5Q's With GentOfTech

https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-christensen/

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Connect with Will Christensen here:

Deuce Thevenow - Building With AI as a Non-Technical Founder

Thu, 21 May 2026 08:00:00 -0500

In this episode of 5Q's, host Michael Greenberg (https://x.com/gentoftech) interviews Deuce Thevenow (https://www.linkedin.com/in/deucethevenow/), the co-founder of Recess, a platform that connects brands with community-based sampling and experiential marketing opportunities across a network of 200 million in audience reach. Think Airbnb, but for brand activations in WeWorks, F45s, college dorms, and apartment complexes. During the conversation, Deuce shares how he went from non-technical founder to spending 80% of his time in a code terminal, all without writing a single line of code.

The 5Q's

(03:15) What's the latest thing you've learned?

(05:59) What's a business bet you're making right now?

(10:15) What's one thing you think everone should know?

(12:20) Who are you grateful for right now?

(13:45) What's one challenge where, if I could help you, it would change your life?

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Connect with Michael Greenberg here;

https://www.linkedin.com/in/deucethevenow/

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Connect with Deuce Thevenow here;

Zander Barth - Hiring for Resourcefulness Over Resumes

Thu, 14 May 2026 15:23:00 -0500

In this episode of 5Q's, host Michael Greenberg (https://www.linkedin.com/in/gentoftech/) talks to Zander Barth (https://www.linkedin.com/in/zanderbarth/), Director of Colophon New Media, a web development and marketing agency with 18 remote team members. His hiring philosophy flips conventional wisdom: personality and culture fit first, credentials last. His most recent hire had never touched a website backend but had spent two years teaching himself development by building random weekend projects. Zander also explains why intrinsic motivation and willingness to get your hands dirty matter more than experience, especially as AI reshapes what agency work looks like.

The 5 Q's:

(3:19) What's the latest thing you've learned?

(6:46) What's a business bet you're making right now?

(12:18) What's one thing you think everyone should know?

(14:33) Who are you grateful for at the moment?

(17:59) What's your biggest challenge right now?

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Connect with Michael Greenberg here;

https://www.linkedin.com/in/zanderbarth/

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Connect with Zander Barth here;

https://www.cnmwebsite.com/

Rameel Sheikh - Leveraging Content to Build a Business

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 15:45:00 -0500

In this episode of 5Q's, host Michael Greenberg (https://x.com/gentoftech) interviews Rameel Sheikh (https://x.com/ramshe1000), discussing his journey from bootstrapped companies to creating a successful newsletter and his insights on content creation, distribution, and balancing work and personal life.

Rameel Sheikh is the former COO of Y Combinator company First Base, founder of The Bottleneck, a newsletter for CLOs, operational execs, and senior managers, and creator of Cornerstone, a vetted community of COOs, VPs, and heads of operations.

[00:00] Introduction and Rameel's background

[03:30] The Bottleneck newsletter

[05:45] Latest learning: Market running after the product

[08:30] Business bet: Content to SaaS or data information product

[11:15] Living in tier-one cities: blessing and curse

[14:30] Gratitude for family and reprioritizing life

[18:00] Challenges in balancing work, family, and health

[20:45] Wrapping up and contact information

[21:30] Discussion on project management vs. operations roles

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Connect with Michael Greenberg here;

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rameel-sheikh/

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Connect with Rameel Sheikh here;

https://x.com/ramshe1000

Nikolas Hulewsky - Building an Audience as a Long-Term Business Strategy

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 16:15:00 -0500

In this episode of 5Q's, host Michael Greenberg (https://x.com/gentoftech) interviews Nik Hulewsky (https://x.com/cofoundersnik), who shares insights on modern industrialism, building an audience, and the challenges of transitioning between industries.

Nik is a former healthcare entrepreneur who has transitioned into the digital space. Nik is currently exploring digital businesses and building an online audience.

[00:00] Introduction and Nik's background in healthcare

[02:45] Nik's interpretation of being a modern industrialist

[06:30] Nik's current ventures and transition to digital businesses

[10:15] Discussion on crypto mining business challenges

[14:30] Latest learning: Setting up a podcast studio and observing similarities with his sons

[17:00] Business bet: Building an audience as a future competitive advantage

[18:45] The importance of effective communication skills

[20:00] Gratitude for his wife's support in his entrepreneurial journey

[21:15] Current challenge: Balancing exploration with tangible results

[22:30] The value of curiosity and asking questions

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Connect with Michael Greenberg here;

https://x.com/cofoundersnik

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Connect with Nikolas Hulewsky here;

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikolas-hulewsky-617b132a/

Kevin Bibelhausen - An Alternative Path to Business Ownership

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 15:00:00 -0500

In this episode of 5Q's, host Michael Greenberg (https://x.com/gentoftech) interviews Kevin Bibelhausen (https://x.com/bibelhausen), who shares his insights on entrepreneurship through business acquisition, the import industry, and leveraging existing infrastructure for growth.

