Canadian Founder Exodus: Mena Maimone on Leaving Canada, Building in the U.S. and Visa Strategies
22/04/2026 | 56 mins.
In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with immigration attorney and founder Mena Maimone for a direct conversation about why so many Canadian entrepreneurs are exploring a move to the United States. Originally from Canada, Mena moved to South Florida nearly a decade ago, earned her J.D. from Nova Southeastern University, and built Maimone Legal with her mother into a fast-growing firm helping clients navigate the move to the U.S. Together, Aaron and Mena unpack the fears, misconceptions, and real opportunities behind relocating as a founder. From visa pathways and taxes to safety, lifestyle, and long-term freedom, this episode offers a clear look at why more entrepreneurs are making the move and what it actually takes to do it well. Chapters: 01:30 – Why Aaron Believes Canada’s Builders Are Leaving 01:32 – Mena Explains What She’s Seeing With Canadian Business Owners 03:15 – The Main Reasons Canadians Are Looking to Leave 04:41 – What a Government-Heavy Economy Means for Entrepreneurs 05:11 – The Importance of Environment, Energy, and the “Miami Effect” 06:09 – The Biggest Hurdles Canadians Think They Face 06:12 – Why Mena Says the Process Is Easier Than Most People Think 07:47 – Advice for Founders Who Want to Leave but Feel Stuck 09:04 – The Fear-Based Mindset That Keeps People From Making the Move 10:23 – The Most Common Objections Mena Hears 11:09 – Debunking the Healthcare Cost Myth 13:42 – Why the Quality of Life in Florida Feels So Different 16:47 – Why Mena Believes Canada Is Trying to Slow the Exodus 18:02 – Choosing Your Environment and What That Says About Your Future 19:31 – Aaron Shares the Home Invasion That Changed Everything 25:07 – What Founders Need to Know About the So-Called Exit Tax 28:12 – What It Typically Costs To Make the Move Properly 29:05 – How Mena’s Business Has Doubled and What Markets She’s Watching 30:00 – Why Asset Protection Matters More in the U.S. 31:10 – Tax Advantages Business Owners Often Overlook 34:41 – Building a Business With Family and Creating a Legacy 38:40 – Why the E2 Visa Is One of the Most Popular Paths 39:52 – How Long E1 and E2 Visas Last and What Renewal Looks Like 42:38 – Green Card Options for Founders Who Want a Long-Term Path Guest Links: Instagram: @maimone_legal Facebook YouTube If you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaron
The Founders Club IG: @TheFoundersClub Website www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder: TikTok @Founder2FounderPodcast Youtube @Founder2Founder.Podcast
Scaling a Billion-Dollar Brand: George Heaton on Represent’s Growth, Community, and Fitness Integration
15/04/2026 | 36 mins.
In this episode of Founder2Founder, live from a Founders Club conference, Aaron Spivak and Chris Meade sit down with George Heaton, the co-founder of Represent, a globally recognized fashion brand that fuses style, fitness, and community. With over 15 years of entrepreneurship under his belt, George shares the highs and lows of building a multi-million-dollar business. From maintaining brand authenticity to navigating international expansion, George opens up about how he scaled Represent without losing sight of the core values that made the brand successful. George reveals how he built Represent into a dominant force in fashion while staying true to the brand’s roots. This conversation is packed with actionable advice for entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey, covering everything from leadership and team dynamics to navigating tough times and embracing the future of fashion. Chapters: 02:10 – How George’s Background Shaped Represent’s Vision 05:30 – The Key to Building a Fashion Brand with Authenticity 07:20 – Expanding Beyond Fashion: The Fitness Integration 10:15 – Building a Global Brand: The Challenges of International Growth 13:45 – Maintaining Momentum: How George Keeps the Brand Fresh 17:00 – Why Attention to Detail Is Essential for Success 20:10 – The Power of Community in Scaling a Brand 22:30 – Going Global: The Reality of Expanding into New Markets 26:05 – Overcoming Doubts and Fears During Growth Phases 29:30 – The Importance of Flexibility and Adapting to Change 32:00 – When to Delegate: The Role of CEOs and Leaders in Scaling 34:40 – The Work-Life Balance: How to Navigate Personal and Business Challenges 38:00 – Leading a Brand with Heart and Purpose 41:30 – The Value of Staying Creative and Visionary as a Founder 43:50 – The Role of Content and Social Media in Building Your Brand 47:15 – Overcoming Setbacks: What Every Entrepreneur Needs to Know 50:30 – How to Stay Motivated Through Tough Times 53:00 – The Importance of Relationships: Finding Your Tribe 55:20 – George’s Advice to Entrepreneurs: Focus on Long-Term Success 58:00 – Looking to the Future: The Next Big Moves for Represent 59:30 – The Power of Resilience and Staying True to Your Roots 1:02:10 – George’s Final Thoughts: Building a Legacy, Not Just a Brand 1:05:00 – How George Sees the Future of Entrepreneurship 1:07:30 – Closing Remarks: Stay Committed and Keep Pushing Forward Guest Links: Website: https://georgeheaton.com/ https://ca.representclo.com/ Instagram: @georgeheaton @representclo If you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaron
The Founders Club IG: @TheFoundersClub Website www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder: TikTok @Founder2FounderPodcast Youtube @Founder2Founder.Podcast
How Kevin Gould Navigated Rapid Growth and Setbacks to Build a $100M Brand
08/04/2026 | 56 mins.
