Beyond The Brand

Have you ever wondered what it's like to compete against industry giants with a socially conscious brand? Well, you're in for a treat this week as we journey with David Simnick, the co-founder of Soapbox, through his entrepreneurial evolution that started from a simple candy stand to creating a brand with a powerful one-for-one mission. Throughout this episode, we unpack the lessons David has picked up along the way, including the captivating tales of triumphs, mistakes, and the emotional roller coaster that is Soapbox's journey.Go to https://soapbox.co and enter Discount Code - BTB10 at checkout for 10% off!Follow our LinkedIn or Instagram pages to be notified for future episodes

[BFCM Special Episode] Picture this: you've built a consumer brand from the ground up and you're ready to take it to the next level. But how do you manage your cash flow and inventory effectively to sustain growth, especially in the unpredictable world of e-commerce? Enter Matt Putra, founder of EightX and CFO for numerous successful consumer brands, who graces our show with his expert insights and tales from his journey.Link to the free EightX Growth Plan application: https://eightx.typeform.com/growthMatt's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattputra/Follow our LinkedIn or Instagram pages to be notified for future episodes

What if you could peek into the mind of a seasoned sales and operations expert? We had the privilege of hosting Andy Morgan, a titan in the beauty and personal care industry with a 36-year-long career. Andy shared his wealth of knowledge with us, discussing his journey from operations to sales, his role at Revlon, and his strategies for understanding consumer needs. Andy's insights on product optimization and his decade-spanning career journey are a treasure trove of industry wisdom.Ever wondered about the intricacies of working through brokers versus retailers? Andy demystifies this topic, sharing the pros and cons of each approach. We also delve into important metrics for each channel and the potential costs associated with leaving a channel. Together, we explored the turbulent world of product life cycles and how quickly trends can peak and fade. We pondered the role of marketing dollars and the impact of social media platforms like TikTok on product growth.Managing retail demand is a game of chess, and Andy shares how a brand's digital presence can change the game. We discuss the delicate balance between having enough inventory for a promotional activity without tying up cash flow. Andy also provides valuable advice on transitioning customers when a product is discontinued, managing marketing investments, and balancing portfolios. He leaves us with a nugget of wisdom, advising his younger self to listen more and ask open-ended questions - a lesson we could all do well to remember. Join us for this insightful conversation with a true industry veteran.Follow our LinkedIn or Instagram pages to be notified for future episodes

Picture this: you've spent years honing your skills, navigating the corporate world, only to end up feeling unfulfilled. That's where Alley Biehl found herself before she took a bold leap into entrepreneurship, using her own health journey as inspiration, and founded Obelisk. Alley's story is a rich tapestry of exploration, courage, and tenacity, as she reveals the trials and triumphs of creating her plant-based beauty brand. Hear how her travels to South America added depth to her brand's narrative, and the challenges she faced in obtaining research and securing funding for her products.Alley discusses her unique approach to market research, starting with what she calls "demand creation". She discusses her vision to bring awareness to the healing properties of plants, a conversation sure to fascinate those interested in wellness and natural remedies. Her journey serves as a testament of the importance of self-belief, even amid criticism.Alley offers invaluable advice to aspiring entrepreneurs. From dealing with criticism, and the weight of resilience, to never letting naysayers win, she shares insights that are not just inspiring, but pragmatic. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone who dreams of starting their own venture. Tune in, and let their experiences inform your path.Follow our LinkedIn or Instagram pages to be notified for future episodes

Today, we welcome seasoned industry professional Mike Davis to the conversation. Mike, a former VP of Finance at Summer Fridays, shares the inside story of his unexpected journey into the beauty industry, the lessons he learned at indie beauty pioneer Smashbox, and the crucial role he played in building a robust infrastructure in a challenging startup environment.Peeling back the layers of the supply chain planning process, Mike candidly details his strategic approach to reducing lead times and the importance of synergy between marketing and inventory planning. He also lets us behind the curtain on the reality of inventory management at startups, providing insights into how he honed his skills to tactfully push back on partners during this process. As we move through the conversation, we examine the intricate demand planning process for various channels. Mike offers a rare glimpse into the navigation of channel negotiations, inventory flux, and the unique challenges of planning for QVC.Finally, we shift focus to efficiency and the real-world implications of data management. Drawing from his experience as a data maestro, Mike pinpoints how understanding system architecture transformed his career trajectory and why mastering this aspect of the business is a game-changer for any professional. Whether you're a veteran beauty industry exec or a recent founder, this compelling dialogue with Mike is a must-listen. Tune in as we navigate the intricacies of the beauty industry and provide a roadmap for startup success.Follow our LinkedIn or Instagram pages to be notified for future episodes