Business Ninjas by WeLevel

What does it take to transform a 50-year-old lighting supplier into a modern infrastructure intelligence partner? In this episode, WLS Lighting & Electrical CEO, Brandon Scogins, shares how the company evolved from bucket-truck service calls to leading the industry in connected lighting, analytics, and sustainability reporting. We talk about the LED boom, the rise of total cost of ownership thinking, the push toward unified platforms, and why commercial property owners need better visib...

In this episode of Business Ninjas, host Andrew Lippman sits down with Nikhil Rai of QNX, a BlackBerry subsidiary, to explore how their real-time operating system powers the automotive industry — and why the company is expanding into new frontiers like industrial automation, medical devices, and aerospace. From digital cockpits and over-the-air updates to mission-critical systems that demand zero failure, QNX has built its reputation on safety, reliability, and innovation. Now, the company is...

In this episode of Business Ninjas, host Andrew Lippman sits down with Logan Yonavjak, Co-Founder and CEO of the Founder Readiness Institute. Logan shares how her two decades in impact investing, natural capital, and startup financing led her to launch a groundbreaking new tool: the Founder Readiness Level. Unlike typical assessments, this framework measures a founder’s ability to handle complexity, pivot under pressure, and grow as a leader—giving early-stage investors and founders a clearer...

In this episode of Business Ninjas, host Andrew Lippman sits down with Daniel Murray, President and CEO of Roman Stone. Founded in 1903, Roman Stone has been at the forefront of precast concrete manufacturing for more than a century. Daniel shares how his 30+ years of experience in precast shaped his leadership—and how Roman Stone is scaling from a New York legacy brand into a national player. From underground infrastructure and shoreline resiliency to data centers and carbon-negative concret...

In this episode of Business Ninjas, host Andrew Lippman chats with Ladd Schuiling, VP of Sales at SkilledTrades.com Ladd brings nearly two decades of experience in construction recruiting and operations to explain how SkilledTrades.com is tackling one of the toughest challenges in the industry—finding and retaining skilled labor. From electricians to plumbers to CDL drivers, SkilledTrades.com is a niche job board designed specifically for tradespeople and the companies who need them. Ladd als...

In this episode of Business Ninjas, host Andy Steuer sits down with Chris Carter, CEO and Founder of Approyo, to talk about how his team is transforming SAP cloud migrations with AI‑driven insights and real‑world expertise. Chris shares why the clock is ticking for the 483,000 organizations that need to move to SAP S/4HANA by 2027—and how Approyo’s AI‑powered tools like Overwatch and FlowGen simplify the entire journey. From pre‑migration assessments to real‑time dashboards for C‑suite visibi...

In this inspiring episode of Business Ninjas, host Andrew Lippman sits down with Beth Demke, CEO of North Dakota’s Gateway to Science, to discuss how a grassroots idea grew into a 43,000-square-foot science hub serving over 130,000 people annually. Beth shares how passion, community support, and good old-fashioned organization turned a former shoe store into a state-of-the-art learning center where kids, adults, and even seniors engage with hands-on STEM education. From mobile STEM zones to j...

In this episode of Business Ninjas, host Andrew Lippman chats with Michael McGuire, Chief Revenue Officer at NobelBiz, a leader in omnichannel contact center solutions and carrier services. With over 30 years of experience running and fixing call centers, Michael shares why NobelBiz stands out in a crowded tech space: it’s built by people who’ve actually lived the contact center life. From telecom cost savings and spam-call suppression to AI innovation and crisis-proof infrastructure, they un...

In this episode of Business Ninjas, Andrew Lippman chats with John Polk, President of John Polk & Associates, about how smart businesses turn data into influence—not just reports. With a background in strategy, analytics, and leadership at Capital One, John now helps companies refine their presentation and storytelling skills to better connect with audiences, drive decision-making, and sharpen their strategic messaging. John’s firm focuses on much more than pretty slides. They help client...

Radon, founder and CEO of Recovered and Free, and TEDx Southlake speaker. Don shares his raw, personal journey from addiction to long-term recovery, and how it inspired him to build a radically different kind of recovery program. Unlike traditional treatment centers driven by insurance payouts and clinical detachment, Recovered and Free is a peer-led, private-pay men’s program that prioritizes real connection, honest dialogue, and practical freedom. Based in small-town Hubbard, Texas, Recover...

In this episode of Business Ninjas, Andrew speaks with Isaac Salem, Vice President at Teknos Associates, about the art—and science—behind accurate startup valuations. With a sharp focus on tech and biotech sectors, Isaac explains how Teknos bridges deep industry expertise with data-driven analysis to deliver valuation services that go far beyond spreadsheets. Whether it’s a Series A startup gearing up for funding or a late-stage company preparing for IPO or acquisition, Teknos partners with ...

In this episode of Business Ninjas, host Andrew Lippman chats with Jeff Gilbert, CEO and Founding Partner of Balboa Wealth Partners. With over 35 years in the financial services industry, Jeff opens up about his journey from Wall Street firms to launching his own independent SEC-registered advisory firm. Tune in to hear how Balboa Wealth Partners delivers a “white glove” experience to high-net-worth families and institutions—without the mahogany desks and three-piece suits. Jeff and Andrew di...