Modern Founders

About Modern Founders

Modern Founders is conversations about how to build companies in the modern era. We deconstruct the intersection of high-level business strategy and consumer psychology to find out what actually works in today’s digital landscape. Hosted by Barrett Williams, founder of MeloAd Media. We go beyond the surface to uncover the frameworks and mindsets used by some of the best business minds to win in the modern ever-changing economy.

Publisher

Barrett Williams

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

6 Apr 2026

Latest episode

2 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   2 Sept 2026

   Easy Clients vs Ideal Clients: The Choice That Defines Your Business

   Choosing between easy clients and your ideal clients defines your business trajectory. Here is why it matters. Building a service business is rarely just about filling your roster as fast as possible. Many founders fall into the trap of prioritizing rapid client acquisition over long-term fit, which often leads to burnout and high churn rates later on. Focusing on your ideal clients often requires more patience, but it creates a stronger foundation for sustainable business growth. I am sharing my own experiences with these difficult decisions and the shift in mindset required to stop settling for whoever says yes first. Subscribe for more breakdowns on building a business from the ground up, and let me know in the comments: do you currently prioritize speed or fit when signing new accounts? Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/ (https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/) Website: https://meloadmedia.com/ (https://meloadmedia.com/) Youtube:  @Modern.Founders 0:00 The Dilemma of Client Selection 1:09 Defining Your Ideal Client Profile 2:41 Scaling Small vs. Landing Big 5:16 Targeting Your Market Strategy 8:04 Actionable Steps for Growth

2. 

   16 Aug 2026

   The Pricing Mistakes That Can Kill Your Service Business

   Follow me on socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/ (https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/) Website: https://meloadmedia.com/ (https://meloadmedia.com/) Pricing your services as an early-stage entrepreneur is harder than people make it sound. When I started my business, I spent a lot of time looking at what other agencies were charging and trying to figure out where I fit. But over the last year, I’ve realized pricing isn’t just about charging as much as possible. It’s about finding a price where you can deliver real value, keep clients around, and actually build something sustainable. In this solo episode of Modern Founders, I break down what I’ve learned about pricing services, undercutting the market when you’re starting out, hiring to increase capacity, and why I believe client churn can kill a business faster than almost anything else. We also get into the bigger question: do you want to maximize what you can make as a one-person operation, or build a company that can eventually grow beyond you? I’m still figuring this out in real time, and that’s the point of these solo episodes sharing what’s working, what isn’t, and what I’m learning while actually trying to build the business. If you’re building something of your own, drop your thoughts or questions in the comments. Subscribe to Modern Founders for more conversations about the reality of building a business from the ground up.

3. 

   2 Aug 2026

   Does Getting in Shape Make You a Better Business Man?

   Thanks for tuning in!! If you like what you see go check out my socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/ (https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/) Website: https://meloadmedia.com/ (https://meloadmedia.com/)

4. 

   22 Jul 2026

   The Reality Of Scaling a Business Solo

   Thanks for tuning in!! If you like what you see go check out my socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/ (https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/) Website: https://meloadmedia.com/ (https://meloadmedia.com/)

5. 

   13 Jul 2026

   How to Hire Where Your Weakest And Drive Your Business Forward | Sue Bortone

   Building a team is one of the biggest challenges an early-stage entrepreneur will face but hiring full-time employees may not be the best place to start. In this episode, Barrett sits down with Sue Bortone, founder of Noble Talent, to discuss how entrepreneurs can build a strong team without taking on unnecessary overhead. Sue shares how to identify the weaknesses holding your business back, use fractional and freelance talent effectively, create better processes, and know when it is finally time to make your first hire. We also discuss: • Why you should hire for your weaknesses • The benefits of fractional and freelance talent • How to find people you can trust • What to budget for your first hire • Why cheaper talent can sometimes cost you more • How Sue grew Noble Talent from a solo business into a team • Why networking is essential for early-stage founders Connect with Sue and learn more about Noble Talent: Website: https://www.nobletalent.group/ (https://www.nobletalent.group/) Follow Modern Founders for honest conversations, practical strategies, and lessons for building your business: Instagram: ModernFounder.pod YouTube:  @Modern.Founders  (https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC32gs8WIackksdHAueB7U2Q) Website: https://meloadmedia.com/ (https://meloadmedia.com/) Subscribe for more conversations with founders and experts who can help you build smarter, grow your team, and move your business forward. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Introduction 01:47 – How Sue entered the recruiting industry 03:17 – Why she created Noble Talent 04:41 – The biggest hiring mistake solo entrepreneurs make 06:35 – Identifying the weaknesses in your business 07:05 – What fractional hiring means 08:38 – Why freelancers work well for small businesses 10:17 – Where to find reliable freelance talent 11:37 – Fiverr, LinkedIn, and freelance platforms 13:41 – How much should you budget for your first hire? 16:07 – Hiring entry-level talent 18:32 – Managing remote and international teams 21:19 – Creating processes before making a hire 23:06 – Using advisors for only a few hours per quarter 25:52 – Sue’s journey from employee to founder 28:31 – Building a more transparent recruiting company 31:19 – The challenges of Sue’s first year in business 33:27 – Building relationships instead of making cold pitches 35:14 – Sue’s biggest advice for early-stage entrepreneurs

