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.
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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 Brett Rose, founder and CEO of United National Consumer Suppliers (UNCS), to explore his entrepreneurial journey and the lessons learned while scaling one of the nation’s leading wholesale distributors. From navigating market challenges to building a resilient company culture, Brett shares how relationships—not profits—have been the driving force behind his success.
He opens up about the personal health challenges that reshaped his leadership style, the importance of hiring the right talent, and the role of organizations like YPO in fostering growth and perspective. Brett also reflects on the balance between ambition and humility, the hard truths of entrepreneurship, and why philanthropy and giving back are central to his future vision.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or someone seeking inspiration from a story of resilience and authenticity, this episode offers valuable insights into building a business—and a life—with purpose.
Let’s keep building…
Follow Sam Mahmood:
Join the Built In America community of others who are buying great businesses and sign up for Sam’s weekly newsletter: www.builtinamerica.co
Follow our producers, The Peers Project: https://www.instagram.com/thepeersproject?igsh=MTZ1dWJpZXVpYWdybA==
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In this episode of Built in America, host Sam Mahmood sits down with Rich Thomson, CEO of Dreamliner, to explore how a transportation startup launched during the height of COVID-19 has grown into a key player in live entertainment logistics. From purchasing his first 12 buses in 2020 to scaling through acquisitions, Rich shares how Dreamliner became the backbone of celebrity tours and live events across the country.
He reflects on the challenges of breaking into an industry built on trust and relationships, from navigating labor and maintenance shortages to reshaping an entire management team to align with his vision. Rich also dives into the importance of company culture, the complexities of music touring, and why diversification into sports and other sectors represents the next stage of growth.
Whether you’re curious about live entertainment, entrepreneurship, or the grit required to scale a company in one of the toughest industries to enter, this episode offers an inside look at building Dreamliner—and the leadership philosophy driving it forward.
Let’s keep building…
Follow Sam Mahmood:
Join the Built In America community of others who are buying great businesses and sign up for Sam’s weekly newsletter: www.builtinamerica.co
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In this episode of Built in America, host Sam Mahmood sits down with Justin Kolbeck, co-founder and CEO of Wild Type, to explore how cellular agriculture is reshaping the future of seafood. From cultivated salmon fillets to rethinking America’s reliance on imports, Justin shares how Wild Type is pioneering a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable approach to what ends up on our plates.
He reflects on the challenges of building a science-driven startup, from early experiments to gaining validation through chef tastings, and opens up about navigating the realities of fundraising in a capital-intensive industry. Justin also dives into the balance between product perfection and market readiness, the importance of authenticity with investors, and why dilution can sometimes be the right trade-off for growth.
Whether you’re interested in food tech, sustainability, or the entrepreneurial grit behind bringing revolutionary products to market, this episode offers an inside look at the future of seafood—and the bold vision driving it forward.
Let’s keep building…
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Join the Built In America community of others who are buying great businesses and sign up for Sam’s weekly newsletter: www.builtinamerica.co
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In this episode of Built in America, host Sam Mahmood sits down with Jordan Nathan, Founder and CEO of Caraway, to discuss how a personal health scare led him to create one of today’s most trusted cookware brands. Jordan shares how Caraway disrupted the kitchen market with non-toxic, eco-friendly, and beautifully designed products—quickly building a 150,000+ waitlist at launch and scaling into a household name.
He also opens up about the challenges of breaking into a legacy industry, the importance of intentional design, and what it takes to build consumer trust in a crowded market.
Whether you’re a founder, a product designer, or simply passionate about healthier living, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at building a category-defining brand from the ground up.
Let’s keep building…
Follow Sam Mahmood:
Join the Built In America community of others who are buying great businesses and sign up for Sam’s weekly newsletter: www.builtinamerica.co
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In this episode of Built in America, host Sam Mahmood sits down with Carl Daikeler, founder and CEO of Body (formerly Beachbody), to explore what it takes to build a fitness movement that transforms millions of lives. Carl shares the evolution of his company—from the early days of infomercials to launching one of the most successful at-home fitness programs in history, P90X, and reimagining it for a digital world.
He opens up about the psychology of change, why transformation starts with identity, and how having a step-by-step plan is critical to making progress stick. Carl also breaks down the power of marketing in fitness, how Body continuously tests and improves its programs, and the moments that made him realize the real impact of his work.
Whether you're passionate about health, entrepreneurship, or the mindset behind reinvention, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how a bold vision—and a whole lot of discipline—can change bodies, businesses, and lives.