Kevin is a former technology executive for a large public hospital system, in early 2022 he acquired a textile company, and now focuses on textile sourcing, design, and distribution.

[00:00] Introduction and Kevin's background

[03:30] How Kevin acquired the business

[06:15] Latest learning: Complexities of imports

[09:30] Business bet: Leveraging changes in the textile space

[12:45] One thing everyone should know: Alternative paths to entrepreneurship

[16:00] Gratitude: The importance of a support network

[18:30] Current challenge: Updating technology infrastructure

[21:00] Discussion on HR outsourcing and PEOs

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Connect with Michael Greenberg here;

https://x.com/bibelhausen

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Connect with Kevin Bibelhausen here;

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bibelhausen/

Jack Burlinson - Balancing Startup Life

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 15:15:00 -0500

In this episode of 5Q's, host Michael Greenberg (https://x.com/gentoftech) interviews Jack Burlinson (https://x.com/jfbrly), who shares insights on intentional information consumption, business strategies, and personal growth.

Jack is the founder of Stageglass, a technology startup building 3D design products for interior designers, architects, and renovation contractors. Jack is also the former co-founder of Stanford Barbell Club.

[00:00] Introduction and Jack's background

[02:15] Latest learning: The importance of intentional information consumption

[05:30] Business bet: Leveraging customer acquisition costs in the FF&E industry

[09:45] One thing everyone should know: The critical importance of sleep

[12:30] Gratitude: Jack's mother

[14:00] Current challenge: Achieving product-market fit

[17:30] Jack's life outside of work

[20:15] Discussion on business history and potential podcast ideas

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Connect with Michael Greenberg here;

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-burlinson/

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Connect with Jack Burlinson here;

https://x.com/jfbrly

Donald Spann - The Art of Authentic Selling in Business and Life

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 17:00:00 -0500

In this episode of 5Q's, host Michael Greenberg (https://x.com/gentoftech) interviews Donald Spann (https://x.com/DTSpann), who shares insights on modern industrialism, his various business ventures, and the importance of taking action in entrepreneurship.

Donald is a serial entrepreneur with a focus on staffing and service businesses. Donald is also the founder of multiple staffing and service businesses.

[00:00] Introduction and Donald's perspective on being a modern industrialist

[03:15] Donald's current business ventures

[07:30] Latest learning: Spanish language studies

[09:15] Business bet: The shift in how and where work is performed

[13:45] The importance of knowing how to sell

[16:30] Gratitude for friends and family

[18:15] Current challenge: Breaking into senior-level staffing in life sciences

[20:00] Discussion on Donald's core skill set in recruiting and staffing

[21:45] Final thoughts on taking action in entrepreneurship

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Connect with Michael Greenberg here;

https://www.linkedin.com/in/donald2/

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Connect with Donald Spann here;

https://x.com/DTSpann

Robert Levin - Strategies for Scaling Your Business Through Key Hires

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 15:30:00 -0500

In this episode of 5Q's, host Michael Greenberg (https://x.com/gentoftech) interviews Rob Levin (https://x.com/levin411), who shares insights on entrepreneurship, business growth, and the importance of delegation.

Rob is the co-founder and co-owner of Work Better Now, a company providing remote talent from Latin America to US-based small and mid-sized businesses. Rob is a Serial entrepreneur focused on small and mid-sized business market.

[00:00] Introduction and Work Better Now's business model

[02:30] Rob's perspective on being a modern industrialist

[04:45] Latest learning: The "Who Not How" principle

[08:15] Hiring a Chief Revenue Officer and stepping back

[11:30] Business bet: Hiring a Chief Revenue Officer to accelerate growth

[13:00] One thing everyone should know: Every business owner must have an assistant

[15:15] Gratitude: Family, team, clients, and more

[17:00] Current challenge: Growing beyond referrals and organic growth

[20:00] Discussion on CEO groups and mastermind experiences

[22:00] Contact information and final thoughts

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Connect with Michael Greenberg here;

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertslevin/

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Connect with Robert Levin here;

https://x.com/levin411

Cody Schneider - Unconventional Strategies for Content Distribution and Influencer Marketing

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 15:45:00 -0500

In this episode of 5Q's, host Michael Greenberg (https://x.com/gentoftech) interviews Cody Schneider (https://x.com/codyschneiderxx), who shares insights on AI-powered content creation, innovative marketing strategies, and the future of automated business growth.

Cody runs growth for a venture studio focusing on workflow tools. He also specializes in content marketing and AI-powered growth strategies.

