https://williambissett.com Fri, 15 Sep 2023 11:22:15 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.3 https://williambissett.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/cropped-w-logo-32x32.png https://williambissett.com 32 32 Charlotte Angel Connection is a means to connect those both in Charlotte and across the country to Charlotte's fast growing startup community. <br /> <br /> We will interview key players in the startup world including founders, city personnel promoting entrepreneurship, university leaders, and many others. <br /> <br /> A startup community also needs investors interested in supporting and profiting from the community. As such, we will interview investors, angel funds, venture capital funds and more to learn more about what is and isn't working in the Charlotte community. <br /> <br /> Finally, any community needs support as it grows so we will talk with lawyers, accountants, marketing professionals, co-working spaces and more to discuss the opportunities available to those looking to start and grow their business in Charlotte. William Bissett, CFP clean William Bissett, CFP podcast Charlotte Startup, Angel Investing, and Entrepreneurship http://williambissett.com/wp-content/uploads/powerpress/1400_CAC_Image.jpg https://williambissett.com/category/podcasts/ TV-G Charlotte, NC Charlotte, NC c9c7bad3-4712-514e-9ebd-d1e208fa1b76 https://williambissett.com/2023/09/13/to-secondary-or-not-to-secondary/ Wed, 13 Sep 2023 12:48:44 +0000 https://williambissett.com/?p=1896 https://williambissett.com/2023/09/07/charlotte-angel-connection-episode-154-heather-mccullough-co-founder-of-society-54/ Thu, 07 Sep 2023 00:23:38 +0000 https://williambissett.com/?p=1885   In this episode of the Charlotte Angel Connection, we talk with Heather McCullough of Society 54. During today’s podcast you’ll learn how Heather took a job and turned it into a business by paying attention to what she liked about her work.

 
In this episode of the Charlotte Angel Connection, we talk with Heather McCullough of Society 54. During today’s podcast you’ll learn how Heather took a job and turned it into a business by paying attention to what she liked about her work.
Heather’s marketing expertise and her drive to help lawyers keep their attention on billable hours built the successful platform now employing 11 remote workers spread across the U.S.
Highlights from the episode include:


Carving out company with passion
Finding leaks in the buckets and using your knowledge to offer value
Transitioning from employee to business owner
Why gamifying fires up the competitive juices
Adding technology to aid a coaching business
Coaching vs technology for scaling a business
Knowing when to expand
Life in the day of an all-female team
Challenges and benefits of remote working
Funding challenges and benefits of being a female founder
How entrepreneurship affects the family
How travelling across the US in a camper van is like being and entrepreneur
Heather’s impressive Georgia Bulldog bark

Check out this episode to learn how Heather took a profession and turned it into a profitable business, creating an asset that her family is proud of, and her legal customers are grateful for.
William Bissett is the owner of and an Investment Advisor Representative of Portus Wealth Advisors, a Registered Investment Adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Opinions expressed on this program do not necessarily reflect those of Portus Wealth Advisors. The topics discussed and opinions given are not intended to address the specific needs of any listener.
Portus Wealth Advisors does not offer legal or tax advice, listeners are encouraged to discuss their financial needs with the appropriate professional regarding your individual circumstance.
Investments described herein may be speculative and may involve a substantial risk of loss. Interests may be offered only to persons who qualify as accredited investors under applicable state and federal regulation or an eligible employee of the management company. There generally is no public market for the Interests. Prospective investors should particularly note that many factors affect performance, including changes in market conditions and interest rates, and other economic, political or financial developments. Past performance is not, and should not be construed as, indicative of future results.]]> William Bissett, CFP full 51:05 https://williambissett.com/2023/08/24/charlotte-angel-connection-episode-153-marcia-dawood-angel-investor/ Thu, 24 Aug 2023 15:10:35 +0000 https://williambissett.com/?p=1871 In this episode of the "Charlotte Angel Connection", Marcia Dawood, a seasoned angel investor, accomplished TEDX Charlotte speaker, member of the Angel Capital Association and SEC Small Business Capital Formation Committee shares her recipe of "doing g...

In this episode of the "Charlotte Angel Connection", Marcia Dawood, a seasoned angel investor, accomplished TEDX Charlotte speaker, member of the Angel Capital Association and SEC Small Business Capital Formation Committee shares her recipe of "doing good by doing well" by “helping entrepreneurs’ dreams come true’.

