JANUARY 2024
ISSUE – 01
IN – FOCUS KATRINA SRIRANPONG: HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCATE AND CHANGE-MAKER
NICK-ANTHONY ZAMUCEN
IN – FOCUS
FOUNDER OF BEST OPTION RESTORATION
SELLING IN THE BIG LEAGUES: AN INTERVIEW WITH LAIRD COMBER, CANADIAN SALES EXECUTIVE
Transf o rmational
CHANGING THE
Face of Restoration
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CONTENTS
12 NICK-ANTHONY ZAMUCEN
CONTENTS
22 KATRINA SRIRANPONG
CONTENTS
40 LAIRD COMBER
COVER STORY
Nick-Anthony Zamucen FOUNDER OF BEST OPTION RESTORATION
CHANGING THE
Face of Restoration 12
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Nick-Anthony Zamucen, a name synonymous with entrepreneurial success, has left an indelible mark on the franchising industry. As the founder of Best Option Restoration (B.O.R.) and Bio-One Inc., he not only built thriving businesses but also sold them for impressive pro its.
With over two and a half decades of experience as a business strategist and entrepreneur, Nick has become an authority in the ield, sharing his wisdom through four published books and realworld experience. The award-winning leader was recently listed 18th among the Top 100 Global In luencers in Franchising by SeoSamba and 1851 Franchise.
Nick's journey as an entrepreneur has been nothing short of remarkable. His latest venture, Best Option Restoration, has emerged as a dominant player in water, ire, mold, and content remediation services on a national level, poised for global expansion.
Under his leadership, B.O.R. aims to disrupt established industry incumbents, sending a clear message that it aspires to become the new industry standard. PIONEERING A PATH IN FRANCHISING
Nick-Anthony Zamucen's early life was marked by inancial struggles and uncertainty. Growing up in a family that lived paycheck to paycheck, he understood the harsh realities of life. However, instead of succumbing to his circumstances, he nurtured a dream of success, fueled by a deep 14
desire to overcome adversity, and help others in need.
From a young age, he possessed an intrinsic understanding that he was "cut from a different cloth" and that the conventional work environment wasn't his destined path. With an innate desire to lead rather than follow, he found the allure of entrepreneurship, speci ically in the realm of franchising, irresistible.
Nick's journey into entrepreneurship was marked by a distinctive ability to assess industries and businesses, pinpoint areas for improvement, and execute strategic plans for success. He elaborates on this talent, stating, "I found out early in my career that I was good at looking at an industry or business, determining what needed to be inetuned or improved, and implementing a game plan.”
Over the years, Nick ventured into and succeeded across various industries, including restaurants, homecare, and bio-cleaning, launching and selling franchise companies along the way. One of his most triumphant franchising endeavors, Best Option Restoration, now operates within the $363 billion restoration industry. However, he candidly acknowledges that the path to his current achievements was far from effortless.
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“IT’S NOT ABOUT BEING THE BIGGEST, BUT BEING THE BEST. EXCELLENCE ISN’T A GOAL. IT’S OUR STANDARD.”
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COVER STORY
BEST OPTION RESTORATION BOASTS 60 FRANCHISES ACROSS THE UNITED STATES, WITH NICK SETTING AMBITIOUS GOALS TO EXPAND THE COMPANY TO 500 LOCATIONS OVER THE NEXT DECADE.
"While there was success from the irst few franchises, there were a lot of mistakes made and a lot of jumping the guns. There are things that I wish I could do over again," he explains. "But I think that's why I keep franchising. I don't know if it will ever be 100%, but I keep tweaking the model to be pretty darn close."
In 2016, Nick entered the restoration industry with a mission to disrupt the conventional business model and create a franchise that truly stood out. He began mentoring and coaching others on the art of mitigation and restoration, emphasizing speed, accuracy, and pro itability. Leveraging his extensive background in entrepreneurship and franchising, he has been imparting invaluable knowledge to aspiring entrepreneurs, arming them with the tools necessary for success.
A LIFELONG LEARNER AND
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MENTOR Nick-Anthony Zamucen is committed to continuous learning and skill development. He understands that in a rapidly changing world, stagnation equates to falling behind. This dedication to personal growth keeps him at the forefront of the industry. Moreover, Nick pays it forward by mentoring and guiding young entrepreneurs, sharing valuable insights from his journey. He emphasizes the importance of understanding that success takes time and effort, dispelling the misconception that it happens overnight.
LEADING WITH INNOVATION Nick's pioneering thermal technology has revolutionized the restoration industry. By using heat to expedite the drying process, B.O.R. is shaping the industry's future instead of playing catch-up with competitors. Nick believes that innovation is the key to staying
ahead, and he has positioned his company at the forefront of this transformation.
EMBRACING RISKS AND NEW VENTURES Today, Best Option Restoration boasts 60 franchises across the United States, with Nick setting ambitious goals to expand the company to 500 locations over the next decade.
His formula for success rests upon a meticulously crafted business plan that prioritizes professionalism, cutting-edge technology, swift and ef icient service, and above all, unwavering commitment. These qualities are not only expected from his franchisees but are deeply ingrained in his own work ethic.
Nick currently plans to launch the Best Option Restoration franchise internationally in 2024. He concludes saying, ““It's not about being the biggest, but being the best. Excellence isn't a goal. It's our standard.”
