The Bear Roars

In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan Caruso sits down with telecom legend John Warta to explore his extraordinary career and the transformative role he played in shaping the fiber optic networks that revolutionized the industry. From his early days as a Vietnam veteran to working with Ross Perot at EDS, John’s journey into telecommunications was anything but conventional. John shares fascinating stories about the early days of fiber network construction, battling monopolies, and negotiating groundbreaking deals with industry giants like AT&T and MCI. He reflects on his time co-founding Electric Lightwave and GST Telecom, sharing the pivotal moments that defined these companies and the lessons he learned along the way. As they dive into the dot-com boom and bust, Dan and John discuss the resilience required to navigate the volatile telecom landscape and the visionary thinking that drove innovation during one of the most exciting times in the industry’s history. Packed with insights and hard-earned wisdom, this episode offers a front-row seat to the evolution of telecommunications and the legacy of a true pioneer. Listen now and join us for an unforgettable conversation. Bandwidth is available for pre-order now for a February 4, 2025 release date - pre order your copy today! https://a.co/d/3BMxBRC To nominate a guest or submit feedback, email us at contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Dan sits down with Natty Zola, Partner at Matchstick Ventures. Matchstick Ventures invests in early-stage technology companies in rapidly growing yet under-served startup ecosystems “between the coasts.” Before joining Matchstick, Natty co-founded Everlater, a travel startup backed by Techstars which eventually merged with Mapquest. Later he served as Managing Director of Techstars Boulder, guiding 63 companies through the accelerator, including transformative startups like Veho, Soona, and Tilt. Dan and Natty discuss Natty’s entrepreneurial journey, from launching Everlater to shaping the Techstars accelerator and eventually transitioning to venture capital. They delve into the evolution of Techstars, the dynamics of building community within the startup ecosystem, and Matchstick Ventures’ unique approach to investing in high-potential founders. The conversation also explores pivotal lessons learned from working with exceptional CEOs, the art of pivoting in business, and how to foster resilience in startups. The conversation highlights the importance of mentorship, strategic thinking, and building businesses with a long-term vision for impact. Click here to learn more about Natty Zola and Matchstick Ventures: https://www.matchstickventures.com/ To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Dan sits down with Ron Garan, a former NASA Astronaut, author, keynote speaker, and businessman. Ron has had an extraordinary journey starting as a fighter pilot in Desert Shield and Desert Storm to becoming a NASA astronaut on the Space Shuttle Discovery and a Russian Soyuz spacecraft. Ron’s published books include Railroad to the Moon, The Orbital Perspective, and Floating in Darkness. In this episode, Dan and Ron discuss the path that led him to space, including his time as an instructor at a flight academy, where he honed his skills and learned the limits of human and machine capabilities. Inspired by the moon landing, Ron fulfilled his dream of becoming an astronaut. Ron details his remarkable experiences in space, including a six-month stint aboard the International Space Station, where he conducted spacewalks and participated in a joint mission with Russian cosmonauts. Ron and Dan touch on the question of who will walk on the moon next and what the future holds for lunar exploration. In addition to his work in space, Ron delves into his humanitarian efforts, such as clean water initiatives in Rwanda, and the sense of interconnectedness he’s gained through these projects.  Click here to learn more about Ron: https://www.rongaran.com/ To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Dan sits down with Nick Del Deo, who currently serves as the Managing Director at MoffettNathanson, a leading independent equity research publisher. Dan and Nick’s professional paths first crossed during the Zayo IPO roadshow in 2014, when Nick was a young talented analyst reporting on Dan’s company, Zayo. Nick has grown his career analyzing telecom companies, infrastructure investments, and market trends. Nick’s insights provide a deeper understanding of where the telecom sector is headed.  Nick has an extensive background in telecommunications, having worked as a Vice President at Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC, where he covered U.S. telecommunications and cable/satellite sectors.  In this episode, Dan and Nick discuss the rise and fall of the telecom industry, the future of digital infrastructure, and touch on the opportunities and challenges facing companies in this space. Bandwidth is available for pre-order, with a February 2025 release date. Head to dan-caruso.com/book for more details.  