The Startup Junkies Podcast

Summary In this week’s episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Daniel Koonce, Caleb Talley, and Jeff Amerine are joined by Steve Toth, CEO of Crestline Leaders, a company helping high-capacity leaders move their enterprises forward. Steve’s entrepreneurial journey is as hands-on as it gets. He chronicled his early days rebuilding Volkswagen motors before discussing his role in co-founding Tango Press, a corrugated packaging startup that he grew and successfully exited. One standout insight was Steve’s emphasis on integrating people and culture strategies from the beginning. He argues that no business can thrive or be successfully exited unless it’s built on trust, documented systems, and well-defined accountability. Steve explains how risk management, strategy, and a focus on enterprise value need to be front and center, no matter your stage of growth.  Additionally, he shared advice for entrepreneurs: think about succession and exit from day one. If your business cannot thrive without you, then there’s work to be done. For anyone building a business with an eye toward value creation and longevity, Steve’s blend of practical, people-first advice and battlefield-tested experience makes this episode a must-listen! Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (04:27) Building Transferable Business Value (12:06) A Prioritized Risk Management Approach (18:00) The Importance of Enterprise Value in Exiting (25:33) Utilizing a Hands-On Leadership Transition (30:00) Rethinking Work-Life Balance (38:01) Focusing on a Growth Mindset (40:36) Closing Thoughts Links Daniel Koonce [https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-koonce-3a446a21b/] Caleb Talley [https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-talley-25189211b/] Jeff Amerine [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffamerine/] Startup Junkie [https://startupjunkie.org/] Startup Junkie YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqExEuOdzJWStrExSmv8d-g] Steve Toth [https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-real-steve-toth/] Crestline Leaders [https://www.crestlineleaders.com/]

Summary In this week’s episode of Startup Junkies, the team welcomes Keiji Tsuchiya, founder of CaminoSake, for a fascinating conversation about bringing Japanese craft sake and its rich culture to new audiences in Northwest Arkansas and beyond. Keiji’s journey is anything but ordinary. With roots in Kobe, Japan, and a background spanning venture capital and the foodtech sector, he has a unique vision of supporting small Japanese brewers and local specialty sake shops by expanding their reach into global markets. His story intertwines entrepreneurial grit with a passion for sharing sake’s true essence, not just as an alcoholic drink, but as a mindful, enjoyable experience. Listeners get a taste of Keiji’s philosophy as he discusses the traditional art of sake, the nuances of hot sake preparation, and innovative food pairings that break cultural boundaries, think Arkansas fried chicken or spicy Moroccan tagine with sake! Keiji’s collaborations with local chefs, Brightwater Culinary School, and Arkansas’ own Origami Sake brewery highlight his drive to foster community and cross-cultural culinary adventures. Bootstrapping his venture, Keiji offers honest insight into the challenges and joys of entrepreneurship, advocating for enjoying each moment and learning along the way. For food lovers, sake enthusiasts, and aspiring entrepreneurs, this episode delivers inspiration and practical wisdom. Keiji reminds us that every meal and every venture can be a little happier, one mindful sip at a time! Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (05:59) Improving Hot Sake Quality Education (08:44) Keiji’s Role in Sake Brewing (11:47) Cross-Cultural Culinary Ventures (14:59) Bootstrapping Challenges and Strategies (16:45) Expanding Japanese Sake Globally (21:39) Closing Thoughts Links Daniel Koonce [https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-koonce-3a446a21b/] Caleb Talley [https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-talley-25189211b/] Startup Junkie [https://startupjunkie.org/] Startup Junkie YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqExEuOdzJWStrExSmv8d-g] Keiji Tsuchiya [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kagecage/] CaminoSake [https://www.caminosake.com/]

Summary In this week’s episode of Startup Junkies, program director of ARise, Kris Adams, joins hosts Daniel Koonce, Caleb Talley, and Jeff Amerine to shine a spotlight on the ARise program—a dynamic support system for tech and tech-enabled startups in Arkansas. ARise, short for Arkansas Innovators, Startups, and Entrepreneurs, delivers a unique approach by offering long-term support beyond the standard accelerator window, ensuring startups always have access to resources. Kris shares how ARise is designed to be accessible for companies at any stage, from high school students tinkering with ideas to serial entrepreneurs developing scalable ventures. The program offers one-on-one coaching, access to capital, navigation through state and federal incentives, and connections with a vast network of subject matter experts. These experts cover everything from legal and marketing to deep tech specialties like AI, biotech, and cybersecurity. What sets ARise apart is its flexibility; the program is industry-agnostic and can support everything from advanced manufacturing to SaaS startups and even tech-infused, e-commerce companies. For those unsure if they qualify, the ARise team is just an onboarding call away to help walk through the fit. Kris also details ARise’s commitment to growing the Arkansas entrepreneurial ecosystem, with plans for increasing program reach, gathering critical data, and fostering innovation statewide. If you’re a tech entrepreneur, no matter your age or stage, ARise is ready to help you scale your vision for free! Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (06:05) ARise’s Coaching and Capital Access Resources (10:40) Scaling Challenges for Tech Companies (16:17) Trends in Marketing, Legal, and Capital (19:54) Arkansas’s Capital Scan Initiative (22:21) AI-Assisted Business Insights (26:29) Closing Thoughts Links Daniel Koonce [https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-koonce-3a446a21b/] Caleb Talley [https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-talley-25189211b/] Jeff Amerine [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffamerine/] Startup Junkie [https://startupjunkie.org/] Startup Junkie YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqExEuOdzJWStrExSmv8d-g] Kris Adams [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristopher-adams-ab6131134/] ARise [https://arisearkansas.org/]

