Future-Proofed

Michelle Knox, founder of WindSolar USA, joins Brent Muller on the Future-Proofed Podcast to discuss her incredible journey from insurance and Montessori education to leading a clean energy movement in Illinois. Michelle explains why renewable energy is now more affordable than ever, thanks to incentives like the Inflation Reduction Act and Illinois’ aggressive RPS goals. She also dives into how policy affects growth, the importanc...

In this game-changing episode of the Future-Proofed Podcast, host Brett Muller is joined by Anuj Gupta, founder of Gradient Advisors and co-author of the acclaimed book Practical Natural Language Processing. Anuj shares his unique framework for building successful AI-powered businesses, emphasizing a four-pillar strategy that goes beyond just models to drive real business impact. From his early days in theoretical computer science ...

In this powerful episode of the Future-Proof Podcast, Brent Muller sits down with Nicholas Wiktorski, VP at Omega TMM, to explore the evolution of American manufacturing. Nick shares his journey from college dropout to a leader in precision tool measuring technology, discusses the role of AI and automation in reshoring manufacturing jobs, and how Omega’s American-made machines are driving efficiency across industries from defense t...

Bob Manley, Co-Founder of Hermit Woods Winery, shares how he’s pioneering a new category of wine—made entirely from fruit, not grapes—while staying true to classic winemaking traditions. Discover how this New Hampshire winery crafts dry, barrel-aged wines from local apples, berries, and honey, competes with Napa Valley, and leverages AI to streamline operations. Plus: Why climate change might make their unconventional approach the ...

In this insightful episode of the Future-Proofed Podcast, host Brett Mueller sits down with Jeff Dillon, founder of EdTech Connect, to explore how higher education is evolving in response to the AI revolution. With over two decades of experience in higher ed IT, Jeff reveals the inspiration behind EdTech Connect, a platform designed to simplify software discovery for colleges and universities. He discusses the massive transformatio...

Jason Reid, a serial entrepreneur and mental health advocate, shares his incredible journey from starting as a house painter to running multiple successful companies. In this episode of the Future-Proofed Podcast, he reveals the power of relationships, the importance of investing in people, and his mission to improve mental health through his foundation, TellMyStory.org. Learn why he believes AI could "steal the soul" of ...

In this inspiring episode of the Future-Proofed Podcast, Brett Muller sits down with Carol Ann Wentworth, founder of Wentworth Executive Recruiting, to explore the art of high-touch executive search. With a career that spans health and wellness, modeling, chamber leadership, and now C-level recruitment, Carol Ann shares how authenticity, intention, and human connection have fueled her decades-long success. She dives into the evolvi...

In this inspiring episode, host Brent Miller sits down with Matt Kolmes, CEO of Supreme Corporation, to unravel a powerful story of transformation, legacy, and innovation in the textile industry.

⏱Timestamps
00:01 – Introduction
00:28 – Matt’s unconventional career path
01:28 – Transition from law to textiles
06:18 – Mentorship under Jim Threlkeld and textile fundamentals
10:33 – Ballistic fabric innova...

Kimmy Powell, the visionary behind Woodhouse Spas and a thriving industrial flooring business, reveals how she scales two radically different companies with the same strategic mindset. From leveraging AI to fill empty spa slots to automating construction estimates, she shares how technology drives profitability in unexpected ways. Plus: Her "build-to-sell" philosophy and why she’s betting big on wellness and "boring&...

Discover how Free Form Fibers is revolutionizing aerospace, defense, and nuclear energy with cutting-edge ceramic matrix composites (CMCs). CEO Shay Harrison shares insights on their unique laser-driven chemical vapor deposition (LCVD) technology, the journey from R&D to commercialization, and their mission to replace metals with lighter, higher-performance materials. Learn why their fibers are unmatched in the industry—and how...

Tom Rauen, CEO of 1-800-T-Shirts.com, shares how he transformed a basement side hustle into a thriving apparel business serving everyone from Little Leagues to Fortune 500s. 

Discover how Tom:
✅ Achieves 20% year-over-year growth for 20+ years
✅ Partners with mega-brands like Carhartt and North Face for co-branded apparel
✅ Leverages AI for mockups, sales analytics, and decision-making
✅ Navigates print-on-...

Ron Kamen, founder of EarthKind Energy Consulting, shares how his company is revolutionizing energy efficiency with solar, geothermal, and AI-driven solutions. From slashing costs for businesses to pioneering sustainable community initiatives, discover how cleantech can deliver positive ROI while saving the planet. Perfect for entrepreneurs, developers, and eco-conscious leaders!

⏱Timestamps
00:00 - Intro & Ron’s J...

Lonnie Schwimmer, serial entrepreneur and founder of Nootie, shares his journey from selling fireworks as a kid to revolutionizing pet care with vet-inspired shampoos, supplements, and Koha Pet Food. Learn how Nootie's solution-based products address real pet health issues, why Lonnie champions local pet stores over e-commerce, and how AI helps scale this purpose-driven brand. Packed with customer success stories and industry ...

What makes a startup truly investable? In this episode, venture capitalist and author Fred Haney shares insider insights into how venture capitalists (VCs) think, what they look for in founders, and the key ingredients to startup success. Whether you're an entrepreneur or just fascinated by the world of venture capital, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom.

🎙️ Topics Covered:
🔹 The biggest myths abo...

Joseph Cufari, CEO of MONARC Holdings, Inc., shares his journey from pioneering cellular technology to revolutionizing material science with energy-dispersing armor. Discover how MONARC’s US-made innovations protect military personnel and athletes, the role of AI in accelerating product development, and the future of lightweight, adaptive safety solutions. Learn how MONARC balances lethality and safety across defense, law enforceme...

Discover how Henry Gordon-Smith, Founder and CEO of Agritecture, is transforming agriculture with AI, IoT, and urban farming solutions. From helping global farmers adapt to climate change to launching the world’s first farm-planning software, learn how his consultancy bridges tech and sustainability. Whether you're in agtech or just curious about the future of food, this episode is packed with insights!

00:00 - Intro ...

Andrew Ortega-Verdaguer, Founder & CEO of IntelVasc Inc., reveals a groundbreaking subcutaneous sensor that monitors blood flow to predict vascular emergencies before they happen. Learn how this ex-surgeon-turned-entrepreneur is shifting medicine from reactive to proactive—and why AI is key to saving millions from strokes and heart disease. A must-watch for healthcare innovators!

⏱Timestamps
00:00 - Intro
00:31...

David Schomer, CEO of Build Grow Scale, shares his journey from Iowa farm kid to e-commerce expert with two successful exits. Learn why diversifying beyond Amazon is critical, how AI supercharges productivity, and why selling "nice stuff" beats competing on price. A must-watch for e-commerce founders!

⏱Timestamps
00:00 - Intro
00:28 - From farm life to e-commerce (eBay tractors → pumpkin empire)
02:45...

Krishna C Surendra, CEO and Co-Founder of HR Cloud, shares his journey from MySpace engineer to leading a global HR tech company. Discover how HR Cloud leverages AI for onboarding, remote team management, and SEO-driven growth—plus why consolidating HR platforms is the future. Learn his ChatGPT hacks for CEOs and the industries ripe for disruption!

⏱Timestamps
00:00 - Intro
00:28 - Krishna’s career journey (MySpace...