Meet the TWiST List Members
Out of the hundreds of thousands of devoted fans of TWiST, the members of the TWiST List have gone the extra step and pledged their money, time and brain power toward the advancement of independent media and the startup community. We are humbled and grateful for their outstanding support and contributions.
Keep up with the TWiST List. Follow them here.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
Octavian Mihai
@octavianmihai
Where: Montreal / NYC
About: Tech guy, serial entrepreneur, investor, owner of Rock&Social, a social media strategy agency. Managed several other business, mainly in advertising, won SxSW Interactive Best of Show in 2005.
Projects: http://rockandsocial.com, http://octavianmihai.com
Favorite Episode: #126 with Gary Vaynerchuk
Favorite Insight from Tyler: Don’t give a rose to a nun.
I joined the TWiST List: Because I love the show and wanted to show my support, and also to connect with likeminded people, especially with Jason.
Will Paoletto
@WillPao
Where: Glen Allen, VA
About: I am the co-owner of ThisBlogRules.com and run smaller websites like GoldenTwist.net. I previously worked at Big Oak Inc., an SEO company in Richmond, Va, and I now have my own clients. I also own equity in the book 11 Points Guide to Hooking Up, which is based on 11Points.com, and I'm currently working on two other "blog-to-book" projects. I write commentary about Web 2.0. on my personal blog, EnterpriseCometh.com.
Projects: EnterpriseCometh.com; ThisBlogRules.com
Favorite Episode: #126 with Gary Vaynerchuk
Favorite Insight from Tyler: It feels like an elephant in an earthquake.
I joined the TWiST List: Because I find This Week in Startups to not only be an invaluable resource for entrepreneurs but also an extremely entertaining program.
Greg Berry
@gregmberry
Where: Philadelphia, PA
About: Founder & CEO of municibid.com, a leading online government auctions platform.
Projects: Municibid.com
Favorite Episode: #40, Jason's Penn State talk
I joined the TWiST List: I enjoy supporting meaningful projects that help fellow entrepreneurs.
Jim Joyce
@jimbojoyce
Where: Dublin, Ireland
About: CEO and Founder, Point of Care, an Irish healthcare company. Bostonian living in Ireland educated: Fordham (NYC) and University College Dublin. Spent a decade working in Big Pharma became inspired to set up www.pointofcare.ie whose mission is to help patients get better access to treatments and medications. I recently angel invested in a technology start-up out of Boston www.vsnap.com, a MassChallenge.org Finalist, Dave McLaughlin our CEO is a superstar http://bostinnovation.com/tag/vsnap/.
Projects: www.vsnap.com, www.pointofcare.ie
Favorite Episode: #43 with Andy Smith
Favorite Insight from Tyler: It's like a Grandpa in high tops.
I joined the TWiST List: Because I've recieved so much energy, ideas, and inspiration and wanted to show some support!
Kyle M. Brown;)
@kylmbrown
Where: Fort Washington, MD
About: I served 16 years in the telecommunications industry all the while, developing different Internet projects and running a small IT consolation business of my own, Mayvik Inc, part time. I am a father and a husband and am currently looking forward to devoting all of my time to projects and ventures revolving around the Internet.
Projects: www.Quikstarts.com, online help for technical products and services and www.Futurekast2k.com, page level surveys
Favorite Episode: #135, Jason's Cal Tech talk
I joined the TWiST List: Because I think it represents an entity that believes in creativity and innovation and I felt I’d have the opportunity to meet other like minded people.
Nick Duncan
@nickduncs
Where: Leabrook, Australia
About: I'm a 26 year old Australian entrepreneur who just moved back to Sydney after a 5 year stint in Boston. Currently operating in the dental vertical, but always looking for new ideas.
Projects: growdental.com (current biz), yilki.com (concept stage)
Favorite Episode: #46 with David Heinemeier Hansson
Favorite insight from Tyler: Wheelchairs at Disneyland
I joined the TWiST List: To say thank you for providing such valuable and relevant content.
Margartet Johns
@mscj19
LinkedIn
Where: Londonderry, NH
About: Founder of BlueLake Partners, LLC, a boutique strategy/tech M&A firm. Employee Founder of Needham & Company. Totally enjoy entrepreneurs and learning about new markets, products and ideas. Live in Southern NH with husband, stepdaughter and three pugs. Competitive swimmer and former marathoner.
Projects: (1) Restructuring my boutique mergers & acquisition firm to adapt to the “information is everywhere” era. (2) Formulating financial and funding strategy for company that has developed a powerful mobile marketing platform.
Favorite Episodes: Bonus Episode with Tony Hsieh, #128 with Bill Nguyen
I joined the TWiST List: Because Jason does a fabulous job, I wanted to support him, and I thought it would be great fun.
Amir Ayalon
@dnxray
Location: Tokyo, Japan
About: Serial entrepreneur, multiple companies, successful exits. I love everything, creating, helping, doing, technology, business, nature, a bit of a Macgyver really. Results are everything, but its the journey that matters! Currently CEO/Founder: Zenlok Corporation - Secure file sharing/mail/archives (think: PKI for dummies), Red Herring Global 2010 Winner. Director: Entrepreneur Association Tokyo, Japan IT Innovation Association, Advisor: GinzeMetrics.com, TBG: Youpon.US
Projects: http://www.zenlok.com, http://youpon.us
Favorite Episode: #101 with Phil Libin
Favorite insight from Tyler: Its like a Big Mac at the Vatican.
I joined the TWiST List: I totally love TWiST & TWiVC, the best insights & training for anyone involved in startups and glad to be a supporter. The value is worth far more than 10x the price of what I paid!
