Entrepreneurial And Early Stage Episodes

In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Carrie Bacon, a classically trained acupuncturist and co-founder of 180 Degrees Bathhouse in Kansas City. With decades of experience in acupuncture, bodywork, and holistic wellness (sparked by her own journey to recovery) Carrie talks about the intersection of contrast therapy, sauna culture, and acupuncture in building healthier communities. She shares her vision for micro bathhouses as hyper-local hubs combating the epidemic of loneliness and chr...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Munir Ghesani, Chief Medical Director at United Theranostics, to explore the cutting edge of personalized cancer treatment and the business of scaling innovative healthcare delivery. Dr. Ghesani discusses his three decades long path in New York's academic medicine scene to leading a fast-growing outpatient theranostics group, detailing why he left academia, what makes theranostics uniquely effective for patients, and how United Theranostics is building a nat...

In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Dario Miceli, the passionate founder of Padel Magazine, to explore the explosive growth and unique challenges of padel, one of the world's fastest-rising racket sports. Dario shares his career path from real estate investor to becoming the unlikely publisher of a global magazine, revealing what makes padel so addictive, how it's carving its own unconventional path in the U.S., and why the current market still feels like the Wild West. From navigat...

Welcome to another episode of HALO Talks! Today, Pete Moore is joined by Dr. Joel Seedman and Sal LoDuca for a discussion on advanced human performance and an innovative strength training methodology known as offset loading. Sal shares the origins of their company and his quest to enhance the nervous system of athletes through contralateral training and randomized exercise, which led him to discover and collaborate with Dr. Seedman, often referred to as "The father of offset loading." Togethe...

On this episode host Pete Moore sits down with Spoonful founder Bradley Gifford, an entrepreneur whose discusses his fairly non-traditional path from digital marketing to healthy food innovator. He opens up about how a childhood wake-up call around his health spurred a lifelong passion for wellness, ultimately leading him to shed over 70 pounds and dive headfirst into the world of nutritious food. Pete and Brad explore the realities of launching a consumer brand, the structural challenges of mo...

In this episode, we explore the world of health coaching with Kathleen Ferguson, a seasoned HALO industry veteran dedicated to transforming lives through fitness and wellness. Pete and Kathleen chat about her new venture, Coach 360, which aims to revolutionize the career landscape for health and wellness coaches. She shares her career path from trainer to business owner, and how she's addressing the industry's pressing issue of high turnover rates by supporting coaches in building sustainable an...

In this episode, we're excited to have Chris Van Dusen from the venture capital world join us. He brings a wealth of experience from both the VC and entrepreneurial worlds. He shares his unique journey through sales, marketing, and three successful business exits. Chris also talks about Solyco Capital, his firm that prioritizes smart capital over mere funding, and their approach to matching investors with the right opportunities. Tune in as we dive into venture capital strategies, how to navi...

In this episode, we've reconnected with Andrew Menter (episode #135) as we dive into what they've been doing recently over at Physmodo. Pete and Andrew chat about the advancements the company has made since inception, focusing a lot on their consumer app designed for self-assessment in movement screening. Andrew shares the journey of adapting the business from its initial push into fitness spaces to expanding into markets like sports orthopedic medicine. They also touch on the application of th...

In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Noam Tamir, successful entrepreneur, long-time fitness veteran, and founder of TS Fitness. Noam shares his journey from working at Crunch to building his own space in New York City in 2011. He talks about the importance of understanding business numbers, creating a strong team culture, and developing effective client relationships. Pete and Noam also dive into the evolving fitness landscape, the significance of community in client retention, and t...

Today we're excited to bring back Brian Anderson, a seasoned executive and entrepreneur who has worked in all parts of the HALO sector. Brian shares his unique journey from running successful companies to becoming a fractional CEO, mentor, board member, and advisor across industries including fitness, wellness, female sexual health, and even the THC-infused beverage space. Brian provides insights into his approach to transforming businesses, focusing on shareholder value, and shares stories of h...

At 22 years old, Vince Gabriele attended his first Perform Better seminar as a newly minted personal trainer. When he saw long-time industry veteran, Tom Plummer speak, he was instantly inspired and became determined to be in his shoes one day. Today, Vince is a highly successful gym owner-turned consultant. He shares his journey from struggling with money management to mastering essential business metrics like EBITDA, cost per lead, and lifetime customer value. He discusses insights on priorit...

Ania Wysocka experienced her first panic attack during university which subsequently set off a spiral of fear and negative changes in her life. Initially not understanding what was happening made the situation extremely challenging. This frustration fueled her determination to find a solution. After learning about some tools to help heal and manage her panic attacks, she realized the need for a much more accessible resource. Recognizing that she, like most, always have her phone with her, she de...

