If you feel like your company can’t grow unless you work harder, you’re not broken. You’re probably missing the right second-in-command. In this episode of Founders Forum, Alec Broadfoot, Founder and CEO of Vision Spark and author of Hiring Your Right Number Two Leader, joins Marc Bernstein and guest co-host Anthony Naccarato to break down how the right leadership hire can completely change the trajectory of a business.

Alec shares his journey from a short stint in banking to buying businesses at 25 and the hard lesson that even strong operations fall apart with poor hiring. He explains the “science of hiring,” why data and structured assessments outperform gut feel, and how one costly hiring mistake reshaped his entire approach.

Together with Marc and Tony, the conversation also unpacks EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) in simple terms, from 90-day goals to weekly meeting rhythms, and highlights the critical role of the integrator, the number two leader who turns vision into execution. For founders stuck at a ceiling, this episode offers a practical path to reclaim time, improve decisions, and scale with clarity.

Key Takeaways:

• Why hiring mistakes hold businesses back
• The shift from instinct to data-driven hiring
• A simple breakdown of EOS and how it works
• The role and ROI of a strong number two leader
• How founders can scale without burnout

About Alec Broadfoot:

Alec Broadfoot leads VisionSpark® - a consulting firm that has successfully completed over 200 #2 leader searches for entrepreneurial companies, many of whom run on EOS®, and searches for other leadership roles with a 98% placement rate. VisionSpark® is recognized in the 2023, 2024, and 2025 Inc. 5000 lists as one of the fastest growing companies in the country. Alec is a member of Strategic Coach®, a sought-after speaker, and the author of the #1 Amazon bestseller “Hiring Your Right #2 Leader.” In his free time, Alec enjoys playing tennis, collaborating with fellow entrepreneurs, and spending time with his family.

Connect:

Website https://visionsparksearch.com/
LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/vision_spark/; linkedin.com/in/alecbroadfoot
Facebook: facebook.com/visionspark/

Marc Bernstein's Founders' Forum is brought to you by March Forward, LLC, and this episode is sponsored by The Satell Institute; the leading CEO organization dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility. Go to satellinstitute.org to learn more.

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Family, trust, and grit are the foundations behind one of the country’s leading structural engineering firms.

Anthony and Pete Naccarato share the story behind O'Donnell & Naccarato Structural Engineers, from its early days built on long hours and strong relationships to becoming a national, employee-owned company. Pete reflects on building the firm with deep trust in his partner, while Tony shares his journey from entry-level engineer to CEO, earning his leadership along the way.

They talk about embracing new technology, building lasting client relationships, and making bold decisions like transitioning to an ESOP, all while staying true to their values. At its core, this is a conversation about stewardship and building something that lasts.

Key Takeaways:

• Trust builds strong partnerships
• Relationships drive repeat business
• Start from the ground up
• Innovation creates opportunity
• ESOPs support long-term growth
• Leadership is stewardship

About Anthony and Pete Naccarato:

Anthony Naccarato is a lifelong Philadelphia resident and a graduate of Villanova University’s College of Engineering. He has spent his entire career at O’Donnell and Naccarato, working his way up from an entry-level role to now serving as Chairman and CEO.

He was born and raised in the Tacony section of Philadelphia, where he lived for over five decades, and now resides in Bella Vista with his wife, Kathee, who he’s been with for 40 years and married to for 35. Together, they have two children, Pete and Grace, and are proud grandparents to Anthony, Declan, and Amelia.

Pete Naccarato is the co-founder of O’Donnell and Naccarato, a nationally recognized structural engineering firm. With decades of experience in the industry, he helped grow the company from a three-person startup into a trusted partner on major projects across multiple markets. Known for his strong work ethic, commitment to client relationships, and values rooted in family and trust, Pete played a key role in building a firm designed for long-term success. He later helped guide the company through its transition to an employee-owned structure, ensuring continuity for both its people and its legacy.

Connect:

Website www.o-n.com
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/anthony-naccarato-04371a6
Facebook facebook.com/odonnellandnaccarato/

Marc Bernstein's Founders' Forum is brought to you by March Forward, LLC, and this episode is sponsored by O’Donnell and Naccarato, a national structural engineering firm. Visit o-n.com to learn more.

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Most founders don’t start with a clear plan. They start by figuring things out as they go.

In this episode, we’re joined by Mitch Gyger, President and Co-Founder of OPS Security Group, with Vera Hempel as guest co-host. Mitch shares how graduating into the 2009 recession led him to take a security guard role, an opportunity that ultimately shaped his entire career. What started as a stopgap turned into a long-term path as he built experience, earned credibility, and eventually co-founded a company from the ground up.

Mitch opens up about the early days of entrepreneurship, doing every role, making mistakes, and learning without a playbook. He also breaks down how OPS scaled into a 600+ employee organization by focusing on one key principle, putting employees first. From hiring to pricing, that philosophy drives how they operate, even when it means losing short-term deals.

We also explore how Mitch thinks about growth today, from building structured sales systems to staying patient in government contracting, and how he defines success across business, faith, and family.

Key Takeaways:

• Start where you are and build from experience
• Expect chaos early, clarity comes later
• Pay people well to build stronger teams
• Short-term losses can create long-term wins
• Stay patient when timing isn’t in your control
• Plan intentionally across business and life

About Mitch Gyger:

Mitch has over 20 years of experience in the security industry and currently serves as the President of OPS Security Group. Since co-founding the company, he has played a central role in shaping its growth and evolution. In his role as President, Mitch is responsible for setting the company’s strategy, overseeing finance, sales, human resources, and service delivery. His leadership ensures OPS continues to deliver high-quality service while building a culture rooted in integrity and high performance.

Connect:

Website opssecuritygroup.com
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/mitchgyger/

This episode is brought to you by The Satell Institute; the leading CEO organization dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility. Go to satellinstitute.org to learn more.

📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!

💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!

📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein:
➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook

🎤 Got a success story worth sharing?
We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.

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