The Launch Network

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RISs1e13- Marc Portney Talks to the Money Man Ian Varley Jun 10, 2020

Show notes

As President of Chelsea Home Imports, an international player in product development, manufacturing and sales, Portney works diligently to bring new products to market. He is director of new business development and a special advisor to the Board of directors for Red Cardinal Holding Corp., a multi-national corporation with holdings well over a billion dollars. Portney also heads a group of venture capitalists who will participate in any size deal that he feels is worthy.

ASs1e4 - Vicky Westra Talks with Jen Msumba founder of Rebranding Autism Jun 04, 2020

Show notes

Vicky Westra is the Founder of Autism Shifts, a 501(c)3 Non-profit Foundation and Artistas Café, a unique Social Enterprise whose mission is to employ individuals diagnosed with Autism. Prior to her current entrepreneurial role, Vicky worked at Tampa Electric Company for 22 years in various roles. Her last role prior to leaving TECO was Director of Customer Services and Marketing.

Vicky has a B.S. in Business Marketing from The University of Tampa. She is married to Pier and has one child, Gabrielle (Gabbi). Gabbi was diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) when she was four years old. Through their journey with her own daughter, as well as her experience providing training and employment for individuals with Autism, Vicky has developed a very comprehensive and unique understanding of the diagnosis.

Vicky is now on a mission, through Autism Shifts, to provide greater education and understanding about the diagnosis and help communities re-imagine a new world for Autism. Autism Shifts’ programs serve the four groups that are key to making this happen, which include: 1) individuals diagnosed with ASD 2) Parents/Caregivers/Families of those diagnosed 3) Businesses who want to become Autism Employment Ready and 4) the broader population.

Vicky believes the timing is right and Tampa Bay is the perfect place to create the first Autism Ready Community model!

ILPs5e27 - Carmine Talks with Extreme Mist Inventor Ron Laikind. Jun 04, 2020

Show notes

I knew what I needed – compact, lightweight, hands-free and professional-grade, built for someone out for long hikes, rides or runs. But, would it be possible to get a high-PSI pump and a high-capacity rechargeable battery into a small, light and durable unit? After extensive research, I was convinced it could be done. I spent over 2 years of development and testing, refining the specs, adding features to make it more flexible, sourcing high-quality parts and making sure it worked. Then, finally, it was ready! And it has transformed my summer activity! I get more days out, plus I’m more comfortable and having more fun. It’s become my favorite piece of outdoor gear – and I’m sure it’ll become yours, too. My mission was to help active people keep cooler, and that mission doesn’t end with the launch of my ExtremeMist™ PCS (Personal Cooling System). We’re just getting started. I’ve already developed multiple nozzles for use in or out of a pack. Plus, I’m working on several other ideas, including solar charging for long adventures, and an integrated safety vest for construction workers, traffic police, and municipal road workers.

TFs1e11 - Target Funding with Kedma and David Talk Small Business Survival and Funding Opps. Jun 04, 2020

Show notes

Kedma Ough, MBA, is a nationally recognized business development and business funding expert, innovation and entrepreneurship thought leader, award-winning champion of small business, and business advisor for independent inventors. She is also a proud fifth generation entrepreneur, whose great-great grandfather peddled various products across Ireland.

Throughout her career, Ough’s driving mission has been to empower people—particularly minorities, veterans, women, people with disabilities, and innovators—to become business owners and to maximize the potential of their businesses. To date, she has helped more than 10,000 individuals fund, launch, and grow their businesses, in a wide range of industries.

IWs1e10 - Juli Talks with Young Inventors and updates on GIFT Program. Jun 04, 2020

Show notes

Everyone can be a creator, inventor and innovator, With solid research and access to education all things are possible, Live every day with purpose, passion and perseverance. Dreams do come true!

GRRs2e18- Jim Talks Retail, Production and Manufacturing. Jun 04, 2020

Show notes

Jim DeBetta’s product development and sales experience has amassed millions of dollars within the retail selling world. Known nationally as a trusted coach and mentor to thousands of inventors and entrepreneurs, he knows how to take new ideas from a sketch on a napkin to selling the final product to major retailers worldwide.

RISs1e12 - Marc Portney Talks Huge Business Opportunity Part 2 May 26, 2020

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RISs1e11- Marc Portney Talks About a Money Saving Platform for any Business. May 20, 2020

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Swipe4Free is the nation’s number one cash discount and surcharging platform. Established in 2015, Swipe4Free allows merchants to pass their credit card processing fees along to the customer by implementing a 4% non-cash charge to all customers who pay with credit / debit cards. The non-cash charge is legal within all 50 states and is automatically waived when customers pay with cash or a gift card. The customers are made aware of the non-cash charge with signage and stickers that we provide for your place of business. You can place the signage on the door of the business as well as on / near the register where customers pay. We also provide language for online businesses to make customers aware of the non-cash charge. This 4% non-cash charge eliminates all your credit card processing fees, allowing you to keep 100% of the profits per each transaction made with credit / debit cards. Swipe4Free uses the 4% non-cash charge to cover interchange costs, authorization costs, transaction costs, and support for our merchants.

SiSe4s1- Brian Talks with Serial Entrepreneur Matt Cohen May 19, 2020

Show notes

Born and raised in NYC, Matt produced several music videos and branded content for local bands and businesses, while getting his degree at the School of Visual Arts. Upon graduating, he assisted Jerry Bruckheimer on a number of films on the ground in NYC. Shortly after, he co-founded the now world renowned social media and content agency, Laundry Service; Matt operated as the COO/Executive Producer until the sale of the company to Wasserman Media Group.

Matt is currently building a new content studio, Point Seven Labs, taking an analytical approach to content and IP development. Through a 360 approach, Matt oversees all elements of the company's projects, from ideation and strategy through execution and delivery/distribution.

Matt is also an angel investor/advisor to a number of tech and lifestyle start-ups, helping them strategically build effective operations that will scale and market them to the right audiences/consumers.

RISs1e10 - Marc Portney Talks with Product Scout Ken Laner. May 15, 2020

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