• Revolutionizing Mobile Gaming Controllers
    Sep 12 2024

    Josh King joins the Fervent Four Show and shares his journey from attending Virginia Commonwealth University to founding a gaming company that has crafted a controller that attaches to your phone magnetically.

    Josh delves into the development of his innovative controller and the growth of his YouTube channel, highlighting the loyalty of his fanbase and crucial parental support.

    The conversation touches on the importance of networking, the impact of mobile gaming, and Josh's vision for a universal mobile gaming controller.

    Chapters:
    (0:00) Introduction and guest Josh King's background
    (4:20) Impact of COVID on education and Josh's journey into gaming
    (10:27) COVID's effect on academic performance and value of hands-on learning
    (15:35) Development of Josh's controller and YouTube journey
    (24:58) Josh's fanbase loyalty and parental support
    (27:57) Current projects, power of networking, and team importance
    (31:14) Video editing challenges and production process
    (37:05) Planning for tech releases and mobile gaming industry impact
    (47:20) Universal controller concept and data monitoring
    (49:16) Josh's skill set, self-education, and favorite YouTube channels
    (54:14) Reflections on pitch competition and leveraging opportunities
    (59:17) Staying connected post-events and presentation strategies

    Guest links: https://www.m-con.tech/

    ABOUT THE SHOW:
    Did you know that only 4% of businesses hit $1M in revenue? Tim Ryan and Zack Miller are the creators of The Fervent Four Show, designed to help you get there.

    ABOUT THE HOSTS:
    Zack Miller is a serial entrepreneur and author of Anomaly, a guide on differentiating yourself and your business from the crowd.

    Tim Ryan is an angel investor and the Executive Director of Innovate Hampton Roads, an organization dedicated to connecting entrepreneurs with resources in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Tim also serves as the Director of REaKTOR, a space for technology-based startups to start and grow.

    Check them out Live every Thursday at 11 AM: https://www.innovate757.org/live/

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    1 hr
  • Mid-Atlantic Tech Bridge Connects Innovators to the Navy
    Sep 6 2024

    In this episode, we welcome Dr. Julie M. Stark, Co-Director of the NavalX Mid-Atlantic Tech Bridge.

    Dive into how Tech Bridge is growing the local entrepreneurial ecosystem by connecting transitioning military personnel with non-traditional industry partners, fostering a vibrant network that supports innovation and the Naval Research Enterprise in Hampton Roads.

    Join us to explore the future of military tech innovation and community integration.

    Connect with the Mid-Atlantic Tech Bridge here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/navalx-mid-atlantic-tech-bridge/

    Chapters:
    (0:00) Introduction to episode 226
    (0:27) Reflections on the Startup World Cup and unexpected moments
    (2:21) Feedback and future plans for events
    (2:49) Introduction of Dr. Julie Stark and discussion on local infrastructure
    (6:18) Tim's tunnel commute and overview of Tech Bridges
    (10:14) Startup opportunities and collaborations in Hampton Roads
    (20:20) Challenges and initiatives for startups in defense
    (24:20) Collaborations with SVT Robotics and acquisition concerns
    (27:11) Legacy systems and innovation risk in defense
    (31:28) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) process and sweet spots for defense businesses
    (38:27) Pathways to connect with TechBridge and differentiations
    (44:56) Local partnerships and prototype experimentation programs
    (48:11) Hampton Roads' unique position and upcoming workshops
    (52:25) Dr. Julie Stark's background and the evolution of tech devices
    (57:01) Local dining recommendations and Navy's community efforts
    (1:03:15) Regional collaboration and closing remarks with Dr. Julie Stark
    (1:04:05) Introduction of Sarah Thompson and her background
    (1:08:30) Challenges in scaling a business and leadership strategies
    (1:15:25) Company culture and the role of technology in growth
    (1:22:15) Upcoming events, networking opportunities, and sponsor message

    ABOUT THE SHOW:
    Did you know that only 4% of businesses hit $1M in revenue? Tim Ryan and Zack Miller are the creators of The Fervent Four Show, designed to help you get there.

    ABOUT THE HOSTS:
    Zack Miller is a serial entrepreneur and author of Anomaly, a guide on differentiating yourself and your business from the crowd.

