‘I want to make a difference in everything I do’, says Blake. Admittedly, not a founder, but represents the key to success that most founders fail to recognize. He was the ‘First Follower’ for Ennio and Rosa, the founders of Ennios Pasta House. To understand what a ‘First Follower’ is, search for Derek Sivers, Leadership Lessons from Dancing Guy. When Ennio started his restaurant at the age of 63 at the encouragement of church friends, he had no idea how to run a restaurant, but man did he know how to cook. Two years in, he knew he needed help, and Blake came to the rescue. This is truly what every founder needs.

In this episode, Noel takes us on an unforgettable journey from being kicked out of every school he attended to working with some of the most iconic musical artists of all time, including George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley. He later channeled his networking savvy and business instincts into launching flight schools, becoming a commercial pilot, racing cars, and building a rich life with his wife and kids. The stories are incredible and the lessons compelling. As both a musician and a founder, Noel shows just how deeply connected the worlds of music and entrepreneurship really are.

In our inaugural episode, we talk with our partners Steve Lehmann and Ed Denyer about their personal journeys toward discovering their passions and building their businesses. Their paths were very different, shaped by distinct motivations and experiences, but both found success through a deep focus on client needs and a keen sense of what made their work stand out. We also explore how their commitment to lifelong learning and the power of intentional networking opened doors and shaped their direction. Their stories are a reminder that there is more than one way to get an education, and more than one way to build something meaningful.

This is a short introduction to the Founders Music Lab podcast series.