Making It Real

Bob Caporale – Strategy Generation Company “Learning Lessons and Making It Real” After 60 incredible episodes of Making It Real, it’s time for co-host Bob Caporale to take all the lessons he’s learned and go start a company himself! Strategy Generation Company is the culmination of Bob’s passion to help business leaders develop their own unique product and business strategies. Using non-traditional methods that inspire people to tap into their own creativity and intuition, Bob is setting out on a journey to help companies large and small make the world a better place. Join us for this very special episode of Making It Real where we announce the launch of Bob’s new company and bid farewell to our beloved podcast – at least until we have another update to share! Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Max Temkin – Cards Against Humanity “Stop Listening to Podcasts, And Go Do Something Great” Max Temkin and his seven childhood friends originally created Cards Against Humanity because they wanted something to play at parties. They made it available for free and the craze caught on from there! But this isn’t the story of making a lot of money; it’s the story of following your passion and seeing where it can take you. And where it takes us is something you don’t want to miss! Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Fran Dunaway – TomboyX “Look for the Rainbow Unicorn Moments” Fran Dunaway, co-founder of TomboyX, strived to create an undergarment that was universally comfortable for both herself and for her friends. With humble Kickstarter roots, she listened closely to her customers and grew a business that promoted equality of comfort and freedom from labels. This week’s episode is filled with fun, energy, and an incredible story of inclusiveness, comfort, and business growth. This is one you don’t want to miss! Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Lee Mallahan III – Tadpole Tape Cutter “If It Is to Be, It’s Up to Me” Lee Mallahan III, inventor of the Tadpole Tape Cutter, created his product out of necessity. While tackling home painting projects, he grew tired and frustrated with the process of cutting painter’s tape and quickly learned that there was no solution on the market to get a clean edged cut. So he invented an innovative product that is lightweight, easy to store, and can be universally re-used without frustration. Lee fills this episode with positivity and teaches Bob & Tate how he brought his unlikely invention to life. Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Robert Harbauer – Bondic “Create Incredible Customer Service” Robert Harbauer has a tradition of visiting local hardware stores while traveling abroad. In his travels to Germany, Robert came across Bondic, a product that he became instantly passionate about. Tune in to this week’s episode as Robert shares his competitive journey of selling a household tool in big box retail, and how he conquered it all by putting the customer first. Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Elliot Harris – Absorbits “Becoming an Entrepreneur Has Never Had Less Barriers” Elliot Harris, founder of Absorbits, is a self-described accident-prone serial entrepreneur. After accidentally soaking his cell phone, Elliot was on a mission to reverse the damage. Many tests later, he created a patented pouch that dries out wet electronics. In this episode, Elliot shares nuggets of entrepreneurial advice while providing an approachable process that anyone with the next “big idea” can follow! Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Denise Lee – Alala “It Is Better to Make a Quick Bad Decision, Than a Slow Good One” While training for a triathlon, Denise Lee wanted to feel as good in her workout clothes as she did in her designer clothes. She just couldn’t find active wear that matched her New York City style. So she founded Alala, a luxurious athleisure brand, to fill her own need! Be sure to listen in as Denise shares her experience with her mentor Chris Burch, and how she grew her business to be carried by Nordstrom, Equinox, ShopBop, and more! Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Blythe Harris – Stella & Dot “You Are Your Own Pace Car” Blythe Harris, co-founder of Stella & Dot, is a woman on a mission who is empowering many! After years of experience in the design industry, Blythe Harris, joined her co-founder to create a fun accessory company with a strong community built around it. The Stella & Dot business model features flexible entrepreneurship opportunities for people to “style” their own careers. Tune in to this week’s episode as Blythe shares the story of growing a wildly successful business and the creativity that it took to get there. Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Panos Panay – Sonicbids “Being an Entrepreneur is Creative” Panos Panay has some powerful entrepreneurial experience. After selling his company, Sonicbids, in 2013, Panos became the VP of Innovation and Strategy and the Director of Creative Entrepreneurship at the coveted Berklee College of Music. Tune in to this episode of Making It Real to follow Panos’ ultimate journey from building one of the leading web platforms to empower musicians, to leading the education and development of budding music entrepreneurs at his alma mater. Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Jess Edelstein – Piper Wai “If You Can’t Not Do It, You HAVE To Do It!” In Part 2 of this two-part series, we share the story of Jess Edelstein, the second co-founder of Piper Wai. Jess had very sensitive skin, so she took to the Internet for a solution. After testing and tweaking several different all-natural deodorant recipes, she landed on a surefire formula that was non-irritating and really worked! Listen in as Jess shares the story of how she brought her big idea to life and how she worked with her co-founder, Sarah Ribner, to grow Piper Wai from a small business into a formidable brand. Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Sarah Ribner – Piper Wai “Make Sure You Have The Right Team In Your Corner” In this two-part series, we share the stories of two ambitious young entrepreneurs who built a thriving all-natural deodorant brand from scratch. In Part 1, we meet Sarah Ribner, co-founder of Piper Wai, who has always made health and wellness a priority in her life. When her best friend, Jess Edelstein, presented her with a tub of homemade, all-natural deodorant, Sarah accepted it with open armpits! And the rest is history! Tune in to hear about how this company evolved from a community kitchen to a profitable independent brand featured on the hit show Shark Tank. And then tune in to Part 2 next week to hear Jess’ perspective on the same fabulous story! Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Damion Lupo – Total Control Financial “Stop Smoking Hopeium!” After the death of his father, Damion Lupo made it his mission in life to find a way for people to live without regrets and to help them find financial freedom. He later founded Total Control Financial and used his newly formed company to help spread the world about a little known retirement option that breaks the mold of a traditional 401K plan. In this episode, Damion shares his story of starting a business in college, losing 20 million dollars, investing in real estate, and working towards a goal that continues to be larger than life itself.   Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Nik Hawks and Lee Selman – Paleo Treats “You Can Do Whatever You Want If You Work Really Hard For It and Use Your Gifts To Make It Happen!” Nik Hawks, a Navy veteran, and Lee Selman, a former camel handler, are passionate about fueling their bodies with clean energy. Together, they created Paleo Treats, a natural treat company aimed at Paleo dieters that want to have their cake and eat it too! This episode promises education, inspiration, and wanderlust as Nik and Lee share their adventurous stories, the mission behind their sweet treats, and the forces that continue to drive their company into the future. Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Brian Smith – Founder of UGG “You Can’t Give Birth To An Adult” Brian Smith, founder of UGG, the popular sheepskin boot, has the ultimate story to tell. This product entrepreneur shares his journey from idea conception to parking lot sales and from marketing to mass-production. Brian walks through each phase of his adventure while sharing how he helped UGG earn an overwhelming amount of popularity from its humble roots on the beaches of California to now being one of the most widely recognized fashion brands in the world! Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Tony Post – TOPO Athletic “The Best Lessons Are Learned In The Field” After being in the footwear industry for over 30-years, Tony Post, decided to start his own brand, TOPO Athletic. This unique athletic shoe company, inspired by Tony’s passion for running, focuses on comfort, support, and enabling proper running form. Listen in as Tony shares the wealth of knowledge that he gained as a product manager, an executive, and a successful product entrepreneur. Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Jeffrey Woolf – Morpher Helmet “Sometimes You Have to Eat a Lot of Eyes, and Chew a Lot of Knuckles” With the rise of bike sharing programs in some of the largest cities across the globe, the inconvenience of carrying around a traditional helmet is becoming more real than ever. So instead of trying to change riders’ habits, Jeffrey Woolf, founder of Morpher Helmets, paid attention to what they ultimately wanted instead. He invented an award-winning helmet that folds flat while preserving its most important feature – safety. In this episode, Jeffrey takes us along on his ambitious ride and shares his stories of researching, crowd-funding, manufacturing, and receiving the ultimate reward of saving someone’s life. Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Alex Shirley-Smith – Tentsile “Grow With Your Business, Step By Step.” Alex Shirley-Smith of Tentsile had a longing desire to save the rainforest since he was a child. For Alex, that passion sprouted into a successful career in tree house design. But even after becoming an accomplished architect, Alex was not satisfied. He wanted to bring the idea of “hanging out in trees” to the masses with comfortable tree-based tents that were even more environmentally friendly than permanent structures. Tune into this episode as Alex Shirley-Smith shares his success story and shows us how he is fulfilling his childhood mission of saving the trees – one tent at a time. Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

