The Dead Pixels Society podcast

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What if your greatest business opportunity isn't something new, but something you already possess? In this eye-opening conversation with business growth expert Ann Carden, we explore how entrepreneurs can transform their expertise into thriving, profitable businesses.

Cardens journey from teaching neighborhood craft classes at age eight to building and selling five successful companies offers a masterclass in business evolution. Rather than chasing the next shiny opportunity, she reveals how staying three steps ahead of market trends allowed her to pivot seamlessly from a global doll business...

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Are you exhausted trying to keep up with endless social media demands while running your business? What if you could achieve better results with just four strategic posts?

Katie Brinkley, founder of Next Step Social, author, and podcast host, reveals a game-changing approach to social media that's perfect for photo retailers, lab owners, and camera stores who need an effective digital presence without sacrificing their core operations. Having built her agency from a single client to a team of eleven, Brinkley understands...

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What does true leadership look like in today's business landscape? Dr. Kevin Mays reveals it begins not with controlling others, but with mastering yourself. His journey from aerospace engineering student to leadership consultant offers profound insights on building organizations that thrive beyond their founders.

Dr. Mays challenges conventional wisdom about leadership, arguing that before you can effectively lead others, you must first understand your thought patterns and intentions. This self-awareness forms the foundation for creating environments where people feel empowered to bring their best...

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Celi Arias knows what it means to struggle as a creative entrepreneur. From sleeping on an air mattress on her factory floor to building and selling multi-seven-figure businesses, her journey has been anything but linear. Now, as the founder of Grown Ass Business, she's on a mission to help other creative entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses without burning out.

The truth about turning passion into profit isn't what most business coaches want you to hear. As Arias reveals, passion alone is a "finicky...

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Ever wondered if your "failing" memory cards might just need some TLC? Larry O'Connor, founder and CEO of OWC (Other World Computing), shatters common misconceptions about technology lifespan while revealing game-changing approaches to extending the life of your digital gear.

Since founding OWC in 1988, O'Connor has maintained a singular focus: "giving users more from the technology they have." What began as memory upgrades for Apple computers has evolved into comprehensive storage solutions, docks, and software tools designed to maximize performance...

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Ever found yourself frantically scrolling through thousands of photos trying to find that one perfect shot you know exists somewhere? This frustration sparked the creation of MediaViz AI when founder Troy DeBraal's business partner slammed his phone down in a restaurant after failing to locate a crucial photo of his son. "Why can't you build something that can keep track of all my good photos and get rid of all this junk?" he demanded – and a revolutionary AI photo curation platform was born.

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One unexpected phone call changed Jerry Grossman's career path forever, moving him from advertising Charmin toilet paper to promoting Nikon cameras—a shift that would place him at ground zero of photography's most transformative era.

The International Photographic Council (IPC) will host its annual IPC Hall of Fame and Professional Photographer Achievement Awards Luncheon on May 14, 2025. The IPC Service Award honoree, Jerry Grossman is co-owner and Editor-in-Chief of Digital Imaging Reporter. 

In this nostalgic yet ins...

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After dedicating 30 years to school photography and rising to Head of Sales at the UK's largest school photography company, Ian Hatch found himself unexpectedly redundant at age 54. Rather than retiring or changing careers, he channeled what he candidly calls his "revenge" into something extraordinary – a thriving school photography business that's grown from a single school to 66 in just three years.

One of the secrets to Hatch's continued success lies in his innovative "Moving Memories" technology. By linking printed photographs to videos through augmented reality, he...

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Photography isn't just about capturing images—it can be a powerful tool for healing and presence. Joe Van Wyk's journey from struggling graphic designer to mindful photographer reveals how smartphone photography transformed his mental health and creative expression.

Growing up with artistic talent, Van Wyk initially took a conventional path, pursuing an MBA and international business to emulate his successful father. When this left him deeply unfulfilled, a chance encounter introduced him to graphic design, awakening his dormant creativity. As technology shifted and de...

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Tom Gledhill brings a powerful wake-up call to business owners with his revelation that a staggering 80% of small businesses that go to market never actually sell. Drawing from his unique perspective as both a former business owner who successfully sold his multi-million dollar company and a certified business broker, Gledhill shares invaluable insights into why so many businesses fail to transition successfully.

The key culprits behind failed business sales? Unrealistic owner expectations about valuation and the "owner is the business" syndrome where all systems and knowledge...

