Welcome to the Arena

Back in January, we had on Julie Masino, the President and CEO of Cracker Barrel, who walked us through her strategy for transforming the brand, and gave great insights into general trends in the restaurant industry. Since it's summer time, and patio season is in full swing, we thought now would be a good time to revisit this gem. Summary: What does it take to revitalize a legacy brand, while maintaining its identity? By balancing tradition and transformation, any company can breathe new life into its business and consistently evolve to meet the changing expectations of customers and employees alike.Today's guest is Julie Masino. Julie is President and CEO of Cracker Barrel, a role she took on just over a year ago in November of 2023. Since then, she's led the company with a focus on innovation and growth drawing on her over 30 years of experience in the restaurant and retail industries. Previously, Julie served President of International at Taco Bell and before that, President of North America. She's also held senior leadership positions at Sprinkles Cupcakes, Mattel, Starbucks, and began her career at iconic brands like Godiva, Coach, J. Crew, and Macy's. In this episode, Julie shares her vision for the brand and the five-pillar transformation strategy she is implementing aimed at enhancing market share, guest experience, and profitability.Highlights:Julie explains the opportunity she saw for Cracker Barrel (2:58)Julie's fiver pillar strategy for Cracker Barrel's transformation (4:25)Why dinner remains a key area for increasing market share (9:23)What updates are being made to Cracker Barrel's pricing strategy? (12:39)Improving facilities and team satisfaction (15:44)Julie highlights the metrics correlated with sales growth (18:48)Digital and off-premises growth (23:00)How Cracker Barrel is engaging younger consumers (27:05)Links:Julie Masino on LinkedInCracker Barrel on LinkedInCracker Barrel WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Dash Miller may not be a CEO, but like many of the people we feature on this show, he is a true leader, he has a vision, and he's executing on his plan.Sometimes life forces you to grow up quickly, and that's exactly what happened to Dash. He lost his 16-year-old brother Callum after a five year battle with cancer. And out of that tragedy, dash started a unique corporate outreach campaign on LinkedIn making inspiring and grateful videos about companies that touched his family's life while Callum was in treatment.Dash joins us to discuss the inspirations behind the campaign and the incredible responses he's received from both individuals and companies.Highlights:Callum's Story (2:16)Dash' work at UCSF (2:58)Dash' work with LLS (4:08)Why LinkedIn? (5:23)Biggest Challenges (7:33)Nestlé (9:55)Hasbro (10:50)What's next? (12:19)Links:Dash Miller LinkedInFundraiser WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, joe@lowerstreet.co

Summary: Back in February, we were joined on the show by Stuart Haselden, CEO of outdoor apparel company, Arc'Teryx. Hearing about his retail philosophy and personal story was absolutely fascinating, so we decided to revisit the episode for listeners who may have missed it the first time around.   You've heard it before: "The customer is always right." For many businesses, that's sound advice. But for premium brands, the road to success often takes a different route. Rather than reacting to every shift in demand, it's about staying rooted in a philosophy: delivering quality, staying authentic, and fostering relationships that stand the test of time. Today's guest has fully embraced this approach, leveraging his brand's strengths to set a new standard of excellence in the technical apparel market. Stuart Haselden has been the CEO of Arc'teryx since 2021 and brings over 20 years of global experience in retail and premium brands to the company, having worked in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia for brands such as Away Travel, Lululemon, J.Crew, and Saks Fifth Avenue. His career began in the United States Army where he served as a Cavalry Officer—a defining experience for him that has shaped his views on leadership. It was also the beginning of a lifelong love of mountain and alpine sports, as Stuart learned to ski in the Austrian Alps while stationed in Germany.  In this episode, Stuart shares how Arc'teryx has expanded its direct-to-consumer model while preserving the brand's authenticity. He explains how a relentless focus on performance and innovation has fueled the company's growth and set it apart in the competitive technical apparel space. Stuart also talks about the leadership strategies that have guided Arc'teryx's evolution—and how they're shaping its future. Highlights:Background on Arc'teryx and the road to becoming a premium brand (2:43)Stuart's history in retail and how he was introduced to the opportunity at Arc'teryx (4:19)Stuart discusses Arc'teryx's position in the Amer Sports portfolio (7:18)Competition in the technical apparel field and what differentiates Arc'teryx (8:35)Stuart describes how Arc'teryx maintains its authenticity while it grows (10:17)How Arc'teryx evolved from a retail model to a direct-to-consumer approach (13:07)Current scale of the business (15:15)Stuart discusses future expansion opportunities (16:55)The senior team at Arc'teryx (18:43)Stuart's management style and the leadership techniques he learned from Mickey Drexler (20:37)Stuart's predictions for retail in 2025 (20:54)Arc'teryx's unique sustainability efforts (21:54)How Arc'teryx adapts its retail spaces when entering new communities (23:21) Links:Stuart Haselden on LinkedInArc'teryx on LinkedInArc'teryx WebsiteICR LinkedIn ICR Twitter ICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Given the new administration's