Summary In this week’s episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Daniel Koonce, Caleb Talley, and Jeff Amerine sit down with Brandon Watts, founder of B. Watts Collective and the nonprofit Kidz N Cameras,  to dive into Brandon’s unconventional journey from a traditional college education to forging his creative path as a commercial photographer and entrepreneur in Northwest Arkansas. Brandon shares how his love for photography grew out of flipping through his parents’ old photo albums and his desire for career independence. What began as a side hustle quickly turned into a thriving business, B. Watts Collective, where Brandon specializes in commercial and event photography. He emphasizes the importance of networking, understanding one’s target clients, and positioning oneself strategically to meet potential business contacts. The episode shines brightest when Brandon discusses Kidz N Cameras, the nonprofit he launched in 2023 to empower kids (especially those facing challenges) to express themselves emotionally through photography. He tells touching stories, like a young student who used photography as a means of healing after leaving behavioral health care, ultimately winning a contest with a deeply personal nature photo. Brandon outlines Kidz N Cameras’ workshops, summer camps, contests, and community partnerships, all aimed at giving underprivileged youth creative opportunities he wishes he’d had growing up. Balancing his thriving business, nonprofit work, and family life, Brandon exemplifies how merging passion with purpose can create real impact. For anyone curious about entrepreneurship or using creativity for good, this episode offers practical advice and heartfelt motivation. Tune in today! Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (08:57) Photography Workshops and Future Plans (15:58) Balancing Photography and Nonprofit Work (22:00) Crystal Bridges Creative Opportunity (26:01) Fundraising Journey: First Year Challenges (31:45) Building a Youth Photography Program (36:38) The Importance of Expressing Yourself (38:55) Closing Thoughts Links Daniel Koonce [https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-koonce-3a446a21b/] Caleb Talley [https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-talley-25189211b/] Jeff Amerine [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffamerine/] Startup Junkie [https://startupjunkie.org/] Startup Junkie YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqExEuOdzJWStrExSmv8d-g] Brandon Watts [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-watts-6387025b/] Kidz N Cameras [https://www.kidzncameras.org/] B. Watts Collective [http://www.bwattscollective.com]

Summary In this week’s episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Daniel Koonce, Caleb Talley, and Jeff Amerine dive deep into the topics of screen time, digital distraction, and addictive technologies with Ian McCready, founder of selfctrl. Ian’s journey is as relatable as it is eye-opening—once addicted to video games himself, he now leads a nonprofit aimed at helping kids and parents reclaim their time and mental wellbeing in the age of endless scrolling and instant dopamine hits. Through candid stories, Ian shares how recognizing the negative impact of his gaming habit (sometimes up to 14 hours a day in college) prompted a complete lifestyle shift. He ultimately launched selfctrl, dedicated to equipping both youth and adults with the skills and frameworks to develop healthier relationships with screens. From school assemblies to workshops for parents, Ian and his team offer practical, actionable steps for families feeling overwhelmed by technology. What’s striking is the universality of the challenge. Ian highlights stories ranging from elementary-age children struggling to put down YouTube to adults admitting addiction to mobile games and social media. Listeners will find both comfort and motivation in Ian’s advice: set limits, seek real-life community, and be transparent about struggles. The conversation concludes with a powerful reminder about the value of relationships and human connection, something screens can't replace. Tune in for actionable insights and visit selfctrl.com [http://selfctrl.com] if you’re seeking healthier digital habits for your family or yourself! Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (05:34) Helping Youth Break Digital Habits (08:10) Building Self-Control Through Tech Innovation (11:39) Finding Focus: The selfctrl Framework (17:01) Youth Screen Addiction Concerns (23:52) Silicon Valley’s Ethical Dilemma (30:29) Technology Overuse: Dopamine and Screen Time (35:47) Boredom’s Role in Creativity Decline (40:42) Device Usage Detox Strategy (49:59) Closing Thoughts Links Daniel Koonce [https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-koonce-3a446a21b/] Caleb Talley [https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-talley-25189211b/] Startup Junkie [https://startupjunkie.org/] Startup Junkie YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqExEuOdzJWStrExSmv8d-g] Ian McCready [https://www.linkedin.com/in/imccready/] selfctrl [https://selfctrl.com/] McCready Consulting [https://www.ianmccready.com/]