• Total Capital Invested: Around $37 million over the last 11 years.
• Years of Entrepreneurship: 21 years
• Founded: 2023

• ✅ 6% of startups that go through YC become unicorns, making it the best incubator in the world.
• ✅ Successful startup founders must possess relentless optimism to navigate the challenges and setbacks they face daily.
• ✅ Building an enduring venture capital firm requires not only personal branding but also a strong brand identity for the firm itself.

In this episode, Gabriel Jarrosson, Managing Partner at Lobster Capital, shares his journey from a young entrepreneur to a seasoned investor with over $37 million invested in startups. Gabriel discusses his focus on investing exclusively in YC companies, highlighting the success rate of startups from Y Combinator and the importance of early traction when choosing investments. He also delves into the challenges of building a brand around a venture capital firm and the lessons learned from past investment failures. Gabriel emphasizes the importance of relentless optimism for startup founders and shares insights on how to navigate the complex world of venture capital.

Q1: What makes Y Combinator the best incubator in the world?

A1: Y Combinator has a remarkable success rate, with six percent of its startups becoming unicorns, making it the most effective incubator globally.

Q2: What traits do you look for in a startup founder before investing?

A2: I look for relentless optimism, the ability to handle daily setbacks, and a proven track record of solving problems and achieving early traction.

Q3: How important is branding for a venture capital firm?

A3: Branding is crucial for attracting the best startups early on, and it's essential to build a strong brand identity for the firm, not just the individual partners.

Q4: How do you navigate the challenge of investing in trends?

A4: I’ve learned to be cautious with trends, focusing on sustainable growth rather than fads, which can quickly lose momentum and lead to failed investments.

Q5: What are some common mistakes new investors make, and how can they avoid them?

A5: Common mistakes include investing in trends, overvaluing companies, and not thoroughly vetting founders. Learning from these mistakes and focusing on fundamentals is key to becoming a better investor.

00:00 Intro

00:12 Company Stats

00:20 Gabriel's Investment Journey

00:47 Choosing the Right Startups

03:35 The Importance of Personal Branding

06:29 Lessons from Failed Investments

07:39 Connect With Lobster Capital

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• Revenue of Lamborghini Sarasota: Just shy of $10 billion.
• Total Employees in the Group: Over 7,400.
• Year Lamborghini Sarasota was Founded: 2009.
• Year Dunamis Premium Spirits was Founded: 2021.

• ✅ Building a premium brand requires a meticulous process, combining old-world craftsmanship with new-world technology to ensure consistent quality.
• ✅ Success in business is deeply rooted in surrounding yourself with a trustworthy and skilled team capable of executing in any environment.
• ✅ The growth of Dunamis Premium Spirits highlights the importance of blending passion with strategic expansion to create a viable and scalable business.

In this episode, Victor Young, CEO of Dunamis Premium Spirits and President of Lamborghini Sarasota, shares his journey of transitioning from sports and entertainment to leading one of the largest auto groups in America. Victor discusses the importance of building premium brands and the processes that ensure quality, whether in luxury automobiles or premium spirits. He also delves into the strategic growth of Dunamis Premium Spirits, from a passion project to a rapidly expanding business with plans for a state-of-the-art distillery. Victor emphasizes that success is all about people, execution, and maintaining a commitment to greatness in every aspect of the business.

Q1: What are the key factors in building a premium brand?

A1: Building a premium brand involves combining old-world craftsmanship with modern technology, ensuring quality through meticulous processes, and delivering exceptional customer experiences.

Q2: How did you transition from the sports and entertainment industry to leading a luxury automotive group?

A2: The transition was driven by a need to reinvent myself after significant life changes, starting at the bottom in the automotive industry and working my way up through hard work and dedication.

Q3: What makes Dunamis Premium Spirits stand out in the crowded spirits market?

A3: Dunamis Premium Spirits stands out due to its unique blend of old-world techniques and cutting-edge technology, ensuring a consistently high-quality product that embodies the brand's commitment to greatness.