tariff policy and the global unease we've seen in recent months, we felt it was a good time to pick the brain of someone who's spent decades studying China's economy and its evolving relationship with the United States.Andy Rothman is the founder and CEO of Sinology, a consulting firm that provides advice to institutional investors and companies on the opportunities and risks presented by China's economy and on the impact of changes in US China relations. Previously, Andy spent 11 years working as China strategist for Matthews Asia, one of the largest active US based investors in China's equity markets. That comes after a 17-year China-focused career as US foreign service officer that included serving as the Taiwan desk officer at the State Department in the mid-nineties, and serving as head of the Macroeconomics and Domestic Policy Office at the American Embassy in Beijing.  Andy shares his thoughts on the current trade dispute and the economic situation within China, and discusses what he's heard from Chinese business people and political officials during recent visits to the country.  Highlights:Andy's history with China (1:57)The situation within China (4:08)Exports vs. domestic demand (7:09)Where negotiations go from here (8:41)Supply chain impacts (11:29)The tech race (13:33)Taiwan (14:48)Consumer sentiment in China (16:40)China's demographic challenges (20:07)China's capital markets (21:19)Planning for the future (22:45) Links:Andy Rothman LinkedInSinology WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

When you stop to fill up your car with gas, you might also pop into the store to grab a quick bite, or a gatorade, or that carton of milk you forgot to get at the supermarket.  One company has managed to leverage that common retail experience into a real-estate empire.Chris Constant is the president and Chief Executive Officer of Getty Realty Corp, which trades under the symbol GTY on the New York Stock Exchange. Chris joined the company in November of 2010 as Director of Planning and Corporate Development, and was later promoted to treasurer in May of 2012, Vice President in May of 2013, CFO also in 2013 and CEO in 2016. Today, Chris walks us through the surprising origins of Getty Realty, discusses developments in the convenience store and automotive sectors, and explains why Getty has found such incredible success working with those industries.  Highlights:Getty Realty origins (4:50)What's a 'Net Lease REIT?' (7:07)Why C-stores and Auto-service? (8:00)How convenience stores have changed (9:48)Getty's advantage in the market (11:25)Sourcing new assets (12:48)Occupancy and rent (15:07)Potential for growth in other sectors (16:40)Uncertain macro environment (18:13)Impact of EVs (20:25)Dividends (21:49)What people miss about Getty (23:32)Links:Chris Constant LinkedInGetty Realty LinkedInGetty Realty WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

When you're shopping for clothes, there's a checklist of things you look for: you want them to look and feel good, you want them to last a long time, you might want them ethically and sustainably sourced, and probably most importantly, you don't want them to break the bank. In 2011 one active wear company emerged that ticked pretty much all those boxes.  Adam Goldenberg is the CEO and co-founder of Fabletics. Adam is a seasoned entrepreneur and leader in the e-commerce industry with a proven track record of building multiple-billion dollar brands. In fact, alongside co-founder Don Ressler, Adam has generated over $10 billion dollars in sales through his company, TechStyle Fashion Group, which in addition to Fabletics, has launched other digitally-native fashion brands like Savage X Fenty, Just Fab, Fab Kids, Shoedazzle and Yitti.  Adam launched his first company at 16, at 19 he became the youngest ever COO of a public company. He joins us to share his thoughts on e-commerce, customer retention, sustainability, and opportunities to grow the Fabletics brand.  Highlights:Fabletics origins (2:50)Fabletics' customer base (4:48)Tech and personalization (5:55)Celebrity partnerships (7:32)Membership model (8:37)E-commerce vs. Brick and mortar retail (11:23)Amazon (13:54)Plans for growth (15:27)Sustainability (19:09)Lesson's learned (20:58)What's next for Fabletics (23:19)Links:Adam Goldenberg LinkedInFabletics LinkedInFabletics WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

The world has changed a lot in the last century, but it might surprise you to learn that the US power grid has remained pretty much the same. In this country, energy is by and large controlled by regional utilities with de-facto monopolies, and no real incentive to innovate. That inertia impacts the entire economy, as industrial projects are starved of the power they need to get off the ground. Jereme Kent is the founder and CEO of One Power Company. Under his leadership, One Power is trailblazing the creation of the customer-centric power grid of the future. Before founding One Power in 2009, Jereme led the construction of some of the world's premier wind projects. As a field engineer, erection superintendent and site manager, he has overseen more than a billion dollars in wind turbine construction. Jereme joins us to discuss how and why current US power infrastructure is falling short, and how the One Power model could both energize and decarbonize America's efforts to re-industrialize. Highlights:The state of the grid (3:09)Why we need fixes now (7:04)One Powers services (9:03)Vertical Integration (11:30)Digital Substations (13:54)Fundamental Industries (15:20)Sustainability (16:55)Net Zero (19:45)10 year outlook (21:02)Culture of innovation (23:36)One Power's priorities (25:30)Links:Jereme Kent LinkedInOne Power LinkedInOne Power WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co. 

