Conversations at the Breaking Point of Innovation

In this episode of Beyond Max Q, host Mollie Jahner speaks with Mac Kremer, the director of Go To Market for Chassi, about the intersection of founders and funders. Mac shares insights from his background in pricing and private equity, discussing what investors look for in businesses, the importance of customer retention, and the challenges of transitioning from an investor to a founder. He elaborates on Chassi's role in helping private equity-backed businesses optimize their operations and the significance of understanding the problem being solved in business. The conversation also touches on navigating term sheets and choosing the right investor. Connect with Mac and see what he is working on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mac-kremer/ https://chassi.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Founders and Funders 02:48 Investment Criteria and Metrics 06:12 The Investor's Perspective 09:36 Transitioning from Investor to Founder 11:52 Understanding Chassis and Its Value 17:01 Challenges in the Founder Mindset 19:27 Navigating Term Sheets 22:19 Choosing the Right Investor 25:11 Final Thoughts and Recommendations 28:04 Beyond Max Q Bumper.mp4

In this episode of Beyond Max Q, host Mollie Jahner speaks with Tom Andrews, the CEO and founder of GCH Technologies, a company specializing in AI and machine learning solutions for the drone and aerospace industries. Tom discusses the innovative product TrueSight, which assists users in identifying objects of interest during long drone operations, addressing the challenges of human attention spans in high-stakes environments. He emphasizes the importance of AI as an assistant rather than a decision-maker, aiming to enhance the capabilities of users in the field, particularly in military applications. Tom also shares insights into the development of GCH Technologies, including the challenges faced during the two-year product development phase without revenue. He highlights the significance of trust and transparency in leadership, especially when relying on personal support from family during tough times. The conversation touches on the broader implications of defense technology, the importance of understanding customer needs, and the necessity of building partnerships in a highly technical field. Tom concludes by inviting potential collaborators and employees to reach out, emphasizing the values of intelligence, integrity, and curiosity in his team. Reach out and see what Tom is working on: https://www.gchtechnologies.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to GCH Technologies and Tom Andrews 02:50 Exploring TrueSight and Its Impact 05:32 The Importance of AI in Military Applications 07:59 Bootstrapping a Tech Startup: Tom's Journey 10:05 The Role of Trust and Partnership in Business 12:37 Navigating the Defense Tech Landscape 14:46 Building Partnerships as a Technical Founder 16:54 Insights on Trends in Defense Technology 18:41 Final Thoughts and Future Directions

In this episode of Beyond Max Q, host Mollie Jahner welcomes Jessie Casner, the Chief Experience Officer of The Thoughtful Company. Jessie shares her unique journey through various industries, including startups and real estate, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and brand management. She discusses her experiences in building businesses, navigating challenges, and the significance of having the right team to execute ideas effectively. Jessie highlights the flaws in the current real estate industry, particularly how it often fails to serve homeowners, and introduces her vision for The Thoughtful Company, which aims to provide a supportive ecosystem for homeowners throughout their journey. The conversation delves into the dynamics of co-founding a business, the importance of trust and communication in partnerships, and the lessons learned from previous ventures, including a successful exit in the cannabis industry. Jessie emphasizes the value of collaboration and the impact of a strong team culture on business success. As they wrap up, Jessie shares her current reading, reinforcing the idea that continuous learning is vital for personal and professional growth. This episode is a rich exploration of entrepreneurship, teamwork, and the evolving landscape of real estate. Connect with Jessie and see what she is working on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessie-casner/ https://thoughtfulcompany.co/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jessie Kasner and The Thoughtful Company 03:09 The Journey to Homeownership: Challenges and Insights 06:02 Revolutionizing Real Estate: A New Approach for Homebuyers 09:07 Empowering Buyers: Data-Driven Decisions in Real Estate 12:02 The Co-Founder Dynamic: Building Trust and Collaboration 15:03 Navigating Exits: Lessons from a Serial Entrepreneur 22:00 Navigating Marketing Challenges 25:01 Team Resilience During Crisis 27:56 Building a Sustainable Business 30:42 Transitioning to a Public Company 35:28 The Importance of Communication 37:57 The Value of People in Business

In this episode of Beyond Max Q, host Mollie Jahner engages with Ryan Steidl, a partner at Constangy, to explore the intersection of cybersecurity and law. They discuss the importance of proactive engagement in cybersecurity, the threats posed by social engineering and AI, and the unique challenges faced by startups and small businesses in protecting their data. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of cybersecurity regulations and the necessity for organizations to adapt to new threats while maintaining compliance. Connect with Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryansteidl/ https://www.constangy.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity and Law 02:41 The Role of Compliance in Cybersecurity 05:34 Proactive vs Reactive Cybersecurity Engagement 08:29 Understanding Cyber Insurance 11:19 Social Engineering and AI Threats 14:30 The Landscape of Cyber Threats 17:32 Cybersecurity for Startups 20:34 Establishing Policies and Procedures 23:30 Risk Assessment and Management 26:28 Current Trends in Cybersecurity 29:36 Conclusion and Recommendations