Q4: How important is the team in achieving business success?

A4: Success in business is all about surrounding yourself with a trustworthy and skilled team capable of executing in any environment and adapting to challenges as they arise.

Q5: What are your goals for the future expansion of Dunamis Premium Spirits?

A5: The goal is to scale Dunamis Premium Spirits into a globally recognized brand, with a new 50,000-square-foot distillery featuring innovative elements like a heliport to offer unique customer experiences.

00:00 Intro

00:45 Company Stats

01:19 Journey into the Spirits Industry

02:02 Building a Premium Brand

04:40 The Distillery: Innovation and Expansion

10:13 Connect with Dunamis and Lamborghini

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Company Stats

• Documents Processed Annually: Over 4 million.
• Clients Served Annually: Over 400,000.
• Employees: 108 full-time employees, over 600 linguistic professionals.
• Year Founded: 2012.

Episode Highlights

• ✅ Efficient systems and processes are key to scaling a service-based business without compromising quality or burning out employees.
• ✅ The 80/20 rule applies to business problems—addressing the root causes of 20% of issues can resolve 80% of the problems.
• ✅ AI has a limited impact on certified translation services due to the need for accuracy in legal, governmental, and professional documents.

Episode Summary

In this episode, Salvador Ordorica, CEO of The Spanish Group LLC, discusses the challenges and strategies involved in scaling a certified translation service. Handling over 4 million documents annually for more than 400,000 clients, The Spanish Group has mastered the art of systematizing processes to ensure consistent quality. Salvador shares insights on overcoming operational challenges, the importance of documenting protocols, and how the business has expanded into 36 countries through strategic marketing efforts. Despite advancements in AI, Salvador explains that certified translations still require a human touch due to the complexity and legal requirements of the documents.

Notable Questions We Asked

Q1: What are the key challenges in scaling a certified translation service?

A1: The main challenges include transitioning from a micro to a medium-sized business, systematizing operations, and documenting protocols to maintain quality as the business grows.

Q2: How does The Spanish Group ensure consistent quality in its translations?

A2: By documenting all processes, building software to manage services, and focusing on efficient systems, the company ensures quality without over-relying on individual employees.

Q3: How has The Spanish Group expanded into 36 countries?

A3: Expansion has been driven by online advertising, SEO efforts, client referrals, and the public visibility of their branded translations in academic and legal contexts.

Q4: What role does AI play in certified translation services?

A4: AI has minimal impact on certified translation services due to the need for accuracy in legal, governmental, and professional documents, which require a human touch.

Q5: What marketing initiatives are currently helping The Spanish Group grow?

A5: Current initiatives include telemarketing to companies worldwide, online advertising, referral marketing, and affiliate marketing, along with partnerships with other translation services.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:20 Meet Salvador Ordorica

00:55 Scaling the Spanish Group

02:19 Overcoming Operational Challenges

04:31 Expanding Internationally

05:28 Impact of AI on Translation Services

07:32 Connect With The Spanish Group LLC

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Company Stats

• Capital Raised: Just over $60 million.
• Number of Employees: 146.
• Year Founded: 2015.

Episode Highlights

• ✅ Connectbase simplifies the connectivity industry by providing a comprehensive platform that helps providers buy and sell connectivity with ease.
• ✅ The connectivity industry involves over 50,000 providers worldwide, all working together to make the digital world function seamlessly.
• ✅ Connectbase’s growth strategy focuses on proving value step by step, leading to milestones that attract both customers and investors.

Episode Summary

In this episode, Ben Edmond, founder of Connectbase, delves into the complexities of the connectivity industry and how his platform is revolutionizing the way providers buy and sell connectivity. With over $60 million raised and a team of 146 employees, Connectbase has established itself as a critical player in a fragmented and complex market. Ben shares insights into the iterative approach he used to build the business, starting with a bootstrap model and evolving through strategic funding and customer acquisition. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the market's intricacies and addressing the inefficiencies that have long plagued the industry.