6. 

   8 Jul 2026

   The Unfiltered Reality Of Entrepreneurship In 2026 - Jerry Brazie

   Most business advice online makes entrepreneurship look easier than it really is. Jerry Brazie has built more than a dozen companies and generated hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. In this episode, he shares the realities of building a business, making sales, hiring employees, balancing family, and pushing through discomfort. We discuss why founders need to stay involved in their businesses, why hiring too early can hurt you, and why real conversations will always matter more than online shortcuts. CONNECT WITH JERRY The Kronos Group: https://thekronosgroup.org/ (https://thekronosgroup.org/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerrybrazie/ (https://www.instagram.com/jerrybrazie/) FOLLOW MODERN FOUNDERS YouTube: @Modern.Founders  (https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC32gs8WIackksdHAueB7U2Q) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/ (https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/) Work with Barrett: https://meloadmedia.com/ (https://meloadmedia.com/)

7. 

   1 Jul 2026

   5 Questions Every Early-Stage Entrepreneur Needs to Answer

   5 Questions Every Early-Stage Entrepreneur Must Answer What do you do when shit hits the fan and your podcast guests fall through? You pivot, you hit record, and you make something out of nothing. That is Business 101. In this rare solo episode, I'm getting completely out of my comfort zone to tackle 5 questions that early-stage entrepreneurs face the exact same hurdles I’m navigating in real-time. No "guru" hype, no Miami condo LARPing just raw, honest truths about building a company from the ground up. Inside the Episode: Question 1: How do you know if you're building something real or just doing busy work? Question 2: When should you actually hire your first person? (Plus: My breakdown on outsourcing video editing and thumbnails). Question 3: Why does business feel so much harder than the advice makes it sound online? Question 4: What should early-stage founders focus on first: Brand, Sales, Systems, or Content? Question 5: How do you keep pushing forward when the results feel painfully slow? **** The power of uncapped potential and loving the daily hustle. Connect With Us & Support the Show 💬 Join the Conversation: I want to hear from you. How do you keep going when results feel slow? What's your business superpower? Drop your thoughts, questions, or your take on "business LARPers" in the comments below! Subscribe to  @Modern.Founders  (https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC32gs8WIackksdHAueB7U2Q) Don't miss an episode. Hit that subscribe button and turn on notifications! Instagram: Follow us @modernfounders.pod for daily clips, value drops, and behind-the-scenes content. And as always if your looking for affordable, high-impact digital marketing, social media management, or ads that actually move the needle for small businesses. Check out my agency: MeloAd Media.

8. 

   22 Jun 2026

   8 Months of Building a 7 Figure Agency Taught Me These Lessons

   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/ (https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/) YouTube:  @Modern.Founders  (https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC32gs8WIackksdHAueB7U2Q) My Website: https://meloadmedia.com/ (https://meloadmedia.com/) In this solo episode of the Modern Founders Podcast, Barrett talks through what the first 8 months of building a business have actually looked like. No fluff. No fake highlight reel. Just the honest reality of starting from scratch, getting your first clients, working more than you expected, figuring out what you’re actually good at, and learning how to think long-term as an early-stage founder. This episode is for anyone building a business, thinking about starting one, or trying to figure out what kind of company they actually want to create. The biggest takeaway: don’t just chase what’s hot right now. Build around what you’re good at, what you can stick with, and what has the potential to grow over the next 10, 15, or 25 years. Follow Modern Founders for more real conversations and lessons from early-stage entrepreneurs. Timestamps: 0:00 – Welcome to the solo episode 0:45 – Who Barrett is and what Meload Media does 1:45 – What 8 months in business has really felt like 2:30 – Entrepreneurship vs. a 9–5 4:30 – Why Barrett started his business 6:30 – The risk and pressure of starting young 7:25 – How he got into social media and content 9:45 – Getting let go and starting the LLC 11:40 – The first client and early months 13:00 – Moving from LinkedIn management to full-stack marketing 15:30 – Building a business that can actually scale 16:10 – Scalable industries vs. service businesses 18:30 – The difference between hot trends and long-term businesses 21:00 – What makes Barrett’s marketing approach different 23:00 – Why now is a great time to build 24:15 – Thoughts on AI agencies and AI consulting 28:30 – What young founders should focus on 30:30 – Final thoughts on business, money, and legacy