Carlos Zaidenweber
@visioncarecz
Where: Mexico City, Mexico
About: About 11 years ago, I left the family business and corporate life and started a business plan for an ophthalmology concept. I went through creating a business model, raising funding, the whole start up "thing." It was hard and slow, partially because I knew nothing about the sector and the project included innovations that were unheard of in the mexican healthcare industry. Until recently I ran and chaired this company. I stepped down as CEO a short time ago to return my focus to new ventures and innovation.
Projects: www.visioncare.com.mx
I joined the TWiST List: Because, to be frank, Jason grew on me after the first few episodes I saw (because at first I didn't care for his style at all.) I've come to appreciate his way, knowledge, confidence and interviewing ability (my respects to Tyler as well), and I wanted to join from Mexico to thank him and tip my hat to the the project and all valuable work he and the team have done.
Avery Keitt
@AvKeitt
Where: Charlotte, NC
About: I’m an average guy that’s interested in business and tech. I started Klassik Greekwear a t-shirt company that sells to frats and sororities and I’m always looking to learn new things.
Projects: sewklassik.com
Favorite Episode: #135, Jason's Cal Tech talk
Favorite insight from Tyler: Like having ice cream in prison.
I joined the TWiST List: Because the show is inspiring and informative.
PRODUCERS
Ted Inoue
@tedsan
Where: New Hope, PA
About: Founder: Universal Imaging (now Molecular Devices), ETC Creations and OurKudos. Avid bicycle racer, foodie and social entrepreneur.
Projects: http://www.ourkudos.com, http://tedstips.wordpress.com
Favorite Episode: #93.5 with Tony Hsieh
I joined the TWiST List: Because I'm about to launch an internet startup and wanted to learn from the best folks in the business what I should NOT be doing.
Hunter Owens
@HunterOwens
Where: Spring Valley, CA
About: A twenty year old entrepreneur who specializes in marketing. Founded My Tech Question to bring premium tech support to everyone and Accelsor to allow anyone to create a beautiful website in minutes. He formed the Millennial Generation Entrepreneurs coterie to unite young entrepreneurs from around the globe. Featured in the 2011 '10 Inspirational 21 And Under Entrepreneurs' by EpicLaunch.
Projects: Accelsor.com, MyTechQuestion.com
Favorite Episode: #23, the Angel Funding Showdown
Favorite Insight from Tyler: Like a homeless hottie in a hip-hop club.
I joined the TWiST List: To help make it the crème de la crème resource for entrepreneurs.
Ben Altieri
@benaltieri
Where: Franklin, MA
About: Hello, I am Ben Altieri. I started blogging as a way to reduce my use of social networking to reclaim time to spend toward achieving goals that I have established for myself. I stumbled upon this idea from an epiphany that had occurred to me while reading “Rework.” I like the idea of “byproduct monetization” as it is described in this book. This idea then, is where I begin my ascent from the rat race.
Projects: http://chiefspace.com; http://benaltieri.com
Favorite Episode: #126 with Gary Vaynerchuk
Favorite Insight from Tyler: Don’t give a rose to a nun.
I joined the TWiST List: Because I am so bent on escaping the rat race so that I may become an abundant and reliable provider for my family and to fulfill my dream of building my own empire.
Rodrigo Dauster
@rdauster
Where: London, UK
About: Product guy. Entrepreneur. Long time cybernaut. Been through 3 startups and have 3 in the making.
Projects: GEKKOLinks, a travel content monetisation platform: http://www.gekko.com/gekkolinks/signup + 3 stealth projects in development
Favorite Episode: #127 with Ian Rogers
Favorite Insight from Tyler: Like eating tacos in a tuxedo.
I joined the TWiST List: In my opinion, TWIST is a must-listen for any entrepreneur. I joined TWIST List to give my support to the show and help make it even more widely followed.
Anthony Ortenzi
@aortenzi
Where: New York, NY
About: Technology Swiss-army knife who's ready and motivated to change the world. Connoisseur of the elegance of simplicity.
Favorite Episode: #107 with John Borthwick
Favorite Insight from Tyler: Like giving flowers to a nun.
I joined the TWiST List: To participate in the building of something I love and use myself with a group of similarly-motivated people.
Daniel de la Cruz
@longlivemyword
LinkedIn
About: 1/4 German, 1/4 Dominican, 1/4 User Experience Advocate, 1/4 Christopher Columbus
Projects: http://www.thelittlefoxesclub.com , http://www.bamaparty.co.uk/
Favorite Episode: #135, Jason's speech at Cal Tech
Favorite Insight from Tyler: Like being a movie critic with cataracts.
I joined the TWiST List: Because TWIST helped reignite my ambition to change things for the better of humanity and supporting the show is the least I can do to return the favour...
John Meneses
@Shooksrunllc
Where: Las Vegas, Nevada
About: Last year I was introduced to This Week in Startups. I really liked the show and a few months later, I was the "Ask Jason" on ep. 52. It was a life changing event. There's no where else I know of where I can learn the kinds of lessons Jason teaches. This show is vital to the startup community, and I'm honored to be a part of it.
Projects: http://www.exetact.com and http://www.advicepotato.com
Favorite Episode: #24 with Gary Vaynerchuk
Favorite insight from Tyler: It's like a Big Mac at the Vatican.
I joined the TWiST List: Because I appreciate the fact I get to watch high quality entrepreneurial content twice a week.
