AI, Innovation, and Building Smarter Businesses with Kevin Surace, Tyler Dunagin and Jen Millard
In this episode, Richard Gearhart and Elizabeth Gearhart, co-hosts of the Passage to Profit Show, sit down with AI pioneer and keynote speaker Kevin Surace, along with entrepreneur presenters Tyler Dunagin of Turnserv and Jen Millard of mainelove™, to explore how innovation, artificial intelligence, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship are reshaping modern business.
From the transformative power of AI to building scalable service platforms and creating mission-driven consumer brands, this episode highlights how today’s entrepreneurs are leveraging technology, creativity, and strategic thinking to grow their businesses and create meaningful impact.
Listeners will learn how artificial intelligence is influencing nearly every industry, why operational efficiency is critical for scaling service businesses, and how authentic storytelling and sustainability can build powerful customer connections.
Whether you’re a startup founder, inventor, small business owner, or entrepreneur exploring new technologies, this episode delivers practical insights and inspiration for navigating today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.
Kevin Surace — AI Expert, Innovator, and Keynote Speaker
Kevin Surace is widely recognized as one of the pioneers of artificial intelligence and innovation leadership. A Silicon Valley entrepreneur, futurist, and globally sought-after keynote speaker, Surace has spent decades working at the forefront of emerging technologies and business transformation.
Often referred to as the “Father of Virtual Assistants,” Surace helped develop early AI-driven voice technologies that paved the way for today’s digital assistants. His work spans artificial intelligence, sustainability, enterprise innovation, and technology leadership.
In this episode, Surace shares insights into how AI is changing the way businesses operate and why entrepreneurs should embrace, rather than fear, these technological advances. He explains how AI tools are already improving productivity, enhancing customer experiences, and creating entirely new business models.
Kevin also discusses:
- How entrepreneurs can practically use AI today
- The biggest misconceptions about artificial intelligence
- Why AI will amplify human creativity rather than replace it
- How leaders can prepare their organizations for the AI-driven future
For entrepreneurs and innovators, Surace provides a powerful perspective on how to stay competitive in a world increasingly shaped by intelligent technologies. Read more at: https://kevinsurace.com/
Tyler Dunagin — Founder of Turnserv
Tyler Dunagin is the founder of Turnserv, a platform designed to streamline and modernize property turnover services for the real estate and property management industries.
Turnserv helps property managers coordinate maintenance, cleaning, and renovation services more efficiently when tenants move in or out of a property. By centralizing these tasks into one platform, Turnserv reduces downtime between tenants and improves operational efficiency for property owners and managers.
During the episode, Dunagin shares the story behind building Turnserv and the problem he set out to solve in the property management space. He discusses the challenges of scaling a service-based platform and the importance of simplifying complex workflows for customers.
Key topics Tyler covers include:
- The inefficiencies in traditional property turnover processes
- How technology can streamline property management operations
- Lessons learned while building and launching a startup platform
- The opportunities for innovation within real estate services
His experience highlights how entrepreneurs can identify overlooked operational problems and transform them into scalable technology solutions. Read more at: https://dunagincollective.com/ and https://turnserv.com/
Jen Millard — Founder of mainelove™
Jen Millard is the founder of mainelove™, a lifestyle brand inspired by the natural beauty, culture, and spirit of Maine. The brand celebrates the state’s identity through thoughtfully designed products that connect customers with the essence of Maine living.
mainelove™ focuses on authenticity, community, and sustainability, creating products that resonate with both residents and visitors who feel a deep connection to the region.
In this episode, Millard discusses the inspiration behind launching the brand and how entrepreneurs can build strong emotional connections with their customers through storytelling and purpose-driven branding.
Jen also shares insights on:
- Building a lifestyle brand rooted in place and identity
- The role of storytelling in consumer products
- Creating authentic connections with customers
- Turning passion for a place into a successful business
Her journey illustrates how meaningful branding and authenticity can differentiate a company in a crowded marketplace.
Read more at: https://mainelove.com/
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- How artificial intelligence is reshaping entrepreneurship and innovation
- Why businesses should start integrating AI tools now
- How technology can streamline operational challenges in service industries
- Strategies for building scalable startups
- The power of storytelling and authenticity in brand building
- How purpose-driven companies create loyal customer communities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main topic of this Passage to Profit episode?
This episode explores how artificial intelligence, innovation, and entrepreneurial problem-solving are shaping the future of business, featuring insights from AI expert Kevin Surace and entrepreneurs Tyler Dunagin and Jen Millard.
Who is Kevin Surace?
Kevin Surace is a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, AI pioneer, and keynote speaker known for his work in artificial intelligence, voice technologies, and innovation leadership. He is often called the “Father of Virtual Assistants” for his role in developing early voice-enabled AI technologies.
What does Turnserv do?
Turnserv, founded by Tyler Dunagin, is a platform that helps property managers coordinate property turnover services such as cleaning, maintenance, and repairs, making the process faster and more efficient between tenants.
What is mainelove™?
mainelove™ is a lifestyle brand founded by Jen Millard that celebrates the culture, identity, and natural beauty of Maine through thoughtfully designed products and authentic storytelling.
What can entrepreneurs learn from this episode?
Entrepreneurs can learn how to leverage AI tools, identify operational inefficiencies that create business opportunities, build strong brands through storytelling, and adapt to rapid technological change.
Who should listen to the Passage to Profit Show?
The Passage to Profit Show is ideal for entrepreneurs, startup founders, inventors, innovators, and small business owners looking for expert advice, real-world experiences, and insights into building successful businesses.
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