Episodes

What Comes Next: Founders, Exits, and the Future of AI

What does it really take to build a $10M ARR company, survive a financial crash, pivot through a recession, and still come out on top?

What do The Blair Witch Project, Madden NFL, and cutting-edge workforce training have in common?

Scott Chamberlin talks tech banking, venture capital, and AI’s financial future.

From military service to Main Street — how a retired Brigadier General became a biotech founder and bakery owner.

Kevin Green - delivering mission-critical IT solutions and professional services to the defense, intelligence, and homeland security sectors.

What happens when an entrepreneur finally steps away from the grind—only to be pulled back in? Scott Moody, co-founder of AuthenTec—the company behind the fingerprint technology that became a cornerstone of Apple’s Touch ID—joins Richard Stroupe, host of Amplified CEO, to discuss the challenges of retirement, the thrill of reinvention, and why purpose, not just profit, drives him. From his latest mission-driven company, K4Connect, to his venture capital firm, First Talent Ventures, Scott shar...

In this episode of Amplified CEO, host Richard Stroupe sits down with Jeff Peterson, owner of Peterson Properties, to discuss his journey from running an upholstery business to becoming a successful real estate developer. Jeff shares how he got started, the challenges he faced, and his approach to growing a diverse portfolio of vacation rentals, commercial properties, and developments like Peterson Station in Cary. He also talks about working with family, taking risks, and what’s next for his bu...

Can AI change the future of opioid use disorder treatment? On this episode of Amplified CEO, host Richard Stroupe sits down with David Reeser, Founder and CEO of OpiAID, a groundbreaking company using artificial intelligence to transform the way we treat opioid use disorder. From his early passion for healthcare to pioneering predictive analytics, David shares how real-time biometric data and AI-driven insights are reshaping recovery. https://opiaid.ai/ This episode edited by Nomadic Orca | w...

Richard's guest is Ian Padrick, CEO and founder of Ohanafy, an AI-powered platform revolutionizing the food and beverage industry. Ohanafy helps businesses streamline operations, leverage data-driven insights for smarter decision-making, and maximize revenue from start to finish. Ian shares the pivotal moments that led him to leave a secure corporate career, the challenges of building a scalable AI-powered platform, and how his team is modernizing operations for businesses across the industry. ...

Today’s guest is Justin Williams, CEO of Carolina Marketing Co. With over 20 years in regional publishing, Justin’s portfolio includes lifestyle magazines that spotlight communities from Oak Island and Southport to Wilmington and Topsail. His team specializes in graphic design, digital marketing, geofencing, and delivering media and services that connect people and tell the stories of locals and businesses in coastal North Carolina. Website Address: 1010 Evangeline Dr, Ste 201, Leland, NC 28451...

Jim Roberts, Founder of NEW - Network for Entrepreneurs in Wilmington - sits down with Richard and discusses his journey from growing up in Florida to becoming a pivotal figure in North Carolina’s startup scene. Jim shares his initiatives in Charlotte, Asheville, and Raleigh before ultimately focusing on Wilmington. He shares insights on the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, the role of the CIE at UNCW, and the evolution of Wilmington's innovation landscape. Jim's story highlights the importance...

Today’s guest is Danielle Mahon, founder and CEO of Topsail Steamer, specializing in providing take-home seafood steam pots. In this episode, we discuss Danielle’s detailed vision and operational experience with Topsail Steamer, her entrepreneurial roots, AND her recent experience with the widely popular Shark Tank. Send us a text. Leave your phone number if you'd like a reply. Thanks! Produced by Topsail Insider Edited by Jim Mendes-Pouget Sponsored by Cape Fear Ventures To learn more...