Summary:  We may not talk about them the same way we talk about basketball or baseball players, but make no mistake, dancers are elite athletes. Their training is intense, and the competition is fierce. And with Breakdancing at the Olympics, dance content flooding TikTok, and dance competition shows all over TV, there's never been more interest in the art-form. So how do you take that global phenomenon, and harness it into a global business?  Dan Galpern is the CEO of DanceOne. In 2023, the company was formed out of the merger between Break The Floor Productions and Star Dance Alliance, and it has become the premier producer of educational and competitive dance events, as well as the largest family of dance brands in the world.  Dan joins us to discuss DanceOne's plans for future expansion and growth, and how their global community is raising up the next generation of world-class dancers.  Highlights:The origins of DanceOne (3:48)Path from investor to CEO (5:41)DanceOne infrastructure (6:46)Building the DanceOne experience (8:11)The global appeal of dance (9:20)DanceOne event offerings (10:30)Growth opportunities (11:43)The power of dance (15:29)The DanceOne community (17:52)Goals for the future (20:00)Links:Dan Galpern LinkedInDanceOne LinkedInDanceOne WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co. 

The increasing popularity of Asian food presents many exciting business opportunities, but also some challenges. Many of these specialty restaurants are family-owned, and lack the corporate structure you'll find at larger chains. And a lot of them are located in rural places that make centralized distribution difficult. Servicing these types of businesses requires a personal touch, and a lot of relationship building to understand their individual needs. That makes the barrier to entry pretty high, and creates a pretty large moat around the companies already established in the sector. That includes HF Foods Group, led by CEO Felix Lin. HF trades on NASDAQ under the symbol HFFG and they are a leading distributor of international and specialty foods service solutions to restaurants, wholesalers and other customers in the food supply chain in the United States. Before taking on the role of CEO, Felix served as President and Chief Operating Officer of HF Foods Group and has been a key part of developing, implementing, and executing on the company's comprehensive transformation plan. Felix joins us to discuss how HF Foods Group made such strong inroads in the Asian food market, and how they plan to leverage their position in the marketplace, and smart capital allocation, to create opportunities for future growth. Highlights:The history of HF Foods (3:17)The popularity of Asian foods (4:53)Customer loyalty (5:57)Product offerings (8:02)Navigating market disruptions (10:23)Distribution networks (12:32)M & A Strategy (14:00)Outlook for the international food space (17:34)Strategic plan for HF Foods (20:04)Links:Felix Lin LinkedInHF Foods Group LinkedInHF Foods Group WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Innovating in the field of Med Tech presents a host of unique challenges. Formulating new treatments is a long and capital-intensive process. The regulatory regime for medical devices is extremely stringent. And even if you get approval, you still need to convince doctors that your treatment is safe and effective. But success in Med Tech R & D doesn't just mean profits for the company and it's shareholders, it means new treatments that can dramatically improve or even save the lives of patients. Jim Clemmer became the CEO of AngioDynamics in April of 2016, the company trades on the NASDAQ under the symbol ANGO. Prior to joining the company, Jim served as President of the multi-billion dollar medical supply segment at Covidien PLC where he directed the strategic and day-to-day operations for global business divisions that collectively manufactured 23 different product categories. In addition, he managed global manufacturing, research and development, operations, business development, and all other functions associated with the medical supplies business. Jim joins us to discuss AngioDynamics' innovative products that are helping treat a range of conditions from pulmonary embolism to prostate cancer. He also explains how their continued commitment to innovation has set AngioDynamics up for future success.  Highlights:The AngioDynamics Mission (4:03)Managing the AngioDynamics Portfolio (5:04)What sets AngioDynamics apart in the field (6:20)Meeting real-world clinical needs (7:24)AngioDynamics products (8:53)AngioDynamics approach to R&D (12:45)The impact on patients (15:36)Navigating regulation in different markets (20:06)The role of AI (21:35)AngioDynamics' balance sheet (23:01) Links:AngioDynamics LinkedInAngioDynamics WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

When we experience buyers remorse about an item, what do we do? We return it. Either in store, or through the mail. But what happens to those products after we send them back? Surely they're repackaged and restocked, right? In a lot of cases, no. Many vendors aren't equipped to process those returns, and they can end up being sold in bulk at a loss, or worse, dumped in a landfill.Sender Shamiss has made it his mission to prevent that from happening. He's the co-founder and CEO of ReturnPro, a global reverse logistics platform that works with the world's largest retailers and vendors to solve the significant problem of merchandise returns. Today, we discuss the complexity of restocking returned items, the prevalence of fraud in merchandise returns, and how ReturnPro leverages innovative tech solutions to lessen that nearly 900-billion-dollar burden on the retail industry. Highlights:What happens to returned items? (3:14)Why have