Mike Sunyich
@testmarketit
Where: Orange County, CA
About: Been hooked ever since you could game Yahoo listings by adding a 1 or special character to the name of your website back in '95 and GoTo changed my life in '98. It's been one hell of a ride on the Information Superhighway. I have some great projects in the works, some short, some long and one that might just be a game changer, but don't we all?
Projects: TestMarketIt.com, Buzzlink.com
Favorite Episode: #160 with Scott Heiferman
Favorite insight from Tyler: It's like polar bears and penguins.
I joined the TWiST List: Because I can't get enough of the show, the least I can do is support it directly and I love to do things that my fiancee thinks are "super nerdy."
Michael Lustig
@migmacmonk
Where: Malibu, Calif
About: I've spent the last 25 years in the entertainment business; music, film and television. My current project involves creating an online environment for writers, journalists and raconteurs to explore a deeper connection with their audiences through storytelling and discussion. I think of myself as a global citizen, a crappy surfer and person who enjoys talking to critical thinkers about the media.
Projects: TheLip.tv (suddenly appearing Autumn 2011)
Favorite Episode: There is wisdom in every episode.
Favorite insight from Tyler: Like a homeless hottie at a hip hop club.
I joined TWiST List: Because I firmly believe that without independent media there will be little more than granular junk on the web with headlines designed to drive useless display advertising; and as part of the audience it is my responsibility to support those who create valuable content and spread the word about it to friends and associates.
Rodrigo Fuentes
@RodrigoFuentes7
Where: NYC
About: Rodrigo Fuentes is an IP attorney and startup junkie. He has litigated several patent and commercial lawsuits on behalf of e-commerce, chemical, and financial services companies. In 2010, Rodrigo founded KIUBO Mexico, an e-commerce site that sells nostalgic Mexican products to the growing Hispanic population in the U.S. Most recently, he began coding Rails web applications, like NowDoing.com, to maintain his technical skill and learn Lean Startup methods. Rodrigo holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Yale and a J.D. from Columbia Law School. His friends often chuckle at his overuse of Excel.
Projects: http://KIUBOshop.com, http://www.NowDoing.com
Favorite Episode: #161 with Fred Wilson
Favorite insight from Tyler: It’s like climbing a cactus.
I joined the TWiST List: Because I love the show and want to give it my support. As a Producer, I am part of a growing community of entrepreneurs and startups.
ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS
Mau Frontier
@maufrontier
Where: San Jose, Costa Rica
About: I help people lose belly fat and get fit in 15 minutes a day, free, from home. I'm also working on a web service that will revolutionize the way people approach fitness and exercise (due Q3 2011).
Projects: fitfate.com
Favorite Episode: #24 with Gary Vaynerchuk
Favorite Insight from Tyler: Like giving flowers to a nun.
I joined the TWiST List: Because I've learned too much about entrepreneurship from the show and I wanted to give back.
Serena Ehrlich
@serena
Where: Venice, CA
About: Social Behavior Marketing
Projects: www.attentionusa.com; www.twitter.com/serena
Favorite Episode: No way I can pick just one!
I joined the TWiST List: As a way to continue my involvement within the startup community and to help raise the visibility and success of startups and entrepreneurs.
Benoit Curdy
@bcurdy
About: I'm a Swiss-born, Ireland-based computational linguist. I'm deeply passionate by computer sciences applied to psychology: I want computers to help humans improve themselves. I've been working on research on bilingualism, vocal emotions and speech synthesis, then joined Google for 2.5 years before deciding to become a Samurai. End of 2010, I launched my startup on voice analysis, pivoted to mobile, got seed funding and found people to join. The best is still to come!
Favorite Episode: #21 with Mark Goulston
Favorite Insight from Tyler: It's like a wheelchair at Disnelyland.
I join the TWIST List: Because sharing with other entrepreneurs is always a blast.
David Lee
@chabakano
Where: Las Vegas, NV
About: Live in Vegas, work in construction/ casino technology, preparing to launch my first startup.
Projects: www.4leafmobi.com
Favorite Episode: #40, Jason's Penn State talk
Favorite insight from Tyler: Like a wheelchair at Disneyland.
I joined the TWiST List: Because I live for entrepreneurship, I love the show, and want to help support it.
William Doom
@itstheDoom
Where: Honolulu, HI
About: I am entrepreneur in development. A fan of start ups and technology e.g. the Web, mobile, social networks/media, anything Apple, if it’s geeky, I’m in... When I’m not geeked out, I crossfit “Do Work, Be Epic” and spend the rest of my time swimming, biking and running a.k.a. triathlete.
Projects: Currently penciling a portfolio of ideas, always looking and thinking of new ones.
Favorite Episode: #101 with Phil Libin
Favorite insight from Tyler: It's like ice cream in a prison.
I joined the TWiST List: Because I am infatuated with start ups and TWiST is my fix.
Jake Kerber
@JakeKerber
Where: Des Moines, IA
About: Entrepreneur; developer; smart guy; lover of good beer, music, and movies. President of KerberTech, CEO of Locusic, and new dad. Good at designing user friendly, customizable applications to solve complex business problems. Built stuff for Best Buy, NASA, BlueCross/BlueShield, among many others.
Projects: www.Locusic.com
Favorite Episode: #135, Jason's CalTech talk
Favorite insight from Tyler: Like giving flowers to a nun.
I joined the TWiST List: To be a part of a great entrepreneurial community and to say "thanks" for all the great work.
Sarp Coskun
@sarp_co
Where: Cleveland, OH
About: Software engineer turned entrepreneur. I am 26 and have worked on dozens of projects (web sites and mobile applications) for companies. I love to design software and like to code them as well. I am focused to make our world a better place to live for me and everyone else.