Let’s keep building…
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Join the Built In America community of others who are buying great businesses and sign up for Sam’s weekly newsletter: www.builtinamerica.co
Follow our producers, The Peers Project: https://www.instagram.com/thepeersproject?igsh=MTZ1dWJpZXVpYWdybA==
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In this episode of Built in America, host Sam Mahmood sits down with Christian Anderson, co-founder of Watershed, to discuss building one of the most ambitious climate software companies out there. Christian shares the story behind Watershed’s founding and how a mission to reduce global carbon emissions turned into an enterprise-grade platform serving major companies worldwide.
He dives into the role of software and AI in tackling climate change, the importance of enterprise partnerships, and how data can drive meaningful environmental action. Christian also reflects on lessons from fundraising, scaling impact, and what it takes to help decarbonize the global economy.
Whether you're interested in sustainability, climate innovation, or building mission-driven companies, this episode offers an inside look at the future of climate tech—and the leaders working to shape it.
Let’s keep building…
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Join the Built In America community of others who are buying great businesses and sign up for Sam’s weekly newsletter: www.builtinamerica.co
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In this episode of Built in America, host Sam Mahmood sits down with Anna Squires-Levine, President of Industrious, to discuss her unconventional path to leading one of the largest co-working companies in the U.S. Anna shares how Industrious scaled by moving away from traditional leases and forming innovative landlord partnerships—creating hospitality-driven workspaces designed for the hybrid era.
She also opens up about leadership, building a culture of belonging, and the company’s commitment to community through nonprofit initiatives.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, real estate operator, or curious about the future of work, this episode offers an inside look at building a workspace brand people are proud to be part of.
Let’s keep building…
Follow Sam Mahmood:
Join the Built In America community of others who are buying great businesses and sign up for Sam’s weekly newsletter: www.builtinamerica.co
Follow our producers, The Peers Project: https://www.instagram.com/thepeersproject?igsh=MTZ1dWJpZXVpYWdybA==
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In this episode of Built in America, host Sam Mahmood sits down with Ryan Chen, co-founder of Neuro Gum, to unpack the journey behind one of the most recognizable energy gum brands in the market. Ryan shares how a college friendship sparked the idea for Neuro Gum, and how the combination of caffeine and L-theanine helped create a functional product that enhances focus and energy.
Ryan dives into the realities of building a consumer brand—navigating legal hurdles, going viral on TikTok and the Joe Rogan podcast, and developing strategic partnerships with figures like Steve Aoki. He also shares lessons on funding, operations, and the power of branding and consumer education.
This conversation is a deep dive into modern entrepreneurship, scaling a wellness product, and building a business that blends innovation with impact.
Let’s keep building…
Follow Sam Mahmood:
Join the Built In America community of others who are buying great businesses and sign up for Sam’s weekly newsletter: www.builtinamerica.co
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In this episode of Built in America, host Sam Mahmood sits down with Grant Hensel, Managing Partner at Entrepreneurial Capital and Founder of Nonprofit Megaphone, to explore his journey across a range of ventures—from digital marketing to e-commerce. Grant shares how his passion for entrepreneurship was sparked in his youth and how, over the years, he's launched multiple businesses—some that failed, others acquired, and a few still thriving today.
He dives into the self-funded search model, explains how he and his wife acquired and scaled a business together, and shares the values that guide his investment decisions. The conversation also touches on Sam’s role in Grant’s entrepreneurial evolution, his recipe for founder-investor alignment, and the lasting influence Warren Buffett has had on his philosophy as both a leader and investor.
Whether you’re a founder, investor, or aspiring acquirer, this episode offers a rare inside look at the mindset and strategy behind scaling sustainable, operator-led businesses.
Let’s keep building…
Follow Sam Mahmood:
Join the Built In America community of others who are buying great businesses and sign up for Sam’s weekly newsletter: www.builtinamerica.co
Follow our producers, The Peers Project: https://www.instagram.com/thepeersproject?igsh=MTZ1dWJpZXVpYWdybA==
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In this episode of Built in America, host Sam Mahmood sits down with Dave Sherwood, CEO and co-founder of BibliU, to explore how he's transforming education by making textbooks more affordable and accessible. Dave shares the early missteps that led to BibliU’s pivot from a B2C to a B2B model, the complex challenges of breaking into the U.S. market, and how AI is reshaping the future of educational publishing.
Dave opens up about navigating layoffs, maintaining leadership through tough decisions, and balancing growth with profitability in a venture-backed company. He also reflects on the personal evolution required to build a company over a decade—discussing the mindset shifts, leadership coaching, and philosophical reflections that continue to shape his journey.
Join us for a candid look at the business of education, the pressures of scale, and what it takes to lead with clarity and conviction in a rapidly changing world.
