UGLY TALK: FT. LAUDERDALE FOUNDERS OPEN MIC AND MIXER
You've never been to a mixer like this one.
Forget the highlight reel. Forget the rehearsed pitch and the superhero LinkedIn post. For one night, Fort Lauderdale founders are trading all of that for the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Founders get on stage and share the pivotal moment — the deal that fell through, the product that missed the mark, the investor call that went sideways, the quiet decision to start over, or the messy lesson that changed everything.
7 minutes each. Vulnerable. A little embarrassing. Funnier than you'd expect. Every story is a lesson somebody paid full price for.
You sit back. You laugh. Maybe wince. Then catch yourself nodding. By the time the mixer kicks in, the networking dance is dead. You're just catching up with people you actually want to know.
🎯 Why You Should Attend
Hear the version founders don't usually share on panels.
Get the lesson without paying full tuition.
Feel the room loosen up — once one person tells the truth, everybody stops auditioning.
🙋 Who's Getting In This Room
Founders actively building.
Operators, builders, and startup people who are past the idea stage and making real moves.
Fort Lauderdale founders, local startup leaders, and visiting builders who want honest conversations instead of polished networking.
Who's hosting it.
Rodney R. Davis - Production Manager at Ugly Talk
Rodney Davis is an author, entrepreneur, and founder whose journey began in Chicago and continues in Fort Lauderdale. His experience spans commercial real estate, custom apparel manufacturing, home improvement, and digital product design. Passionate about turning ideas into reality, Rodney builds businesses that create value while strengthening the communities around them. Outside of work, he enjoys reading, live concerts, and creating spaces where founders, entrepreneurs, and creators can connect and thrive.
💬 What We Do Not Sugarcoat
Visibility is not exposure for exposure's sake. It is being known for something, then living up to it.
The right yes usually shows up after a few painful no's.
If your brand says one thing and your decisions say another, people feel it fast.
Being seen sounds good until the scrutiny hits. Then you find out if the brand was real or just pretty.
Who's Backing This 🤝
GREY Journal – Media partner spotlighting modern entrepreneurs (featured on Apple News + Google News).
⭐ About Ugly Talk:
Started in 2019, Ugly Talk has been transforming business setbacks into breakthrough “aha!” moments by hosting unfiltered, no-nonsense events where battle-tested entrepreneurs share their raw lessons and insights.
With a growing presence in cities like New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Miami, we’ve built a vibrant community of thousands of founders and industry leaders making a profound impact on the entrepreneurial landscape.
Official Website: UglyTalk.com
📢 Important Notice for Ugly Talk Attendees
Admission & Confirmation
Attendance is by approval only. Approved guests will receive a confirmation email along with a calendar invite. Invitations are non-transferable. Additional event details will be shared as the event approaches.
Code of Conduct
By attending, you agree to:
Maintain respect and professionalism, adhering to all venue rules, policies, and applicable laws.
Refrain from harassment, discrimination, unwelcome sexual advances (verbal or physical), intimidation, or inappropriate photography/recording.
Report any violations to the event hosts immediately.
Violations may result in immediate removal from the event and exclusion from future invitations.
Liability & Risk
Participation is voluntary and at your own risk. The event organizers, hosts, sponsors, and venue are not liable for personal injury, lost or stolen belongings, or any other damages incurred during the event.
Media Consent
By attending, you grant the event organizers and affiliated entities the right to capture, use, and distribute photos, videos, and audio recordings of you for promotional, marketing, and other lawful purposes, including digital and print media, advertising, and social media. You waive any right to inspect or approve the final materials and release all claims related to their use.
Communications
By registering, you agree to receive marketing and promotional communications from Ugly Talk and its co-hosts, partners, and sponsors. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Agreement
If you do not agree to this Code of Conduct, please refrain from attending the event.
🚀 Join us to stay updated on upcoming Ugly Talk events!
Official Event Page: [Link]