Imagine transforming bare dirt into one of America's most prestigious golf destinations. Dennis Satyshur helped do exactly that at Caves Valley Golf Club, and his journey exemplifies entrepreneurial vision in an unexpected setting. When Satyshur first interviewed at Caves Valley in 1990, the "club" consisted of a trailer on empty land. Taking a career-defining risk at age 40, he left his established position at Baltimore Country Club to help build something extraordinary from scratch. "I felt li...
Jul 29, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 12
What if the most valuable AI companies of the next decade haven't even been founded yet? While everyone's talking about ChatGPT and large language models, the real revolution lies ahead in the applications built on this infrastructure, just as Uber transformed transportation by building on mobile technology. Paul Palmieri, founder of Grit Capital Partners and former founder of unicorn company Millennial Media, brings a unique perspective to this pivotal moment in technological history. Having wi...
Jun 26, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 11
What happens behind the scenes when you pick up your prescription? Cory Easton pulls back the curtain on pharmacy benefits managemen, healthcare's complex middleman industry that determines what you and your employer pay for medications. In this conversation, Cory shares his remarkable journey from being employee #500 at Express Scripts to watching it grow to 35,000 employees managing $110 billion in pharmacy benefits. The turning point in his career came when his boss tore up Cory's compensatio...
May 29, 2025•48 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Guest: Dee Anna Sobczak, Founder of ThinkBig Networks Host: Leo Kelly, CEO of Verdence Capital Advisors In this episode of From the Ground Up, we sit down with Dee Anna Sobczak, the visionary behind ThinkBig Networks, a company transforming broadband infrastructure by bringing high-speed fiber internet to underserved communities. Unlike traditional internet providers, ThinkBig Networks focuses on bridging the digital divide—connecting homes, businesses, and communities with cutting-edge technolo...
Feb 27, 2025•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 9
What does it take to turn an idea at your kitchen table into a multi-billion-dollar success? In this episode of From the Ground Up, Leo Kelly sits down with Mary Ann Scully—founder and former CEO of Howard Bank and Dean of Loyola’s Sellinger School of Business—to reflect on her incredible journey. Throughout her 40-year career, Mary Ann navigated complex challenges like the financial crisis with resilience and innovation, offering a rare glimpse into the strategic decision-making that fueled her...
Nov 26, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Chris Brandenburg has been at the forefront of tech innovation, leading startups through the evolution of building, growing, and then transitioning from a private to a public company. You’ll hear stories about how he and his business partner, Paul, tackled mobile technology before smartphones dominated the scene and how they approached app development and monetization when it was still uncharted territory. Chris's take on leadership, including knowing when to step aside, offers some practical ad...
Oct 29, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Ever wondered how someone could shift from crunching numbers as an accountant to becoming a leading figure in financial advisor recruiting? Mindy Diamond, CEO of Diamond Consultants, shares her extraordinary journey in this episode. From starting her business on her bedroom floor to managing more than a quarter of a trillion dollars in assets, Mindy's story is a testament to resilience and innovation. She sheds light on the challenges she faced in a male-dominated industry during the 1990s and h...
Sep 26, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 6
What if you could create a thriving business and then seamlessly transition into a life of philanthropy? Join us as we uncover the remarkable journey of Rick Bastinelli, the founder and former president and CEO of Centric Business Systems. Growing up in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Rick learned the ropes of management from his father and navigated the challenges of a declining garment industry. A chance meeting with Xerox employees marked the beginning of his successful career in the copier business...
Aug 29, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 5
What does it take to leave a stable corporate job and dive headfirst into the uncertain world of entrepreneurship? Join us as Kevin Powderly shares his incredible journey from working under the legendary Jack Welch at GE to co-founding his own company, CyberCore. Growing up in a big Irish family on Long Island, Kevin's competitive spirit was shaped by his early experiences and honed during his time at technology giants like Businessland and GE. Hear firsthand how these fueled his career dreams a...
Jul 31, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 4
In this episode of "From the Ground Up," we feature the fascinating story of Guy Filippelli, Managing Partner of Squadra Ventures. Guy describes his experiences from a military intelligence officer to a successful entrepreneur and venture capitalist. He provides a unique perspective on guiding startups, drawing from his time at West Point and Oxford and his commitment to being a leader who inspires growth. Guy emphasizes the significance of defining your brand and creating a name that sticks. He...
Jun 27, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Join us for a chat with Joe Jankowski from Armatus Dealer Uplift. He shares a compelling story about owning a thriving auto dealership and then reshaping warranty reimbursement for dealers nationwide. Joe emphasizes the power of innovative thinking and unwavering perseverance. Hear how he went from running a successful, profitable dealership to the gut-wrenching moment of closing its doors overnight: A story of resilience. https://youtu.be/lxOMSCbIcnk Disclaimer: material was prepared by Verdenc...
May 29, 2024•27 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Stepping off a predictable path requires resilience, vision, and good old-fashioned grit. Steve Shaw, owner and founder of Shaw Real Estate, shares his story from a comfortable career at Merritt Properties to entrepreneurship. He explains the method behind his 'old man's portfolio,' his investment in industrial properties that thrive amid fluctuating interest rates. https://youtu.be/xEpnb5oa5mA Disclaimer: material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the informat...
Apr 30, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 1
In the first conversation, host Leo Kelly, CEO of Verdence Capital Advisors, talks with Michele Welsh, Chief Marketing Officer at Verdence, about the inspiration behind starting this entrepreneurial podcast. Leo and Michele briefly discuss Leo's journey from working at Merrill Lynch to breaking off on his own to start an independent wealth management firm, overcoming challenges and risks. They discuss the importance of company culture, hiring the right people, and always keeping the client's bes...
Apr 25, 2024•29 min