Marcia takes us through her journey of becoming an angel investor, how ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) helped her see the true value of investing in start-ups to affect meaningful change, and the value that ALL angel’s bring to the table when investing.

Key Highlights:

* Comparing the angel investment environment across the U.S.
* Becoming and angel by “contributing through curiosity” and embracing “story time”.
* The value of waiting for the right opportunity.
* How to start with as little as $50.
* How a family ALS diagnosis inspired Marsha to use angel investing to give back.
* The value of company contribution to changes vs. charities.
* Encouraging the younger generation to get involved.

Learn more about Marcia Dawood and the work she’s doing to promote angel investing in the U.S. and abroad, by checking out her podcast, the Angel Next Door. We definitely recommend Marcia’s Charlotte, NC TedX talk to learn more about her as well as the launch of her upcoming book.

 
William Bissett is the owner of and an Investment Advisor Representative of Portus Wealth Advisors, a Registered Investment Adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Opinions expressed on this program do not necessarily reflect those of Portus Wealth Advisors. The topics discussed and opinions given are not intended to address the specific needs of any listener.
Portus Wealth Advisors does not offer legal or tax advice, listeners are encouraged to discuss their financial needs with the appropriate professional regarding your individual circumstance.
Investments described herein may be speculative and may involve a substantial risk of loss. Interests may be offered only to persons who qualify as accredited investors under applicable state and federal regulation or an eligible employee of the management company. There generally is no public market for the Interests. Prospective investors should particularly note that many factors affect performance, including changes in market conditions and interest rates, and other economic, political or financial developments. Past performance is not, and should not be construed as, indicative of future results.]]> William Bissett, CFP full 54:23 https://williambissett.com/2023/08/10/charlotte-angel-connection-episode-152-leo-adams-co-founder-and-ceo/ Thu, 10 Aug 2023 15:40:54 +0000 https://williambissett.com/?p=1862   - In the latest episode of the Charlotte Angel Connection podcast, we had the privilege of speaking with Leo Adams, the visionary founder of Skye Link Aerial Imaging. At Skye Link, Leo and his team have harnessed the potential of drones to offer sol...

 

In the latest episode of the Charlotte Angel Connection podcast, we had the privilege of speaking with Leo Adams, the visionary founder of Skye Link Aerial Imaging. At Skye Link, Leo and his team have harnessed the potential of drones to offer solutions in industries ranging from real estate and construction to renewable energy. They are at the forefront of utilizing drone technology to provide valuable insights, streamline operations, and enhance decision-making processes.

We delve into the importance of systematizing processes for scalability. Leo emphasizes the significance of creating sustainable, repeatable systems within the business to reach new levels of growth.

Key Highlights:

* Leo Adams' journey from drone hobbyist to the visionary founder of Skye Link Aerial Imaging.
* Utilizing drone technology to provide solutions across industries, from real estate to renewable energy.
* Harnessing the power of data for efficient operations and decision-making.
* The significance of systematizing processes for scalability and growth.
* Personal insights into Leo's morning routine, growth mindset, and approach to personal and professional development.
* Aligning business growth with conscious capitalism and value creation.
* An inspirational story of innovation, collaboration, and success in the dynamic world of drone technology.

Tune in to this high-flying 152nd episode of the Charlotte Angel Connection podcast to gain a deeper understanding of how Leo Adams and Skye Link Aerial Imaging are redefining industries through the transformative power of drone technology.

 

 
William Bissett is the owner of and an Investment Advisor Representative of Portus Wealth Advisors, a Registered Investment Adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Opinions expressed on this program do not necessarily reflect those of Portus Wealth Advisors. The topics discussed and opinions given are not intended to address the specific needs of any listener.
Portus Wealth Advisors does not offer legal or tax advice, listeners are encouraged to discuss their financial needs with the appropriate professional regarding your individual circumstance.
Investments described herein may be speculative and may involve a substantial risk of loss. Interests may be offered only to persons who qualify as accredited investors under applicable state and federal regulation or an eligible employee of the management company. There generally is no public market for the Interests. Prospective investors should particularly note that many factors affect performance, including changes in market conditions and interest rates, and other economic, political or financial developments. Past performance is not, and should not be construed as, indicative of future results.]]> William Bissett, CFP full 55:52 https://williambissett.com/2023/07/28/charlotte-angel-connection-episode-151-steve-wilcenski-co-founder-and-ceo/ Fri, 28 Jul 2023 18:40:11 +0000 https://williambissett.com/?p=1855   - Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing Steve Wilcenski, the co-founder of BN Nano, a company that specializes in developing nanomaterials with myriad properties and applications. With a focus on creating materials that are stronger, lighter,