retailers ignored the issue? (7:18)ReturnPro's services (8:56)Working with big and small retailers (10:57)Recovering value from returns (13:27)The role of tech (16:22)Returns ending up in landfills (19:02)The impact of tariffs (22:08)Links:Sender's LinkedInReturnPro LinkedInReturnPro WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Major sporting events used to be clustered among a handful of TV channels. Now following your favourite team might require subscriptions to a whole litany of cable and streaming services. Which is to say nothing of all the licensed content you'll find spread out across social media platforms. In such a complex media ecosystem, how do organizations even begin to think about licensing their media assets? And how do they calculate their worth?Doug Perlman is the founder and CEO of Sports Media Advisors. SMA advises sports properties on their media strategies and rights negotiations. Doug has negotiated tens of billions of dollars in rights fees for some of the largest sports properties in the world, including the NFL, NASCAR, US Soccer, and the Ryder Cup, among others. Doug joins us today to discuss recent trends like the rise of streaming, the popularization of sports betting, and the emergence of AI, and all the unique challenges and opportunities they present for different leagues and organizations. Highlights:Doug's early career (3:00)Working for the NHL (4:40)Founding SMA (7:53)SMA's services (9:31)Negotiating rights deals (13:55)Cord-cutting (17:16)Impact of sports betting (18:35)Women's sports (19:37)AI in sports (20:58)Advice for young people trying to work in sports (26:12)Links:Doug Perlman LinkedInSMA LinkedInSMA WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Putting together an IPO is no easy feat. Just getting your finances in order can be a herculean effort. Add in the laundry list of compliance requirements, and it simply becomes too much for most firms to handle on their own. That's especially true for young companies in emerging industries like biotech or AI, where corporate governance may have taken a backseat to product development. Enter, Mike Aiello. He's the CEO and managing partner at Centri Business Consulting, one of the country's fastest growing accounting and advisory firms. Mike founded Centri in 2011 with a focus on capital markets, transactions and emerging growth organizations. It has since grown from its Philadelphia, mid-Atlantic roots to eight offices nationwide, with around 250 staff providing support to more than a thousand companies. Mike walks us through the massive undertaking that is IPO preparation, and how Centri guides their clients through that process. He also shares his thoughts on the current state of IPOs and SPACs, and explains why he feels optimistic for the future of capital markets.Highlights:Mike's path to founding Centri (3:14)Centri's menu of services (6:26)The state of the IPO market (8:34)SPACs (12:09) Getting ready for an IPO (13:56)Working with AI companies (15:39)Recruiting talent from 'The Big 4' (18:05)Importance of corporate culture (19:22)Priorities for growth (21:57)Upcoming 'Capital Markets Conference' (25:28)Links:Centri LinkedInCentri TwitterCentri WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Summary:  It's early in the 2025 reporting season, but new trends in the restaurant and foodservice space are already emerging. 2024 was a difficult year and the industry is still adjusting—navigating the same pressures of inflation, labor costs, and economic shifts, plus some new challenges. Consumer habits continue to evolve, and technology is playing a bigger role than ever.  Today we're joined by Michael Halen, the Senior Restaurant and Foodservice Analyst for Bloomberg Intelligence. At Bloomberg, Michael publishes company-specific and industry-focused research on everything from how new government policies will impact business to the shifting demographics that affect consumer behavior. Michael makes frequent appearances as a TV and radio guest and is the host of Bloomberg Intelligence's restaurant-focused podcast titled Choppin' It Up.  In this episode, Michael breaks down the biggest takeaways and predictions for 2025. As we enter the new year, what's setting the winners apart? Which trends have staying power, and what can last year's challenges tell us about the road ahead? And most importantly, what should restaurant leaders be looking out for to stay ahead of the curve?  Highlights:Michael's path to his role at Bloomberg (3:08)The winners and losers from the last few years (6:01)Regional differences in consumer behavior (7:53)Impacts of inflation on the restaurant industry (9:22)The role of strategic pricing (11:41)The role of AI and automation (16:12)Make America Healthy Again (18:30)Recent trends and what they say about the future (23:48) Links:Michael Halen on LinkedInBloomberg Intelligence LinkedInBloomberg Intelligence WebsitePodcast: Choppin' it Up by Bloomberg IntelligenceICR on LinkedIn ICR on XICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Summary:  Personalization has reshaped nearly every industry, turning one-size-fits-all solutions into tailored experiences. Think self-serve kiosks in fast food or streaming algorithms curating content just for you—consumers now expect products to adapt to them, not the other way around. In the health and fitness space, where no two people share the same habits, goals, or motivations, personalization is crucial to progress. So why hasn't mass personalization taken hold in the space? Because it takes more than just offering choices—it requires an approach that adapts in real time and integrates seamlessly into people's lives. Today's guest is leading this shift, using cutting-edge innovation to make personalized health and fitness more accessible than ever. Today, we're sitting down with Kevin Duffy, CEO of iFIT, the global leader in connected fitness. Kevin is a seasoned executive with experience leading both private equity-backed and public consumer-branded technology companies.  