsors,?and most importantly, YOU—our listeners. Whether you cheered us on publicly or quietly tuned in every episode, your support has meant the world to us. While this marks the end of?The Founder Hour, it’s not a goodbye—it’s a “see you later.” Who knows what the future holds? For now, we’re grateful for the ride and excited to see where the next adventure takes us. With gratitude, Pat & Posh

NEW EPISODE: Vinny Dotolo is a Los Angeles-based chef and restaurateur, recognized for his contributions to the city’s food scene. He is the chef and co-owner of Jon & Vinny’s and Helen’s Wines, with locations in Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Fairfax, Slauson, Studio City, and globally. He also operates Cookbook Market in Echo Park, Highland Park, and Larchmont Village, along with Carmelized Productions, a full-service catering company. Vinny has been accredited with several awards including Food & Wine’s Best New Chef (2009) and James Beard (2016) for “Best Chef West” for animal restaurant, which closed in 2023. Beyond the kitchen, he is an active supporter of many charities including No Kid Hungry, Alex’s Lemonade, and Baby2Baby. #vinnydotolo #jonandvinnys #restaurant #restaurateur #entrepreneur #business #entrepreneurship #podcast #losangeles #food https://lnkd.in/gKVWpk6k

NEW EPISODE: Joel Madden is a musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer best known as the lead vocalist for the pop-punk band Good Charlotte. Born in Maryland, Madden co-founded Good Charlotte in the mid-1990s with his twin brother, Benji Madden. The band rose to fame in the early 2000s with hits like "Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous" and "The Anthem," becoming a staple in the punk rock and alternative music scenes. Beyond his work with Good Charlotte, Madden has collaborated with various artists, worked as a coach on "The Voice Australia," and co-founded the management company MDDN. He is also a co-founder of Veeps, a live-streaming platform that has become a go-to for artists connecting with fans through virtual concerts. He also hosts the podcast "Artist Friendly," where he interviews musicians and creatives, offering insights into the music industry. #joelmadden #goodcharlotte #music #musician #thefounderhour #podcast #interview #mddn #veeps https://lnkd.in/gmq5SMma

Our President,?Troy Arntsen?recently sat down with?The Founder Hour podcast, sharing the inspiring journey of Voluspa— starting with humble beginnings, crafting candles in a kitchen, to building a global luxury brand sold in 80+ countries. ? Tune in to hear Troy speak on the importance of pursuing one's passions, upholding core values, and building a business with integrity and perseverance. ? ???Listen now:?https://lnkd.in/gct_-mYe or find on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! #voluspa

NEW EPISODE: Troy Arntsen, co-founder and president of Voluspa, transformed a simple idea into a global luxury candle brand renowned for its exquisite scents and impeccable quality. Hailing from Minnesota, Troy was a self-described "daydreamer" who defied expectations when he traded a promising engineering career for the world of essential oils. His decision, met with initial doubts from his family, was fueled by an unshakable entrepreneurial spirit. In 1999, armed with only a few thousand dollars and the unwavering support of his partner, Troy relocated to Southern California with a dream to create Voluspa. What began as a humble kitchen operation—where late-night candle pouring was the norm—evolved into a global brand, with Voluspa candles now sold in over 80 countries. The company’s success stems from its commitment to using premium, natural ingredients and a dedication to elegant design, setting it apart in a market saturated with generic offerings. Troy’s engineering background proved invaluable as he developed Voluspa’s signature coconut wax blend, a unique innovation that remains central to the brand's identity. Over the past 25 years, he navigated the complexities of scaling a business, from building a team to mastering the e-commerce landscape, all while staying devoted to his family. Today, Voluspa is a leader in luxury home fragrances, with Troy still passionately steering the ship. His journey from a small-town Minnesota dreamer to a successful entrepreneur is a powerful testament to the importance of pursuing one's passions, upholding core values, and building a business with integrity and perseverance. #troyartsen #voluspa #candles #luxury #fragrance #podcast #interview #founder #business #entrepreneur #thefounderhour https://lnkd.in/gct_-mYe