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A DVO C AT I N G F O R
EntrepreneurshiP Nick’s passion for entrepreneurship is palpable. He believes that there's nothing quite like the feeling of waking up every morning, knowing that your success rests on your shoulders. For him, pressure is a catalyst that brings out the best, revealing one's true potential. He encourages individuals to embark on entrepreneurial journeys to discover their hidden strengths and capabilities. At his own workplace, Nick prioritizes cultural fit when hiring employees. While technical skills can be taught, certain qualities like a good sense of humor, a positive outlook, and a strong work ethic are essential. His team adheres to a "work hard, play hard" ethos, ensuring that they enjoy their work environment. Nick's corporate office even features a full-sized working craps table from Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, embodying their commitment to a fun workplace.
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Katrina Sriranpong Human Rights Advocate and Change-Maker espite which walk of life you come from, everyone has the power to make a difference – this is the philosophy Katrina Sriranpong has followed from her career as a legal entrepreneur to her full-time pursuit of philanthropy and activism.
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Katrina Sriranpong is a social advocate who has made her lifelong mission to make a positive change in the world. Formerly the only Thai-speaking lawyer in her home of Vancouver, British Columbia, she spent a signi icant portion of her career assisting immigrants and refugees navigate complex Canadian law and policy. As a lawyer, she has represented human rights activists from Syria and Ukraine in claiming refugee protection in Canada as well as other refugee claimants from India, Pakistan, Turkey, Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras, Somalia, Botswana and Albania. She also provided free legal advice to low-income migrant workers at risk of labour exploitation and victims of human traf icking. Sriranpong has a deep interest in assisting vulnerable populations as well as advocating for the rights of children in con lict-affected regions and W W W. E X E L E O N M AG A Z I N E . C O M
supports programs aimed at rehabilitation, education and developmental aid for children.
Today, in consideration of the on-going con lict between Israel and Gaza, we will discuss the topic of human rights and explore activisms in the current generation.
What are your thoughts regarding the current con lict between Israel and Gaza?
Katrina Sriranpong: I am extremely saddened by the October 7, 2023, attack on innocent Israeli civilians, including children. I am also equally saddened for the retributive bombings over one of the most densely populated cities in the world, Gaza, with over 2 million innocent Palestinian civilians, half of whom are children. It's crucial to give context to have a complete understanding of the situation. Israel has been committing very serious human rights violations against Palestinians for decades, which has been documented by international rights groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. For the last 75
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years, Palestinians have lived under oppression and brutality. 75 years ago, more than 750,000 Palestinians became refugees, almost overnight. This mass displacement of people from their ancestral land in order to create Israel is known as the Nakba (meaning catastrophe in Arabic). Approximately 15,000 Palestinians, including women and children, were killed by the Zionist military forces in the massacres.
After the Six-Day War in 1967, Israel illegally occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank. Since then, Palestinians have been targeted by Israeli authorities who use discriminatory laws to steal Palestinian land by forced evictions and demolish their homes so the land can be given to Jewish Israelis. They have to live in constant fear of losing their home. Their life is illed with human rights abuses and daily discrimination.
More recently, Gaza was referred to as the world's largest “open-air prison.” Since 2007, Israel has deprived more than two million residents of Gaza an opportunity to a better life. Israel's closure policy blocks most Gaza residents from travelling to the West Bank, prevents travelling abroad via Israel, restricts their rights to work and an education and prevents residents from pursuing opportunities within Palestine. Israel continues to control Gaza's territorial waters, airspace, and the movement of people and goods, except where Gaza borders with Egypt.
When Palestinians tried to organize a peaceful protest (the “Great March of Return” from 2018 to 2019), over 200 unarmed 24
protestors were killed with snipers (including 40 children) and over 8000 were injured by bullets and over 150 had to have their limbs amputated.
Palestinians are arrested, detained, and tortured without charge for an inde inite period of time, which is allowed under Israeli military law. The minimum age of criminal responsibility is only 12 years old. According to Human Rights Watch, detention can be renewed inde initely based on secret information, which the detainee is not even allowed to see. Many children are detained, tortured, and kept from seeing their families simply for throwing rocks at Israeli soldiers. Israel is the only country in the world that systematically prosecutes children in military courts, which lack fundamental fair trial rights and protection.
Of course, I want to emphasize that the actions by the Hamas on October 7, 2023, were horri ic and inexcusable. However, demonstrating support for the innocent civilians of Gaza and support for Palestinian liberation should not be seen as supporting Hamas or antisemitic. It is not simply about religion, but the violation of human rights. Harvard's former executive director of Harvard Hillel, the University's Jewish Center, Mr. Bernie Steinberg, stated “for the safety of Jews and Palestinians, stop weaponizing antisemitism.” As a leader in the Jewish community, he argues there is currently a cynical weaponizing of antisemitism by powerful forces who desire to intimidate and silence legitimate criticism of Israel and American policy on Israel. This takes place in the form of bullying pro-Palestine organizers and
anyone that does not show deference. Steinberg makes his position clear by stating that “it is not antisemitic to demand justice for all Palestinians living in their ancestral lands.” He goes on to explain that if Israel's case requires categorizing its critics as antisemitic, then it has already admitted defeat. This does not imply that antisemitism does not exist, it simply means that it cannot be used to silence dissent of Israeli policies. Fabricating fair criticism of Israeli policies as antisemitic also undermines the ight against genuine antsemitism in the world. Unfortunately, Israel has criticized Amnesty International as “biased” and a spokesperson for the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated publicly that “Amnesty International is an antisemitic organization” simply because they claimed war crimes had been committed by “all parties.” Amnesty International has also labelled Israel's treatment of Palestinians as apartheid and a cruel system of domination and a crime against humanity. The United Nations has even been labelled as antisemitic simply because they demand a cease ire to prevent further civilian casualties.