Click here to learn more about MoffettNathanson: https://www.moffettnathanson.com/ To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Dan sits down with Tamim Khalfa, Co-Founder and CEO of Toters. Toters is an on-demand delivery platform based in Lebanon that connects users with restaurants, grocery stores, and various retailers, providing fast and convenient delivery services. Tamim is also an Endeavor Entrepreneur and Board Member through Endeavor Lebanon. Prior to Toters, Tamim was a Management Consultant at Booz & Company and Oliver Wyman. Dan and Tamim discuss the evolution of Toters, including its revenue streams, funding journey, and investor relationships. They also discuss the challenges faced during Toters’ growth, the impact of the economic crisis, and the resilience required to build a business in such a tumultuous setting. The conversation delves into the complexities of payment systems and the innovative FinTech solutions implemented to navigate a cash-dominated economy. Tamim also reflects on his personal journey from consulting to entrepreneurship and Endeavor’s role in supporting startups in the region. The conversation highlights the importance of adaptability, strategic planning, and community support in building a successful business in challenging environments. Click here to learn more about Toters: https://www.totersapp.com/  To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Dan sits down with Stephanie Copeland, Managing Partner at Four Points Funding. Dan and Stephanie relive the telecom era and their career journeys, including working together at Level 3 and Zayo group. This episode includes many great stories about the early bandwidth days and those influential in shaping the sector: from illegal stock swaps, accounting fraud, to larger than life characters that followed a strict ethical code. Stephanie is currently Managing Partner at Four Points Funding. She previously worked as the President of Wavelengths, IP, Ethernet, and SONET at Zayo Group and has 20+ years of experience in the communications industry. Stephanie joined Zayo in 2012 as Senior Vice President of the European Business Unit and prior to her current role, she ran Zayo’s Ethernet Business Unit. Bandwidth is available for pre-order with a February 4 2025 release date. Head to dan-caruso.com/book for more details. Click here to learn more about Stephanie and Four Points Funding: https://www.fourpointsfunding.com/team/stephanie-copeland To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Dan sits down with Brandon Spano, the CEO of ALLCITY Network. ALLCITY is a content-focused sports media company that provides in-depth coverage, podcasts, and videos focused on professional and collegiate sports teams in 5 cities across the US: Denver, Phoenix, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Dallas. They also have physical bar locations in each of these cities, which offer a hub for passionate local sports fans. Dan and Brandon discuss ALLCITY’s story in detail, including its roots in Denver as the BSN Network and scaling the company by adding other cities. They dive into ALLCITY’s fundraising history and goals for a future Series C round. Click here to learn more about ALLCITY Network: https://allcitynetwork.com/ To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

This is Part II of Dan's sit down with Bob Yates, a prominent figure in the Boulder, Colorado community. In Part II, Dan and Bob discuss their shared history in the world of telecom in relation to Dan's book, Bandwidth. Bob kicked off his career as a young lawyer at Fraser Stryker LLC in Omaha, Nebraska. He got sucked into the telecom rollercoaster ride through Fraser Stryker's work with Kiewit Construction Company, who invested in a small fiber optics company, Chicago Fiber Optics (later Metropolitan Fiber Systems). With the success of MFS, Bob's interest in the fiber optic industry took off. Join us as Dan and Bob discuss their career journeys, the colorful characters they encountered, and recall the energy of the boom and bust of the internet and its impact on the world. Dan's book, Bandwidth, is available for pre-order at dan-caruso.com/bandwidthbook and will be released in February 2025. To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Dan sits down with Matthew Kinsella, CEO of Infleqtion, the world’s leading quantum-information company. Infleqtion is a trusted supplier of high-precision components for research labs and quantum machine development. Prior to working at Infleqtion, Matthew was based in the Bay Area and was Managing Director of Maverick Ventures, the private investment arm of Maverick Capital. He was an early stage investor in private technology and healthcare companies at Maverick Ventures.  Join us as we dive into all things quantum, including atom modality, Albert Einstein’s “spooky action at a distance” aka entanglement, superposition, time keeping and more!  Click here to learn more about Infleqtion: https://www.infleqtion.com/  To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Dan sits down with Ian Dickinson, President and CEO of Longpath Technologies. Dan and Ian discuss the early days of Zayo, LongPath’s origin story, why it is important to be at the forefront of Quantum, and why LongPath is on a mission to flatten the emissions curve.  