NEW EPISODE: Taylor Hill's life took an unexpected turn at the age of 14 when she was discovered at a dude ranch in Colorado. Born in Illinois but raised in the mountains of Colorado, Taylor grew up snowboarding and enjoying the outdoors with her family. Her mother, a former hairdresser turned stay-at-home mom, instilled in her a sense of creativity and diligence that would serve her well in her future career. That fateful day at the ranch, a photographer mistook Taylor and her siblings for hired models. Within 24 hours, she found herself shooting her first catalog for Belk. This serendipitous encounter launched her into the world of modeling, a career she hadn't previously considered. At 14, Taylor signed with IMG Models and began her whirlwind journey in the fashion industry. With her mother by her side, she navigated the complexities of the modeling world, learning to balance work and personal growth. As Taylor's modeling career soared, she became a familiar face in major fashion shows and campaigns. Her work with Victoria’s Secret & Co. became a significant part of her journey, participating in their iconic fashion shows and growing alongside the brand as it evolved over the years. Throughout her modeling career, Taylor found a constant companion in her dog, Tate. This Labradoodle became more than just a pet; he was her soulmate and teacher, showing her the meaning of unconditional love and responsibility. Tate accompanied her to photoshoots in New York, becoming a beloved mascot in the fashion world. Tragically, Tate's battle with lymphoma opened Taylor's eyes to the gaps in the pet care industry. This experience inspired her to create Tate & Taylor, a company aimed at revolutionizing the pet space. Through this venture, Taylor seeks to blend her experiences in fashion and social media with her passion for pets, creating a platform that offers curated products, educational content, and a supportive community for pet owners. Today, Taylor continues to balance her successful modeling career with her entrepreneurial pursuits. She's set to return to the Victoria's Secret runway later this year, while also working tirelessly to grow Tate & Taylor. #petcare #pets #dogs #taylorhill #tateandtaylor #thefounderhour #podcast #business #model #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship https://lnkd.in/g6qVxTEW

This Monday's #randomTFHepisode is Daymond John, founder of FUBU The Collection, LLC, and one of the sharks on Shark Tank ABC. Daymond John, a Queens native, was entrepreneurial from a young age, selling pencils and shoveling snow. These early experiences shaped his business mindset. In 1992, he and his friends founded FUBU (For Us, By Us) with just $40. They turned the brand into a cultural phenomenon, securing deals with Macy's and generating over $350 million in annual revenue. However, Daymond faced challenges, including counterfeit products and staying relevant in fashion. In 2009, Daymond joined "Shark Tank," where he became known for his business acumen and mentorship. Since our 2021 interview, he's continued empowering minority entrepreneurs through initiatives like #BlackEntrepreneursDay and advocating for #financialliteracy. Daymond remains a prominent voice, using his platform for philanthropy and education. Daymond John's story exemplifies perseverance, adaptability, and staying true to one's roots. His journey from Queens to "Shark Tank" boardrooms is a testament to the power of hustle and mentorship in business. Sign up for our email newsletter for a longer and deeper dive. DM us, and we will sign you up. #thefounderhour #podcast #podcasts #founder #founders #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship https://lnkd.in/gC4emBNq

NEW EPISODE: As a young girl, Michelle Wahler witnessed her father lose his music business, a pivotal moment that shaped her resilience and drive. She pursued graphic design at the University of Florida and then moved to New York City, juggling jobs as a designer and waitress. Her break came at PEOPLE Magazine | PEOPLE.com, but her entrepreneurial spirit led her to launch a t-shirt business, Unsweetened, from her apartment. A 2005 trip to California for a trade show introduced her to her future co-founder, with whom she launched Beyond Yoga, an activewear line celebrating women of all shapes and sizes. As CEO, Michelle transformed Beyond Yoga from a startup into an industry leader. In 2021, a meeting with Levi Strauss & Co. changed everything, leading to their $400 million acquisition of Beyond Yoga—a testament to her dedication and hard work. Michelle’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and the power of taking chances, offering inspiration to entrepreneurs everywhere. Tune in to hear her incredible journey and insights. #activewear #athleisure #activelifestyle #apparel #podcast #business #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #interview #thefounderhour https://lnkd.in/geywxv-a

Founders, innovators, and leaders of all kinds have the opportunity to leave the world better than they found it. The cool part is finding where your skills and interests line up with the complex problems needing to be solved. Over a decade ago, we saw the broken credit system consumers were facing and founded Affirm. It’s been our mission since then to offer an honest and transparent alternative, without any late fees, hidden charges or other junk. Thank you The Founder Hour for having me on the show!

We're sure you've seen by now that Zillow co-founder Rich Barton stepped down from his role as CEO this week and passed the baton to Jeremy Wacksman. Check out our episode with Rich from January 2023. Fun Fact - it is our show's 8th most downloaded episode (out of 278 episodes). https://lnkd.in/eWmcggSy