In this episode of the What It Takes Podcast, we sit down with Rabbi Nachman Seltzer—a prolific Jewish author, Torah educator, and former music director who has quietly built a decades-long career at the intersection of faith, creativity, and impact. Rabbi Seltzer shares his journey from writing his first book by hand on a bus at 23 to publishing over 56 books, including Torah works that sold 70,000+ copies worldwide. He opens up about the realities of the publishing world, why novels rarely sell, how biographies and Torah books create lasting influence, and what most aspiring writers misunderstand about success. The conversation also explores his unexpected exit from the Jewish music and choir world, how industry shifts forced hard decisions, and why knowing when to quit can be just as important as knowing how to start. From turning ancient Torah texts into modern movements to offering grounded advice for writers, creators, and those considering Aliyah, this episode is a masterclass in long-term thinking, creative discipline, and purpose-driven work. Whether you’re a writer, educator, creator, or someone navigating career pivots through faith and practicality, this episode delivers lessons that only come from 25 years of doing the work. 💡 In This Episode, We Cover: ◼️ Writing his first book at 23—and why it was written entirely on a bus ◼️ How a single real-life story became a bestselling Jewish novel ◼️ The business reality of publishing: royalties, advances, and distribution ◼️ Why most novels fail—and what actually sells in Jewish publishing ◼️ Turning an out-of-print Torah sefer into a global learning movement ◼️ How storytelling makes Torah accessible to thousands worldwide ◼️ Why passion isn’t enough—and how market awareness shapes success ◼️ Leaving a thriving music and choir career at the right time ◼️ How the Jewish music industry changed—and why CDs ended the model ◼️ Balancing faith, creativity, family, and parnassah ◼️ Advice for writers, creators, and those considering Aliyah ◼️ Why longevity matters more than trends in any creative career ⏱️ Chapters: 0:00 From Shabbos Table to a Global Torah Movement 2:56 Writing a First Novel by Hand (And Getting Published) 12:01 The Sefer That Sparked a Worldwide Learning Revolution 21:32 Choirs, Creativity & Walking Away From Music 27:16 Writing for Impact, Not Sales 🔗 Connect with Rabbi Nachman Seltzer LinkedIn: https://il.linkedin.com/in/rabbi-nachman-seltzer-a719849 Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B086K3HW5P 🔗 Connect with the Host Tuli Kraus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbird.recruiting/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tuli-kraus/ 🎙 Sponsored by Blackbird Recruiting Tired of sorting through unqualified résumés? Blackbird Recruiting helps you hire people who actually perform—so you can focus on growing your business. Learn more at blackbirdrecruiting.com

In this episode of the What It Takes Podcast, we sit down with Hershy Goldstein, CEO and Co-Founder of FRIDAY—a SaaS founder who went from unemployment to building a thriving tech startup serving over 1,200 customers. Hershy breaks down his journey from leaving a secure career to bootstrapping and scaling a profitable, remote-first business. He shares the unfiltered reality of entrepreneurship: the moments he almost shut everything down, the pressure of scaling fast, and the leadership decisions that come with being the one in charge. This conversation is a masterclass in career decisions, startup growth, and building a sustainable business. Whether you’re considering leaving a corporate job, building a startup, or leading a remote team, this episode delivers insights you won’t hear anywhere else. 💡 In This Episode, We Cover: ◼️ How Hershy turned unemployment into a SaaS startup success story ◼️ The pivotal moment that almost ended the company ◼️ Scaling to 1,200 customers without investors or venture capital ◼️ Building a fully remote team across multiple states ◼️ Recognizing when to leave a secure career to pursue entrepreneurship ◼️ Handling founder burnout and mental pressure while growing a company ◼️ How to identify, retain, and lead high-performing employees ◼️ Lessons from the accidental product pivots that saved the business ◼️ Hershy’s non-negotiable advice for first-time founders ⏱️ Chapters: 0:00 Intro - The $250k Question 11:54 The Breakthrough: Conquering Imposter Syndrome at Fingercheck 19:24 The 9-Year Grind: From Support to Manager to $250k 22:30 The Coaching Epiphany: Discovering a Hidden Superpower 37:19 The Final Straw: Why I Quit My Cushy Job 42:09 The Wilderness: Depression, COVID, and Consulting 54:10 Startup Nightmare: The Week Our Bank Vanished 1:02:55 Founder Truths: Surrender, Hiring, & The Fear of Content 1:20:38 Final Advice: Should You Leave Your Safe Job? LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hershey-goldstein/Website:https://fridayapp.com/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/TuliKrausInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbird.recruiting/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tuli-kraus/ Sponsored by Blackbird RecruitingTired of sorting through unqualified résumés? Blackbird Recruiting helps you hire top talent—so you can focus on growing your business.Visit blackbirdrecruiting.com to learn more.