In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Kevin Gould, a seasoned entrepreneur and the founder of Kombo Ventures, to explore the raw and unfiltered journey behind building successful brands. Kevin is also the co-founder of Glamnetic, a leading beauty brand known for its press-on nails and INH Hair, a hair extension company. With extensive experience in talent management and brand-building, Kevin shares powerful insights about entrepreneurship, resilience, and the mental toughness required to navigate business challenges. Kevin takes us through the rollercoaster of scaling companies, navigating tough decisions, and the pivotal moments that shaped his journey. This episode is a must-listen for any entrepreneur who’s looking to understand the mindset that goes into growing a business from zero to nine figures. Chapters: 01:19 – Kevin’s Early Life and First Hustles 03:01 – The Turning Point That Sparked Kevin’s Entrepreneurial Drive 04:00 – Leaving Corporate Life and Taking the Leap Into Entrepreneurship 06:10 – The Challenges of Starting Kombo Ventures and Navigating the Talent Industry 08:39 – Kevin’s Experience Working with Influencers and YouTubers 10:12 – Mental Toughness and Resilience in High-Stakes Environments 11:40 – Learning from Industry Giants and Developing a Strong Work Ethic 15:19 – The Power of Visualization and Manifestation in Entrepreneurship 17:34 – The Critical Role of Mental Toughness in Business Success 20:18 – Lessons Learned from Working with Jake Paul and Other Influencers 22:22 – Shifting from Talent Management to Building Consumer Brands 24:15 – The Rapid Growth of Glamnetic and Navigating its Challenges 26:33 – The Pain and Lessons Learned During the Three-Year Pivot at Glamnetic 28:16 – Why Confidence and Self-Awareness Are Crucial in Business 30:50 – Maintaining Momentum Through Times of Uncertainty 33:19 – The Dangers of Over-ambition and the Importance of Patience 39:00 – Ego and Leadership: How to Balance Confidence and Humility 41:55 – Understanding What Your Business Needs at Each Stage of Growth 44:33 – Leading Through Crisis: Lessons from Difficult Business Times 47:09 – How Private Equity Shaped Kevin’s Perspective on Business Growth 50:01 – The Power of Curiosity and Continual Learning for Entrepreneurs 52:10 – Kevin’s Long-Term Vision and the Importance of Enjoying the Journey 54:40 – Why Embracing the Unknown is Crucial for Business Growth 56:21 – Kevin’s Final Thoughts: Focus on Long-Term Success, Not Quick Wins 1:00:45 – Kevin’s Advice to His Younger Self: Patience and Perspective Guest Links: Instagram: @keving If you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaron
The Founders Club IG: @TheFoundersClub Website www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder: TikTok @Founder2FounderPodcast Youtube @Founder2Founder.Podcast
Founder Burnout: Why Building a Business Can Break You and How to Fix It with Garrett Peters
01/04/2026 | 1h 6 mins.