It's important to understand that the laws in Israel are designed to discriminate and dispossess Palestinians of their land and repress any dissent. This is an apartheid as con irmed by every major international human rights organisation including the United Nations. It violates international law and breaches human rights. Palestinians want a two-state solution. Netanyahu said, “Israel is not a state of all its citizens [but rather] the nation-state of the
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Jewish people and only them.” Regarding the current war on Hamas, the queen of Jordan stated that you can kill the combatants, but not the cause. There must be an end to oppression and apartheid. Where there is oppression, there will always be resistance.
How are human rights being affected during the war?
Katrina Sriranpong: During an armed con lict, the respect for human rights becomes even more essential. Children still have the right to attend school during war and people still have the right to healthcare, food and clean water. The states involved still have a duty to respect and protect the rights of all individuals. Certain human rights are so important that they can never be suspended or changed, even during an armed con lict. For example, the right to life, prohibition against torture, prohibition against slavery, requirements of a fair trial, freedom of thought, conscience and religion or your belief, prohibitions against taking hostages, and medical care as well as access to food, shelter, and safe water are essential human rights.
Therefore, even in times of war, states are bound by human rights duties. However, in times of war, other laws will begin to apply to regulate all parties: international humanitarian law. International humanitarian law are a set of rules to protect civilians or people who are no longer taking part in the ighting or hostilities. It's also important to emphasize that international humanitarian law are non-reciprocal, meaning that the violation of these rules by one party does not justify the opposing side 26
breaking their own obligations under international humanitarian law.
International humanitarian law outlines for the protection of civilians, children, hospitals, and schools. It also requires parties to respect the principle of proportionality, where the harm caused to civilians because of a military attack should not be excessive in relation to the direct military advantage expected. In other words, disproportionate attacks is considered a war crime. Further, international humanitarian law requires the parties to abide by the principle of distinction, where they must ensure targets are military and not civilian. Attacks on civilians such as doctors, humanitarian aid workers, journalists and children as well as civilian objects are considered war crimes.
Israel instructed 1.1 million people who lived in the North of Gaza to evacuate during intense bombings while cutting off electricity, food, water, fuel and humanitarian assistance. They violated international humanitarian law. These evacuation orders against whole cities or regions are not considered effective. Israel disregarded the obligation to distinguish between military objectives and civilian objects as well as the prohibition on indiscriminate attacks. These “evacuations” are a form of collective punishment and violates international humanitarian law, which may amount to war crimes.
close proximity to populated civilian regions. White phosphorus creates a dense smoke screen and causes excruciating burns putting civilians at risk of serious and longterm injuries. The use of white phosphorus by Israel in such a densely populated area magni ies the risk of civilian casualties and injuries and violates international humanitarian law.
Also, evacuating civilians from a region with the intent to clearing the area and preventing residents to return home after the con lict is considered a war crime and crimes against humanity. In other words, if the people of Gaza choose to leave their home during the war, they must be allowed to return. Understandably, many civilians in Gaza are worried they may not be able to return home as they were forcefully displaced in the Nakba of 1947 to 1949. I think the world needs to keep a close eye on this situation to ensure it does not happen again.
Human Rights Watch has also documented the use of white phosphorus by Israel in Gaza, which is not allowed to be used at or in E X E L E O N M AG A Z I N E
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UNICEF of icial, Mr. James Elder, reported the hidden danger of “safe zones” in Gaza". For safe zones to be safe, they must, by law, provide water, food, shelter, and medical supplies. Also, UN's child relief agency stressed that for safe zones to provide protection, people have to be able to safety get to them. Unfortunately, throughout the war on Gaza, the Israeli military has repeatedly instructed Palestinians to evacuate to these “safe zones,” and then later bomb those areas as well as the evacuation routes. As a result, UNICEF believes that only a cease ire can save the children as there is no safe place in Gaza.
Recently, Amnesty International's investigation has revealed that there were no military objectives on some sites that were bombed, which raises concerns that some strikes were direct attacks on civilians or on civilian objects. Further, Amnesty International argues that indiscriminate attacks or direct attacks on civilians or civilian objects must be investigated as war crimes. In addition, starvation is being used as a weapon of war against Gaza civilians. Hospitals have also been targeted, preventing thousands from getting life-saving medical care. The Washington Post found there was no evidence behind Israel's assertion that Hamas used Al-Shifa hospital as a command center. A New York Times investigation con irmed that Israel bombed safe zones where it told civilians to evacuate. Forensic Architecture, a research agency based at the University of London investigating human rights violations around the world, revealed that hospitals in Gaza were being systematically targeted by Israel. 28
Over a thousand children in Gaza have had their limbs amputated without anesthesia due to the lack of medical care. Gaza has been turned into a slaughter house in this military mismatch. To date (December 2023), over 20,000 Palestinians have been killed, with approximately 8,800 of them being children and 6,300 of them being women. However, there is more than 7,000 missing and believed to be under the rubble.