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Step into the world of UV printing with Lon Riley, founder of DPI Laboratory, as he reveals how this rapidly evolving technology is transforming personalization across industries. Unlike traditional printing methods, UV printing instantly cures ink with ultraviolet light, making products immediately ready for handling or shipping—a game-changer for on-demand production.

What began as a specialty ink company has evolved into a full-service printing solution provider, with DPI Laboratory now offering two printer models tailored to different market needs. The compact Ca...

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What separates thriving businesses from struggling ones? It's rarely the product or service quality alone. David Fastuca, CEO and co-founder of Growth Forum, reveals how effective sales frameworks create sustainable growth regardless of industry or size.

From starting his first design business at 14 to achieving a $30 million exit with his tech company Locomote Fastuca's journey demonstrates how mastering sales transform business outcomes. His refreshing perspective challenges common assumptions about business growth, particularly the misconception that adding more products automatically increases...

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What if the marketing strategies draining your budget could be transformed into systems that actually generate profit? In this eye-opening conversation with John Watson, founder of Accrue Marketing, we uncover the costly mistakes most businesses make with their marketing efforts and the straightforward solutions that can revolutionize your approach.

Watson's journey from data analyst to marketing coach began when he repeatedly found himself delivering devastating news to clients about their marketing performance. After analyzing countless campaigns, he discovered a shocking pattern: businesses...

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Imagine transforming your workplace into a high-performing, cohesive team where every member contributes meaningfully to your organization's success. That's exactly what Brenda Neckvatal, with more than 30 years of Fortune 500 HR experience, helps business owners achieve through her "human results" approach.

Neckvatal unpacks the delicate balance of team dynamics, comparing cohesion to an elastic band that stretches when individual performance wavers. She reveals how to catch performance issues early before that band becomes permanently damaged, sharing strategies that work across organizations of any size.
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In this episode, Matt Bailey, a digital marketing expert with more than 20 years of experience, takes us through his journey, starting from building websites in the '90s to now focusing on effective marketing education. He shares insights about the evolution of digital marketing and highlights why businesses must focus on their best customers. With a powerful message on the misconception that more traffic equals more sales, he challenges listeners to think differently about their marketing strategies.

Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and le...

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Ever wondered what it takes to capture the essence of sailing on camera? Join us as we chat with Patrick Condy, the visionary behind PKC Media, who shares his transformative journey from Scotland to the Isle of Wight, fueled by a passion for photography and the ocean. As a water sports visual content creator, Condy offers a behind-the-scenes look at the thrills and trials of photographing dynamic water sports. From his early days interning at OC Sport to founding his own company, Condy reveals...

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Journey with us as Philippa Gamse from Websites that Win shares her captivating story of navigating the digital revolution. From the early days of CompuServe to the modern marvels of remote work technology, Gamse provides a window into the transformative power of online communication. Her experiences in ushering organizations from the era of fax machines to the convenience of email underscore the rapid technological advancements that have reshaped how businesses operate today. With a keen focus on the photo industry, she unravels the critical...

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Ever wondered how a CEO transitions from a world of molecular biology and tech startups to heading a thriving photography business? Join us as we uncover Jasmeet Singh's incredible journey from science to the shutter, where his teenage passion for photography evolved into a successful career as the CEO and chief photographer of 415 Headshots. You’ll hear firsthand how a stopover at a tire shop unexpectedly equipped him with core skills for his future venture. Singh's story is a testament to the power of passion and adaptation. He sh...

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Ever wondered how a career in television and real estate can lead to entrepreneurial innovation? Join us as we sit down with Lorene Cowan, a dynamic entrepreneur whose fascinating journey from the PR department at Lifetime Television to creating the Experts Tribe will inspire anyone looking to pivot their career. Cowan takes us through her early days at MTV, the allure of New York City's real estate market, and how the COVID-19 pandemic became a catalyst for her innovative platform that offers over 200 business opportunities. 

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What if you could preserve the voices and stories of your loved ones for generations, just like hiring a top-notch biographer? Join us as we speak with Charlie Greene, the visionary co-founder and CEO of Remento, a startup revolutionizing how we capture and treasure personal narratives. Greene shares his deeply personal journey, sparked by a childhood of cherished home videos and profound family experiences, which led him to create a platform that makes documenting life stories accessible and heartfelt for everyone. Through Remento, families...

