In this episode of Founder@50, Jeremy sits down with Tom Matta, a dynamic entrepreneur whose journey from the steel mills of Pittsburgh to the sunny shores of Hawaii is nothing short of inspiring. With a background in material science and engineering from Carnegie Mellon, Tom’s career took a fascinating turn as he pivoted from metallurgy to the world of startups. From his early days at Capital Technologies to his pivotal role in the early days at Carta, Tom’s story is a testament to the power of adaptability and vision.

Tom’s career is a tapestry of diverse experiences, from his internship at a US Steel melt shop to co-founding StatEasy, a media platform for high school sports. His journey through the tech landscape includes stints at Booz Allen Hamilton and his current role at Forecastr, where he continues to innovate in the financial planning space. Along the way, Tom has crossed paths with industry icons like Henry Ward and Manu Kumar, learning invaluable lessons that have shaped his entrepreneurial spirit.

* Discover how Tom’s internship at US Steel led him to pursue an MBA and ultimately shift his focus to tech and entrepreneurship.

* Learn about Tom’s experience at Capital Technologies, where he worked on groundbreaking microwave-assisted hydro processing technology.

* Hear how Tom’s role at eShares (Carta) saw him grow from the 12th employee to a key player in a company with over 2,000 employees.

* Explore Tom’s insights on the importance of finding product-market fit, as learned from his startup StatEasy.

* Understand the impact of mentorship from industry leaders like Manu Kumar and how it influenced Tom’s career trajectory.

As Tom shares his journey, listeners will find a wealth of insights into the world of startups, tech innovation, and the art of pivoting in one’s career. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, Tom’s story offers a fresh perspective on navigating the ever-evolving landscape of business and technology. Tune in to hear how Tom’s experiences and connections have shaped his path, and perhaps find inspiration for your own journey.

In this episode of Founder@50, Jeremy Toeman sits down with Barry Lowenthal, a media executive whose journey from Yeshiva student to the heights of the advertising world is nothing short of inspiring. Barry’s story begins in a traditional Jewish household on Long Island, where he initially aspired to be a plastic surgeon. Twists and turns in his vision led him to pivot towards the world of media and advertising. From his early days at NWR and Backer Spielvogel Bates to his influential role as CEO of Media Kitchen, Barry’s career is a testament to adaptability and vision.

Barry’s path is peppered with pivotal moments, including his time at Kirshenbaum + Bond, where he honed his skills in media strategy and creative collaboration. His tenure at BBH under the leadership of Cindy Gallup and John Hagerty further solidified his reputation as a media innovator.

* Discover how Barry’s stint at NWR taught him the importance of staying close to revenue.

* Hear about Barry’s innovative use of the “Red Book” to land job offers in the competitive advertising world.

* Understand the impact of Barry’s leadership at Media Kitchen and its evolution into Crispin.

* Learn about how Barry’s pushed the boundaries of ad tech with AI at Anuvo

* Explore Barry’s insights on the future of AI in advertising and how it reshapes agency models.

As Barry reflects on his career, he shares invaluable insights for anyone navigating the ever-evolving media landscape. Whether you’re an aspiring media professional or a seasoned executive, Barry’s journey offers lessons in resilience, creativity, and the power of strategic networking. Tune in to hear how Barry Lowenthal’s story can inspire your own path to success.

In this episode of Founder@50, Jeremy Toeman sits down with Rob Miller, fellow CMU alum whose journey from the fields of upstate New York to the bustling startup scene is nothing short of inspiring. Rob’s early days were spent on a farm, where he learned the value of hard work and resilience. These foundational experiences paved the way for his diverse career, which includes stints as an actor in Los Angeles and roles in the tech and health sectors.

Rob’s career trajectory took a significant turn when he joined the Carnegie Mellon Venture Bridge Accelerator, a pivotal moment that led to the founding of Lembas Health. There’s also no shortage of Lord of the Rings comments and references in this episode, as it’s a shared love of both Rob and Jeremy’s.

Key Takeaways:

* Discover how Rob’s early farm life instilled a work ethic that propelled him into the tech world.

* Learn about Rob’s transition from acting in Los Angeles to becoming a health tech entrepreneur.

* Hear how the Venture Bridge Accelerator was a game-changer in Rob’s entrepreneurial journey.

* Explore Rob’s innovative approach to digital health through his company, Lembas Health.

Rob Miller’s story is a compelling example of how diverse experiences, perseverence and a willingness to embrace change can lead to groundbreaking innovations. Whether you’re in the startup world or simply curious about the journey from farm to tech, or just want to hear about second breakfasts, this conversation offers valuable insights and inspiration.