Mr. Craig Mokhiber, former Director of the NY Of ice of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights wrote that the situation in Gaza is a “text-book case of genocide.” He argued the “European, ethnonationalist, settler colonial project in Palestine has entered its inal phase” toward the expedited destruction of the last indigenous Palestinian life in Palestine. He found it horri ic that the United States, the United Kingdom, and much of Europe was complicit to this assault. These countries are not only refusing to meet their obligations for the Geneva Conventions, but they are actually providing inancial support, intelligence, and political cover for Israel's atrocities while Israel is committing war crimes.
Israel has publicly stated their intent to kill innocent civilians, which has been well documented. Meirav Ben-Ari, an Israeli politician, said, “The children of Gaza have brought this upon themselves,” and Daniel Hagari, Israel Defence Forces Admiral and IDF spokesperson, said, “The emphasis is on damage and not accuracy.” As the former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights stated, usually the most dif icult part about proving genocide is intent because there has
to be an intent to destroy in whole, or in part, a particular group. But, in this case, the Israeli government's intent has been publicly and explicitly stated by the prime minister, by the president, by senior politicians, and by their military leaders. It's on public record and therefore very easy to prove.
I believe that Palestine is a daily test for the conscience of the world. Genocide is not self-defence and genocide can only persist through silence. By sharing information, you spark conversation and encourage people to awaken their moral conscience, compelling them to speak up and advocate for humanity.
How do you think the voice of the younger generation is affecting our society in consideration of the current situation?
Katrina Sriranpong: Well, when we discuss the voice of the younger generation, it's important to understand the impact of the digital age, which has signi icantly affected the spread of information and the ability to mobilize a cause. The digital age has changed social activism forever.
I de ine myself as a millennial as I was the irst generation to grow up with the internet. We're considered the irst global generation and heavily rely on the internet, mobile devices and social media. Digital technology has had a dramatic impact on political engagement. Ordinary people can be a catalyst for social change and participate in the political process well beyond voting. They can mobilize others to get involved by sharing information, raise funds for a
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speci ic movement, and organize protests. However, the digital environment comes with consequences that we must all be aware of such as “fake news,” misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech, which is common in the digital public sphere. For instance, Israeli social media space has been a breeding ground for anti-Palestinian movement referring to Palestinians as “animals” or “dogs” without the historical context. The IDF is posting their own killings, showing bodies, to gain support for their lack of progress in the war. Whereas the same videos may be used to document war crimes.
The war in Gaza has been a signi icant point for the media ecosystem. Social media allows us to see the brutality and genocide of innocent civilians in Gaza, many of them children, directly from the source. Families in Gaza are sharing personal stories of pain and suffering as well as journalists on the ground covering the atrocities, and being targeted by Israel for doing so, as reported by Amnesty International in December 2023.
The younger generation has learned to question and be critical of sources of information. The complicity of so many Western news outlets are being realized as they have been repeatedly exposed for failing to question Israeli propaganda before spreading the disinformation. There is an abundance of disinformation published to defend the indefensible. Although Israel is a democratic country, there has always been a severe limit to free speech of pro-Palestinian views. Israel has also imposed communication blackouts in Gaza,
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which prevents people from sharing and documenting human rights violations such as disproportionate force by the military. Imposing internet shutdowns and restrictions are a human rights issue.
Currently, over 80 percent of democratic voters in the U.S. want a cease ire and the younger generation feel that politicians are not listening to their concerns. The younger generation is also cognizant of the fact that weaponizing antisemitism has become part of a political game to silence dissent. Younger Canadians are more inclined to view Israel's offensive in Gaza as excessive and disproportional. Social media in luencers have provided our generation with a new un iltered lens on the Gaza war. They become the media with the power of their phone to in luence millions. They help to shape the narratives and signi icantly changed our understanding and perception on wars and con licts. Social media platforms provide a new perspective of real-time, un iltered content that is immediate, uncensored, and often very raw. These platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok allow viewers worldwide to witness con licts through a different viewpoint that traditional media does not cover. This change has revolutionized grassroots-level narrative and activisms.
For instance, Jewish Voices for Peace has had a strong presence on social media and has increased the amount of followers exponentially in the last several years. They are the largest progressive Jewish antiZionist organization in the world. They focus on grassroots
movements to support the Palestinian struggle for freedom. Zionism suggest that Jews require a supremacist nation state to secure the safety of all Jews. However, Jewish Voices for Peace argue that Jews belong everywhere in the world and should be safe. They advocate that real safety does not grow from guns, checkpoints, walls or a military state. They believe true safety for Jews is built by forging real solidarity with all those ighting for a more liberated world.