Projects: http://ewenty.com, http://findthefashion.com, http://qanca.com
Favorite Episode: #46 with David Heinemeier Hansson
Favorite insight from Tyler: It's like a homeless hottie in a hip hop club.
I joined the TWiST List: I really enjoy watching the show, and I want to support it. Participating in this great community will be fun.
Giuseppe Taibi
@giuseppetaibi
Where: Boston, MA
About: Over the past 10+ years, I have delivered numerous consumer-facing web, desktop and mobile products ranging from shopping to multimedia to sports. I have experience as a user, developer and product manager on a wide range of software products, screen form factors, mobile devices, I/O controllers, video games, web and cloud technologies. I am proud to mention that I have shipped kick-ass iPhone apps since day 1 of the App Store worldwide launch.
Projects: http://soundtracker.fm and www.whagaa.com
Favorite Episode: #150, News Roundtable with Andrew Warner and James Altucher
Favorite insight from Tyler: The one yet to come in the next episode
I joined the TWiST List: Because it is a lot of fun to talk about startups and I'd love to be invited to join the fun!
Tyrone Rubin
@tyronerubin
Where: Cape Town, South Africa
About: I pursue web ventures in the free time I have. So far I have started a film show on http://www.youtube.com/tyronefilmshow and just launched the site http://tinteez.com. I am continuing to further my development and e-commerce skills with packages such as drupal and magento. I love tech, business and the internet and all the opportunity it offers.
Projects: http://tinteez.com, http://www.youtube.com/tyronefilmshow
Favorite Episode: #120 with Tony Conrad
Favorite insight from Tyler: Like giving flowers to a nun.
I joined the TWiST List: To feel more connected to the TWIST community and to keep learning.
Paul Peters
@peters_paul
Where: Cairo, Egypt
About: I grew up in Boulder, but I have been living in Cairo for the past 7 years. I work for an Open Access scholarly publisher (www.hindawi.com) and oversee the development of uFollow, a site that helps people discover and follow the best authors online.
Projects: http://www.ufollow.com/
Favorite Episode: #145 with Dave Mathews
Favorite insight from Tyler: It's like ice cream in a prison.
I joined the TWiST List: Because it seems like a great way to connect with people who are into startups, which can be a challenge if you live in Egypt.
Marcos Trinidad
@cutdekprod
Where: New York, NY
About: Tech/music enthusiast looking for a good idea
Projects: www.cutdek.com
Favorite Episode: #126 with Gary Vaynerchuk
I joined the TWiST List: To support a show that keeps me up-to-date on today's ideas and to network with like-minded people.
Allen Cordrey
@Vanbreed
Where: Dallas, TX
About: Owner of VanBreed Management and has walked away from some great jobs and failed at starting two different companies.
Project: http://FineInternet.co
Favorite episode: #112 with Anthony Casalena
Favorite insight from Tyler: It's like an elephant in an earthquake.
Joshua Rosen
@Kurvebal
Where: Philadelphia, PA
About: Digital guru wanna-be
Favorite Episode: #180 with Travis Kalanick
Favorite insight from Tyler: Its like the Hindenberg crashing into the Titanic.
I joined the TWiST List: Because I love learning about entrepreneurship and the digital space. It's just an awesome program.
Rick Cartwright
@rickcartwright;)
Where: I live in a small town in Ohio (Piqua), but spend most of my time traveling.
About: Tech guy with several years of experience in the large corporate world where I worked in technology and in general management. Working on 3rd start-up.
Project: To be announced soon.
Favorite Episode: #199 with Eric Ries
I joined the TWIST List: Because I have learned so much from all of the great guests, Jason and the team. It's time to step up - there is more to learn.
Jacques Struwig
@jacquesstruwig
Where: Pretoria and Cape Town , South Africa
About: Business Development and Product Guy
Projects: Currently working for Oberthur Technologies
Favorite Episode: #194 the TWiST South Africa Meetup
I joined the TWiST List: Because the show ROCKS and 2 episode per week is just not enough!
Jim Shure
Twitter: @spatialreal
Where: Washington, DC
About: I have worked in I.T. for approximately 17 years as both a project manager and “worker bee.” My primary areas of expertise are Enterprise Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and, more specifically, spatial data management (Oracle, SQL Server, PostgreSQL). In January 2012 I started my own business, Spatial Reality, and am currently supporting large clients such as Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Headquarters. My previous clients include Army Headquarters and the Air Force GeoBase Program.
Projects: https://mapper.army.mil
Favorite Episode: #218 with Kevin Rose
Favorite Insight from Tyler: “It’s like a popcorn fart.” I actually laughed out loud when I heard that while riding on the Metro to work in DC.
I joined the TWiST List: Because I’m learning TONS of great information about how to develop a great pitch, where to get funding, and how to increase my odds of being a successful entrepreneur.
SUPPORTERS
Ryan Hoover
@rhoover
Where: San Francisco, CA
About: Product Manager at San Francisco-based mobile startup, PlayHaven. I love tech, gaming, learning, lifting, and working (no joke).
Favorite Episode: #40, Jason's Penn State talk
Favorite Insight from Tyler: It's like betting against the Mayans.
I joined the TWiST List: As a huge fan and viewer of every TWiST episode since the beginning, I didn't have a choice but to join the twistlist.
Josiah Thomas
@josiahthomas
Where: West Des Moines, IA
About: Technology news addict and entrepreneur from Des Moines, IA - Founder at RecoEngine.com | Tech Buying. Made Simple.