In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Garrett Peters, co-founder of Duncan & Stone Paper Co., a brand focused on helping families capture meaningful memories through intentional stationery. Before launching the company in 2020, Garrett spent over a decade working with Walmart and Sam’s Club, gaining experience in scaling brands and building businesses. Garrett shares his transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship, driven by a desire for more freedom, alignment, and time with his family. From building the business as a side hustle to navigating burnout and redefining success, this conversation offers a grounded look at what it really takes to build a business that supports your life. Chapters 01:01 – Garrett’s Background and Joining Founders Club 03:45 – The Moment That Sparked His Entrepreneurial Journey 06:10 – Realizing the Lack of Freedom in Corporate Life 09:34 – The Decision to Start a Business With Friends 11:50 – Building Duncan & Stone as a Side Hustle 12:22 – Late Nights, Family Life, and Early Startup Grind 14:06 – The Realities of Manufacturing and Early Challenges 16:10 – When the Business Started Feeling Real 17:24 – First Holiday Sales and Early Momentum 18:30 – The Breaking Point That Led to Quitting His Job 20:52 – Going All-In Without Financial Security 21:37 – The Chaos of Year One as a Full-Time Founder 22:33 – Losing Identity and Burning Out in the Business 23:44 – The Impact on Marriage and Personal Life 25:50 – Learning to Outsource and Build a Team 26:48 – Understanding Alignment vs. Burnout 28:29 – Finding Product Focus and Building a Brand 30:43 – Creating the Legacy Journal and Defining Their Niche 34:13 – Why Amazon Became a Key Growth Channel 36:57 – Selling a Product Customers Didn’t Know They Needed 38:17 – Navigating Business With Friends and Family 40:20 – Setting Boundaries Between Work and Life 43:13 – The Role of Personal Health in Business Success 45:09 – Defining “Enough” and Building a Lifestyle Business 48:44 – Balancing Ambition With Contentment 50:10 – The Danger of Comparison and External Validation 53:47 – Creating Your Own Version of Success 59:33 – Advice to His Younger Self: Control What You Can
Guest Links: Website: https://www.duncanandstone.com/ Instagram: @duncanandstone LinkedIn: Garrett Peters If you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaron
The Founders Club IG: @TheFoundersClub Website www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder: TikTok @Founder2FounderPodcast Youtube @Founder2Founder.Podcast
How Founders Can Use Personal Branding to Grow a Business with Addison LaBonte
25/03/2026 | 1h 4 mins.
In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Addison LaBonte, founder of Sweet Addison’s, a fast-growing better-for-you bakery shipping gluten-free, dairy-free desserts nationwide. A former Division 1 athlete, Addison has channeled her discipline and resilience into building a brand rooted in authenticity and quality. After a life-changing health diagnosis, Addison turned to gluten-free living, what started as a personal journey quickly evolved into a thriving business and loyal online community. Her story highlights the power of betting on yourself, building with intention, and creating products that truly serve people.
Chapters 01:16 – Addison’s Background and Unexpected Path to Entrepreneurship 03:42 – How Division 1 Athletics Shaped Her Discipline and Mindset 05:41 – The Power of Delayed Gratification in Business 07:44 – Health Diagnosis That Changed Everything 08:35 – Discovering Gluten-Free Living and a New Passion 09:49 – Starting an Instagram Account That Led to a Business 11:03 – Early Doubts and Getting Laid Off Before Launch 12:33 – Building Sweet Addison’s From a Small Apartment 13:25 – 26 Recipe Iterations to Perfect the Product 14:10 – Transitioning From Home Baking to a Commercial Kitchen 15:13 – Listening to Customers and Building for Demand 17:53 – Launch Strategy: Influencers and Word-of-Mouth Growth 18:44 – Understanding the Gluten-Free Consumer Market 20:08 – Product Innovation: High-Protein, Better-For-You Desserts 21:31 – Challenges of Selling Perishable Products Online 23:13 – Vision for Scaling Into National Retail 25:34 – Why Personal Branding Was a Game-Changer 27:37 – Discipline, Consistency, and Social Media Growth 29:59 – Evolving Her Personal Brand Over Time 31:26 – Viral Content and Learning From Audience Feedback 36:32 – Pushing Limits: From Marathons to Ultra Running 38:17 – The “Deathbed Mentality” and Living Without Regret 40:43 – Training the Mind Through Physical Challenges 42:55 – Childhood Lessons That Built Independence and Resilience 47:16 – Taking a Leap of Faith and Moving to Dallas 50:45 – Advice to Her Younger Self Guest Links: Website: www.sweetaddisons.com Instagram: @sweet.addisons @organicallyaddison If you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaron
Entrepreneurship isn’t just a career—it’s a relentless, all-consuming way of life.Welcome to Founder2Founder a raw and unfiltered podcast where host Aaron Spivak pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build something from the ground up. No sugarcoating, no overnight success stories—just deep, honest conversations with some of the most driven, underrated, and game-changing founders of our time. From brutal setbacks to game-changing mindset shifts, Aaron goes beyond the polished success stories to uncover the unglamorous, deeply personal side of building a business.As a seasoned entrepreneur himself, Aaron goes beneath the surface and gets into the nitty-gritty of what it truly takes to succeed. He’ll dive into the habits, behaviors, and routines that set elite founders apart, the tactics and strategies that are working today, and the mindset shifts required to push through the hardest moments. Through raw personal stories, late-night struggles, and breakthrough moments, guests open up about what it really means to grow, not just as a founder, but as a person.Each week, Aaron sits down with visionary entrepreneurs from high-growth startup founders to seasoned CEOs, for real, unfiltered conversations about the highs, lows, and everything in between. Whether you're scaling a company, launching your first venture, or just looking for inspiration, this podcast will give you the insights, motivation, and real-world advice you won’t get just anywhere. If you're ready to strip away the illusion and get real about what it means to build, sacrifice, and thrive, this is the podcast for you. Join us every Wednesday!
Ireland