Notable Questions We Asked

Q1: What is the connectivity industry, and why is it important?

A1: The connectivity industry includes service providers that connect people, places, and things, making the digital world work by enabling internet access and communication.

Q2: How does Connectbase simplify the buying and selling of connectivity?

A2: Connectbase provides a platform that digitizes the process, helping providers manage locations, automate quotes, and connect with buyers through APIs, making transactions smoother and more efficient.

Q3: What inspired you to start Connectbase, and how did your background influence it?

A3: Ben Edmond was inspired by his two decades in the connectivity industry, where he observed inefficiencies and realized the need for a solution that could streamline the buying and selling process.

Q4: How did you approach raising the initial round of capital for Connectbase?

A4: Ben started by bootstrapping the business to build a proof of concept, then attracted investors who understood the industry and believed in the potential of solving its complex challenges.

Q5: Who are the primary clients of Connectbase, and how large is the market?

A5: Connectbase serves nearly 400 connectivity providers globally, ranging from large to small, with a total market of over 50,000 potential providers worldwide.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:30 Company Stats

00:46 Understanding the Connectivity Industry

01:28 How Connectbase Transforms Connectivity

03:27 The Inspiration Behind Connectbase

04:19 Raising Capital for Connectbase

06:14 Connectbase's Market and Clients

07:49 Connect With Connectbase

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Company Stats

• Founded: 1985
• Revenue: $67 million, up 30% from last year
• Employees: 35 employees, achieving $2 million in sales per employee

Episode Highlights

• ✅ Transitioning from a beauty distributor to a manufacturing-focused business allowed TNG Worldwide to thrive, even during challenging times.
• ✅ Leveraging Amazon's platform has been a game-changer, with over 90% of sales now coming through Amazon, simplifying operations and fulfillment.
• ✅ Maintaining resilience and determination, especially during pivotal moments, is crucial for long-term success in any business.

Episode Summary

In this episode, Larry Gaynor, CEO of TNG Worldwide, shares the incredible journey of growing his company from its founding in 1985 to generating over $67 million in revenue today. With only 35 employees, TNG Worldwide has achieved an impressive $2 million in sales per employee, a feat that reflects the company's efficient operations and strategic pivots.

Larry discusses how the company transitioned from being the largest beauty distributor in the United States to focusing on manufacturing its own products. This shift allowed TNG to not only survive but thrive, particularly by leveraging Amazon as a key sales channel. Today, over 90% of TNG's sales are processed through Amazon, enabling streamlined fulfillment and reaching a broader customer base. Larry emphasizes the importance of resilience, recalling his entrepreneurial lessons from his book, "101 Life Lessons: Take a Chance," and how maintaining focus and determination through challenging times has been key to his success.

Notable Questions We Asked

Q: What inspired the pivot from a beauty distributor to focusing on manufacturing?

A: The decision came from recognizing the need to simplify operations and focus on a core strength—manufacturing. By giving up over 200 brands and honing in on producing high-quality products, we were able to streamline our business and thrive.

Q: How has leveraging Amazon as a sales platform impacted your business?

A: It’s been transformative. Over 90% of our sales now come through Amazon, allowing us to reduce the need for a large workforce and focus on producing and shipping quality products efficiently.

Q: What are some key lessons from your book, "101 Life Lessons: Take a Chance"?

A: One important lesson is the value of resilience—it's not how many times you fall down, but how many times you get back up. Another is to never be a minority shareholder in a closed corporation, as it limits your control over your business.

Q: How did TNG Worldwide achieve such rapid growth in revenue?

A: The company focused on manufacturing high-demand beauty and personal care products and pivoted heavily into e-commerce, particularly on Amazon, which significantly boosted sales.

Q: What is the significance of not being a minority shareholder in a business?