 

Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing Steve Wilcenski, the co-founder of BN Nano, a company that specializes in developing nanomaterials with myriad properties and applications. With a focus on creating materials that are stronger, lighter, and more efficient in dissipating heat, BN Nano has captured the attention of various industries, including aerospace, defense, electronics, and clean energy.
During our conversation, Steve delves into the fascinating world of nanomaterials, sharing the challenges he faced during the company's early stages and the strategic approach to expanding their customer base. He sheds light on BN Nano's groundbreaking work in water purification, revealing how their nanomaterials can remove harmful substances from water sources thus addressing environmental concerns we now face.
Key Highlights:


* Introduction to BN Nano and its pioneering work in nanomaterials.
* Industries benefiting from BN Nano's materials: aerospace, defense, electronics, and clean energy.
* BN Nano's commitment to solving water pollution through innovative purification methods, through Invicta Water.
* Strategic partnerships and crowdfunding initiatives driving their growth.
* Plans to spin out the water purification division as a separate company.
* The urgency of BN Nano's mission to make a positive impact on global challenges.

Tune in to the Charlotte Angel Connection’s 151st interview with Steve Wilcenski to gain deeper insights into BN Nano's revolutionary nanomaterials.
William Bissett is the owner of and an Investment Advisor Representative of Portus Wealth Advisors, a Registered Investment Adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Opinions expressed on this program do not necessarily reflect those of Portus Wealth Advisors. The topics discussed and opinions given are not intended to address the specific needs of any listener.
Portus Wealth Advisors does not offer legal or tax advice, listeners are encouraged to discuss their financial needs with the appropriate professional regarding your individual circumstance.
Investments described herein may be speculative and may involve a substantial risk of loss. Interests may be offered only to persons who qualify as accredited investors under applicable state and federal regulation or an eligible employee of the management company. There generally is no public market for the Interests. Prospective investors should particularly note that many factors affect performance, including changes in market conditions and interest rates, and other economic, political or financial developments. Past performance is not, and should not be construed as, indicative of future results.

]]> William Bissett, CFP full 55:55 https://williambissett.com/2023/07/06/david_jones_founder_peak10/ Thu, 06 Jul 2023 19:00:36 +0000 https://williambissett.com/?p=1839   - Today we welcome David Jones to the podcast. David founded Peak 10 (now known as Flexential), a hybrid IT infrastructure provider focused on colocation, connectivity, cloud, and managed solutions. - David started Peak 10 in 1999 after being fired...

 

Today we welcome David Jones to the podcast. David founded Peak 10 (now known as Flexential), a hybrid IT infrastructure provider focused on colocation, connectivity, cloud, and managed solutions.

David started Peak 10 in 1999 after being fired from a previous job. In 2010, he sold Peak 10 to a private equity group.  In 2014, they sold again to another private equity group (who is still the majority owner of the company).  David stayed on as Chairman until Peak 10 completed its acquisition of ViaWest in 2018, giving the newly formed combined company - Flexential - a national reach.  Today Flexential is a multi-billion-dollar company.  

We cover many topics during our conversation with David, including…

Surviving a recent critical health event & how it altered his sense of purpose
The importance of recognizing and playing to teammates’ strengths
Raising $1.5 million in 4 weeks for the original Peak 10 business plan
Why expecting success can be a mistake
The power of resilience in health, business, and life

… as well as some of David’s accumulated wisdom from speaking with countless executives, founders, and investors.

Please enjoy this conversation with David Jones.

 

William Bissett is the owner of and an Investment Advisor Representative of Portus Wealth Advisors, a Registered Investment Adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Opinions expressed on this program do not necessarily reflect those of Portus Wealth Advisors. The topics discussed and opinions given are not intended to address the specific needs of any listener.   

Portus Wealth Advisors does not offer legal or tax advice, listeners are encouraged to discuss their financial needs with the appropriate professional regarding your individual circumstance.  