LongPath installs and maintains continuous laser line sensors to supply real-time emissions monitoring data and actionable insights for their clients, working with oil and gas operators across the energy landscape and providing expanded services to various markets. Ian has over two decades of leadership experience, excelling in business strategy and team building, transforming LongPath from a startup to a successful enterprise. His leadership focuses on strategic direction, fostering innovation, and supporting sustainability goals in the energy sector. Before LongPath, Ian held leadership roles in the energy sector, telecom and finance. Click here to learn more about LongPath Technologies: https://www.longpathtech.com/ To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Dan sits down with Bobby Stuckey, Founder and Partner of the Frasca Hospitality Group. Frasca Hospitality Group owns and operates five restaurants in Denver and Boulder including Frasca Food and Wine, which was awarded a Michelin star in September 2023. The name “Frasca” originates from small neighborhood gathering places in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region in northeast Italy. Bobby also owns Scarpetta Wine, which crafts wines inspired by the same region. In this episode, Dan and Bobby discuss Bobby’s career in-depth, starting at his first job in the industry bussing tables while attending NAU, to opening up his most recent restaurant endeavor, Osterica Alberico. Bobby shares exciting tidbits from his career including his most memorable guests at The French Laundry - Julia Child, Blue Man Group, and Anthony Bourdain. Dan and Bobby also discuss the people who have played integral parts in Bobby’s journey, including his wife Danette and his business partner Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson. Dan and Bobby cover the process of becoming a Master Sommelier. Bobby is one of only 279 professionals  in the world to have ever received this coveted title. Surprisingly enough, of the less than 300 Master Sommeliers, about 20 of them have come through Colorado over the years. The episode concludes with Bobby offering wine recommendations for Dan’s wife, Cindy. Click here to learn more about Frasca Hospitality Group: https://www.frascahospitalitygroup.com/ and click here to learn more about Scarpetta Wine: https://www.scarpettawine.com/  To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Dan sits down with Corban Tillemann- Dick, Founder and CEO of Maybell Quantum, building the tools needed to usher in the quantum future. This episode dives deep into the Quantum industry. Interested to learn more about topics such as why quantum is more important than AI, when quantum computers will be solving meaty critical problems, the scaling path of Quantum, and how Mabell’s innovations will support the industry with scaled infrastructure? Then this episode is a must watch and listen. Corban brings his extensive knowledge of Quantum computing and Quantum technology to the conversation, one you can’t miss!  Corban’s company Maybell builds the infrastructure to power the quantum revolution. Corban has helped Maybell transform the industry as it transitions from research to commercial applications. His emphasis on user-centered design has made complex quantum technologies more accessible, performant, and reliable. Prior to founding Maybell, Corban was a Partner at the Boston Consulting Group, leading their SaaS innovation and quantum computing efforts. Corban holds more than a dozen patents and studied mechanical engineering and economics and the US Air Force Academy and Johns Hopkins University. Click here to learn more about Maybell Quantum: https://www.maybellquantum.com/ To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Dan chats with Bob Yates, a prominent figure in the Boulder, Colorado community. Bob has 40 years of experience leading companies, civic organizations, and nonprofits. He is known  for his leadership and deep commitment to public service through local engagement. With a background in law and business, overlapping with Dan at Level3 communications, Bob brings a unique blend of expertise and practicality to his work in the community, balancing the needs of a rapidly growing city with the values of its residents. A former Boulder City Council member, Bob has been a vocal advocate for sustainable growth, environmental preservation, and the economic vitality of the region.  In this episode, Dan and Bob dive into his life after Level 3, commitment to public service, the Boulder mayoral race and his return back to the nonprofit space with CU Boulder. To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Dan sits down with Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser. Weiser was previously the dean of the University of Colorado Law School and the founder of Silicon Flatirons, a CU Boulder organization that focuses on the intersection of law, innovation and entrepreneurship, and public interest. Early in his career, he was part of the federal initiative that shaped the Telecom Act of 1996. Phil and Dan’s discussion covers all these topics, including a specific focus on how to have civil discourse on sensitive topics such as Roe versus Wade. Join us as we dive into Silicon Flatirons,  civil discourse in the current political climate and the importance of bi-partisan legislation. To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Dan sits down with Dr. Stefanie Johnson, Director of the University of Colorado Boulder’s Center for Leadership and Associate Professor at CU Boulder’s Leeds School of Business, to dive into her valuable insights on leadership and management. Stefanie’s role with the Center for Leadership is aimed at fostering the next generation of leaders. With a strong commitment to advancing the field, Stefanie has secured federal and other grant funding to support her extensive research on leadership dynamics. She has also pioneered several innovative leadership development programs at CU, aimed at fostering the next generation of leaders. In addition to her academic contributions, Stefanie is the author of Inclusify, a book that explores the transformative leadership skills that distinguish the best leaders. Through her work, she highlights the common traits shared by exceptional leaders and provides a framework for cultivating inclusivity and effectiveness in leadership practices. In this episode, Dan and Stefanie cover a range of topics, from Stefanie's journey and passion for leadership to the impact of AI on students and professionals throughout their careers.  