In this episode of the What It Takes Podcast, we sit down with Avi Singer, Founder and CEO of Showd.me - a leader who hacked the corporate ladder from day one and later built a multi-million-dollar SaaS company without raising a single dollar of venture capital. Avi breaks down his journey from a $65k entry-level role at DoubleClick (later acquired by Google) to bootstrapping and scaling a profitable, remote-first business. He shares the unfiltered reality of entrepreneurship: the moments he nearly quit, the pressure of making payroll, and the tough leadership decisions that come with being the one in charge. This conversation is a masterclass in strategic career planning, sustainable company building, and rejecting Silicon Valley hype in favor of real, durable success. Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder, building a startup, or trying to lead a team that actually cares, this episode delivers insights you won’t hear anywhere else. 💡 In This Episode, We Cover: ◼️ How Avi leveraged an Ivy League degree to land his first $65k job◼️ Adopting a “future VP” mindset from day one in corporate life◼️ Why he tells 99% of people not to start a tech startup◼️ The accidental pivot from a “nice-to-have” to a true “must-have” product◼️ Building a 50-person remote team across 13 states—with no office◼️ The hardest CEO skill: knowing when to walk away from easy money◼️ How to identify, promote, and retain rockstar employees—and when to let go◼️ The servant-leadership philosophy that creates real loyalty◼️ Navigating founder identity crises and near burnout◼️ Why most software companies fail—and how to avoid the same traps◼️ Avi’s non-negotiable advice for first-time founders ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 From Columbia to Corporate: Hacking the $65k Start 11:45 The Terminal Degree: Planning Your Career Like a Chess Game 14:27 Why I Left a $250k+ VP Job to Start From Scratch 21:42 The Pivot That Saved the Business 30:12 Hiring (and Firing) for a Team That Runs Without You 34:50 Building a Remote Culture That Actually Works 53:48 The Vacation Test: How to Know You’re a Good Leader 1:03:03 From Unicorn Dreams to Building a Real Business 🔗 Connect with Avi Singer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avisinger/Website: https://www.showd.me/ 🔗 Connect with Tuli KrausX (Twitter): https://x.com/TuliKrausInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbird.recruiting/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tuli-kraus/ Sponsored by Blackbird Recruiting. Tired of sorting through unqualified résumés? Blackbird Recruiting helps you hire top talent—so you can focus on growing your business. Visit blackbirdrecruiting.com to learn more.

💡 I Found the Key to Hiring A-Players For 50% Less On this episode of The What It Takes Podcast, we sit down with Aaron Klein, Founder & CEO of Real Hires, the company that’s helping businesses hire top talent from 40+ countries without breaking the bank. Aaron shares how to: 🚀 Hire top-tier talent smarter and faster 💻 Build high-performing remote teams across time zones 💰 Cut hiring costs in half without compromising quality ⚡ Avoid the biggest mistakes companies make when hiring globally If you’re a founder, manager, or HR leader, this episode will change the way you approach hiring—saving you time, money, and headaches. 🎯 Stop settling for “good enough” talent. Learn how to get A-players, for less.

In Episode 12 of The What It Takes Podcast, we sit down with Rob Farmer, a global auto industry veteran with over 24 years of experience at Nissan Motor Company and General Motors. As Senior Director & Chief Market Intelligence Officer for the Americas at Nissan, Rob led a team of 50+ across four global locations, driving insights straight to the CEO’s desk.We dive deep into his career journey—from working in Shanghai, navigating the complexities of global automotive markets, to pioneering AI-driven analytics that cut development timelines, optimized brand tracking, and opened new business growth opportunities. Rob shares how he built a career that makes an impact on a global scale, the lessons he learned, and how he empowers teams to succeed in a fast-evolving industry.🎙 What you’ll learn in this episode:How Rob leveraged AI and advanced analytics to transform decision-making at NissanThe strategies behind entering new markets and categories successfullyLessons on leadership, upskilling, and building high-performing global teamsInsider perspectives on navigating the auto industry on a global scaleWhether you’re an aspiring executive, an automotive enthusiast, or someone curious about how insights and data drive big decisions, this episode is packed with actionable lessons and inspiration.A special thanks to our sponsors:United Refuah HealthShareAn affordable alternative to health insurance. Learn more at http://bit.ly/46s0F6fThe 3rd month of membership is free for new applicants. Enroll by 8/31 with code BLACKBIRDBlackbird RecruitingHelping businesses find the best talent with a personal, hands-on approach. Visit BlackbirdRecruiting.com to learn more about how we can you great employees.

