Ep. 234 | How Chang Robotics Is Making Automation Work for Small Businesses
What if your next coworker isn’t human? What if it’s a robot… and it’s already cost‑effective?
In this episode, Matt and Luigi sit down with Dr. Don Capener, a serial entrepreneur whose career jumps from streetwear to startups to scaling robotics companies. From founding a basketball apparel brand bought by Reebok, to leading a tech IPO during the dot-com boom, to now helping small and mid-size manufacturers automate with Chang Robotics, Don proves that business is a contact sport... and he's still dunking.
🍸 What you'll hear in this episode:
Don’s not-so-linear journey from the court to the code
The real reason most automation doesn’t get adopted (spoiler: it’s not cost)
Why small businesses can use robotics — and how it’s already happening
The difference between being a “vendor” and a “strategic partner”
How Chang Robotics is helping businesses compete with overseas manufacturers
Why graphene oxide could be the next big thing in sustainable packaging
How to raise a fund, build IP, and keep it founder-funded
💡 Notable Takeaway:
Automation isn’t about robots replacing people. It’s about making your existing team more productive.
👤 About our Guest:
Dr. Don Capener is part professor, part founder, part startup whisperer. He’s built brands, scaled tech companies, and now serves as Chief Strategy & Culture Officer at Chang Robotics, helping manufacturers and logistics firms embrace automation through strategy, not just engineering.
🔊 Why Listen:
If you think robotics is “someday tech,” this episode will slap that timeline right into the present. Press play and find out what the future of work really looks like.
Connect with Dr. Don Capener:
📞 Want help prepping your business for growth or sale?
Hit us up at https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/call-with-credit-banc-pod
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➡️ @matthew.r.meehan
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