Follow Sam Mahmood:
Join the Built In America community of others who are buying great businesses and sign up for Sam’s weekly newsletter: www.builtinamerica.co
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In this episode of Built in America, host Sam Mahmood sits down with Blake Hall, co-founder and CEO of ID.me, to explore his remarkable journey from Army Ranger to tech entrepreneur. Blake shares how his experience in military service shaped his approach to leadership and ultimately inspired the creation of ID.me, a digital identity platform now used by tens of millions of Americans.
Blake opens up about the sacrifices required to build something meaningful, the importance of integrity in leadership, and what it means to navigate criticism while staying true to your mission. He also discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the need for trusted identity verification and reflects on the legacy he hopes to leave behind for his children.
Join us for an inspiring conversation on leadership, resilience, and the pursuit of purpose in building a company that’s changing the way we prove who we are.
Let’s keep building…
Follow Sam Mahmood:
Join the Built In America community of others who are buying great businesses and sign up for Sam’s weekly newsletter: www.builtinamerica.co
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In this episode of Built in America, host Sam Mahmood sits down with Kevin Lavelle and Charlie Hill, co-founders of Harbor, a company reimagining baby monitoring for the modern parent. Kevin and Charlie share how their own experiences as fathers inspired them to build a smarter, safer solution for families—one that blends traditional baby monitoring with cutting-edge technology and remote patient monitoring capabilities.
They discuss the early challenges of hardware development, navigating the venture capital landscape, and how differentiation in a crowded market has been key to Harbor’s growth. The conversation also explores controversial marketing strategies, lessons from customer feedback, and the mental resilience required to lead a startup through uncertainty and high expectations.
Join us for a powerful conversation about parenthood, product innovation, and the relentless pursuit of building something that truly makes families’ lives better.
Follow Sam Mahmood:
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Twitter: @TheSamMahmood_
LinkedIn: Sam Mahmood
Join the Built In America community of others who are buying great businesses and sign up for Sam’s weekly newsletter: www.builtinamerica.co
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In this episode of Built in America, host Sam Mahmood sits down with Andrew Lacy, founder and CEO of Prenuvo, to explore his journey from practicing law in Australia to building a groundbreaking health tech company in Silicon Valley. Andrew shares how Prenuvo is reshaping the future of preventive healthcare through whole-body MRI scans and why the current model of reactive “sick care” is due for disruption.
He discusses the challenges of raising capital for transformative ideas, the importance of building a strong team culture, and how resilience and wellness play crucial roles in entrepreneurship. Andrew also reflects on what it means to be an entrepreneur in a high-pressure ecosystem and the impact of staying mission-driven in the face of uncertainty.
Join us for a candid conversation about healthcare innovation, building a business with purpose, and what it takes to lead a company that’s putting health back into the hands of consumers.
Built in America listeners go to Prenuvo.com/BIA to get $300 off a scan at a Prenuvo near you.
Let’s keep building…
Follow Sam Mahmood:
Join the Built In America community of others who are buying great businesses and sign up for Sam’s weekly newsletter: www.builtinamerica.co
Follow our producers, The Peers Project: https://www.instagram.com/thepeersproject?igsh=MTZ1dWJpZXVpYWdybA==
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In this episode of Built in America, host Sam Mahmood sits down with Jacob Zuppke, CEO of Whisker, the company behind the Litter-Robot—a self-cleaning litter box that’s redefining modern pet care. Jacob walks us through the early days of product innovation, the complexities of launching hardware, and how Whisker carved out a leading role in a competitive and fast-growing industry.
Jacob shares how influencer marketing, video storytelling, and a strong understanding of the consumer problem were key to Whisker’s growth. He also offers insight into navigating supply chain hurdles, adapting marketing strategies across platforms, and building a customer experience that drives loyalty and word-of-mouth.
Tune in for a candid look at building a consumer product brand, leading with vision and empathy, and what it takes to scale innovation while staying grounded in purpose.
Let’s keep building…
Follow Sam Mahmood:
Join the Built In America community of others who are buying great businesses and sign up for Sam’s weekly newsletter: www.builtinamerica.co
Follow our producers, The Peers Project: https://www.instagram.com/thepeersproject?igsh=MTZ1dWJpZXVpYWdybA==
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In this episode of Built in America, host Sam Mahmood sits down with Neil Feather, president of Point Wild, to unpack his journey in building a cybersecurity company focused on protecting everyday consumers. Neil reflects on the evolution of cybersecurity, the realities of business growth through both acquisitions and organic strategy, and how to build a company with strong values at its core.
He shares insights into team building, navigating work-life balance, and the lessons he’s learned through multiple ventures. From defining company culture to understanding the true role of education in entrepreneurship, Neil offers practical takeaways for aspiring founders and seasoned operators alike.
Join us for an honest conversation on leadership, risk-taking, and what it takes to succeed in the fast-changing world of cybersecurity.
