Starting a business is exciting, but it's anything but straightforward. Having a great idea is just the beginning — what really matters are the decisions you make and the pivots along the way. That’s where Built In America comes in. A podcast that explores the real and raw experiences behind entrepreneurial success, broken down from the very beginning. Hosted by Sam Mahmood, a self-made entrepreneur raised by immigrant parents, who has skillfully raised funds to acquire businesses across America. Sam interviews guests who have built and bought some of the most fascinating and successful companies across the U.S.
It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out, thinking of buying a business, or somewhere in the messy middle, Built In America is for those ready to delve into the business of building something big and be inspired by those who have built it, bought it, and made it.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Starting a business is exciting, but it's anything but straightforward. Having a great idea is just the beginning — what really matters are the decisions you make and the pivots along the way. That’s where Built In America comes in. A podcast that explores the real and raw experiences behind entrepreneurial success, broken down from the very beginning. Hosted by Sam Mahmood, a self-made entrepreneur raised by immigrant parents, who has skillfully raised funds to acquire businesses across America. Sam interviews guests who have built and bought some of the most fascinating and successful companies across the U.S.
It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out, thinking of buying a business, or somewhere in the messy middle, Built In America is for those ready to delve into the business of building something big and be inspired by those who have built it, bought it, and made it.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Built in America, host Sam Mahmood sits down with John Katzman, renowned education entrepreneur and CEO of Noodle. Katzman shares his journey from founding Princeton Review to building Noodle, a platform reimagining the future of higher education. He unpacks what it takes to scale companies, the importance of risk-taking, and why solving real problems—not chasing trends—is the key to meaningful entrepreneurship.
John dives into the lessons he's learned across decades of building businesses, including how to evaluate startup ideas, manage capital partners, and build teams with low ego and high trust. He also explores the evolving role of technology in education, the need for lifelong learning, and what it really takes to lead with clarity and conviction.
Join us for a thoughtful conversation on innovation, leadership, and reshaping the way we learn and grow.
Let’s keep building…
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.