To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Dan sits down with Seth Sternberg, Founder and CEO of Honor, a company revolutionizing home care by providing high-quality care for older adults and supporting the caregivers who make it possible. With a background that spans from tech innovation to improving the aging experience, Seth is passionate about using technology to make life better for millions. Hailing from Silicon Valley, Seth co-founded Meebo, which was acquired by Google in 2012. At Google, he served as Product Management Director, first for Google+ and later at X. He led the team that launched Google Sign-In, enabling users to log in to third-party websites using their Google accounts. Join us as we dive into a wide range of topics, including Seth’s entrepreneurial journey and the care economy. Click here to learn more about Honor: https://www.honorcare.com/ To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Dan sits down with Mario Ciabarra, Founder and CEO of Quantum Metric and one of Colorado’s Endeavor Entrepreneurs. Mario has been at the forefront of shaping the digital experience landscape, helping some of the world's largest brands unlock customer insights and optimize their success. With a passion for data-driven decision-making and a visionary approach to problem-solving, Mario has revolutionized how companies understand their customers in real time. More than anything, Mario defines Quantum Metric’s success by how he can continuously invest in its employees because at the end of the day, it’s people that are Quantum Metric’s greatest legacy. Mario has a lengthy DevOps and entrepreneurial background, previously founding DevStream, Intelliborn, Rock Your Phone, & others.  Join us as we dive into his entrepreneurial journey, the future of digital transformation, and what it takes to lead in a constantly evolving tech world. Click here to learn more about Quantum Metric: https://www.quantummetric.com/ To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Dan sits down with Steve Halstedt, known as the father of venture capital in Colorado. Steve founded Centennial Ventures in 1982, which he led through several successful funds over 35 years. Steve shares stories about the early days of Cable TV, the bandwidth industry, and wireless networks, all areas where he was a pioneering investor. Zayo Group was among his most successful investments.  Before starting Centennial Ventures, Steve was president of Daniels & Associates, an investment bank focused on the cable TV industry, and a leadership team member at its parent company, Daniels Properties, Inc. He also worked as an investment manager at Travelers Insurance and served as a combat engineer platoon leader and assistant operations officer in the U.S. Army during Vietnam. In this episode, learn more about Steve’s venture journey, the many chapters of investing, and wise words for those looking to break into venture capital.  To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Dan sits down with Sam Alexander, CEO and Co-Founder of bitewell, the nutrition intelligence company on a mission to improve the world's health through food. Sam has built a platform that connects consumers to healthier food options tailored to their unique dietary needs, making personalized nutrition more accessible. Her background in marketing and entrepreneurship, coupled with her passion for health tech, has driven bitewell’s mission to make informed food choices easier. As a podcast guest, Sam shares insightful perspectives on the intersection of technology, wellness, and the future of food, offering practical tips for anyone looking to improve their relationship with what they eat. Sam brings experience from Bridgewater and Estee Lauder companies and a passion for food’s impact on health. In this episode, Sam shares more about why she started bitewell, the FoodHealth Score and her passion for Food As Medicine. Click here to learn more about bitewell and the FoodHealth score: https://www.bitewell.com/ To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Dan sits down with Boulder Colorado Innovator Pete Burridge, the Founder and CEO of Greenhouse Scholars. An entrepreneur his entire career, he has been a part of starting seven companies. Pete founded Greenhouse Scholars in order to create a Whole Person program that makes a broad and lasting impact by helping students to become community leaders that create change that will last through the generations. He believes that each of us is accountable to give back to the community. In this episode, Pete shares his love for Colorado, his entrepreneurial journey and the impactful work of Greenhouse Scholars. Click here to learn more about Greenhouse Scholars: https://greenhousescholars.org/ To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.