In 1997, Nelson Mandela said, “We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.” He was a change maker. However, I would de ine a change maker as anyone who is willing to implement and advocate for change regardless of the consequences it may entail. These may include bloggers, scholaractivists, and social media in luencers who are able to shape the narrative of Israel's war on Gaza and expose the truth of the systemic oppression, domination, dispossession over ive decades of occupation, the 16-year blockade on Gaza, the apartheid regime, human rights abuses, and war crimes. The crimes committed by Palestinian armed groups on October 7, 2023 cannot justify Israel's collective punishment of indiscriminate or disproportionate bombing of innocent civilians in Gaza, half of them being children. There is no justi ication for war crimes.
www.katrinasriranpong.com
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A Tech Pioneer’s
Biog phy In the tapestry of modern technological advancement and venture capital investment, few individuals have woven as intricate a pattern as Alexander Galitsky. Born in the Zhytomyr region in 1955, his odyssey encompasses scienti ic innovation, digital technology, and entrepreneurial wizardry. This biography affords an incisive glimpse into the monumental achievements and multifaceted career of Mr. Galitsky. GENESIS AND SCHOLARLY ENDEAVORS:
Rooted in a quaint village, young Galitsky's dreams soared through the cosmos. His passion for space ultimately steered him to study physics at the revered Moscow Institute of Electronic Technology (MIET). While engaged in academic pursuits, an epiphany led him to explore the burgeoning ield of computer technology. His academic ardor resulted in a seminal thesis on “Technical Cybernetics.”
ASCENDING THE PROFESSIONAL LADDER:
Galitsky embarked on his career in a microdevices research institute. As fate would have it, the institution underwent various metamorphoses, ultimately birthing the ELVIS Scienti ic and Technical Center, with Galitsky at 30
its vanguard. The center primarily delved into software development for satellite systems.
The contours of his career shifted dramatically when Sun Microsystems' luminary, Bill Joy, reached out during a sojourn in Moscow. This fortuitous encounter laid the groundwork for a symbiotic collaboration, as Galitsky and around 200 associates secured Green cards, opening the loodgates to international funding prospects. Subsequently, Galitsky erected the edi ice of "ELVIS+," a bastion of digital discoveries and deft business maneuvers. A watershed moment ensued in 1993 when he astutely sold a 10% stake in "ELVIS+" for a staggering $1 million.
Details on the deal between Sun Microsystems and Elvis+ are sourced from here. EMBARKING ON A VENTURE CAPITAL ODYSSEY:
Galitsky's foray into venture capital crystallized in 2008 when he co-founded Almaz Capital. With an initial authorized capital of $72 million, the fund emerged as a catalyst for start-ups in the CIS and Eastern Europe. Almaz Capital's investment portfolio boasts early support for Yandex, and a prescient investment in Qik, E X E L E O N M AG A Z I N E
Alex
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whose stakes were later lucratively sold to Skype.
Almaz Capital's journey is punctuated by successive chapters - Almaz Capital II and III, with the latter amassing of $174 and $190 million in investments. The fund's investment compass now primarily points towards Eastern and Western Europe, having invested an excess of $300 million in more than 50 diverse companies over nearly a decade and a half.
Galitsky's investment philosophy hinges on establishing rapport and trust with the architects of the projects. His scrupulous strategies and sagacity have facilitated the identi ication of ventures with the potential for global market penetration. SCIENTIFIC FOOTPRINT AND ACCOLADES:
Galitsky's scholarly contributions are formidable, as manifested through a compendium of approximately one hundred scienti ic treatises in international periodicals. His innovative prowess is further re lected through a repertoire of over 30 patents in the realm of digital technologies. In homage to his stellar achievements and enthralling life journey, the biographical ilm "Startup" was conceived in 2014. Portfolio Companies Changing the Game
Ÿ Acronis - Almaz Capital saw the potential in Acronis, a global leader in cybersecurity and data protection. Acronis' True Image technology is a game-changer for businesses.
Ÿ GoodData - A cloud-based business intelligence platform, GoodData is all about helping companies streamline their data operations.
Ÿ Hover - In the realm of 3D technology, Hover is a juggernaut. From home improvement to 3D modelling, Hover is changing the way we interact with technology.
Ÿ Minut - Minut is about home security. Their smart home sensors are ensuring safety in the modern world.
Ÿ Neptune - As an ML (Machine Learning) platform, Neptune is driving innovation in AI data analysis.
Ÿ OneSoil - Changing the agricultural game with data science and AI, OneSoil is the future of sustainable farming. Ÿ Parallels - Almaz's investment in Parallels brought forth a leader in cross-platform solutions, making remote access technology seamless.
Ÿ Referbed - With refurbished electronics, Referbed is addressing the e-waste problem.
Ÿ Virtuozzo - In the realm of virtualization, Virtuozzo is the king. It's all about optimizing resources for cloud computing. CONCLUSION
Alexander Galitsky's Almaz Capital is not just a venture capital irm; it's an innovation powerhouse. From cybersecurity to cloud computing, their investments in cutting-edge technologies have revolutionized the industry. Through strategic collaborations and an unwavering commitment to innovation, Almaz Capital continues to shape the future of technology.
Ÿ Gridgain - As an in-memory computing platform, Gridgain is breaking barriers in realtime data access and processing.
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Mike Welch T
his summer, like every holiday period, I took a pause from work to spend time with family. After a busy and challenging year, it was an opportunity to take stock of what really matters to me. Have I achieved what I wanted in my business? And is that the achievement I truly wanted?
The critical balance between work and personal lives is notoriously dif icult for those with an entrepreneurial mindset. The same qualities that help us succeed in business – agile thinking, restlessness, thirst for new ideas and inspiration, drive, and competitiveness – also prevent us from prioritizing our health, our family, and our personal time over our businesses.
Whatever stage you are at in your entrepreneurial journey, whether you are just starting out or working hard to maintain momentum after a decade or two on the business 36
The personal pitfalls of business success, and how to avoid them
frontline, it's not easy. The pressure to get on top and stay on top, and to keep up or even lead the social media hustle, is intense. Economic demands mean that many of us are having to work more and harder to achieve the results we need.
