From Makerspace to Million-Dollar Van Conversion Business | Robert Culpi of Vantopia Vans

48 Hours. No Sleep. Big Ideas. Welcome to Make48.

In this episode, Josh and Jake sit down with Tom Gray, CEO of Make48, the high-octane 48-hour invention challenge where teams go from idea to prototype under real-world constraints—with expert builders, tools, and cameras rolling. Tom shares his unlikely path from a small lifestyle farm in New Zealand to launching a televised innovation series in the U.S. Along the way, we talk about: * Learning by doing (and failing young) * The power of community-based making * Why YouTube might be the best teacher on Earth * What really defines a maker or inventor * His most powerful stories from working with blind student innovators * How side gigs can become something much bigger Whether you're an educator, builder, dreamer, or just Make48-curious, this episode will make you rethink who gets to innovate—and why it's probably you. 🔗 Explore more at Make48.com [https://www.make48.com]

From PhD to CEO: Michael Santiago on Innovation in AgTech

In this episode of The CAD Class Podcast, we sit down with Michael Santiago, CEO of Flora Pulse, to explore his journey from a mechanical engineering PhD at Cornell to leading an agtech company that's redefining how water is measured in agriculture. Michael shares how Flora Pulse's innovative microchip technology allows farmers to "talk to trees," optimizing irrigation and saving water. Tune in to discover how a passion for science and a leap from academia to business is helping transform the way we grow food.

From Makerspace to Million-Dollar Van Conversion Business | Robert Culpi of Vantopia Vans

How do you turn a simple idea into a thriving physical product business?  In this episode of the CADclass Podcast, Josh and Jake sit down with Robert Culpi, founder of Vantopia Vans, a company making modular flat-pack van conversion kits. Robert shares how he started Vantopia Vans from a makerspace, using only a CNC machine, simple CAD renders, and a scrappy "fail fast, fail small" mentality. We dive deep into how he scaled a pandemic-era startup, validated ideas without spending thousands, and built a profitable van conversion business inside a makerspace before moving into his own facility. Topics include: * How to start a hardware business from scratch * Using Fusion 360 and Inventor for fast prototyping * Why sales — not ideas — are what make or break a business * The power of renders for testing product-market fit * Why simple ideas often win ("invention of the obvious") * How makers can think about entrepreneurship If you're interested in makerspaces, CAD modeling, CNC machining, van life, or bootstrapping your business, this episode is a must-listen! Learn more about VanTopia Vans: vantopiavans.com [https://vantopiavans.com]

Why Jim Belosic Created SendCutSend to Help Makers

Tired of slow quotes, bad service, and expensive parts, Jim Belosic built the platform he always wanted as a maker and now it’s changing the game for thousands around the world.

CADclass Interview With TooTallToby

CAD Class Podcast: Unlock Speed Modeling with Toby from tootalltoby.com! Jake and Josh welcome Toby, the speed modeling guru from tootalltoby.com, to the podcast! They explore the art and science of rapid design, discussing Toby's unique approach, real-world examples, and the mindset needed to model at top speed. Discover how to optimize your CAD skills and transform your design process. This episode is a must-listen if you want to save time and maximize your output. #CADClass #SpeedDesign #CADTips #tootalltoby