Let’s keep building…
Follow Sam Mahmood:
Join the Built In America community of others who are buying great businesses and sign up for Sam’s weekly newsletter: www.builtinamerica.co
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In this episode of Built in America, host Sam Mahmood sits down with Shadi Bakour, co-founder and CEO of Path, to discuss his mission to eliminate single-use plastic bottles through a sleek, reusable alternative. Shadi shares the origin story of Path, the inspiration behind its counterintuitive business model, and how early traction helped validate a bold idea in a competitive space.
Shadi dives into the complexities of manufacturing, supply chain logistics, and what it takes to scale a mission-driven consumer product. He also emphasizes the role of advisors, storytelling in fundraising, and why simplicity and persistence are key ingredients to building lasting impact.
Join us for a compelling conversation on entrepreneurship, sustainability, and what it really takes to build a brand that blends profit with purpose.
Let’s keep building…
Follow Sam Mahmood:
Join the Built In America community of others who are buying great businesses and sign up for Sam’s weekly newsletter: www.builtinamerica.co
Follow our producers, The Peers Project: https://www.instagram.com/thepeersproject?igsh=MTZ1dWJpZXVpYWdybA==
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In this episode, Vijay Ravindran, founder and CEO of Floreo, shares how his background in tech and entrepreneurship led him to develop a virtual reality platform that’s transforming how we support neurodiverse learners. Floreo is an FDA-designated breakthrough device designed for individuals of any age and ability, operating at the cutting edge of healthcare, education, and immersive technology.
Vijay discusses the unique challenges of building in a highly regulated space—from navigating FDA approval to scaling within a dual-market system that serves both clinical and educational settings. He also dives into the importance of team building, empathy in product design, and understanding the full patient and caregiver journey to create tools with real-world impact.
Whether you're interested in neurodiversity, digital therapeutics, or the future of VR in medicine and learning, this conversation offers valuable insight into what it takes to build purpose-driven innovation that truly moves the needle.
Let’s keep building…
Follow Sam Mahmood:
Join the Built In America community of others who are buying great businesses and sign up for Sam’s weekly newsletter: www.builtinamerica.co
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In this episode, Sam Mahmood interviews Kelly Littlepage and Stephen Johnson, co-founders of OneChronos, a trading platform built to reduce inefficiencies in capital markets. From childhood friends to fintech founders, they share how their shared curiosity and drive to challenge the status quo shaped their entrepreneurial journey.
They dive into the challenges of building a platform for institutional traders, the influence of Y Combinator, and the importance of maintaining strong investor relationships. Kelly and Stephen also discuss the value of sustainable growth, how hiring too fast can derail a company, and why focusing on long-term impact matters more than rapid scaling.
The conversation also touches on work-life balance, the power of complementary co-founder dynamics, and the importance of staying passionate in high-stakes industries. For anyone interested in startups, trading, or building something that lasts—this episode is a must-listen.
Let’s keep building…
Follow Sam Mahmood:
Join the Built In America community of others who are buying great businesses and sign up for Sam’s weekly newsletter: www.builtinamerica.co
Follow our producers, The Peers Project: https://www.instagram.com/thepeersproject?igsh=MTZ1dWJpZXVpYWdybA==
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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…
Follow Sam Mahmood:
Join the Built In America community of others who are buying great businesses and sign up for Sam’s weekly newsletter: www.builtinamerica.co
Follow our producers, The Peers Project: https://www.instagram.com/thepeersproject?igsh=MTZ1dWJpZXVpYWdybA==
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In this episode, Sam Mahmood sits down with Krystle Mobayeni, Co-Founder and CEO of BentoBox, to talk about her journey from web designer to tech entrepreneur. Krystle shares how a deep understanding of restaurant frustrations led to building BentoBox—a platform that empowers restaurants to control their digital presence beyond Yelp and OpenTable. They dive into the transition from agency work to product development, what it really takes to scale a business, and why capital partners must align with a founder's vision.
Krystle opens up about the power of storytelling in business, the importance of co-founder dynamics, and how a culture rooted in gratitude can build more resilient teams. She also touches on the emotional highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the role of happiness and self-awareness in leadership, and how physical spaces can fuel creativity and connection.
Whether you're building a startup, managing a team, or just curious about the intersection of tech and hospitality, this conversation is packed with wisdom on resilience, growth, and creating meaningful value.
Plus, be sure to check out Clover Hospitality by BentoBox, their newest launch built hand-in-hand with top restaurants to streamline their online services, in-house dining, and everything in between.
Let’s keep building…
Follow Sam Mahmood:
Join the Built In America community of others who are buying great businesses and sign up for Sam’s weekly newsletter: www.builtinamerica.co
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