J.P. Laqueur – Brand Foundations “Find The Sacred Cow, and Change It.” As co-founder of Brand Foundations, JP Laqueur is determined to help corporations nix their mission, vision and value statements. He helps companies with their culture and encourages them to share their key differentiators through memorable brand storytelling. With a blog that went viral, and a 3-stage “PWI” process, JP’s strategy is applicable and accessible to both corporations and entrepreneurs that are looking to set their brands apart from the competition.  Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Karen Yankovich – Up Level Media “Don’t Limit Yourself” Karen Yankovich, is a digital strategist, and founder of Up Level Media. She recognizes the importance of social connections for businesses in our evolving world. Karen is teaching and encouraging her clients to take social media marketing to a new and more conversational level; turning their valued connections into valued clients. Tune into this episode for advice, strategies and high-energy inspirations to fine-tune your social media profile and create more meaningful connections online. Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Jane Och – Guac-Lock “No One Knows About Your Product Like You Do!” Jane Och, co-inventor of Guac-Lock, is a mom on a mission who solved a major party problem: brown guacamole. After some relentless brainstorming, and prototype testing, Jane developed a patent-pending plastic storage system that would keep her ‘guac’ green for days! With a design innovation award granted, a licensing deal created, and some minor snafus solved, Jane shares her energetic story along with a handful of lessons learned in product design. Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Sarah Dusek – UnderCanvas “Our Biggest Obstacles are our Greatest Opportunities” Sarah Dusek, founder of UnderCanvas, is making camping glamorous. Learn how Sarah is conquering the eco-tourism industry to make camping accessible, sustainable, and memorable for people of all ages. Sarah draws from her experience working with non-profit organizations and property development companies to help her redefine the hospitality industry. With multiple properties surrounding major national parks, UnderCanvas is providing an unforgettable experience worthy of most anyone’s bucket list. Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Chris Logsdon – Godspeed Co “Don’t Waste Time, Do It Now” Chris Logsdon, founder of Godspeed Co, is an avid motorcyclist, passionate entrepreneur and a genuinely cool guy. While cleaning up a spill on his desk, Chris reached for his mechanic’s rag in his back pocket and had a light bulb moment. He had bigger ideas in mind for this little red rag, and began a successful clothing company that embodied the nostalgic durability that a shop rags possesses. This made-in-the USA Shop Rag Shirt has an amazing story behind it and is one of the few shirts that you will own that will only get better with age. Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Christina Stembel – Farmgirl Flowers “Be Realistic With Yourself” Christina Stembel, founder of Farmgirl Flowers, is disrupting the flower industry. As she builds a business based around her customers, Christina is blossoming as an entrepreneur and is blooming with success. She strives to create a special experience that recipients will remember and that senders can rely upon. Christina’s beautiful in-season bouquets decrease the waste and increase the experience. Listen in as Christina shares her path to e-commerce success. This is an episode you won’t want to miss! Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Jessica Rhodes – Interview Connections “Balance Purpose and Passion” Jessica Rhodes, founder of Interview Connections, offers a concierge booking service for guest experts and podcast hosts. Follow Jessica’s journey as she goes from non-profit canvasing to podcast matchmaking. Jessica talks about balancing your passion with your product and encourages listeners to ask customers for feedback while retaining their initial purpose. Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Gene Fowler – Loogaroo “Have A Burning Desire For Your Business” As a talented animator, and ‘maker of projects,’ Gene Fowler takes the word creativity to a new height. He is the founder and Creative Director of the popular animation studio, Loogaroo, and has worked on familiar commercials and cartoons such as Family Guy, Caillou, and Wow Wow Wubbzy. In this episode, Gene openly shares his business successes and failures, and the lessons he learned along the way. Tune in to hear about the inner-workings of some of your favorite animated TV shows, along with entrepreneurial advice that could help you start “Making It Real” yourself! Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Shawn Smith – Don’t Dis-My-Ability “You Must Fail To Succeed” Shawn Smith, founder of Don’t Dis-My-Ability Consultation Services, has had unique experiences in both school and in business. These experiences eventually led him to the wonderful world of entrepreneurship. Don’t Dis-My-Ability is an innovative company specializing in the emerging fields of Neurodiversity and studying attention deficit disorders. Tune into this unique episode of Making It Real for a fresh view on perception, learning, and embracing different communication styles. Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