Investments described herein may be speculative and may involve a substantial risk of loss. Interests may be offered only to persons who qualify as accredited investors under applicable state and federal regulation or an eligible employee of the management company. There generally is no public market for the Interests. Prospective investors should particularly note that many factors affect performance, including changes in market conditions and interest rates, and other economic, political or financial developments. Past performance is not, and should not be construed as, indicative of future results. ]]> William Bissett, CFP full 58:27 https://williambissett.com/2023/06/22/charlotte-angel-connection-episode-149-alan-fitzpatrick-ceo-and-co-founder-of-open-broadband/ Thu, 22 Jun 2023 12:01:32 +0000 https://williambissett.com/?p=1833   - Today we welcome Alan Fitzpatrick to the podcast. Alan is the cofounder and CEO of Open Broadband, an internet service provider (ISP) focused on serving traditionally underserved areas. - Alan and his cofounder, Kent Wenrich,

 

Today we welcome Alan Fitzpatrick to the podcast. Alan is the cofounder and CEO of Open Broadband, an internet service provider (ISP) focused on serving traditionally underserved areas.

Alan and his cofounder, Kent Wenrich, started Open Broadband in 2016. Today, Open Broadband is one of Charlotte’s fastest growing startups, having been named to Charlotte Business Journal’s Fast 50 list each year since 2018.

We cover several topics during our conversation with Alan, including…

How $42B of federal government grants are changing the ISP space
Rural and urban markets both containing underserved segments
Meeting an angel investor through a startup pitch event in Raleigh
Weighing exit opportunities in growth and decision-making
How this business differs from their previous 2 software companies

…as well as what’s next for Open Broadband in the coming years.

And for those brave souls who want to listen to our original podcast with Alan, here is Episode 35 and Episode 36.

Please enjoy this conversation with Alan Fitzpatrick. 

 

William Bissett is the owner of and an Investment Advisor Representative of Portus Wealth Advisors, a Registered Investment Adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Opinions expressed on this program do not necessarily reflect those of Portus Wealth Advisors. The topics discussed and opinions given are not intended to address the specific needs of any listener.   

Portus Wealth Advisors does not offer legal or tax advice, listeners are encouraged to discuss their financial needs with the appropriate professional regarding your individual circumstance.  

Investments described herein may be speculative and may involve a substantial risk of loss. Interests may be offered only to persons who qualify as accredited investors under applicable state and federal regulation or an eligible employee of the management company. There generally is no public market for the Interests. Prospective investors should particularly note that many factors affect performance, including changes in market conditions and interest rates, and other economic, political or financial developments. Past performance is not, and should not be construed as, indicative of future results. ]]> William Bissett, CFP full 56:51 https://williambissett.com/2023/05/11/charlotte-angel-connection-episode-148-meggie-williams-founder-and-ceo-of-skiptown/ Thu, 11 May 2023 18:03:29 +0000 https://williambissett.com/?p=1814   - Today we welcome Meggie Williams to the podcast. Meggie is the founder and CEO of Skiptown, an all-in-one ecosystem for bar, park, and pet care services. - Skiptown started as a dog-walking company named Waggle in 2016.

 

Today we welcome Meggie Williams to the podcast. Meggie is the founder and CEO of Skiptown, an all-in-one ecosystem for bar, park, and pet care services.

Skiptown started as a dog-walking company named Waggle in 2016. Fast forward to late last year when Skiptown closed a $28M fundraising round to expand the concept around the country. By next year, Skiptown will have launched in Atlanta, Houston, and Denver in addition to the Charlotte location (with more coming).

During our wide-ranging conversation with Meggie, we cover topics including…

Losing 95% of revenue during the beginning of COVID
Why ‘Riding the Scooter in the Rain’ is an important company value
Her process for finding great investors and board members
Being a mom and CEO of a fast-growing startup
How Charlotte’s entrepreneurial ecosystem has grown over the years

…as well as what’s next for Skiptown in the coming years.

Please enjoy this conversation with Meggie Williams.

 

William Bissett is the owner of and an Investment Advisor Representative of Portus Wealth Advisors, a Registered Investment Adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Opinions expressed on this program do not necessarily reflect those of Portus Wealth Advisors. The topics discussed and opinions given are not intended to address the specific needs of any listener.  

Portus Wealth Advisors does not offer legal or tax advice, listeners are encouraged to discuss their financial needs with the appropriate professional regarding your individual circumstance. 

Investments described herein may be speculative and may involve a substantial risk of loss. Interests may be offered only to persons who qualify as accredited investors under applicable state and federal regulation or an eligible employee of the management company. There generally is no public market for the Interests. Prospective investors should particularly note that many factors affect performance, including changes in market conditions and interest rates, and other economic, political or financial developments. Past performance is not, and should not be construed as, indicative of future results.