9. 

   15 Jun 2026

   How to Use AI Employees to Grow Your Business Faster Than Ever | Chad Owen

   Connect with Chad Owen: Chad's Website: https://www.stimulus.io/ (https://www.stimulus.io/) Connect With Me: MeloAd Media: https://meloadmedia.com/ (https://meloadmedia.com/) Barrett Williams: https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/ (https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/) Episode Summary: In this episode of Modern Founders, Barrett sits down with AI consultant Chad Owen to discuss how early-stage entrepreneurs can use AI employees to scale without growing a team. Chad shares his transition from filmmaker to consulting, why founders quietly become their own company bottlenecks, and how to practical steps to delegate menial tasks like inbox management, sales prep, and onboarding workflows to AI Work Smarter, Not Harder: We drop actionable strategy teardowns like this every single week to help you scale your business automatically. Hit that SUBSCRIBE button and turn on notifications to join a community of modern founders building the future. Like this video if you're ready to get out of your own way!

10. 

    8 Jun 2026

    25-Year CEO Shares How AI Makes This the Best Time to Build a Business | Michael Lavista

    The Reality of 25 Years in Tech & Business with Mike LaVista 🚀 In this episode of Modern Founders, I sit down with Mike LaVista, the founder of CAXI. Over the last 25 years, Mike has navigated the rapidly changing world of technology, shifting his company from hand-coding in Notepad to building advanced AI-driven solutions. We talk openly about the mistakes, the growth spikes that almost broke the business, and the frameworks he used to scale. 🔗 Connect With Us Follow Barrett Williams & Modern Founders: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/ (https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/) Connect with Mike LaVista & CAXI: Website: https://www.caxy.com/ (https://www.caxy.com/) Mike's LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaellavista/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaellavista/) ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction & The Evolution of CAXI 01:25 - Staying Ahead of the 25-Year Tech Curve 02:10 - The Mistake of Skipping Industry Conferences 03:15 - Using Data & AI to Solve Real Customer Problems 05:28 - US-Based Teams vs. The Chaos of Offshore Outsourcing 06:15 - How AI is Wiping Out Overseas Tasks 08:14 - The Citibank Breakthrough: Going from Zero to One Thousand 09:39 - Surviving the Growth Spikes That Almost Killed Us 11:44 - The Startup Dilemma: Pricing Strategy & Cash Flow 13:42 - Moving Beyond "Hiring People You Like" 18:06 - Hire Slow, Fire Fast: A Founder's Real Job 18:44 - Validating Ideas: Talking to Customers First 20:55 - Burning the Boats: Handling Self-Doubt & Loneliness 26:13 - Side-Hustlers: The 80/20 Rule for Product 27:25 - Narrow the Focus, Broaden the Market: Finding a Niche 31:30 - Staying Sane: Long-Term Visions & Goal Setting 33:38 - Loving the Game & Making Your Own Luck 39:07 - Shifting from Developer to Sales Lead 41:15 - Systems Thinking: The E-Myth Playbook 43:03 - Rapid Fire: Essential Books & Underrated Advantages

11. 