    Tim Ryan is an angel investor and the Executive Director of Innovate Hampton Roads, an organization dedicated to connecting entrepreneurs with resources in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Tim also serves as the Director of REaKTOR, a space for technology-based startups to start and grow.

    Check them out Live every Thursday at 11 AM: https://www.innovate757.org/live/

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Making Hampton Roads the Best Place to Live, Work, and Play
    Aug 30 2024
    Jay Grant joins us to explore how Hampton Roads can become the best place to live, work, and play, starting with bold ideas on affordable housing and the power of walkable communities.

    He challenges the status quo, tackling hot topics like the impact of short-term rentals and overcoming the region’s toughest job market hurdles.

    Don’t miss the final takeaways on innovative housing solutions, behind-the-scenes insights from the Startup World Cup, and a visionary roadmap for Hampton Roads’ future.

    Chapters:
    (0:00) Introduction and Startup World Cup recap
    (1:18) Judges' experience and event highlights
    (3:16) Pitch competition and audience engagement
    (8:36) Jay Grant's introduction and affordable housing discussion
    (27:37) Community development through trails and walkability
    (32:25) Regional job vacancies and HRBT bridge proposal
    (35:45) Regional landmarks and mixed-income housing impact
    (43:35) Short-term rentals and out-of-town investor influences
    (48:23) Housing market challenges and LISC support
    (52:15) Final thoughts on housing solutions and community capital
    (55:59) Startup event feedback and inspiring Hampton Roads
    (58:34) Services expansion and local spots highlight
    (1:01:48) Closing remarks and future plans

    ABOUT THE SHOW:
    Did you know that only 4% of businesses hit $1M in revenue? Tim Ryan and Zack Miller are the creators of The Fervent Four Show, designed to help you get there.

    ABOUT THE HOSTS:
    Zack Miller is a serial entrepreneur and author of Anomaly, a guide on differentiating yourself and your business from the crowd.

    Tim Ryan is an angel investor and the Executive Director of Innovate Hampton Roads, an organization dedicated to connecting entrepreneurs with resources in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Tim also serves as the Director of REaKTOR, a space for technology-based startups to start and grow.

    Check them out Live every Thursday at 11 AM: https://www.innovate757.org/live/

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Virginia's Startup Surge: Innovations, Competitions, and Autonomous Tech
    Aug 23 2024

    Tim Ryan and Zack Miller dive into details about the Startup World Cup Virginia regional event and its partnerships.

    They discuss the venue, application process, and the significance of startup participation.

    The episode covers tech innovations and startups like Complify and M-Con Innovations, explores advancements by Psionic and Agrecision, discusses Virginia's growing tech scene, autonomous drone delivery, and VIPC's role in state startup investments, all building up to the Startup World Cup.



    Chapters:
    (0:00) Introduction and Innovate Hampton Roads updates
    (1:26) Startup World Cup Virginia regional event and partnership details
    (6:32) Venue, application process, and startup participation importance
    (22:20) Competition insights and tech innovation discussions
    (25:00) Introduction to Complify and M. Con Innovations
    (29:34) AI, Syonic, and Agrecision technology advancements
    (36:54) Digital solutions and medical technology innovations
    (49:01) Virginia's tech scene and startup ecosystem momentum
    (51:08) Walmart, Amazon, and DroneUp's autonomous drone delivery
    (55:41) Anticipation and preparations for the startup pitch event
    (59:56) VIPC's role and state investment in startups
    (1:01:10) Event experience and closing acknowledgments

    ABOUT THE SHOW:
    Did you know that only 4% of businesses hit $1M in revenue? Tim Ryan and Zack Miller are the creators of The Fervent Four Show, designed to help you get there.

    ABOUT THE HOSTS:
    Zack Miller is a serial entrepreneur and author of Anomaly, a guide on differentiating yourself and your business from the crowd.

    Tim Ryan is an angel investor and the Executive Director of Innovate Hampton Roads, an organization dedicated to connecting entrepreneurs with resources in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Tim also serves as the Director of REaKTOR, a space for technology-based startups to start and grow.