A: Larry Gaynor emphasized the importance of maintaining control over your business decisions and profit distributions, as being a minority shareholder can limit your influence and financial benefits.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:38 Company Stats

01:07 Entrepreneurial Lessons from Larry's Book

02:51 Adapting to the Pandemic

03:38 The Amazon Strategy

09:27 Connect With TNG Worldwide

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✅ Take the leap when you're ready, and don't look back: Once you decide to leave a corporate role, it's crucial to stick to your decision and not return, even if offered more incentives.

✅ Prepare for the unexpected in entrepreneurship: As an entrepreneur, always plan for unforeseen challenges like financial difficulties, operational setbacks, or losing clients.

✅ Build a public speaking career strategically: Start by volunteering for speaking opportunities on boards, then leverage those experiences to apply for paid speaking gigs worldwide.

Episode Summary

In this episode, Sarah Baldeo, CEO of ID Quotient, shares her journey from a high-powered corporate role to becoming an entrepreneur. Frustrated by the lack of accountability in the corporate world, Sarah decided to take the leap into entrepreneurship, embracing the challenges that come with it. She emphasizes the importance of preparing for unexpected obstacles, including financial and operational setbacks, and offers insights into building a successful public speaking career. Sarah’s advice is clear: once you decide to leave a corporate role, stick to your decision, and don’t be afraid to push back when negotiating your worth as a speaker.

Notable Questions We Asked

Q: What motivated you to leave your high-powered corporate role and jump into entrepreneurship?

A: Frustration with the lack of accountability and a desire for more meaningful leadership led me to take the leap into entrepreneurship.

Q: How did you navigate the challenges of starting a business during a pandemic?

A: It was tough, but the key was preparing for every possible challenge, from financial issues to operational setbacks, and having a solid backup plan.

Q: What advice do you have for those considering a public speaking career?

A: Start by volunteering for speaking opportunities, become accredited, and treat public speaking as a business—your consulting on a mass scale.

Q: How can entrepreneurs prepare for the unexpected in their business journey?

A: Always expect the unexpected. Plan for financial setbacks, operational challenges, and losing clients, so you’re ready when things go wrong.

Q: What’s the best way to transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship?

A: Once you decide to leave the corporate world, stick to it. Don’t be tempted to return, even if offered more incentives, as it’s often not worth it in the long run.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:42 Challenges and Frustrations in the Corporate World

02:32 The Leap to Entrepreneurship

03:28 Navigating the Pandemic as an Entrepreneur

06:55 Public Speaking and Building a Speaking Career

12:45 Connect With ID Quotient

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• Revenue: Mizzen+Main has generated hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue over the years, continuing to grow at double digits even in 2024.
• Capital Raised: Harbor has raised a $3.7 million seed round, with pre-orders and first shipments launched in the summer of 2024.
• Employees: Mizzen+Main has over 100 employees, while Harbor has a team of 11.
• Founding Year: Mizzen+Main was founded in 2012.

• ✅ Mizzen+Main continues to grow at double digits in a challenging 2024 environment, showing resilience and profitability.
• ✅ Harbor, born from a personal experience with baby monitors, aims to offer a superior solution for parents, leveraging lessons learned from Mizzen+Main.
• ✅ Building successful partnerships, especially with celebrities and athletes, requires persistence, strategic timing, and strong relationships.

In this episode, Kevin Lavelle, CEO of both Mizzen+Main and Harbor, shares his journey in building and scaling product-based businesses. Mizzen+Main, known for its innovative menswear, has achieved significant success, generating hundreds of millions in revenue and continuing to grow even in a difficult market environment. Harbor, his latest venture, was inspired by a frustrating personal experience with existing baby monitors. The company is on a mission to redefine what it means to be a happy, healthy family by providing reliable, user-friendly products. Kevin also delves into the importance of building strong brand recognition through strategic partnerships, particularly with pro athletes and influencers. He candidly shares some of the challenges and learning experiences he's faced, including early product failures and the tough task of letting go of employees.

Q: What inspired you to start Harbor after your success with Mizzen+Main?