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What if your possessions could tell stories as rich and vivid as your own memories? Join us as we explore this intriguing possibility with Ellen Goodwin, co-founder of Artifcts, a platform revolutionizing how we preserve sentimental value in our belongings. Goodwin shares her personal journey sparked by a poignant experience with inherited belongings, which led to the creation of Artifcts. Discover how this innovative tool blends inventory with personal stories, offering a seamless way to document the emotional significance of items for future generations.<...

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Discover how resilience and creativity blend in the world of photography with Lesli Lane, an inspiring third-generation photographer from Studio 13 in Indianapolis. Lane shares her journey from a family legacy in portrait and wedding photography to her unique niche in corporate and commercial photography. Her background as a national ice skating competitor has honed her adaptability and competitive spirit, guiding her through the challenges of an industry that demands both creative vision and business savvy. Learn about her innovative strategies, from embracing new technologies...

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What if the journey to success meant reinventing yourself in an entirely new industry and a new country? Berti Skenderasi's story begins in Albania and winds through a diverse career path, eventually landing him in the volume photography business in the United States. Through determination, resilience, and a touch of serendipity, Skenderasi shifted from politics and computer repair to discovering his true calling behind the camera. Hear how his time at Lifetouch ignited a passion for school photography, setting him on a path to build...

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Peggy Beauregard, a veteran in the world of commercial real estate, graces us with her presence to share over four decades of wisdom. Discover how Peggy transitioned from hands-on property management to becoming a limited partner, reaping the rewards of real estate without the everyday grind. Learn the ins and outs of diversifying income streams and the strategic advantage of turning to real estate as a steady asset class, especially as markets evolve. Beauregard's insights on embracing economic changes are not to be missed for those...

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Unlock the secrets of strategic financial guidance for small businesses with Stewart Ervin, the fractional CFO from Bracket Management, who is redefining how businesses can thrive without a full-time CFO. This episode promises to demystify how fractional CFOs empower small enterprises to break through growth barriers, regain financial control, and prepare for pivotal transitions such as mergers or sales. Ervin shares his fascinating journey from taking the reins of a family business to excelling in corporate roles and mastering the art of business turnarounds...

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Unlock neuroplasticity's secrets and control your cognitive destiny with our guest, Stu Morris. He unravels the brain's incredible ability to adapt and evolve, emphasizing that forgetting is more about recall than loss. Morris sheds light on how impactful experiences forge stronger neural pathways and offers strategies to counteract age-related cognitive decline by reshaping belief systems. Tune in to explore how understanding these mechanisms can lead to enhanced cognitive abilities and a new perspective on overcoming the challenges that come with aging.

Venture into the...

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Unlock the secrets of Google Ads with insights from John Horn, CEO of StubGroup, as we explore the dynamic landscape of digital advertising. Learn the critical distinctions between SEO and paid Google Ads, and discover how strategic ad placements can significantly boost your return on ad spend. Horn shares his expertise in navigating the competitive nature of Google Ads and the importance of both manual and automated bidding strategies to optimize your advertising budget.

Tap into strategies that can transform your advertising...

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Discover how a location scout from New York City transformed into a trailblazing entrepreneur in our latest episode featuring Justin Benson, co-founder of Aftershoot. Benson takes us through his journey, from his passion for photography on TV sets as a location scout o capturing magical moments at weddings. He reveals the challenges of managing thousands of images and how a simple Facebook post led to a transformative partnership with Harshit Dwivedi, the original founder of Aftershoot. This pivotal moment, coupled with the...

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Gwendolyn (Wendy) Bounds, an accomplished journalist, author and tech executive, shares her journey from journalism at the Wall Street Journal to the fast-paced world of tech startups. The episode kicks off with a remembrance of the 1994 Photo Marketing Association convention, where Bounds and Dead Pixels Society host Gary Pageau first met and witnessed the dawn of digital photography with Apple's QuickTake camera. Bounds provides a unique perspective on Kodak's struggle to transition from film to digital during George Fisher's...

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Discover the secrets of Europe's tech innovation with Rick Molenaar, the commercial director of FastEditor, as he takes us on an engaging journey through the company's transformation from a humble software provider in the Netherlands to a global powerhouse in photo editing. We'll explore how the vibrant European tech scene, with its unique challenges and opportunities, fosters creativity and international expansion. Molenaar shares insights into how Fast Editor navigates language and cultural barriers, leveraging technology to enhance their market reach.

Imagine a...