Projects: http://recoengine.com, http://blog.recoengine.com
Favorite Episode: #126 with Gary Vaynerchuk
Favorite Insight from Tyler: It's like a wheelchair at Disneyland.
I joined the TWiST List: Because I learn so much from the show and I believe in value for value.
João Fernandes
Where: Queijas, Portugal
About: 24-year-old Portuguese computer engineer, passionate about business and technology. Yet-to-be entrepreneur, with a strong interest in cultivating a start-up culture in his home country.
Favorite Episode: #116 with Daniel Ha
Favorite Insight from Tyler: It's like a wheelchair at Disneyland.
I joined the TWiST List: Because TWiST is inspiring and shares invaluable knowledge with people all over the world.
Tim de Jardine
@dejardine
About: Entrepreneur, Product Architect. I create popular iPhone/iPad apps with a purpose. I work at 8Interactive, where we have a very popular iPhone / iPad app called Read Me Stories. The app build the habit of learning by bringing kids a new talking picture book every day.
Projects: http://www.8Interactive.com, http://bit.ly/lxkKIE (Read Me Stories iPhone/iPad App)
Favorite Episode: For entertainment value: #23, the Angel Funding Showdown. For best guest: #46 with David Heinemeier Hansson.
I joined the TWiST List: Because it's been one of the best sources of startup education for 2 years solid!
Alejandro Vasquez
@althejandro
Where: Westminster, CO
About: I'm a student/Web Video Producer/Web and Android Dev in Denver and I spend all my study/homework/class/sleep time building stuff. I'm a tireless preacher of an alternative to formal higher education, proud Spaniard, and proud owner of two marvelous cats. Passion Is Everything.
Projects: Mobo & aGuy, due by the end of summer
Favorite Episode: #40, Jason's Penn State talk
I joined the TWiST List: To give thanks for all the amazing paths it has opened up for me.
Milan Babuskov
@mbabuskov
Where: Subotica, Serbia
About: Entrepreneur from Subotica, Serbia. Owner of an ISV company building ERP and CRM software and expanding into Internet space in the past years.
Projects: Online quiz games, content updated daily: http://www.CountdownGames.tv; Desktop software:
http://www.guacosoft.com
Favorite Episode: #46 with David Heinemeier Hansson
I joined the TWiST List: I joined the TWiST list to meet other people who love the show so much that are actually willing to pay something to contribute.
Nelson Melo
@nmelo
Where: Miami, FL and San Francisco, CA
About: Entrepreneur, Mobile and Web Developer. Technical founder and Product guy all around. Trying to make a dent in the world by creating web apps that people go crazy about. DotNet, Ruby, GWT, iPhone and Android developer. Always onboard for crazy initiatives like the #StartupBus, StartupHouse, StartupBoat and StartupSurfboard if they come up with it at some point.
Projects: Co-founder of the Mobile Innovation app Frankly (getfrankly.com), founder and current organizer of South Florida's Google Tech User Group, working on a couple stealth projects to be announced.
Favorite Episode: #128 with Bill Nguyen
Favorite insight from Tyler: "Used to be you wanted to get into Harvard, now you want to get into Y Combinator."
I joined the TWiST List: Because I LOVE the show and Calacanis is my personal hero.
Toddy Mladenov
@toddysm
Where: Redmond, WA
About: Planning to be entrepreneur (again); very customer focused; truly believe that technology should make people's lives easier; social media enthusiast; addicted to great content; enjoy traveling and sailing
Projects: My personal blog: http://www.toddysm.com
Favorite Episode: #127 with Ian Rogers
Favorite insight from Tyler: Like giving flowers to a nun
I joined the TWiST List: Because I admire Jason and the show is priceless.
Daniel Torres
@TrainerwiseNews
Where: Los Angeles, Ca
About: Personal Training Blogsite - I'm building the biggest personal training B to B blogsite on the web. My intention is to parlay that into the biggest Fitness Platform on the web. That's it. I am a Personal Trainer in the Los Angeles Area. I follow in the footsteps of Andrew Warner @ Mixergy in that, I built my site, hustle my own interviews, edit and post my content. TWI Startups is my Addiction!
Projects: http://trainerwise.com/
Favorite Episode: #91 with Dave McClure
Favorite insight from Tyler: Like giving flowers to a nun.
I joined the TWiST List: Because I like to Win.
Piotr Zuralski
@zuralski
Where: London, UK
About: Hi, I am young entrepreneur who had recently left the cosy world of corporate IT / Telecom industry in order to join a like-minded troupe of creators, tinkerers and coders. I design and also get my hands dirty with coding.
Projects: http://bigpursuits.com
Favorite Episode: #46 with David Heinemeier Hanson
Favorite insight from Tyler: Like a homeless hottie at a hip hop club.
I joined the TWiST List: Because I love the show, I want to support it and participate in a great community.
Armand Konan
@akonan; @diduapp
Where: Ottawa/Ontario/Canada
About: I was born 1973, grew up in the Ivory Coast, Switzerland and Canada where I work as engineer. I'm a traveller. My multicultural background and artistic skills (dance, writing) allows me to view tech as art. My goal is to create a company combining art and technology. For instance, deliver content in an innovative way. I'm currently selling an app on the App Store. I hope it's only the beginning.
Projects: www.diduapp.com
Favorite Episode: #46 with David Heinemeier Hansson
Favorite insight from Tyler: Like a prison with ice cream.
I joined the TWiST List: Because Jason and the TWIST team makes the experience as insightful as it is fun, which is a great help for an aspiring entrepreneur like me.