A: Harbor was born out of a personal experience where the leading baby monitor on the market failed Kevin’s family. This experience led him to create a better, more reliable solution for parents.

Q: How did you go about building brand recognition for Mizzen+Main?

A: Kevin built brand recognition for Mizzen+Main through a combination of trial and error, leveraging pro athletes' love for the product, and securing key partnerships, such as an endorsement deal with J.J. Watt and sponsoring Tim Ferriss’ podcast.

Q: What was one of the biggest challenges you faced in the early days of Mizzen+Main?

A: One of the biggest challenges involved a fabric that caused issues after mass production due to pilling. This taught Kevin the importance of thorough testing and understanding material properties before committing to large orders.

Q: How do you approach forming celebrity partnerships for your brands?

A: Forming celebrity partnerships involves building relationships, understanding timing, and persistent effort. Kevin’s success with partnerships, like the one with J.J. Watt, came from relentless pursuit and strategic alignment with the athlete's other sponsorships.

Q: What advice would you give to entrepreneurs dealing with difficult decisions, like letting go of an employee?

A: Kevin emphasizes the importance of being clear, respectful, and prepared when making difficult decisions. He learned the value of doing the work ahead of time to ensure that the conversation is fair and concise, and to focus on maintaining the company's culture and values.

00:00 Intro

00:30 Company Stats

02:57 Building Brand Recognition

07:57 Lessons from Failures

12:01 Connect with Harbor

✅ Data centers are transitioning from traditional air cooling to advanced liquid cooling systems, significantly improving energy efficiency.

✅ Implementing liquid cooling in existing data centers is a complex and costly endeavor, requiring meticulous planning and adaptation of current infrastructure.

✅ The Open Compute Project Foundation fosters collaboration among industry leaders to innovate and design sustainable solutions for data center operations.

In this episode, Cosimo Pecchioli, the OEM Partnership Director for British Petroleum (BP), delves into the evolving technology behind cooling data centers. As computing power increases, so does the heat generated by servers, making traditional air cooling methods less effective. Cosimo explains the transition to liquid cooling systems, which offer a more efficient solution but come with significant challenges, particularly when retrofitting existing data centers. He also highlights the role of the Open Compute Project Foundation, an industry-wide collaborative forum that drives innovation and sustainability in data center design. This episode offers valuable insights into the future of data center cooling and the importance of industry collaboration for sustainable progress.

Q: What are the key benefits of transitioning from air cooling to liquid cooling in data centers?

A: Liquid cooling offers significant improvements in energy efficiency, reducing the amount of power needed to cool servers as computing density increases. This transition is essential for sustainable data center operations.

Q: What are the challenges involved in retrofitting existing data centers with liquid cooling systems?

A: Retrofitting requires extensive infrastructure changes, including the installation of large water pipes throughout the building. This process is costly and time-consuming, and it must be done without disrupting the data center’s operations.

Q: How does the Open Compute Project Foundation contribute to advancements in data center technology?

A: The Open Compute Project Foundation is a collaborative platform where industry experts share ideas and develop innovative solutions for data center design. It has led to the creation of smart designs and white papers that drive the industry toward more sustainable and efficient operations.

Q: What considerations must be made when designing future-proof data centers?

A: Designing future-proof data centers involves ensuring flexibility to accommodate new technologies like liquid cooling. This includes provisions for infrastructure that can be easily adapted as the technology evolves, allowing for sustainable upgrades without extensive overhauls.

Q: How does the fully distributed workplace model work at BP?

A: BP’s fully distributed workplace model allows employees to work from anywhere without the need for a central office. This model relies on asynchronous communication and collaboration tools, fostering a flexible and inclusive work environment across multiple time zones and countries.

00:00 Intro

01:24 The Evolution of Data Centers and Cooling Challenges

02:41 Transition from Air Cooling to Liquid Cooling

04:41 Technical and Logistical Challenges of Liquid Cooling

10:28 The Open Compute Project Foundation

13:32 BP's Commitment to Sustainability and Future Innovations

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