[00:00] Introduction and Cody's role in the venture studio

[02:15] Latest learning: Enhancing AI outputs with context and brand voice

[07:30] Business bet: Building comprehensive AI-powered workflows

[11:45] The importance of understanding traditional content creation processes

[14:30] Gratitude: The value of a founder community

[17:00] Current challenge: Balancing growth and financing options

[20:15] Cody's growth stack and innovative marketing strategies

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Connect with Michael Greenberg here;

https://x.com/codyschneiderxx

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Connect with Cody Schneider here;

https://www.linkedin.com/in/codyxschneider/

Grant Hushek - Automation as Business Insurance

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 17:15:00 -0500

In this episode of 5Q's, host Michael Greenberg (https://x.com/gentoftech) interviews Grant Hushek (https://x.com/granthushek), who shares insights on automation, sales strategies, and the challenges of scaling a consulting business.

Grant is the founder of Grant Bot Process Consulting.

[00:00] Introduction and Grant's perspective on being a modern industrialist

[02:15] Latest learning: Effective sales follow-up strategies

[06:30] Business bet: Automation agencies as business insurance providers

[10:45] One thing everyone should know: The power of Zapier integrations

[13:30] Gratitude for personal support during entrepreneurial journey

[15:00] Current challenge: Developing a system for auditing client businesses

[20:15] The value of persistence in personal and professional life

[21:45] Final thoughts on the importance of persistence

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Connect with Michael Greenberg here;

https://x.com/granthushek

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Connect with Grant Hushek here;

https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-hushek/

Micah Johnson - Bridging the Skills Gap in Digital Operations

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 17:15:00 -0500

In this episode of 5Q's, host Michael Greenberg (https://x.com/gentoftech) interviews Micah Johnson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnsonmicah/), who shares insights on digital operations consulting, the challenges of scaling a business, and the opportunities in the current technological landscape.

Micah is the founder of Workday Ninja (formerly BGBO) and on his third business venture.

[00:00] Introduction and Micah's background

[03:15] Micah's journey from exiting his previous business to starting Workday Ninja

[06:30] Latest learning: The gap in hiring for digital operations roles

[09:45] Business bet: Creating training programs for digital operations

[11:30] One thing everyone should know: Abundant opportunities in technology

[13:15] Gratitude for family support in entrepreneurial journey

[14:30] Current challenge: Overcoming marketing and lead generation gaps

[17:45] Discussion on speaking engagements and marketing strategies

[21:00] Final thoughts on the importance of digital operations, AI, and automation

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Connect with Michael Greenberg here;

https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnsonmicah/

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Connect with Micah Johnson here;

Neel Parekh - Building and Managing a Global Remote Workforce

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 18:00:00 -0500

In this episode of 5Q's, host Michael Greenberg (https://x.com/gentoftech) interviews Neel Parekh (https://x.com/NeelBParekh), who shares insights on building a traditional business with a modern twist, the power of personal branding, and the challenges of scaling operations.

Neel is the founder of MaidThis Franchise, a remote-operated local cleaning company, operated across 23 locations.

[00:00] Introduction and Neel's business background

[03:15] Neel's perspective on being a modern industrialist

[04:30] Latest learning: The art of storytelling in business

[06:45] Business bet: Investing in personal brand distribution

[09:00] One thing everyone should know: The power of reverse engineering

[11:15] Gratitude for mentors and peers in the business community

[13:00] Current challenge: Hiring and integrating an effective executive assistant

[17:30] Michael's setup with his EAs and training process

[20:45] Debate on centralized vs. global remote workforce

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Connect with Michael Greenberg here;

https://x.com/NeelBParekh

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Connect with Neel Parekh here;

https://www.linkedin.com/in/neelbparekh/

Rob Ryan - The Power of Authentic Storytelling in the Age of AI

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 18:00:00 -0500

In this episode of 5Q's, host Michael Greenberg (https://x.com/gentoftech) interviews Rob Ryan (https://x.com/IAmRobRyan), who shares insights on the importance of authentic storytelling in the age of AI, his new venture, and the value of human relationships in business.

Rob is the founder of The Storytellers Company. He is an experienced entrepreneur with a focus on authentic storytelling.

[00:00] Introduction and catching up

[03:15] Rob's perspective on being a modern industrialist

[07:30] Latest learning: Personal resilience and creativity

[12:45] Business bet: Authentic human storytelling in the age of AI

[19:00] The Storytellers Company: A multimedia approach to entrepreneurial stories

[23:30] The importance of relationships in business

[29:00] Current challenge: Launching a crowdfunding campaign for The Storytellers Company

[36:00] Closing thoughts on podcast consistency and production

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Connect with Michael Greenberg here;