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Unlock the secrets to driving business success with SEO expert Senthil Kumar as he shares his remarkable journey from entrepreneurship to mastering search engine optimization. Discover how Kumar transformed his university cleaning service project into a springboard for future ventures, harnessing the power of SEO to propel his notebook and t-shirt printing business to new heights. His passion for SEO didn't stop there; it fueled the growth of an innovative art studio and eventually led him to establish a thriving SEO consultancy. Along the way, Senthil...

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Discover how Shena Marie White overcame a tax disaster to not only save her concrete repair business but transform it into a thriving enterprise. After a shocking betrayal by her accountant, White faced the daunting task of reconstructing three years of financial records to confront the IRS. Her journey of resilience and determination didn't just stop at survival; it propelled her to a 24% profit margin and inspired a new path as the founder of Your Pocket CFO, where she empowers others to navigate their financial futures...

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Roui Kamienowicz experienced a life-changing shift from the world of law to the vibrant realm of photography, and she's here to share that story with us. Her journey from a career in law to leading Samy's Camera in Los Angeles is as inspiring as it is insightful, beginning with a transformative photo workshop in Death Valley and culminating in her passionate drive to evolve the family business. Kamienowicz not only carries the legacy of her parent's venture, which began in 1976, but also...

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Ever wondered how a childhood fascination can shape an entire career? Liz Snyder, the creative force behind Elizabeth Snyder Photography, takes us on an inspiring journey from her early days in her aunt's attic studio to becoming a full-time photographer. Snyder candidly shares how her passion for photography was ignited by the magic of the darkroom and how personal upheavals guided her back to her true calling. We explore her transition from analog to digital, including a stint in a one-hour photo lab, illustrating...

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What if mastering the art of influence could transform your business relationships and career? Join us for an enlightening conversation with entrepreneur and author Gary C. Laney, who shares his fascinating journey from a family of entrepreneurs to success in high-tech and eventually entrepreneurship. With insights from mentorship under Stephen Covey, Laney offers a unique perspective on strategic influence—distinct from the fleeting nature of social media influence. We uncover the critical steps needed to build long-term business relationships, particularly in niche markets like th...

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What if you could harness the power of online reviews to transform your business's reputation? Join us as we chat with DJ Sprague, the CMO of Shopper Approved, about the art and science of online reputation management. Sprague sheds light on how companies can partner with platforms like Google and Bing to amplify their online presence, strategically collect reviews, and showcase compelling star ratings that catch consumers’ eyes. From using post-checkout pop-ups to sending follow-up emails, we explore innovative wa...

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Unlock the potential of your small business with expert insights from Zaid Ammari, founder of PPC Masterminds, as we dissect the world of Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising. Discover how to effectively leverage Google Ads, Bing Ads, Amazon Ads, YouTube Ads, and Pinterest Ads to target local customers and drive foot traffic to your brick-and-mortar store. Ammari helps navigate the complex landscape of PPC channels, providing invaluable advice on selecting the right platforms and highlighting the benefits of working with specialized PPC agencies.

Maximize...

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What if the photographers you once directed suddenly told you to pick up a camera yourself? Join us as we chat with Enzo Dal Verme, the acclaimed fashion photographer who did exactly that! From his beginnings running a PR agency to becoming a celebrated photographer for magazines like Vanity Fair and The Times, Dal Verme takes us behind the scenes of his incredible career. Discover how his unorthodox presentation style and sheer enthusiasm helped him break through the toughest post-9/11 industry challenges, launching a globetrotting career...

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Unlock the secrets of effective networking with Dave Castro, the mastermind behind the Icebrekr app. Have you ever wondered how to make meaningful connections at networking events, especially if you're an introvert? Castro's journey from juggling multiple jobs to creating a game-changing networking tool is inspiring. He shares his insights on maximizing your networking efforts by identifying ideal connections and making every interaction count.

Discover the versatile features of Icebrekr that cater to both attendees and organizers, from live registration lists to proximity-based notifications...

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Prepare to be inspired by the legendary Scott Bourne as he takes us on an extraordinary journey through his illustrious five-decade career in photography. From his serendipitous beginnings at the Indianapolis 500 to becoming a revered figure in outdoor nature and bird photography, Bourne's story is one of passion, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Discover how a chance encounter and a borrowed camera set the stage for a groundbreaking career, leading to influential roles such as being an Olympus visionary and launching the pioneering Photofocus.com.<...