I have come to understand, in time, that if your success can be marked purely on the growth of your business, or businesses, at the expense of your personal growth, of your family and of your physical and mental health, that is not success at all. I know other leaders and entrepreneurs have come to the same conclusion, albeit sometimes after decades at the top.
When leaving his job as British Prime Minister in 2010 Gordon Brown said in his resignation speech: “And as I leave the second most important job I could ever hold, I cherish even more the irst – as a husband and father.” I couldn't agree more with his
sentiment, and it was echoed again in the resignation statement of Ben Wallace, UK Defense Secretary when he spoke about sleeping with three phones by his bed. He said, “While I am proud to have worked with so many amazing people and helped contribute to protecting this great country, the cost of putting that ahead of my family is something I am very sad about.” Balancing the pros and cons of being a successful leader but not the partner, parent, or person you may want to be is now the subject of numerous books, courses, and podcasts.
Gone are the days when business coaching and professional self-help books were stuck in the unloved corner of the bookshop. Simon Sinek's best-selling books like Start with the Why, Hoffman Institute courses, and various leadership podcasts are now ubiquitous, with people from all walks of life and all professions seeing their value. E X E L E O N M AG A Z I N E
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There is a clear need to recognize and resolve our needs and issues because addressing them is essential for sustainable success.
The younger generation of public igures has caught on to this quickly – Justin Bieber and Katy Perry have both attended Hoffman Institute courses – and are showing the rest of us the way.
Despite this epiphany, that our mental health and our lives deserve our attention as much as our professional lives do, if not more, many entrepreneurs still face mental health obstacles. According to the US National Institute of Mental Health, 49% of entrepreneurs are dealing with mental health issues, with burnout, stress, anxiety and isolation from friends and family cited as the main reasons behind those issues. I have put together some thoughts on my own struggle to balance between being a successful business leader and a present father and husband, whilst worrying about missed business opportunities that might not come along again. Here is what I have learnt: Ÿ Do follow Simon Sinek's advice and think about your personal “why” as well as the “why” behind your business and work to understand that these should not be mutually exclusive. Ÿ Set clear boundaries and enforce them – vacation/weekends are work-free, planning activity spikes that do not coincide with family holidays, delegating and ful illing family commitments. Try to hold yourself accountable to these boundaries or get your family or your mentor to hold you accountable instead. Ÿ Be consistent: families, and especially young children, need a consistent and reliable parent, but so do many other personal commitments you may have or 38
want to have. You must make sure you are there for the soccer practice you signed up for in the same way you would make sure you attend an important client meeting. Ÿ Make small signi icant changes in your routine to protect yourself. Small changes like meditating, running, or listening to a relaxing podcast between your last business meeting and getting home to the family can help you switch modes and be fully present with your family, with your partner or just with yourself. Ÿ Say no to opportunities that are either too small to drive pro it or too unwieldy to work for you, even if it pains you as an entrepreneur used to grasping every straw. Making you a calmer, more ful illed human being irst and a businessperson second is the route to achieving your professional AND your personal goals, instead of giving up one for the other. Ÿ Seeking mentorship and mental health support – admitting that you need support and advice is not a weakness, any more so than going to the dentist when you have a toothache, it is just common sense. Doing it early will mean preventing deeper problems in the future.
As a inal thought, I wanted to share a piece of advice from Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, an international religious leader and philosopher who wrote about the deeper meaning of life: “Follow your passion. Nothing — not wealth, success, accolades, or fame — justi ies spending a lifetime doing things you don't enjoy.”
About the Author E X E L E O N M AG A Z I N E
Mike Welch is the President and CEO of Tirebuyer.com. At just 16 years old, he launched his own tire business with a £500 grant from The Prince's Trust. He later sold his business to Kwik Fit, where he became the group's inaugural Head of E-Commerce, leading up to Ford's £1bn acquisition. In 2001, Mike founded Blackcircles.com, the world's irst click-to- it tire retailer, which
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was acquired by Michelin Plc for £50m in 2015. In recognition of his contributions to business and charity, Mike was honored with an OBE from the Queen in 2016. He also serves as the Founder and Chairman of The Welch Trust, established in 2015, dedicated to supporting children and young people.
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Selling in the Big Leagues
An Interview With Laird Comber, Canadian Sales Executive
Laird Comber has led sales initiatives for some of Canada's most recognizable corporate names, including Grainger, Tenaquip, Vallen, Source Atlantic, Wesco/Hazmasters, MSC, Cintas, Motion, Bunzl, Fastenal, SPI, Whitecap and Linde.
He routinely meets aggressive sales targets with a sales strategy that focuses intently on people — the customer, the client and his colleagues.
Laird Comber's professional insights are highly valued. But they are also intriguing to a wider audience, as they center on a keen understanding of human psychology, team building and organizational leadership. We reviewed many of these topics in our recent interview with the Canadian sales executive, a conversation partially reprinted below. W W W. E X E L E O N M AG A Z I N E . C O M
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Q.
Is there a “secret sauce” when it comes to becoming a top salesperson?
Building trust is also essential, because trust is what allows you to avoid micromanagement. When you trust the people you have chosen for your team, you can give them latitude to take responsibility and pursue goals with lexibility. When they make their own decisions, they take ownership, and at the end of the day will be accountable.