Episode made possible by Blackbird Recruiting. Check em out Blackbirdrecruiting.com After building a tech business and working with giants like Google and Microsoft, Hillel Fuld SHUT IT ALL DOWN after October 7th. He now commands one of the most powerful pro-Israel voices online, reaching BILLIONS of impressions. In this bombshell conversation, he exposes the uncomfortable truths about Zionism, the open miracles happening in Israel, and why he believes there is "zero justification" for any Jew to live outside their homeland today. Hillel Fuld is a leading Israeli tech strategist and a powerhouse advocate for Israel, with a massive following across social media platforms. IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS: ◼️ The shocking reason Israel is being "decimated" in the PR war—and what they're doing wrong ◼️ How Zionism is as core to Judaism as Shabbat, and the Gemara that proves it ◼️ The modern-day "gun to your head" argument for why Jews must leave now ◼️ Debunking the biggest Aliyah myths: salaries, language, and quality of life ◼️ Incredible, open miracles from the war that prove divine intervention ◼️ How the Israeli job market really works (it's not about your resume) ◼️ The one thing that still drives him crazy about living in Israel after 30 years 00:00 Introduction & Banter 00:31 The Accidental Tech Guru: Hillel's Origin Story 03:10 The Game-Changing Assistant & Business Transformation 04:55 The October 7th Pivot: Shutting Down for Israel 07:48 Why Israel is Losing the PR War 10:25 Defining Zionism & The Core of Jewish Identity 14:24 The Modern-Day "Gun to Your Head" Argument 16:53 Addressing the "I'll Go When Mashiach Comes" Viewpoint 21:54 The "Open Miracles" of the Israel-Hamas War 23:58 A Personal Story of Divine Intervention: The Australian Visa 29:08 Israel as a Practical Paradise: Debunking Aliyah Myths 32:13 How the Israeli Job Market Really Works 41:56 What Actually Drives Him Crazy About Israel 48:35 The Flip Side: The Magic of Israeli Community 51:22 Final Plea: Make a Plan CONNECT WITH HILLEL: X (Twitter): https://x.com/hilzfuld Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hilzfuld/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HillelFuld/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilzfuld/

The Brutal Truth About Being A Creative Director | How a Borough Park Kid Landed HBO, Polaroid, and Brother ft. Sam Ash How data and storytelling can build a career? In this episode of the What It Takes podcast, we sit down with Sam Ash (not the music store!), a marketing powerhouse and the unconventional creative mind behind iconic campaigns for HBO, Brother, Polaroid, and countless brands in the frum world. Sam takes us on a hilarious and insightful journey from his Borough Park Yeshiva days to the top of the advertising world, pulling back the curtain on how he launched the Brother P-Touch, made Paint fascinating, and why he never wears the same "professional" face twice. He shares profound lessons on faith, family, and why today's consumers don't want to think, they want to feel. This is a raw, funny, and deeply authentic conversation about the power of a great idea, the importance of knowing your "why," and what Jewish marketing is missing. 💡 In This Episode, We Discuss: ◼️ Sam’s journey from a Yeshiva kid in Borough Park to a sought-after creative director ◼️ The hilarious story of launching the Brother P-Touch and the "aha" moment that created a new product category ◼️ His philosophy that you're not selling the drill, you're selling the hole! Why benefits always beat features ◼️ The challenge of balancing a demanding creative career with family life and faith ◼️ Why the frum community is the last great bastion of print advertising and how to use it effectively ◼️ His unexpected encounter with John Ratzenberger (Cliff from "Cheers") and the life lesson about money and family ◼️ How to "niche yourself" to break into a creative career ◼️ The problem with AI, SEO, and why they can't replace true talent and insight ◼️ What most Jewish marketing is missing and the agencies that are getting it right ◼️ His advice for business owners on how to choose the right creative agency ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Meet Sam Ash: The Unconventional Creative 3:09 From Borough Park to Big Brands: A Yeshiva Kid's Origin Story 5:07 The Brother P-Touch Launch: Selling the Hole, Not the Drill 22:45 Faith in the Workplace: Wearing a Kippah in Corporate America 27:16 The John Ratzenberger Story: A $150,000 Lesson on Priorities 35:48 How to Break Into a Creative Career: Niche Yourself 41:29 The State of Jewish Marketing: The Last Bastion of Print 43:10 Sam's Final Advice: How to Pick the Right Creative Agency 🔗 Connect with Sam Ash LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samash180/ 🔗 Connect with Tuli Kraus X (Twitter): https://x.com/TuliKraus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbird.recruiting/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tuli-kraus/ #WhatItTakesPodcast #Marketing #Advertising #BrandStrategy #CreativeDirector #Entrepreneurship #JewishBusiness #Startup #CareerAdvice