In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Tessa Arnold, a former banker turned wellness entrepreneur, HALO evangelist, and Co-Founder of Snapback Energy. She shares her journey from a 12-year career in commercial banking into the entrepreneurial space. She dives deep into the challenges and triumphs of transitioning industries, the importance of balance in life, and her passion for Ayurvedic health coaching. Tessa discusses the development of her patented supplement formula, her dedication...

Larry Blundred found solace and a new passion through an unexpected yet heartwarming intervention by friends. In the wake of his wife's passing due to a brain tumor, Larry was navigating a tumultuous period, balancing the demands of his job and his role as a caretaker. Amidst all this, he was introduced to pickleball by two friends. Initially unfamiliar with the game and without a paddle, he quickly embraced the sport, finding both emotional refuge and camaraderie on the court. His journey into ...

Ryan Valencic, an accomplished entrepreneur with a 12+ years in the trenches, has built and successfully exited multiple businesses. With a family background in franchising, Ryan continues to hone his skills as a serial entrepreneur, currently overseeing multiple companies. He is in the midst of launching an innovative health tech platform and about a year ago, Ryan joined Cultivate Advisors to lead their partnerships, drawing on his extensive professional experience to drive new opportunities. ...

Lauren Brenner is the innovative mind behind the groundbreaking fitness concept, Powerbox 360—a fusion of an immersive nightlife energy vibe with a killer workout. Brenner's concept transports participants into a 360 degree panorama of pulsating visuals and heart-pounding beats reminiscent of an electrifying club environment. Her vision extends beyond "just" the workout though. She aspires to transform attendees from passive onlookers to dynamic players in their fitness journey. With a fierce ...

Christine Howe has dedicated her entire career to staffing and recruiting in the HALO (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors) industry for over 12 years. She recently ventured out on her own and started Fit Pro Finders, a staffing service catering specifically to the HALO space. She and her team work with a wide range of companies, from small to mid-sized independents, to franchise-owned and corporate facilities, to help them find the right personnel to drive their businesses forward. Pete and Chr...

Lee is an entrepreneur originally from Michigan who, at 24, made a bold move to Costa Mesa, California in 2010 where he headed up the development of perhaps the first infrared studio in the country. He transformed the fledgling studio, implementing a membership model, and elevating the experience for customers. This marked the beginning of Perspire Sauna Studios, which has since expanded into a burgeoning franchise under Braun's leadership. Pete and Lee discuss starting an infrared sauna studio...

In this episode, host Pete Moore is joined by Josh Bonhotal from TXV Partners. Josh shares his wealth of experience in player performance and training, from his time with the Chicago Bulls to his role at Purdue's men's basketball program. They dive into venture investing, discussing portfolio construction and risk management. As well as discuss the use of technology to optimize athlete performance and Josh's transition into the venture capital world. From mathematical models to practical insigh...

In this episode, Pete talks with Dixie Grace, a former planning engineer turned entrepreneur who has "brought back" the boiled peanut (a long time classic Southern snack) to the Northeast, an area where they're notoriously difficult to find . . . but not anymore! Raised by a single parent, she comes from a family of entrepreneurs, with her grandmother owning beauty salons and her mother being involved in various business ventures. Dixie shares her journey of creating artisanal boiled peanuts an...

Host Pete Moore welcomes Josh Forkner, a prominent figure in the CBD space. Josh shares insights into his company's operations, including their innovative approach to product development, strategic partnerships, and the challenges they've faced in the market. Pete and Josh dive into the unique selling points of CBD products, the potential for growth in the industry, and the transformative impact of CBD on customers' lives. From athlete endorsements to navigating legal restrictions, this conversa...

In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with serial entrepreneur Todd Abrams, the Co-Founder and CEO of ICON Meals. Todd shares his journey from starting his entrepreneurial ventures in the software industry to his passion project based in Texas, ICON Meals, which focuses on providing convenient and healthy food options. Throughout the conversation, Todd discusses the challenges and successes of his business ventures, the importance of building a strong team, and his perspective on taking re...

In this episode, host Pete Moore dives deep into the VC (venture capital) world with Kiva Dickinson, Founder of Selva Ventures. Kiva began his career in investment banking before joining TPG. He received top-notch training there and developed a keen interest in the dynamics of the consumer world, particularly in ecommerce and health and wellness. His focus shifted to earlier stage opportunities, particularly in the better-for-you products sector. Kiva shares valuable insights from his TPG and C...

Laura Adelson is a yoga enthusiast and now a new business owner who credits her husband for encouraging her to take a chance, buy the business, and save her long-time yoga studio from closing permanently. Together, they turned the struggling business into a thriving community hub and a place of learning for both students and teachers. She shares insights into the studio's brand identity, the process of saving the business, and the evolving landscape of yoga and fitness. From community building ...