James Leonard Deamer – GardenSpace “If You Hit a Speed Bump, Be Relentless” Calling all gardeners! James Deamer, has set out to be the world’s biggest food producer without owning any farms. As co-founder of GardenSpace, James invented an advanced outdoor camera that measures your garden’s plant health, growth and water demand. As a participant of the competitive HAX accelerator, James explains the product development process he used to help bring his product idea to life. GardenSpace will help your garden take root – no green thumb required. Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Joe Apfelbaum – Ajax Union “Energy Without Strategy is a Waste of Time” Joe Apfelbaum is an energetic entrepreneur, podcaster, author, speaker, and coach. He is also the CEO and founder of Ajax Union, a successful marketing agency in Brooklyn, NY. Tune into this episode of Making It Real to feel Joe’s energy and passion as he gives advice on marketing yourself and the importance of refining your business for profitability. After listening, be sure to tune into one of his great podcasts, The Breakthrough Maze.  Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Stephanie Lai – Little Hippo “Fake It ‘Til You Make It” Stephanie Lai, founder of Little Hippo, was once a corporate lawyer. She loved her job but yearned for a business of her own. With a focus on beautiful, modern children’s products, Stephanie developed her first product. The Mella is a modern clock and sleep trainer for children that is designed to help both children and parents alike. Listen in as Stephanie shares her entrepreneurial journey, from corporate to Kickstarter, providing her insight into product design and user experience. Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Elana Duffy – Pathfinder Labs “Dedicated To Veterans” The story began as Sergeant First Class Elana Duffy was medically returned from the Army after being injured by a roadside bomb in Iraq. She suddenly needed to find a job, housing and Veteran benefits in New York City. To help combat the confusion of thousands entering civilian life, Elana created Pathfinder Labs, a directory of community resources that allows members to rate, review and connect with these helpful services. In this episode, Elana shares her journey as a veteran, her passion for helping, and her motto to surround herself with a team that can make her a stronger entrepreneur. Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Bethany Deshpande – SomaDetect “Surround Yourself With Your Customers” It all started with a glass of milk. Bethany Deshpande shares the entrepreneurial story of her father’s passion for biophysics, and how the simple test of a laser beam and a glass of milk turned into a winning product called SomaDetect. Used as a tool for dairy farmers to measure milk quality, and herd health, farmers are now able to use Soma Detect to create better milk, increase their bottom lines, and have happier herds. Tune in as Bethany shares her passion for America’s dairy farmers and her own entrepreneurial journey. With the help of her customers and their feedback, Bethany has immersed herself in an unfamiliar industry to share an impactful tool that has a strong value proposition for farmers across the globe. Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Michael Stausholm – Sprout “Tell a Good Story and Watch Your Company Grow” Michael Stausholm, founder of Sprout, used to struggle to teach people exactly what sustainability is. And then he stumbled on Sprout! Sprout pencils have a dissolving cap of seeds in place of an eraser, allowing consumers to use their pencils, then plant the unused “stumps” to grow into beautiful gardens. As a founder that had been a serial entrepreneur for over 15 years and who had experienced working in both large and small companies, Michael used his skills to bring Sprout to market and help them achieve true commercial success. Tune in as Michael shares his passion for sustainability and the importance of telling a good story. Also be sure to listen to the very end for an exciting announcement that Michael shares with us in regards to Sprout’s newest product line! Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Adam Lazar – Asarasi “Start With the What If” Adam Lazar, founder of Asarasi, shares his passion of sustainability and environmental stewardship with his product, organic sparkling tree water. While on an impromptu adventure with his kids, Adam visited a maple syrup farm and recognized that the farmers were discarding pure, potable water that was a byproduct of the maple syrup production. He left with an idea and ignited it when the market timing was just right. Listen to Adam’s episode for a big boost of inspiration and an encouraging message to start small but solve big problems. Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Debbie Drum – Bee Fresh Publishing “We Live in a World of Reviews” After a simple Google search of “How to Make Money Online”, Debbie Drum, owner of Bee Fresh Publishing, is now in her seventh year of business and is growing successfully. With over 50 self-published books, Debbie developed a strong understanding of the self-publishing industry, and now coaches and consults other people to help them optimize their writing processes. Tune in to this episode to learn more about pioneering through a new industry, the importance of gaining genuine reviews, and the passion required to achieve success. Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Taylor Jones – Jones Bar “Poco a Poco” Taylor Jones is an entrepreneurial foodie on the go. In his search to provide a quick, clean meal, he brought the Jones Bar to market. This fresh take on the ever-popular energy bar provides 5 easy-to-read ingredients with a promise to provide simple, organic energy. Tune in as Taylor shares the journey from his kitchen to Whole Foods and emphasizes his entrepreneurial motto, “poco a poco” or little by little. Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Keegan Cooke – Magical Microbes “Cultivate Your Network”  Keegan Cooke, founder of Magical Microbes, makes science exciting with a kit that harnesses the power of microbes found in soil (quite literally). Tune in as Keegan takes an otherwise intimidating scientific process and turns it into a next-generation STEM educational tool; providing keen entrepreneurial advice that he has learned along the way. Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Kelly Roach – Kelly Roach Coaching “The 4 Keys to Entrepreneurial Success”  Prepare to be inspired as we speak to Kelly Roach from Kelly Roach Coaching. As a business growth strategist and peak performance coach, Kelly is determined to help entrepreneurs build and grow their businesses. Kelly’s contagious energy will WOW as she explains her 4 core keys to success that are easy to follow and exciting to put into action. Be sure to tune into Kelly’s podcast, Unstoppable Success Radio. Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Craig Lewis – Gig Wage “Fail Faster and Get Better”  Craig Lewis, founder of Gig Wage, shares his urgency to help small businesses with their payroll. While pivoting from a full-service company, to the niche of managing independent contractors, Craig shares his passion for payroll, and his urgency to help small businesses succeed. Listen as Craig openly shares his entrepreneurial success, struggles and pivots that drive him to dream bigger, fail faster, and get better. Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Chris Castleberry – Knox Box “Bring Entrepreneurial Spirit into Your Corporate Role”  As a former product executive at a large, global corporation, Chris Castleberry can relate to product managers and entrepreneurs alike. Now, owner of KnoxBox, Chris shares his corporate lessons learned, along with his current entrepreneurial path filled with acquisitions and strategic transitions. In this episode, Chris encourages our listeners to embrace their own entrepreneurial spirit, no matter their positions, and apply that spirit to everyday tasks. Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Drew Cohn – Radiant 44 “Don't Sound Like You're Selling”  From his experiences, Drew Cohn, founder of Radiant 44, understands that success in business is a winding journey. After years of experience in both the corporate world and the start-up world, Drew whole-heartedly admits to being “bit by the entrepreneur bug”. While seeking a new opportunity that drove his passion and fueled his personal growth, Drew decided to open his own business. Tune in as this entrepreneur and actor, talks about sales techniques, start-up strategies, and experiences that led him to the merchant services industry. Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Conor Horrigan – Half Full Brewery “Make Sure the Stress Matters”  Conor Horrigan, founder of Half Full Brewery, was on the ultimate pursuit of passion. After enduring taxing desk hours on Wall Street, Conor set out on a 15-week trip around the world to figure out how to match his passions with his career. Following his motto and his mission to always make time for things that make you feel “half full”, Conor created Half Full Brewery. Tune in as Conor shares his journey, his growth and his mission at the brewery while inspiring all with his positive views on both business and life. Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Jeff Wilcoxon – Bobtail Ice Cream “Let Your Customers Drive Your Innovation”  As both the co-founder of Bobtail Ice Cream in Chicago, and a product management professional at a large corporation, Jeff Wilcoxon shares the ultimate advice for product entrepreneurs. Tune in to learn about the inner workings of a legacy ice cream business and how those small business lessons can be translated into a large corporate product management environment. In this episode, Jeff talks about growth, customer service, innovation and so much more!  Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Carlos Vega – Jersey Italian Gravy “Take the Leap and Be All In” To Carlos Vega, founder of Jersey Italian Gravy, the perfect tomato sauce tastes like home – and ultimately like family.  