    Check them out Live every Thursday at 11 AM: https://www.innovate757.org/live/

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • From Franklin to Film: L. Terrel Majette on Winning, Production, and Confidence
    Aug 16 2024

    Terrel Majette joins the Fervent Four podcast to share his journey from aspiring actor to CEO of Jett Production Company.

    They explore the impact of entertainment industry strikes and Terrel's victory in the Franklin startup business competition.

    Terrel shares his journey, military experience, and the origin of the Jett Production Company and touches on emotional milestones.

    Chapters:
    (0:00) Introduction and jokes about Tesla
    (1:22) Tesla's factory and guest introduction
    (3:44) Franklin's community and peanut reputation
    (5:29) L. Terrel Majette's background and return to Franklin
    (7:03) Impact of entertainment industry strikes
    (10:48) Winning the Franklin startup business competition
    (12:57) Franklin startup competition details
    (15:03) Introduction to Jett Production Company
    (17:21) Challenges in video production client comfort
    (19:31) Plans for Franklin studio and training classes
    (21:06) Differentiating business wants and needs
    (23:29) Value of high-quality production equipment
    (24:46) Niche focus and uniqueness in business
    (27:25) Personal journey and military experience
    (32:29) Origin and meaning behind Jett Production Company
    (34:57) Emotional milestones in business
    (37:17) Business reflections on COVID-19
    (42:24) Upcoming projects and favorite podcasts
    (47:43) Valuing younger generations' perspectives
    (49:48) Overcoming fear and building confidence
    (55:06) Encouraging confidence in children
    (57:13) Assisting a young girl's music recording
    (59:02) Favorite local restaurants in Franklin
    (1:03:13) Closing remarks and Jett Production promotion

    ABOUT THE SHOW:
    Did you know that only 4% of businesses hit $1M in revenue? Tim Ryan and Zack Miller are the creators of The Fervent Four Show, designed to help you get there.

    ABOUT THE HOSTS:
    Zack Miller is a serial entrepreneur and author of Anomaly, a guide on differentiating yourself and your business from the crowd.

    Tim Ryan is an angel investor and the Executive Director of Innovate Hampton Roads, an organization dedicated to connecting entrepreneurs with resources in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Tim also serves as the Director of REaKTOR, a space for technology-based startups to start and grow.

    Check them out Live every Thursday at 11 AM: https://www.innovate757.org/live/

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Navigating Female Entrepreneurship: Mentorship, Balance, and Authenticity
    Aug 9 2024

    Amber Hamilton and Sara Brown join us for a lively discussion covering various topics from Baltimore's culture to Sara's Virginia Beach roots.

    They address biases and their impact on female entrepreneurs and discuss the media's role in shaping societal views.

    The episode also touches on authenticity, well-being, marketing pitfalls, and setting realistic revenue goals.

    Chapters:
    (0:00) Introduction and routine discussions
    (1:08) Walking treadmill meetings and future podcast plans
    (3:21) Introducing guests Amber Hamilton and Sara Brown
    (4:35) Exploring Baltimore's culture and Sara's Virginia Beach roots
    (8:20) College choices and the co-lab mentoring program
    (15:43) Entrepreneurial challenges and conflict resolution
    (24:31) The role of mentorship in entrepreneurship
    (25:59) Work-life balance and client demographics
    (27:30) Managing separate businesses and the focus on Redwood Rise
    (30:04) Challenges and impact on female entrepreneurship
    (36:09) Addressing biases and work-life balance in business
    (43:01) The media's role in shaping societal views
    (46:04) Authenticity and well-being as business pillars
    (50:30) Selecting business partners and storytelling in Hampton Roads
    (55:00) Marketing pitfalls and setting realistic revenue goals
    (1:06:10) Local dining and the debate on the orange crush's origin
    (1:11:26) Wrapping up and thanks to guests

    ABOUT THE SHOW:
    Did you know that only 4% of businesses hit $1M in revenue? Tim Ryan and Zack Miller are the creators of The Fervent Four Show, designed to help you get there.

    ABOUT THE HOSTS:
    Zack Miller is a serial entrepreneur and author of Anomaly, a guide on differentiating yourself and your business from the crowd.