Some of Kevin's core strengths include steering organizations through transformative organic growth, completing integrated accretive acquisitions, and delivering superior investor returns. Kevin holds a Bachelor of Economics from Princeton University and an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business.  In this episode, Kevin unpacks how iFIT is revolutionizing connected fitness by making mass personalization a reality. He discusses the technology driving adaptive workout experiences, the role of data in shaping individualized fitness journeys, and why the future of health and wellness hinges on meeting people where they are. Highlights:Kevin describes the path to his current role at iFIT (2:57)What iFIT is and what makes their technology and software unique (4:41)The importance of customization and personalization in health and wellness (7:11)iFIT's unique habit-forming AI software (9:00)Kevin discusses the recent NordicTrack partnership (11:03)Business scale and prospects for continued international expansion (12:53)Kevin walks us through iFIT's recent software updates and advancements (15:18)How user data helps enhance iFIT products (18:01)The management team and company culture at iFIT (19:15)Major fitness trends to watch in 2025 (20:45)How iFIT balances innovation with investment (24:10)Goals for the future (26:03)Links:Kevin Duffy on LinkedIniFIT on LinkedIniFIT WebsiteICR on LinkedIn ICR on XICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Summary:  The rapid rise of AI is transforming industries at an unprecedented pace, creating both challenges and opportunities for innovation. With technology this powerful, pure progress is not enough. We have a responsibility to be intentional about about how we build it, power it, and use it, to ensure it drives positive outcomes and a more sustainable future. Today, we're sitting down with Rahul Mewawalla, the President and CEO of Mawson Infrastructure Group, a rapidly evolving digital infrastructure services company that trades on NASDAQ under the symbol MIGI. Rahul has been a CEO for over a decade, leading numerous technology companies, including household names like Yahoo, Nokia, and General Electric. Rahul has served on the boards of six NASDAQ-listed companies, two of which he chaired. He led San Francisco's Innovation and Technology Program in collaboration with the White House and the Executive Office of the President, served as a Special Government Employee with the U.S. Department of Defense, and was an advisor to Stanford University's Persuasive Technology Lab. Rahul has had a front-row seat to four major technology waves—the internet, mobile, cloud, and AI—giving him tremendous perspective on today's rapidly evolving landscape In this episode, Rahul explores how companies are joining forces to address AI's soaring energy demands—and what it means for the future of digital infrastructure. He delves into the evolving partnership between technology firms and energy providers, the growing role of nuclear and carbon-neutral power in sustaining AI's expansion, and why cross-industry collaboration is essential for long-term success.Highlights:Rahul discusses what initially drew him to digital infrastructure (3:18)Mawson's strategic shift from cryptocurrency mining to AI infrastructure (6:01)Key components and functions in an AI technology stack (8:34)Rahul's perspective on the transformative AI wave and growing investment around it (11:29)Rahul describes what the PJM market is (13:44)Investment in nuclear energy (15:30)Rahul discusses Mawson's management team and leadership strategy (17:50)Mawson's announcement of a major AI co-location agreement (19:51)Rahul explains why industry collaboration is essential for scaling AI infrastructure (21:49)Mawson's total addressable market and maintaining a competitive edge (23:25)How Rahul balances leadership and innovation (24:58)The future innovations and business opportunities Rahul sees for Mawson (26:53)Links:Rahul Mewawalla on LinkedInMawson Infrastructure on LinkedInMawson Infrastructure WebsiteICR LinkedIn ICR Twitter ICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Summary:  You've heard it before: "The customer is always right." For many businesses, that's sound advice. But for premium brands, the road to success often takes a different route. Rather than reacting to every shift in demand, it's about staying rooted in a philosophy: delivering quality, staying authentic, and fostering relationships that stand the test of time. Today's guest has fully embraced this approach, leveraging his brand's strengths to set a new standard of excellence in the technical apparel market. Stuart Haselden has been the CEO of Arc'teryx since 2021 and brings over 20 years of global experience in retail and premium brands to the company, having worked in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia for brands such as Away Travel, Lululemon, J.Crew, and Saks Fifth Avenue. His career began in the United States Army where he served as a Cavalry Officer—a defining experience for him that has shaped his views on leadership. It was also the beginning of a lifelong love of mountain and alpine sports, as Stuart learned to ski in the Austrian Alps while stationed in Germany.  