Sue Marrone
@suem821
Where: Cleveland, OH
About: Sue Marrone has been a professional stage manager, theatre and video producer, and manager for many years. When she played her first Internet game, she was hooked on the idea that Internet was the next theatre platform. Sue designed her first program to better explain Shakespeare followed by business application software, Sue is learning more and hopes to launch soon with the new product.
Favorite Episode: #85 with Page Craig (and I'm the Ask Jason caller!)
I joined the TWiST List: Because I want to hear from others and I’ve got things to say.
Ryan Dodds
@ryandodds
Where: Winter Park, Florida
About: I'm a recent grad of Rollins MBA and 1st time entrepreneur embarking on a coworking company which is to become the new Regus. Anything tech really excites me especially in the enterprise application space. I live with my girlfriend, Ali, and we have two dogs, a springer and a boykin spaniel, Winston and Harvey. California is always calling but I'm setting up shop with my first company in Orlando, Florida which is poised to have a strong bounce back.
Projects: www.studiominds.com, www.techventure2011.com
Favorite Episode: #143 with David Tisch
Favorite insight from Tyler: It's like a big mac in the Vatican.
I joined the TWiST List: Because the educational value of this show far exceeds anything you learn in class and I want to be a part of that goodness.
Daniel Bradley
@thedanfilter
Where: Queensland, Australia
About: I am a researcher/software developer. I have studied Information Technology (software engineering), Molecular Biology, and Research Commercialisation. I have worked in computer security (DSTC), biological modeling (IMB), tertiary education (UQ), and am currently completing a PhD in Software Visualisation.
Favorite Episode: #25 with Mark Suster
Favorite insight from Tyler: Like a homeless hottie in a hip-hop club.
I joined the TWiST List: Because This Week in Startups provides life-changing value through its unfiltered examination of the highs and lows of choosing the entrepreneurial path.
Jason Cresswell
@jasoncresswell
Where: Seoul, South Korea
About: I am a Canadian who has lived in Korea since 1999 and I am currently operating 2 restaurant/bars here catering to the foreign community. I am currently working on a startup that I will be happy to share with the community once it begins taking shape.
Projects: http://www.travelersbar.com
Favorite Episode: #127 with Ian Rogers because it sparked my current idea and #161 with Fred Wilson
Favorite insight from Tyler: It's like a Big Mac at the Vatican.
I joined the TWiST List: Because I was getting so much value from the episodes that I felt bad not paying for them and wanted to ensure the continuation of the series by helping out financially.
David Kolb
@dekolb;)
Where: Atlanta, GA
About: Ex-credit analyst who always loved technology and is now doing business development for Ingenious Med, a VC backed healthcare IT company. I am passionate about growing companies especially technology enabled businesses in the areas of healthcare, energy, and education.
Favorite Episode: #101 with Phil Libin of Evernote
Favorite insight from Tyler: All the inappropriate ones
I joined the TWiST List: Because I believe in what Jason and the team are trying to do to improve and modernize an education experience.
Patrick Desroches
@pdesroches
Where: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
About: Co-Founder and CTO of Tuango.ca, the biggest group-buying site in Quebec. I have been a web developer and entrepreneur since I was 12 years old.
Projects: www.tuango.ca; tripsearch.travelalerts.ca
Favorite Episode: #126 with Gary Vaynerchuk
Favorite insight from Tyler: It's like a wheelchair at Disneyland.
I joined the TWiST List: Because since the day I started to build startups I have been passionate about it and I love to listen to other startup stories.
Christopher Smitley
@chrissmitley
Where: Sacramento, CA & Edmonton, Alberta (Canada)
About: Google me: Chris Smitley
Projects: LeadBully.com; Leads.ly
Favorite Episode: #24 with Gary Vaynerchuck
Favorite insight from Tyler: It's like a wheelchair at Disneyland.
I joined the TWiST List: Because I am passionate about entrepreneurialism and cannot wait to see the day that internet media surpasses mainstream media in its viewer-base.
Madhu Ramakrishna
Where: London, UK
About: I am an engineer with a MBA and some legal education. My startup experience includes Affle, a mobile media startup which I founded in 2005 with the product SMS 2.0. Regular work experience includes being a data centre manager, business consultant and various other things.
Projects: www.earningscast.com
Favorite insight from Tyler: It's like a wheelchair at Disneyland.
I joined the TWiST List: Because the show is teaching me more than my MBA and my first startup!
Matt Beaubien
@mattbeaubien
Where: Santiago, Chile
About: Matt is the founder of OctaneNation.com, a social network and marketplace for automotive enthusiasts. He is currently living in Santiago, Chile as part of the StartUPChile program. Matt is passionate about the web, automotive, digital photography and travel. He has had an international career and prior to Chile lived in Barcelona, France, Detroit and Edmonton.
Project: http://OctaneNation.com
Favorite Episode: #24 with Gary Vaynerchuk
Favorite insight from Tyler: It's like polar bears and penguins.
I joined the TWiST List: Because I'm launching my first web projected and wanted to show my support for the value I have gotten out of the program.
Barcy Cordrey
@barcycordrey
Where: Dallas, TX
About: I am a SalesForce administrator with a strong interest in CRM and sCRM. I currently still have a day job as I make plans to launch a CRM consulting firm in 2012.
Projects: I’m in “stealth start-up” mode right now. I haven’t even chosen a name yet!
Favorite Episode: #189 with Jon Ferrara
I joined the TWiST List: Because I’m very new to being an entrepreneur and I’m looking for inspiration and guidance from those that have already navigated these waters.
