Eliances Heroes in Business

William Bessette, co-founder of The Brilliam Group, is a seasoned entrepreneur and digital strategist with years of experience in web design, digital marketing, branding, and AI enablement. He has helped businesses strengthen their online presence, leverage emerging technologies, and create innovative marketing solutions that drive growth and engagement. Through The Brilliam Group, William focuses on combining creativity, strategy, and AI-powered tools to help organizations stay ahead in an evolving digital landscape. Learn more at www.thebrilliamgroup.com

Gary Cohen, CEO of EZLinks, joins David Cogan on the Eliances Heroes show (AMFM, iHeart Radio). A pioneer in digital music and founder of MusicNow, which was later sold to AOL and Circuit City, Gary helped shape the early online music industry before moving into the golf technology space. Today, EZLinks powers TeeOff.com in partnership with the PGA, connecting golfers with tee times nationwide. Gary shares insights on finding the perfect niche for growth and building businesses where, as he says, "Fun is a core value." teeoff.com eliances.com

Vicki Lawrence, beloved star of Mama's Family and The Carol Burnett Show, joins David Cogan on the Eliances Heroes Show. Best known as the unforgettable Thelma Mae Harper, Vicki shares behind-the-scenes stories from her legendary career, weighs in on modern cellphone etiquette, and opens up about living with Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria (CIU) and becoming an advocate for awareness. Reflecting on her journey, she says, "I learned from the best and enjoyed it all." @vickilawrence_official eliances.com

Paul Mockapetris, inventor of the DNS (Domain Name System) and a pioneer of the modern internet, joins David Cogan on the Eliances Heroes Show. Paul explains how he solved one of the early internet's biggest challenges, shaping how the web works today, and compares the internet's birth to the Wright brothers' first flight. He also discusses his current focus with ThreatStop, securing the internet against cyber threats, and shares advice on protecting against cybercrime. threatstop.com eliances.com

Siggi Hilmarsson, creator of Siggi's Dairy, joins David Cogan on the Eliances Heroes Show. What began as a New York grad student missing the traditional Icelandic skyr of his childhood turned into a beloved national brand. Siggi shares how he recreated his grandmother's recipe, sold it at local farmers markets, and faced the pivotal moment when Whole Foods called and rapid scaling became reality. As Siggi puts it, "Sometimes it's good to be happily ignorant so you can see how far you can go." siggisdairy.com eliances.com

Karina Smirnoff, Dancing with the Stars champion, joins David Cogan on the Eliances Heroes Show. Karina shares what it really takes to dance at the top of your career, how she refined her strategy on the hit TV show, and the one celebrity who left her completely star-struck. She also highlights her own makeup line and the joy of seeing her name on products she loves. karinasmirnoff.com

Erin Heit, co-founder of Vitaminwater and Smartwater, joins David Cogan on the Eliances Heroes Show. Erin shares what it takes to build a powerful brand and what it was like selling the company to Coca-Cola in a multi-billion-dollar deal. A visionary entrepreneur, she also co-founded Qurb, a healthy energy shot, and WOW Me Tonight, a social fitness and dance platform inspiring people to move, connect, and have fun.

Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist, joins David Cogan on the Eliances Heroes show . What began as a simple email list for local events grew into one of the most influential online marketplaces in the world. Craig shares how his commitment to customer service helped fuel Craigslist's success and discusses his current mission through Craig Newmark Philanthropies and Craigconnects.org, supporting journalism, veterans, and trustworthy information. He also reveals fascinating behind-the-scenes insights about the Craigslist platform you won't want to miss. craignewmarkphilanthropies.org

Sir Richard Branson, billionaire founder of the Virgin Group, joins David Cogan on the Eliances Heroes Show. Known as the ultimate business rebel, Branson built iconic brands like Virgin Music, Virgin Atlantic, and Virgin Galactic. He shares insights on risk-taking, his mother's powerful influence, and the fearless mindset behind his success — famously saying, "Were I a saner person, I wouldn't take such risks… but I'm known as Dr. Yes." virgin.com

John Hewitt, founder of Jackson Hewitt and Liberty Tax, joins David Cogan on the Eliances Heroes Show. A true pioneer in tax preparation, John built two of the top three companies in the industry. He shares why good record-keeping is critical, why the 74,600-page tax code makes working with a pro essential, and how a simple tax course sparked his lifelong passion for the field. libertytax.com

Henrik Fisker, world renowned automotive designer, is interviewed by David Cogan on the Eliances Heroes Show. Fisker shares how his passion for cars, dating back to childhood, continues to fuel his creativity, starting with sketches of what he dreamed of seeing on the road. A true creator, entrepreneur, and innovator, he has designed some of the world's most iconic vehicles, including Aston Martins worthy of James Bond, BMWs, the V8 Vantage, Fisker Karma, Viking Motorcycles, and more. He reflects on the challenges of car design, the reality that not every idea works, and how vision and American design schools helped launch his remarkable career. henrikfisker.org

Peter Holt, CEO of The Joint Chiropractic, joins David Cogan, founder of Eliances and host of the Eliances Heroes radio show. Under Peter's leadership, The Joint has become one of the fastest-growing chiropractic franchises in the country, revolutionizing access to quality, affordable care. With decades of experience in franchise development and healthcare services, Peter shares insights on growth, innovation, and how The Joint is transforming pain relief for millions. thejoint.com