In this episode, Stuart shares how Arc'teryx has expanded its direct-to-consumer model while preserving the brand's authenticity. He explains how a relentless focus on performance and innovation has fueled the company's growth and set it apart in the competitive technical apparel space. Stuart also talks about the leadership strategies that have guided Arc'teryx's evolution—and how they're shaping its future. Highlights:Background on Arc'teryx and the road to becoming a premium brand (2:43)Stuart's history in retail and how he was introduced to the opportunity at Arc'teryx (4:19)Stuart discusses Arc'teryx's position in the Amer Sports portfolio (7:18)Competition in the technical apparel field and what differentiates Arc'teryx (8:35)Stuart describes how Arc'teryx maintains its authenticity while it grows (10:17)How Arc'teryx evolved from a retail model to a direct-to-consumer approach (13:07)Current scale of the business (15:15)Stuart discusses future expansion opportunities (16:55)The senior team at Arc'teryx (18:43)Stuart's management style and the leadership techniques he learned from Mickey Drexler (20:37)Stuart's predictions for retail in 2025 (20:54)Arc'teryx's unique sustainability efforts (21:54)How Arc'teryx adapts its retail spaces when entering new communities (23:21) Links:Stuart Haselden on LinkedInArc'teryx on LinkedInArc'teryx WebsiteICR LinkedIn ICR Twitter ICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Summary:  Getting ahead begins with a sharp focus on recognizing problems and finding better solutions than anyone else. But staying ahead requires something more: the ability to adapt, evolve, and lead as the stakes grow. Today's guest didn't just solve a problem; he built a system so indispensable it's reshaped how an entire industry operates.  Kent Collier is the Founder and CEO of Octus (formerly Reorg), a credit intelligence and data provider for the world's leading buy-side firms, investment banks, law firms, and advisory firms. Kent's experience as a research analyst at firms like Millennium Partners, Catalyst Investment Management, Assurant Asset Management, and Babson Capital refined his expertise in high-yield distressed debt and special situations. As a passionate innovator in data science and generative AI, Kent has put Octus at the forefront of cutting-edge technologies that fuel decisive actions across financial markets.  In this episode, Kent shares how Octus evolved from a niche solution into a category leader in data intelligence. He explains how AI is transforming workflows and shaping the future of data management. Kent also discusses the discipline required to scale effectively and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. Highlights:Spotting a gap in the marketplace and founding Octus (2:50)Company scale and customer base (4:36)Kent describes what sets Octus apart from competitors in the field (5:50)Market runway and growth projection (7:33)Kent discusses the decision to rebrand the company (9:16)Bridging Kent's work in finance with technology (10:47)Initial challenges when founding the company (11:50)Kent describes his management style (13:40)How the team at Octus is implementing AI (16:13)Kent's short-term predictions for the private equity market (19:42)Octus' expansion opportunities (22:13)Kent's approach to M&A (23:32)Kent talks about the Good Words Foundation (25:32) Links:Kent Collier on LinkedInOctus on LinkedInOctus WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Summary:  In some industries, new players try to shake things up by breaking them down. But in sectors like food, where traditions run deep and habits are hard to change, collaboration can be a far more palatable strategy and can be leveraged to create scalable, sustainable solutions. Today's guest is doing just that, using decades of industry expertise to partner with key players, tackle global challenges, and redefine what's possible for the future of food. Jeff "Trip" Tripician is the CEO of Meatable, a Dutch biotech company dedicated to the development of cultivated meat products. Trip is an industry veteran with more than 25 years of experience in the organic and natural meat industry in the U.S.  He most recently served as CEO of Grass Fed Foods and, prior to that, as President of Perdue Premium Meat Company. Trip also brings extensive experience across the U.S. meat market with deep expertise in the U.S. supply chain, marketing of sustainable meat products, fundraising, and M&A. In fact, at Grass Fed Foods, Trip orchestrated a successful merger between Teton Waters Ranch and SunFed Ranch, which positioned the company as the foremost regeneratively focused grass-fed beef platform in the U.S.During his time at Perdue Premium Meat Company, he spearheaded the company's growth and premium meat brands, such as Niman Ranch and Coleman Natural, among others. Notably, he oversaw the acquisition and integration of Panorama Organic Grass-fed Meats and Alexander & Hornung. In this episode, Trip shares how his background in the traditional meat industry shaped his work at Meatable. We dive into the cultivated meat-making process and the nuances of producing different cuts and types of meat. Trip also discusses the challenges the industry is facing, from scaling production and licensing to food security and navigating regulatory hurdles. Highlights:Trip's history in the meat industry and journey into cultivated meat (3:34)Trip describes what drew him to his role at Meatable (4:51)Population growth and the increasing global demand for meat (6:40)How investor mindset in cultivated meat has changed over time (7:49)The science behind cultivating different cuts of meat (9:53)Current cultivated meat projects and innovations at Meatable (12:04)Meatable's business model and how it has evolved (14:26)Public reception to cultivated meat and industry hurdles (17:57)Trip describes the value of spreading awareness and education about cultivated meat (22:39)Future scalability and current field economics (25:16)Links:Jeff Tripician on LinkedInMeatable on LinkedInMeatable WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Summary:  When it comes to running a business, data insights are invaluable, but that data has to come with meaningful action. You need to be willing to evolve alongside your customers and constantly refine your approach to meet their needs. Today's guest has mastered this balance, building a platform that drives engagement, growth, and innovation at scale.  