Laird Comber: Speaking metaphorically, there is a recipe, but there is very little about it that could be considered secret. Thousands of how-to sales books and seminars have laid out the blueprint for sales success. Granted, most sales people start with generous measures of innate talent. At the very least they are extroverted and people-focused. But there are some really notable exceptions to this rule.
Beyond talent, clear communication is key. You need written and spoken communications skills to build relationships and assume leadership roles. And of course you can't sell any product or service without clearly conveying bene its to customers and being alert to the cues that reveal what may be holding them back from agreeing to the sale.
Q.
In addition to clear communication, you need drive, ambition and a strong work ethic to succeed in sales. It's not a job where you sit at a desk, waiting for someone to drop a ile in your in-box. Taken together, I describe the ideal recipe for top-of-your-game sales as: persistency, consistency and resiliency, along with selfmotivation.
How do you de ine leadership in the context of a sales team?
Laird Comber: When you are entrusted to lead a team, you must lay the groundwork by setting clear goals and expectations for each team member, as well as yourself.
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Q.
With this type of leadership model it is also important to lead by example. Because you're not leading by issuing orders and directives, you need another way to motivate your team members. The best way to motivate people is to inspire them; and people will only be inspired by those they believe have integrity.
How do you manage to be successful in negotiations? Laird Comber: In sales, almost everything is a negotiation. It's a give-andtake, and once again we see that trust is a vital part of the equation. Negotiations in which each side is suspicious aren't very productive, and whatever deal is reached is very likely to unravel at some point.
When you establish a trusting relationship, the customer is willing to take leaps of faith with you. They are more likely to be persuaded into overcoming their fears, setting aside their doubts. Part of keeping this trust is resisting the temptation to get greedy. A good negotiator understands that the best deal is a win-win outcome, one in which each side is not only satis ied, but each may actually believe they got the better end of the deal. That type of satis ied customer goes by another name: Repeat customer. www.laird-comber-toronto.weebly.com
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NEWSROOM
NinjaTrix Leaps Toward Future Growth with New Kid’s Fitness Franchise Opportunity
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et ready to unleash your inner ninja! NinjaTrix, the innovative kid's itness studio that blends gymnastics, parkour, martial arts, and life skills into an actionpacked adventure, is now offering franchise opportunities. This exciting evolution from a successful licensee program to a full- ledged franchise signi ies NinjaTrix's commitment to empowering entrepreneurs across the nation to make a positive impact on their communities, one jumping, lipping, and obstacle-conquering kid at a time. A Recipe for Fun and Fitness
Founded by industry veteran Steve Butts, who has over 35 years of experience in crafting engaging and enriching experiences for kids and families under his black belt, NinjaTrix ills a crucial gap in traditional children's physical extracurriculars. NinjaTrix's unique program is not just about getting kids moving; it's about shaping their physical and mental development through a carefully curated blend of movement, challenge, and valuable life lessons.
was born from the desire to create something that not only ensures a fun experience for kids, but also teaches skills like integrity, perseverance, and teamwork. It's about more than just keeping kids active; it's about shaping their physical and mental development for a successful future."
Proven Success, Unlimited Potential
Implemented in over 70 licensee locations across the United States, the program's effectiveness and popularity are undeniable. David Wahl, President of Century, a worldwide leader in martial arts
equipment, echoes this sentiment, "When Steve told me about how he had combined the skills and values of martial arts and the sheer fun of parkour under one roof, I knew he had a program that would explode in popularity." Empowering Entrepreneurs, Building a Healthier Future
NinjaTrix's transition to franchising is driven by a powerful mission: to empower entrepreneurs who share a passion for making a difference in the lives of children. NinjaTrix franchise owners have the opportunity to:
"I have always been passionate about martial arts and gymnastics," says Steve Butts, President and Founder of NinjaTrix. "NinjaTrix 46
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Ÿ Own and operate a thriving business based on a proven, indemand concept. Ÿ Make a positive impact in the community by promoting healthy habits and character development in children. Ÿ Join a supportive network of passionate franchisees and receive comprehensive training and ongoing support. Ÿ Be a part of a brand that is revolutionizing the kid's itness industry. Calling All Ninjas
NinjaTrix is currently seeking passionate franchise partners in key markets across the continental United States, including Florida, Texas, and Alabama. If you're ready to unleash your inner entrepreneur and champion the well-being of the next generation, visit W W W. E X E L E O N M AG A Z I N E . C O M
https://ninjatrixfranchise.com/ to learn more about franchise opportunities. Together, we can build a healthier, happier future for kids, one ninja leap at a time! Photos and Video:
Ÿ Photo Caption A: A young student and instructor interact during a NinjaTrix class. Ÿ Photo Caption B: A full class of students at the Pensacola Florida NinjaTrix studio. Ÿ Link to Additional Images: Dropbox Link to NinjaTrix Select Photos Ÿ Link to Founder's Video: https://youtu.be/1L7Cvb53xrQ Ÿ About NinjaTrix
approach to kid's itness, blending gymnastics, parkour, martial arts, and life skills into a program that's as engaging as it is educational. Designed for fun and itness, NinjaTrix not only keeps kids active but also teaches valuable life lessons. As a franchisee, you'll receive comprehensive support including training, operational guidance, and community outreach tools. Join NinjaTrix to make a positive impact on youth development and itness in your community, all while building a rewarding business. For more information, please visit https://ninjatrixfranchise.com. MEDIA CONTACT: Carly Spross, NinjaTrix carly@flashlightmarketing.com (610) 937-9943
NinjaTrix offers a revolutionary
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Multi-year research study reveals the need for more “love” at work
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essica Walter, a former communication executive and global leadership consultant, made an unexpected discovery in her research into the shifting expectations around work life and the environments employees are willing to work in.
