Alpha Edge: The Entrepreneur’s Launchpad

Introducing Throughway.AI — Real AI for Local Businesses, Finally Made Simple

AI has been promised to small business owners for years, but most people still have no clear path to actually use it. They jump on ChatGPT, try a few tools, and get nowhere. That ends now. Loren Dougherty and Raymond Beckham — operators who've built and run nine companies across security, IT, software, vending, and more — introduce Throughway.AI: an AI services company built specifically for local businesses. No six-figure projects. No complicated installs. Just real AI tools, set up and run for you, on a simple monthly subscription. In this intro video, Loren and Raymond break down what Throughway.AI is, why they built it, and what's coming next — including free website audits, ADA compliance testing, and a full menu of AI services designed to help your business answer calls, close more sales, manage your reputation, and run more efficiently. Visit throughway.ai to see what's on the menu, or book a free call to find out which services fit your operation.

Jordan on Entrepreneurship, Hiring, and Hard Lessons

In this episode of the Yardbros Podcast, we sit down with Jordan for an honest conversation about what it really takes to build a business from the ground up. Jordan opens up about his journey into entrepreneurship — the spark that started it all, the long days no one sees, and the lessons he had to learn the hard way. We get into the realities of hiring and building a team you can trust, the mistakes that cost him the most (and taught him the most), and the mindset shifts that have kept him going when things got tough. Whether you're running your own business, thinking about taking the leap, or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, there's something in this one for you. Tune in for real talk on growth, grit, and the lessons you only learn by doing. 🎧 In this episode: * How Jordan got started and what almost stopped him * The hiring philosophy that changed his business * The biggest mistake he's ever made — and what it taught him * Advice he'd give his younger self * What's next for him and the business Follow the Yardbros Podcast for more conversations with the people building, grinding, and making it happen. #YardbrosPodcast #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #Hiring

Episode 9: What It Takes to Run a Stadium: Jim Mercurio’s Playbook

In this episode of the Alpha Edge Podcast, we sit down with Jim Mercurio, a seasoned stadium operations and safety executive with nearly three decades of experience with the San Francisco 49ers and Levi’s Stadium. Jim takes us behind the scenes of what it really takes to run large-scale events like the Super Bowl—from managing high-pressure environments to leading massive teams and ensuring safety at every level. We also dive into his transition into entrepreneurship, where he now brings his expertise to businesses across the country. This episode is packed with real-world leadership lessons, operational insights, and what it truly means to perform at the highest level.

Episode 8: From Idea to Income: Building VendBoss & VBossCharge

In this episode, we break down how smart vending machines and phone charging stations are creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs. We dive into: • How to start a vending machine business• How passive income works with vending• The rise of charging station rentals• Real insights from building VendBoss• What you need to get started This is one of the fastest-growing automated business models right now and most people are still sleeping on it. 👇 Learn more or get started: https://vbosscharging.com/ola/services/free-30-min-new-team-member-consultation 👇 Learn more Purchase at: https://vendbossllc.com/

Episode 6 Why Busy Leaders Respond Faster (And Amateurs Disappear)

Responsiveness is respect. The busiest, most successful people in business don’t disappear — they communicate. They close loops. They don’t leave people guessing, spiraling, or chasing clarity. In this episode, we cover: * Why silence kills momentum in business * How slow or nonexistent responses damage trust, deals, and culture * What real operators do differently when it comes to communication * Clear do’s and don’ts for email, text, Slack, CRM, and client communication * Why any response is better than no response * How your response time sets the standard for your entire organization This applies to every form of communication — email, text, internal messages, client follow-ups, and leadership decisions. If you’re building a company, leading a team, closing deals, or trying to operate at a higher level, this episode will challenge how you communicate — and why it matters more than you think. Real leaders don’t go dark. Real operators close the loop. And when there’s respect, you’ll never have to chase clarity. 🎙️ Subscribe to The Alpha Edge CEO Podcast for real strategy, real execution, and real-world leadership lessons.