Today, we're sitting down with Chuck Davis, Chairman and CEO of Prodege. Chuck's business journey began by creating a sports newsletter in middle school that caught the attention of NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle. He went on to earn degrees from Brown University and then Harvard Business School. Afterward, he embarked on a career that would shape the digital landscape. Chuck started in publishing, working for Time, Inc. and TV Guide before becoming the Walt Disney Company's first President of E-Commerce in 1996, where he launched pivotal online platforms like Disneystore.com and ESPNstore.com.  Chuck's career progressed as he led Shopzilla, formerly known as Bizrate.com, through its acquisition in 2005 and transformed Fandango into a leading entertainment website. For the last 10 years, he has built Prodege into a cutting-edge marketing and consumer insights platform.  In this episode, Chuck explores how adaptability and customer focus have shaped Prodege's success, from harnessing gamification to leveraging AI for innovation. He also shares his approach to leading through change and building a company culture that drives lasting impact. Highlights:Chuck remembers the early days of the internet and the digitalization of brands (3:18)Prodege's background, and what makes their platform unique (6:54)Prodege's approach to data privacy (11:07)Chuck's strategy for navigating business cycles and economic fluctuation (12:17)Chuck describes Prodege's current platform features and how the site has evolved (14:56)How Prodege adapts alongside changing data regulations (16:30)How Prodege maintains quality in their consumer insights (19:36)Chuck discusses how Prodege is incorporating AI into their platform internally and externally (21:07)Current innovations and plans for the future of the platform (23:30)Growth and acquisition opportunities (25:43)How Prodege maintains company culture amid acquisitions and expansion (27:33) Links:Chuck Davis on LinkedInProdege on LinkedInProdege WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Summary:  Innovation often starts with asking tough questions, like: What if the systems we've always relied on aren't equipped to handle today's complexities? By leveraging data and challenging outdated assumptions, new possibilities are arising in unexpected industries. Today, we're sitting down with Jay Jackson, Chairman and CEO of Abacus Life, which trades under the symbol ABL. Jay joined Abacus Settlements in 2016 as President and Chief Executive Officer and has also served as CEO of Longevity Market Assets since June 2019.  He serves as a current member of the Orlando Mayor's Committee on Livability and as an Executive Board Member for the Senior Resource Alliance, an agency of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. Jay began his career at Franklin Templeton Investments, and prior to joining Abacus, he co-founded and managed the Fayerweather Street Life Fund, as well as the Cambridge Life Management origination platform for FDO Partners, a three billion quantitative investment firm founded by Harvard Business School professor Ken Froot. With over 20 years of experience in the financial services and life settlement industry, Jay is not only a pioneer in the life settlement and longevity industry but has also formed multiple verticals within that umbrella.  In this episode, we explore how Jay Jackson and Abacus Life are transforming life insurance into a powerful financial empowerment tool, offering policyholders and their loved ones newfound flexibility. He'll also tell us how Abacus is leveraging data to unlock hidden value and drive innovation across the longevity market. Highlights:Abacus' background and mission (3:05)The total addressable market for Abacus in life insurance (4:14)Market competition and key business differentiators (6:10)Abacus' target audience and customer profiles (8:12)Abacus Life's business model and how it has evolved (9:49)Jay describes Abacus' technology platform and the value of data collection (12:11)How data insights will unlock opportunities for innovation and efficiency in the field (16:03)How life insurance policies will change if human lifespans increase (17:50)Jay describes the benefits of taking Abacus public (21:19)The senior team at Abacus Life (23:24)Future goals at Abacus and balancing growth with M&A (25:44) Links:Jay Jackson LinkedInAbacus Life on LinkedInAbacus Life WebsiteBook: Pursuing Wealthspan: How Science is Revolutionizing Wealth ManagementICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Summary:  In business, leadership isn't just about taking charge — it's about enabling others to thrive. As companies grow and stakes rise, fostering trust and collaboration becomes essential. Today's guest has embraced a leadership style rooted in empowerment, driving innovation, and turning ambitious visions into tangible success. Today we're sitting down with Mohammed Alardhi, Executive Chairman of Investcorp, a leading global manager of alternative investments. Under his leadership, Investcorp has grown its assets under management from 10 billion to 53 billion in just nine years, all while diversifying and expanding its global footprint. Mohammed leads the firm's activities across its global network in New York, London, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Mumbai, Delhi, Beijing, Singapore, and Japan. He is a retired Air Vice Marshal and was the youngest and longest-serving Chief of the Omani Air Force, having joined the Royal Air Force of Oman in 1978. In addition to his role at Investcorp, Mohammed also serves as Chairman of the Muscat Stock Exchange. He sits on several boards, including the International Advisory Board of the Brookings Institute in Washington, D.C., the Eisenhower Fellowship in Philadelphia, The World Economic Forum's Community of Chairpersons, and the Harvard Kennedy School's Dean Council, among others. Mohammed is the author of three published books, the most recent is Connecting to the Future, which became a U.S. bestseller in 2023.  