“Three characteristics were continually appearing in the research as I looked at the differences between the work environments of high-performing teams and low-performing teams. The teams experiencing connection, protection, and appreciation at work were more likely to perform at higher levels over the long term,” Walter explained.
According to Walter, the same three characteristics – connection, protection, and appreciation – also showed up in employees' reasons for leaving a position or staying at their current job. “What was unexpected is that these characteristics were also a perfect match to how we de ine the desired experience of 'love' in relationships outside of work.”
Walter's study included input from more than 200,000 employees from a variety of job types, industries, and locations. She translated the insights from the study into a model of society's new requirements for work life and a new leadership system. Both are included in her book, Shifting the Energy: How Love Leads Remarkable Teams, published earlier this month. 48
“The pandemic completely changed the landscape of the work world, and I wanted to give leaders a playbook for effective leadership in this new era,” Walter shared.
Walter previously spent 15 years on the executive teams of government, non-pro it, and publicly traded businesses before transitioning into research and advisory roles, including senior positions at a global consulting irm. She studied executive in luence at the Wharton School, earned a master's degree in leadership at Duquesne University, and earned a bachelor's degree in mass communication from Towson University. She holds the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) and certi ications as a Leadership Coach and a Hogan Assessments Advisor.
Her new book, Shifting the Energy: How Love Leads Remarkable Teams, is available on Amazon and Audible. About Jessica Walter
A former communication executive and global leadership advisor, Jessica Walter has been helping leaders solve culture, engagement, and communication challenges since 2002.
She spent 15 years on the executive teams of government, non-pro it, and publicly traded businesses before transitioning into research and advisory roles, including senior
positions at a global consulting irm.
Her research includes leading multiple studies on communication, relationships, and leadership effectiveness that included input from more than 200,000 employees across multiple industries, job types, and geographic regions. She recently published the insights from her research in her book, Shifting the Energy: How Love Leads Remarkable Teams. Walter has presented practical and perspective-shifting advice on leadership and communication to a variety of audiences, including the annual conferences and leadership summits for psychologists, CEOs, emergency responders, communication teams, inancial services employees, and government leaders. Jessica studied executive in luence at the Wharton School, earned a master's degree in leadership at Duquesne University, and earned a bachelor's degree in mass communication from Towson University. She holds the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) and certi ications as a Leadership Coach and a Hogan Assessments Advisor.
She lives near Gettysburg and is the mom to a former U.S. Army Paratrooper from the 82nd Airborne Division.
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AI Voice Cloning Tools: Innovation or Invasion?
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I-powered voice cloning startup ElevenLabs just became the newest AI unicorn after raising an $80M Series B round at a $1B+ valuation from notable backers like a16z, Sequoia Capital, and former Github-CEO, Nat Friedman. ElevenLabs's customer base includes Storytel, Paradox Interactive, and The Washington Post. While this in itself is hot, AI voice cloning and generation also raises huge ethical issues from actors' rights to politics.
“control over their voice's availability and compensation terms.” It's still in Beta and unclear whether it will solve the issues discussed.
In politics, New Hampshire's AG is today investigating an AI-generated robocall mimicking Pres. Biden allegedly urging Dems not to vote in the state's primary, in an apparent
ElevenLabs and other innovators in this ield continue to face regulatory issues as users leverage their AI systems to impersonate others without consent. Voice actors are increasingly pressured to sign away their voice rights so clients can generate synthetic versions to replace them, often without due compensation.
ElevenLabs' rival Replica Studios recently agreed with SAG-AFTRA to license digital replicas of union members' voices under “fair” and “ethical” terms and conditions, even though many members were not aligned. ElevenLabs' solution is a decentralized marketplace in which original voice owners retain 50
“illegal attempt” to disrupt the primary and suppress state voters. Meanwhile, last week, a super PAC linked to OpenAI's Sam Altman reportedly launched a Voice-cloned AI chatbot supporting Congressman Dean Phillips' bid against Biden. Ironically, OpenAI has now
suspended the bot's developer (who happened to be an ex-OpenAI Chief of Staff) in response to what it sees as a “misuse of its AI tools in a political campaign”, in the irst enforcement of the political campaigns policy it updated just last week. You couldn't write this stuff.
One other related area is the emergence of real-time AI voice translation. Last week, translation tool Heygen went viral after a real-time translation of a speech by Argentinian President Javier Milei at the WEF Davos summit was streamed live. The video got 50M views on X and was shared by Elon Musk! Also last week Samsung launched its new lagship phone, the Galaxy S24 featuring Galaxy AI. They showcased a live AI real-time call translation tool powered by Google's Gemini Nano AI model ondevice. This feature lets Galaxy users securely translate in real-time ondevice (not via cloud servers) from and to multiple languages regardless of the type of phone at the other end including landlines. News Source https://www.thetech.buzz/
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