    1 Jun 2026

    He Made $800 His First Year In. Now His Agency Does 6 Figures | Benas Leonavicius

    In this episode of Modern Founders, I sit down with Benas, a freelancer turned agency founder, to talk about what it really takes to turn a skill into a real business. We get into the early struggles of freelancing, finding your first clients, learning sales, escaping the feast-or-famine cycle, and building long-term client relationships. This one is for freelancers, solopreneurs, service providers, and early-stage founders trying to build something that actually lasts. We cover: Why his first year only made $800 Freelancing vs. building an agency How to find your first clients Why sales matters so much Escaping feast-or-famine work When to niche down Building retainers and long-term clients Why YouTube is underrated for business Drop a comment with your biggest takeaway. Connect with Benas: Website: https://avium.vip/ (https://avium.vip/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benasleo/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/benasleo/) YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@UCMhNdqVY3HFZQ3I5bH3xWGA (https://www.youtube.com/@UCMhNdqVY3HFZQ3I5bH3xWGA) Connect with Modern Founders: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/ (https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/) LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/barrett-williams-662497324 (http://www.linkedin.com/in/barrett-williams-662497324) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Modern.Founders (https://www.youtube.com/@Modern.Founders)

12. 

    25 May 2026

    10-Year VC Investor Explains How to Turn Ideas Into Real Businesses

    In this episode of Modern Founders, Barrett sits down with Andrew Ackerman, a serial entrepreneur, early-stage investor, innovation expert, professor, and author of The Entrepreneur’s Odyssey. Andrew has invested in over 70 startups and mentored or advised hundreds of founders, giving him a deep understanding of what actually separates ideas from real businesses. We talk about why most first-time founders build too fast, how to test an idea before wasting time and money, what investors really look for, how to find your business model, and why the best founders keep their opinions well-reasoned but loosely held. Andrew also breaks down simple startup lessons from his book, The Entrepreneur’s Odyssey, a story-driven guide that follows the journey from early idea to funded startup. Connect with Andrew: Website: https://www.andrewbackerman.com/ (https://www.andrewbackerman.com/) Book: https://www.amazon.com/Entrepreneurs-Odyssey-Approach-Startup-Success/dp/1032883545/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0 (https://www.amazon.com/Entrepreneurs-Odyssey-Approach-Startup-Success/dp/1032883545/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewbackerman/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewbackerman/) Connect with Modern Founders: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Modern.Founders (https://www.youtube.com/@Modern.Founders) Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/ (https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/) Website: MeloAdMedia.com (http://MeloAdMedia.com) Subscribe for more conversations with founders, investors, and entrepreneurs breaking down what it actually takes to build a business in today’s world.

13. 

    18 May 2026

    The Agency CEO Powering Billion-Dollar Brands Growth Reveals What Founders Get Wrong in 2026

    In this episode of Modern Founders, I sit down with John Sampogna, co-founder and CEO of Wondersauce, to talk about what it really takes to build and grow a business in today’s world. John shares practical lessons from growing Wondersauce from the early days into a 100-person agency, including how to land your first clients, build trust, hire smarter, create repeatable systems, and use AI without losing originality. They also break down why founders should focus less on quick wins and more on building a brand, understanding their customers, and creating work people actually remember. Connect with John: Website: https://www.wondersauce.com/ (https://www.wondersauce.com/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnsampogna/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnsampogna/) Connect with Barrett: Website: https://meloadmedia.com/ (https://meloadmedia.com/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrett-williams-662497324/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrett-williams-662497324/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/ (https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/)

14. 

    11 May 2026

    The Blueprint to a Customer First Business: Using Hospitality to Disrupt the $157B Pet Industry

    In this episode of Modern Founders, we sit down with Courtney and Slava, the husband-and-wife duo behind Puptique. They share their journey of moving away from traditional, lean e-commerce models to build a high-touch, retail experience focused on community activation. We dive deep into the strategic reasoning behind their membership-based model, why they believe loyalty programs are a myth, and how they navigate the unique challenges of building a brand as a couple. Whether you are a solo founder or building with a partner, this conversation provides a blueprint for creating a category-leading business in a crowded market.

15. 

    4 May 2026

    He Lost $10k To Online Courses Now He’s Disrupting the Whole Industry | Amit Zandberg

    In this episode of Modern Founders, Barrett sits down with Amit Zandberg, the 22-year-old founder and CEO of Allpros. After spending over $10,000 on online courses, Amit saw a major problem: people often don’t know if a course is actually worth it until after they buy it. So he built Allpros, a platform that helps people review and evaluate online courses, mentors, and creators before spending their money. In this conversation, we talk about: - Why online courses are hard to trust - What makes a course worth buying - Red flags to look for before investing - The real cost of bad advice - How Amit built Allpros - Why trust matters in business This episode is for founders, creators, and entrepreneurs who want to make smarter decisions before investing in online education. Connect with Amit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amit-zandberg-9b2072317/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amit-zandberg-9b2072317/) Allpros: https://www.linkedin.com/company/allpross/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/allpross/) Connect with Barrett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrett-williams-662497324/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrett-williams-662497324/) Modern Founders: https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/ (https://www.instagram.com/modernfounders.pod/) MeloAd Media: https://meloadmedia.com/ (https://meloadmedia.com/)

16. 