 ]]> William Bissett, CFP full clean 54:17 https://williambissett.com/2023/04/27/charlotte-angel-connection-episode-147-2u-laundry-co-founders-alex-and-dan/ Thu, 27 Apr 2023 17:44:47 +0000 https://williambissett.com/?p=1802   - Today we welcome Alex Smereczniak and Dan D'Aquisto to the podcast. Alex and Dan are the cofounders of 2U Laundry, a laundry subscription service and laundromat franchising company. - Alex and Dan became friends in 6th grade while growing up in M...



 

Today we welcome Alex Smereczniak and Dan D'Aquisto to the podcast. Alex and Dan are the cofounders of 2U Laundry, a laundry subscription service and laundromat franchising company.

Alex and Dan became friends in 6th grade while growing up in Minnesota. Fast forward to today and 2U Laundry recently closed a $20M Series B round to scale their 2U subscription service and LaundroLab franchising model nationwide.

We cover several topics with Alex and Dan, including…

Pivoting before and during COVID-19
How they remain friends while holding one another accountable
Lessons learned from raising and deploying 4 rounds of capital
The benefits of great board members
Incorporating the good, bad, & ugly into board updates

…as well as what’s next for 2U Laundry in 2023, and beyond.

Please enjoy this conversation with Alex Smereczniak and Dan D'Aquisto.

 

William Bissett is the owner of and an Investment Advisor Representative of Portus Wealth Advisors, a Registered Investment Adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Opinions expressed on this program do not necessarily reflect those of Portus Wealth Advisors. The topics discussed and opinions given are not intended to address the specific needs of any listener.   

Portus Wealth Advisors does not offer legal or tax advice, listeners are encouraged to discuss their financial needs with the appropriate professional regarding your individual circumstance.  

Investments described herein may be speculative and may involve a substantial risk of loss. Interests may be offered only to persons who qualify as accredited investors under applicable state and federal regulation or an eligible employee of the management company. There generally is no public market for the Interests. Prospective investors should particularly note that many factors affect performance, including changes in market conditions and interest rates, and other economic, political or financial developments. Past performance is not, and should not be construed as, indicative of future results. ]]> William Bissett, CFP full 58:29 https://williambissett.com/2023/04/05/sagar_shukla/ Wed, 05 Apr 2023 12:05:56 +0000 https://williambissett.com/?p=1773   - Today we welcome Sagar Shukla to the podcast. Sagar is a cofounder of Foresight, a B2B software company that helps sales and client success teams reduce churn and expand client relationships. - Sagar started his career at Red Ventures and cut his...

 

Today we welcome Sagar Shukla to the podcast. Sagar is a cofounder of Foresight, a B2B software company that helps sales and client success teams reduce churn and expand client relationships.

Sagar started his career at Red Ventures and cut his startup teeth as one of DealCloud’s earliest employees. Today, Sagar and his cofounder Nigel are using Foresight’s seed round to help companies (including their former employer DealCloud) create customer-led growth infrastructure.

We cover several topics with Sagar, including…

Why studying abroad in Bolivia prompted an entrepreneurial epiphany
How working at a large company is like the ‘Snap to Grid’ feature
The client question that led to founding Foresight
The product-building stage vs. the company-building stage for founders
What it’s like returning to a more mature CLT startup ecosystem

…as well as what’s next for Foresight in 2023, and beyond.

Please enjoy this conversation with Sagar Shukla.

 

William Bissett is the owner of and an Investment Advisor Representative of Portus Wealth Advisors, a Registered Investment Adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Opinions expressed on this program do not necessarily reflect those of Portus Wealth Advisors. The topics discussed and opinions given are not intended to address the specific needs of any listener.   

Portus Wealth Advisors does not offer legal or tax advice, listeners are encouraged to discuss their financial needs with the appropriate professional regarding your individual circumstance.  

Investments described herein may be speculative and may involve a substantial risk of loss. Interests may be offered only to persons who qualify as accredited investors under applicable state and federal regulation or an eligible employee of the management company. There generally is no public market for the Interests. Prospective investors should particularly note that many factors affect performance, including changes in market conditions and interest rates, and other economic, political or financial developments. Past performance is not, and should not be construed as, indicative of future results. ]]> William Bissett, CFP full 54:54