In this powerful episode of the What It Takes Podcast, we sit down with Sam Shvarzblat, a contractor and entrepreneur who has lived both realities—being the boss and walking away from being the boss. Sam built a construction company from scratch in his early 20s, scaled it to multiple large projects, battled cash-flow pressure, burnout, family expectations, and eventually made the toughest decision an entrepreneur can make: closing his own company. This conversation is brutally honest. Sam opens up about the identity crisis founders face, the ego tied to “being your own boss,” how cash flow really works behind the scenes in construction, and why moving his family to a new community changed everything. Whether you're an entrepreneur, contractor, or someone who’s ever wondered if stepping away is failure or growth—this episode will hit home. This is a raw masterclass in humility, rebuilding, and what it really takes to balance business, family, faith, and your own well-being. 💡 In This Episode, We Discuss: ◼️ Sam’s early journey into construction and why he skipped working for others ◼️ The harsh truth about being a young business owner in the trades ◼️ Why most contractors struggle with cash flow—and how to fix it ◼️ The “friends & family discount” myth ◼️ The realities of managing 10+ simultaneous construction projects ◼️ Burnout, identity, and the moment Sam knew he had to step away ◼️ Moving from Lakewood to Monsey: lifestyle, community, and values ◼️ Economic slowdown, stalled projects, and clients pulling deposits ◼️ What it feels like to shut down your own company ◼️ How Sam rebuilt his life, career, and sense of direction ◼️ What every new entrepreneur should understand before starting ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 When the Dream of Being Your Own Boss Starts to Crack 2:19 Why I Refused to Become a Copy-Paste Contractor 6:19 Friends, Family & the Truth About ‘Discount Work’ 7:06 Why Friends Should Pay MORE—Not Less 8:26 At My Peak: Running 10 Projects with a Tiny Team 10:25 The Cash-Flow Trap That Destroys Most Contractors 13:10 The Question I Never Wanted to Answer: Why I Closed My Company 16:46 The Commute That Broke Me: 4:30 AM Drives & Endless Inspections 17:55 When Clients Pump the Brakes & the Economy Turns on You 26:56 The Identity Shift of Going from a Boss to an Employee 34:49 Being an Employee vs Doing Your Own Thing 37:35 The Biggest Lessons I’ve Learned in These Chapters of My Life 🔗 Connect with Sam Shvarzblat: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samshvarzblat/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samshvarz/ 🔗 Connect with Tuli Kraus: X (Twitter): https://x.com/TuliKraus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbird.recruiting/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tuli-kraus/ This episode is sponsored by Blackbird Recruiting. Tired of sifting through unqualified résumés? Let Blackbird Recruiting find you top talent so you can focus on growing your business. Visit blackbirdrecruiting.com to learn more.