    27 Apr 2026

    Why This Messaging Mistake Is Costing You Customers | George Little

    In this episode of Modern Founders, I sit down with George Little, entrepreneur, designer, and founder of Brandzap, to talk about what it really takes to build a business in today’s market. George shares his journey from designer to founder, how he built his consultancy, and why early-stage entrepreneurs need to get specific about who they serve, what problem they solve, and how they position their offer. In this episode, we talk about: - Why being too broad can hurt your business - How micro-agencies are becoming a bigger opportunity - Why people don’t just need good design they need clarity - How AI is lowering the barrier to entry for founders - The importance of pressure testing your ideas early - Why being human is still one of the most underrated founder skills Connect with George: Website: https://www.brandzap.xyz/ (https://www.brandzap.xyz/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rglittle3/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rglittle3/) Connect with Barrett / Modern Founders: MeloAd Media: https://meloadmedia.com/ (https://meloadmedia.com/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrett-williams-662497324/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrett-williams-662497324/) Thanks for watching. If you found value in this conversation, make sure to like, subscribe, and follow along for more conversations with founders building in the modern era.

17. 

    20 Apr 2026

    How To Beat Billion-Dollar Competitors In Your Niche | Thalia Vila

    In this episode, I sit down with Thalia Vila, the founder of Resilient Meals, a high-quality meal prep company based in Central Florida. Thalia shares her inspiring journey from a failed restaurant attempt during the COVID-19 lockdowns to building a successful, health-focused business that prioritizes transparency and real food. Key Highlights The "Anti-Factor" Approach: How Thalia competes with Huge companies by using fresh, local ingredients, avoiding seed oils, and keeping recipes to fewer than 10 recognizable ingredients. Finding the Right Audience: Why her initial focus on gym-goers failed and how she pivoted to serve busy professionals and moms who value quality over macros. Systems and Legacy: Thalia discusses the operational systems built by her late husband, Jesse, and how she transitioned from the creative side to managing a team of six. Marketing Through Authenticity: The power of being "unapologetically yourself" and why word-of-mouth and community trust often outperform viral social media metrics. Connect with Our Guest Website: https://www.resilientmealsfl.com/ (https://www.resilientmealsfl.com/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thalia-vila-bb35a0289/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/thalia-vila-bb35a0289/) Connect With The Host: Website: https://meloadmedia.com/ (https://meloadmedia.com/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrett-williams-662497324/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrett-williams-662497324/)

18. 

    13 Apr 2026

    Building Business on Financial Education | Zac Brown

    The conversation covers the journey of Zach Brown from education to the financial industry, the challenges faced, and the importance of financial education. It also delves into the role of a financial advisor and the need for financial education in schools and colleges. The discussion highlights the impact of market fluctuations and the value of professional expertise and emotional support provided by financial advisors. The conversation covers the advantages of investing during market fluctuations, the concept of buying low and selling high, and the drawbacks of whole life insurance policies as an investment option. It emphasizes the importance of understanding market dynamics and making informed investment decisions. Takeaways Financial education is lacking in traditional school curriculums The role of a financial advisor is to provide professional expertise and emotional support during market fluctuations Investing in the stock market during market fluctuations can be advantageous. Whole life insurance policies may not be the best investment option for wealth building.

19. 

    6 Apr 2026

    Disrupting the Old Model | Lucas Yeung

    The conversation covers Lucas's journey from Hong Kong to New Zealand, his experience in the insurance industry, and the challenges and strategies of running a business in New Zealand. It also delves into the dynamics of lead generation, client relationships, and risk management in the business. The conversation covers topics such as calculated risk in business decisions, disruption in the industry, building a brand, content creation, employee management, and learning from industry leaders. Takeaways Cultural differences in sales and business between New Zealand and other countries The importance of client-first approach and integrity in the insurance industry Calculated Risk Disruption and Branding Content Creation Employee Management Learning from Industry Leaders Chapters 00:00 Risk Management and Business Growth 42:00 Building a Brand and Content Creation 50:09 Learning from Industry Leaders and Entrepreneurship

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2 ratings

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