Tim Hoyt
@timhoyt;)
Where: Miami, FL
About: Co-Founder, CTO, Product Guy, and keeper of the story at Picture Marketing, Inc., a profitable 10 year old company in the social photo space. I’ve been working with various entrepreneurial ventures since graduating from Brown in 1991.
Projects: www.PictureMarketing.com
Favorite Episode: #126 with Gary Vaynerchuk
Favorite Insight from Tyler: It's like giving a rose to a nun.
I joined the TWiST List: Because TWiST regularly blows my mind with entrepreneurial ideas and I thought it would be fun to throw my two cents into the mix.
Eric Moore
@ericdmoore
Where: Dallas, TX
About: Engineer. Strategist. Observer. Creating companies focused on web-based tools that solve hard problems.
Projects: PipeUp - "Brand engagement platform for the masses"
Favorite Episode: #190 with Steve Blank and Bill Lee
I joined the TWiST List: Because, while Mark Suster does a great job on ThisWeekInVC, Jason is so much more entertaining, and any chance to "personally" interact with such a vivid community is worthwhile.
Andrew Skotzko
@askotzko
Where: Los Angeles, CA
About: Because I'm a curious entrepreneur living in Los Angeles. I'm passionate about creating immersive and empowering experiences with tech. I'm most interested in the consumer web (specifically video), education, and human psychology/motivation. I currently work on Chill.com, which is a place for people to watch (in-browser) TV/movies/live events together in a fun and social experience. I currently work on that at Chill, the best place online to watch movies, TV, and live events with your friends.
Projects: Chill (www.chill.com)
Favorite episode: #189 with Jon Ferrara
I joined the TWiST List: Because I love connecting with and learning from other passionate people in tech.
John Bradley
Where: Dallas, TX
About: I own my own paintless dent repair (PDR) company and have been in business for 15 years.
Favorite episode: #198 with Ryan Carson
I joined the TWiST List: Because I want to learn how to become a samurai.
Dave Ferrara
@daveferrara1;)
Where: Salt Lake City, Utah
About: I am a Professional Web Developer and a Search Marketing Professional. I basically love all things web and technology related. I am More Luke Than Vader.
Projects: http://www.rankularity.com
Favorite Episode: Cal Tech Talk and the Angel Funding Showdown
Favorite Insight from Tyler: They are all evenly deep.
I joined the TWiST List: To support the show. The advice and experiences discussed by people that are out of my reach are priceless and entertaining. This is really a free MBA.
T.R. Ludwig
@uprisun
Where: Brooklyn, NY
About: I am the VP of Business Development for and Co-Founder of Ad Energy. Solar nut, gadget junkie, house DJ, and international wanderer. Worked at Gartner for 6 years and also started a small software development company in Holland.
Projects: www.ad-energy.com
Favorite Episode: #199 with Eric Ries
Favorite Insight from Tyler: Something about a double amputee clinic...
I joined the TWiST List: Because this show is premium content and speaks to the heart of what it means to be an entrepreneur: the good, the bad, the absurd.
Flaviu Simihaian
@closedbracket
Where: Charlotte, NC
About: Originally from Nasaud, Romania, now in Charlotte NC. I mix tech startup ingredients: development, design, open source, business dev, and life.
Projects: eval.me; readncode.com
Favorite Episode: #46 with David Heinemeier Hansson
Favorite Insight from Tyler: You should drop acid.
I joined the TWiST List: Because I want to see what other Flavius are thinking.
Dan Sfera
@therealdansfera;)
Where: Anaheim, CA
About: Entrepreneur that is hell-bent on buying the LA Clippers.
Projects: http://www.TheClinicalTrialsGuru.com; http://www.DanSfera.com
Favorite Episode: All of them
I joined the TWiST List: Because I've been a fan of the show since late 2009.
Kiko Cherman
@kikocherman
Where: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
About: I am an 18-year-old engineering student who founded ComoFazer.com.br, the Brazilian how-to site ("como fazer" is "how to" in Portuguese).
Projects: http://www.comofazer.com.br
Favorite Episode: #126 with Gary Vaynerchuk
Favorite Insight from Tyler: It's like giving flowers to a nun.
I joined the TWiST List: Because I want to connect with other hard-working entrepreneurs in the tech space.
Chandra Siva
@chandra 
Where: San Francisco, CA
About: CTO & Co-founder of a mobile startup Zappli. Love to build things from scratch. Love to help and learn from others. Love to talk tech and entrepreneurship.
Projects: zappli.com; chandraonline.net (personal blog)
Favorite Episode: #199 with Eric Ries
Favorite Insight from Tyler: It's like a wheelchair at Disneyland.
I joined TWiST List: Because it was about time to show support to TWiST and Jason. I have listened to TWiST from very early on and have always enjoyed every show.
Kasper Andkjaer
@andkjaer
Where: Copenhagen, Denmark
About: Former partner at 15+ people advertising/digital agency went bust because of the e-conomic crisis. Currently working solo as a web-developer, designer and building my first serious web start-up on the side.
Projects: Coming soon
Favorite Episode: #46 with David Heinemeier Hansson
Favorite Insight from Tyler: It's like giving flowers to a nun.
I joined the TWiST List: Because I have learned more from Jason, Tyler and all the guests, that I ever could elsewhere – big thanks to all of you.
Michael Grabham
@grabmike
Where: Seattle, WA
About: I love starting companies or teams within company. I enjoy the collaboration with smart people to figure out how to create revenue and sustainable profits. I have been lucky enough to start a few companies and see the hard work payoff and lucky enough to see failure. I like the experiences you must go through to get a company started and into growth mode to see the first service/product create revenue. Luck is when opportunity meets preparation.