In this episode of the What It Takes Podcast, we sit down with Abe Breuer, CEO of John To Go—a self-made entrepreneur who built a multi-million-dollar empire in an essential but often overlooked industry and achieved a successful private equity exit. Abe breaks down his 20-year journey from selling his first computer company as a teenager to scaling a portable sanitation business into a $50M national leader. He shares the unfiltered reality of entrepreneurship: the partner who quit during the first brutal winter, near-death cash flow moments, and the unconventional employee strategy that turned a secretary into a $280k-a-year partner. This conversation is a masterclass in resilience, operational scaling, and leadership mindset. Whether you’re starting a service business, struggling to scale, or curious about exits and life after selling, this episode delivers hard-earned lessons you won’t find in textbooks. 💡 In This Episode, We Cover: ◼️ How Abe built his first company at 16 and sold it for $25k◼️ The “walk between the drops” philosophy learned from his parents◼️ Scaling revenue to $50M without losing control◼️ The partner who walked away—and the brother who stayed to build a legacy◼️ Managing ADHD as a superpower using pen, paper, and ruthless systems◼️ Why Abe never gives raises—and the bonus system that creates extreme loyalty◼️ The New Yorker article that changed everything and attracted private equity◼️ The harsh reality of scaling too fast and running out of cash◼️ Selling the business: identity loss, regret, and what comes next◼️ His current venture in the challenging world of assisted living (ALFs) ⏱️ Chapters: 0:00 Intro – Meeting in the Shul & the Founder of John To Go10:11 Early Hustle – Selling a Computer Company at 1616:11 First Major Bet – Buying a 24-Unit Building with $400k20:20 The Birth of John To Go – A Partner, a Stick Shift Truck & the First Winter23:02 The Pivot – Bringing His Brother in as the Right Partner32:20 Scaling Secrets – From $400k to $50M in Revenue39:45 The New Yorker Call That Changed Everything 57:32 The $280k Employee – A Bonus System That Creates Partners1:04:14 Life After the Exit – Identity, Travel & Starting Over1:07:37 Final Advice – Would He Do It All Again? 🔗 Connect with Abe BreuerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/breuerabe/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/abe-breuer-a339725/ 🔗 Connect with Tuli KrausX (Twitter): https://x.com/TuliKrausInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbird.recruiting/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tuli-kraus/ Sponsored by Blackbird Recruiting. Tired of sorting through unqualified résumés? Blackbird Recruiting helps you hire top talent—so you can focus on growing your business.Visit blackbirdrecruiting.com to learn more.

How does faith rewire your entire career? In this powerful episode of the What It Takes podcast, we sit down with Mrs. Esther Bergman, the CFO of Chai Lifeline, who oversees a massive $45 million budget dedicated to helping families with critically ill children. Esther takes us on her incredible journey from a Spanish-speaking immigrant taking a job as a store greeter to becoming the financial leader of one of the most impactful non-profits. She pulls back the curtain on her unique philosophy that you don't work for your boss, you work for God, and shares how this mindset opened doors no degree ever could. She reveals how a prayer for fish in Costa Rica was directly answered, the time she saved a $100M organization from collapse, and why she schedules her "depression" for 5 AM. This is a raw, inspiring, and deeply spiritual conversation about the power of showing up, the true meaning of money, and how to lead with compassion—even when you have to let someone go. 💡 In This Episode, We Discuss: ◼️ Esther’s journey from Costa Rica to CFO without a finance degree ◼️ The Costa Rica “Fish Market Miracle” and talking to God in everyday life ◼️ Her grandmother’s powerful lesson: “Money is like fire” ◼️ The brutal cash flow crisis that threatened to shut down a $100M organization ◼️ How to transition from an individual contributor to a leader who builds other leaders ◼️ The art of firing someone with kindness and a prayer for their future ◼️ Why being multi-talented can be a curse for your career ◼️ The $15 million secret behind Chai Lifeline’s volunteer force ◼️ How to make a lateral career move that sets you up for long-term success ◼️ Her advice for anyone wanting to build a meaningful career in finance or non-profit ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Meet Esther Bergman: The CFO Who Works for God 1:04 The Costa Rica Fish Market Miracle 7:50 Immigrant Story: First Job as a Store Greeter in Brooklyn 10:53 The Kleinfeld Bridal Breakthrough 22:56 Switching from Customer Service to Finance 34:51 How to Fire Someone with Compassion 38:25 The $45M Budget of Chai Lifeline & The $15M Secret 43:02 The Crisis: A $100M Organization Frozen by Fraud 44:37 The Brilliant Idea That Saved the Company 50:50 Final Advice: How to Build a Career with Purpose 🔗 Connect with Esther Bergman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esther-bergman-87579117/ 🔗 Connect with Tuli Kraus X (Twitter): https://x.com/TuliKraus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbird.recruiting/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tuli-kraus/ This episode is sponsored by Blackbird Recruiting. Tired of sifting through unqualified resumes? Let Blackbird Recruiting find you top talent so you can focus on building your business. Visit blackbirdrecruiting.com to learn more.