While owning and managing a pizzeria, he came across a recipe that flew off the shelves and made many people experience the same feeling of nostalgia. Tune in as Carlos discusses his road to success, all while staying true to his Jersey Italian Gravy recipe, and his core family values.  Now available in Bed, Bath and Beyond, Whole Foods and many other large brick and mortars, Jersey Italian Gravy continues to grow in popularity across the country! Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Anya Burgess – Sola Violins “Turning a Passion for Strings into a Storefront”  Anya Burgess, founder of Sola Violins, is a talented luthier and a passionate violinist. Listen to Anya’s story as she is faced with the challenge of turning a home-based business into a thriving storefront in the heart of Lafayette, LA. She has found a strong niche for passionate musicians, and has marketed a welcoming space for both professional musicians and beginners alike.   Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Martha Bernal – Wet Nose University “If You Don’t Move, You Don’t Eat” Martha Bernal, founder of Wet Nose University and a successful corporate product manager, has turned her passion for dog training into an entrepreneurial venture. In this episode, Martha discusses the similarities between entrepreneurship and product management, and the challenges that she had to overcome in a small business to find a great deal of success. Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Mark Ethier – iZotope “Be Bold and Listen To Your Customers” Mark Ethier, founder of iZotope, an award-winning audio technology company, shares his journey during the burst of the dot com bubble. With a passion for both music and computer science, Mark and his co-founders were able to stay in constant touch with their customers throughout each product lifecycle; all while continuing to offer incredible customer service. This, among many other factors, enabled iZotope to become one of the leaders in the music software industry. Tune in to hear Mark’s incredible journey, as he expresses the importance of core values, growth, and being a true product entrepreneur. Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Daniel Webster Clark – RompHim “The Secret Sauce to Going Viral” Be sure to listen as Daniel Webster-Clark shares his story of going viral upon introducing the hottest new fashion statement: the male romper. The RompHim was designed by a gaggle of business students, and went from being an extra-credit project to becoming a booming business. Tune in to hear the highs and lows of establishing a business, going viral, and growing a brand within the blink of an eye.   Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Brett Walker – CircuitScribe “Making Circuitry Fun and Exciting” While working towards a PhD, Brett Walker, CEO of CircuitScribe, came up with the idea to create a conductive ballpoint pen that can draw circuits on paper. He has combined art and science together making an irresistible kit for kids and adults alike. While entering the big box stores, and understanding the B2C world, Brett has also built a successful B2B company focusing on conductive materials for consumer electronics. Tune in as he shares the benefits of each style of business from a very hands-on perspective, along with many lessons while building and testing products Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Travis Peterson – Joker Greetings “Turning a Good Joke into a Customer Need” Travis Peterson, founder of Joker Greetings, understands the power of a prank. With a growing product line of greeting cards, Travis has matched an interesting customer need and created cards that feature everything from endless singing to a friendly pop of confetti. Tune in as Travis redefines the greeting card space while creating “that perfect card” with a very memorable experience. Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Thor Ernstsson – Alpha “Innovate With Confidence” Thor Ernstsson, founder of Alpha, talks about how he connected his passion for user experience to product management. Now, Alpha UX provides a platform to drive experimentation and provide real time answers with a database of over 90 million users. Thor emphasizes the importance of making customer-centric decisions and provides the tool to do so. Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.

Rafa Atijas – Loog Guitars “A Little Bit Business, A Little Bit Rock N’ Roll” Rafa Atijas, founder of Loog Guitars, designed a three-stringed guitar to help both children and adults learn how to play the guitar. He takes the otherwise intimidating business strategy and musical education, and provides pointed entrepreneurial advice. Whether you’re a product manager in an established company or an aspiring business owner with an idea for a new product business, Making It Real will provide you with real tools and advice on how to be a successful product entrepreneur! Hosted by Bob Caporale and Tate Tegtmeier Original Music by Bob Caporale Note: No endorsement of any product or service featured on Making It Real is either expressed or implied by its hosts or producers.