Projects: www.addmorebuyers.com; www.survivethestreets.org
Favorite Episode: #219 with Dr. Warren Bennis
Favorite Insight from Tyler: How he wakes up each morning using his iPad app by Sourcebits
I joined the TWiST List: Because I have been listening to Jason for a year and I think he has given me and many others a great perspective and truth on how hard, easy, agonizing, frustrating, etc. that starting a company can be and I thought if I joined the TWIST list I could meet smart people with similar interests.
John Shipple
@FreelanceCTO;)
Where: San Francisco and Los Angeles, California
About: I build amazing, scalable companies as the Chief Technology Officer or Alpha Nerd. I have more online development and company building experience than anybody on this list! I am very active in the local ecosystem as an organizer for the LA CTO Forum ( with over 150 SoCal CTOs in network), a founder of Students4Startups (connecting 3 of the top 10 Computer Science schools with local startup companies), and a mentor/adviser to local accelerators, incubators, and startup companies.
Projects: InternSushi.com: a new way to find, apply to, and manage internships in the hardest-to-break-into industries; MindMixer.com: the only virtual town hall service dedicated to municipal and government projects
Favorite Episode: #133 with Joey Flores
Favorite Insight from Tyler: Everything said at the Launch conference...the whole thing!
I joined the TWiST List: Because I have a lot to offer the community and need help getting it out and into the ecosystem.
Chris Mancil
@ChrisMancil
Where: Calabasas, California
About: I am a 15 year veteran of the videogames industry shifting into interactive entertainment and entrepreneurship. I am passionate about great communications and service.
Projects: Zyamusic.com, the democratization of music creation
Favorite Episode: #244 with Naval Ravikant
Favorite insight from Tyler: It feels like passing a law on New Year’s Eve.
I joined the TWiST List: Because I am a huge fan of This Week in Startups, I never join Los Angeles traffic without it streaming. I also plan to leave the ranks of the ‘wantrepreneur’ to become a Samurai and change the world.
Jay Moran
@moran_jay
Where: Atlanta, Georgia
About: Student @ Georgia State University studying Computer Information Systems / Application Development. I also work as a licensed massage therapist for a Massage Envy franchise and before attending GSU earned an Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies.
Projects: Summer project of building a web application focused on education and aimed at college students.
Favorite Episode: #255, All Ask Jason
I joined the TWiST List: Because I want to learn the inner workings of technology industry from professionals who are building it.
Giles Thomas
@gilesadamthomas
Where: Leeds, UK
About: Freelance designer/developer out of the UK, specialising in mobile first responsive design.
Projects: www.vark.it (a free, exclusively-produced audio resource - aiming to serve media professionals and hobbyists worldwide), www.the53rdparallel.com (curators of graphic art - ethically produced and locally sourced uk art work, hand printed on t-shirts and prints), www.thecabbie.co (digital signage company in Leeds, UK. Creating and broadcasting video content in cabs 24 hours a day)
Favorite Episode: #46 with David Heinemeier Hansson
Favorite Insight from Tyler: It's like a homeless hottie in a hip hop club.
I joined the TWiST List: To learn and exchange knowledge and support a great show.
Petru Marchidan
@petrumarchidan;)
Where: Brasov, Romania
About: Doing the same thing better. No is NOT madness; it is called entrepreneurship. CEO @SoftCookies.
Projects: SoftCookies.com, changing the way people is using and integrate with QuickBooks.
Favorite Episode: #126 with Gary Vaynerchuk
Favorite Insight from Tyler: "It feels like an elephant in an earthquake."
I joined the TWiST List: Because I want to hangout with some great entrepreneurs.
Sam Drzymala
@drzymalas
Where: Washington, DC
About: Digital political operative -- worked on Obama 2008, in Congress and on campaigns to make our political institutions more open and accountable. Specialize in online political marketing and outreach. Currently Digital Outreach Director at American Bridge, a Political Action Committee that researches Republican candidates and holds them accountable for their rhetoric and records.
Projects: www.americanbridgepac.org
Favorite Episode: #199 with Eric Reis
Favorite Insight from Tyler: "It's like a Grandpa in high tops."
I joined the TWiST List: Because I think there's a huge opportunity to create new institutions that make our political system more accountable to the public, and the startup community has the model to make it happen. I'm excited to learn from Jason and the veteran guests he has on his show.
Nick Mehta
@nrmehta;)
Where: Sunnyvale, CA
About: Entrepreneur/CEO (LiveOffice acq by SYMC, Chipshot), exec (SYMC, VRTS), ent, cloud, SaaS, big data, storage, security, diehard Steelers family, lucky.
Projects: Sold www.liveoffice.com to Symantec in January for $115 MM
Favorite Episode: #199 with Eric Ries
I joined the TWiST List: Because I'm a repeat entrepreneur who still has a ton to learn and appreciates everything TWIST is giving back to the community.
Matt Wopata
Where: Dallas, TX
About: Currently working as a software engineer for a major industrial automation company. I typically propose and build systems that tie industrial controllers' (think Stuxnet) information in with IT infrastructures to provide engineers and managers with information about their operations. Fascinated by the startup industry and motivated by the TWiST community, I’m currently in the early stages of developing an idea to bring manufacturing ops to the cloud.
Project: Early stages of a project to bring manufacturing (OPC) data to the cloud.
Favorite Episode: #244 with Naval Ravikant
I joined the TWiST List: Because I don't want to work for "the man" the rest of my life, and I'm hoping the TWiST list will provide me with the insight, motivation, and courage to eventually take the leap and try my own thing someday.