    Tim Ryan is an angel investor and the Executive Director of Innovate Hampton Roads, an organization dedicated to connecting entrepreneurs with resources in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Tim also serves as the Director of REaKTOR, a space for technology-based startups to start and grow.

    Check them out Live every Thursday at 11 AM: https://www.innovate757.org/live/

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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Exploring the Hampton Roads Workforce Study
    Aug 2 2024

    Peter Grimm and Kris Cravey from Fahrenheit Advisors join the podcast to discuss the Hampton Roads workforce study, and delve into the study's key findings, methodology, and surprising revelations.

    The conversation addresses economic development, cost of living, wages, and the impact of remote work on talent acquisition.

    They also explore regional identity, local culture, and encouraging regional self-belief and growth potential.

    Chapters:
    (0:00) Introduction and birthday wishes
    (2:19) Introduction of guests from Fahrenheit Advisors
    (3:35) Hosts and guests discuss their backgrounds and study overview
    (6:18) Key findings and methodology of the Hampton Roads workforce study
    (11:12) Surprises and initial reactions to the workforce report
    (14:06) Economic development, cost of living, and wages discussion
    (19:22) Impact of remote work on talent acquisition and regional branding
    (27:28) Discussing regional identity and the 757 branding attempt
    (29:53) Public safety perceptions and the Boomerang effect
    (37:45) Strategies for talent retention and attracting industry
    (43:42) Challenges and opportunities for regional collaboration
    (51:04) Introduction to Fahrenheit Advisors and local cultural discussion
    (58:31) Encouraging regional self-belief and growth potential
    (1:00:08) Closing remarks and final thoughts

    Did you know that only 4% of businesses hit $1M in revenue? Tim Ryan and Zack Miller are the creators of The Fervent Four Show, designed to help you get there.

    ABOUT THE HOSTS:

    Zack Miller is a serial entrepreneur and author of Anomaly, a guide on differentiating yourself and your business from the crowd.

    Tim Ryan is an angel investor and the Executive Director of Innovate Hampton Roads, an organization dedicated to connecting entrepreneurs with resources in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Tim also serves as the Director of REaKTOR, a space for technology-based startups to start and grow.

    Check them out Live every Thursday at 11 AM: https://www.innovate757.org/live/

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Tech, Purpose, and Passion!
    Jul 27 2024

    Tune in to hear Neal Frazier discuss his journey, from a unique fruitarian lifestyle to knocking out the same tooth multiple times.

    Discover how Neal Frazier Tech offers comprehensive web solutions and learn the importance of purpose in everyday life and business.

    Chapters:
    (0:00) Introduction and greetings; Book tour and event; Parking garage confusion
    (4:12) Neal Frazier introduction and background; Explanation of the Fervent Four name
    (7:44) Neal Frazier's agency, services, and cold plunges
    (12:16) Starting the valet business; Tipping and valet experiences; Valet ninjas inspiration
    (24:28) Covering up valet incidents; Transitioning to tech industry; Early tech interests
    (30:02) Tri Hackme rediscovery; Work ethic at Java Surf; Diverse job experiences
    (33:14) Working with Roadie; High delivery costs; Learning from job diversity
    (37:03) Finding purpose; Meeting Walter O'Brien; Purpose vs. goals discussion
    (46:15) Food preferences; Defining purpose; Funny stories and perseverance
    (55:15) Importance of community; Taking chances; Recommended books for growth
    (57:47) Reading from "The Daily Stoic"; Reflections on work-life balance; Episode wrap-up

    Did you know that only 4% of businesses hit $1M in revenue? Tim Ryan and Zack Miller are the creators of The Fervent Four Show, designed to help you get there.

    ABOUT THE HOSTS:

    Zack Miller is a serial entrepreneur and author of Anomaly, a guide on differentiating yourself and your business from the crowd.

    Tim Ryan is an angel investor and the Executive Director of Innovate Hampton Roads, an organization dedicated to connecting entrepreneurs with resources in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Tim also serves as the Director of REaKTOR, a space for technology-based startups to start and grow.

    Check them out Live every Thursday at 11 AM: https://www.innovate757.org/live/

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 1 min