He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Military Science from the Royal Air Force U.K. Staff College and a Master's in Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He is also a graduate of the Royal Air Force Military Academy in the U.K. and the National Defense University in Washington, D.C. In this episode, we discuss how Mohammed redefined his leadership style at Investcorp, blending military precision with visionary strategy to scale operations, foster innovation, and create lasting impact on a global stage. Highlights:How Mohammed spearheaded Investcorp's transformation plan (5:36)Mohammed describes his military experience and how it informs his approach to business (7:47)Situational awareness, and its application to work environments (9:39)How Mohammed views investment decisions on a global scale (11:27)Mohammed's leadership style (12:21)How challenging the status quo helped Investcorp set growth and transformation goals (13:50)What Mohammed has learned from navigating high-profile deals (17:58)How to balance short-term results with long-term strategic planning (19:15)Breaking free of nostalgia in business (20:40)How the Investcorp team maintained internal stability amid substantial growth (22:34)Navigating cultural and economic environments on a global scale (25:19)Investcorp's outlook and goals for 2025 (26:27)Incorporating AI into Investcorp workflows (29:33)Investcorp's influence on corporate social responsibility (30:37) Links:Mohammed Alardhi LinkedInInvestcorp on LinkedInInvestcorp WebsiteBook: Connecting to the Future by Mohammed Alardhi (2023)ICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Summary: Branding used to be as simple as product packaging. But today, it's woven into every touchpoint — from social media and customer service to in-store experiences. With more opportunities than ever to connect, brands face the challenge of creating a unified, authentic experience that not only stands out but also stays true to their core identity. Our guest today is helping brands forge deeper, more meaningful connections with their customers...connections that last.Kate Doerge is Principal at Kate Doerge Consulting and Operating Partner at Traub, a global business development, advisory, and investment firm focused on the consumer and retail industries. Kate works with her colleagues at Traub on all aspects of brand strategy and optimization across domestic and global markets.Kate is a dynamic business leader, brand strategist, and trusted advisor driving organizational transformation and delivering impactful results. As an experienced brand marketing consultant, Kate champions innovation and optimizes brand performance to generate value for stakeholders. Her clients have included L'Oreal, H&M, Kate Spade, TAG Heuer, and Oscar de la Renta, among others. Previously, Kate was Head of Marketing at iStar New York, leading iStar's branding and communications efforts. She launched the firm's first marketing department to drive awareness and also helped iStar play a central role in revitalizing Asbury Park, New Jersey with the Asbury Park Now brand campaign.Prior to that, Kate was a partner at Paul Wilmot Communications, where she led the firm's fashion, beauty and wellness, accessories, culture, and lifestyle divisions. In 2015, Kate was appointed Vice Chair of the Board of Advisors of the Hospital for Special Surgery. She sits on the HSS Pediatric Council, and for the past 16 years, she has Co-chaired HSS's most successful fundraiser for the Pediatric Pavilion, raising more than 25 million to date.She also sits on the Board and acts as a Strategic Advisor for the Penny Doerge Adaptive Pediatric Academy and is Co-founder and CEO of Penny's Flight Foundation dedicated to raising awareness and funding for neurofibromatosis, launched in honor of Kate and her husband Chad's daughter, Penny, who passed away from this condition in November of 2022.In this episode, we explore how Kate Doerge is helping brands stand out by balancing authenticity with innovation, aligning messaging across platforms, and leveraging storytelling to create lasting connections in a rapidly evolving market.Highlights:Kate's path into public relations and consulting (4:03)Memorable client experiences at Traub (9:48)Kate describes the Traub team (11:59)How Kate aligns brand strategies across entire teams (13:32)Challenges brands face when adapting their branding digitally (14:37)How Kate stays on top of trends and innovations (15:51)Adapting to trends while remaining authentic (18:20)How Kate's work at Traub informs her consulting business (20:05)Kate's philanthropic work and 'Penny's Flight Foundation' (22:24)Links:Kate Doerge on LinkedInKate Doerge Consulting WebsitePenny's Flight Foundation Traub WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Summary: What does it take to revitalize a legacy brand, while maintaining its identity? By balancing tradition and transformation, any company can breathe new life into its business and consistently evolve to meet the changing expectations of customers and employees alike.Today's guest is Julie Masino. Julie is President and CEO of Cracker Barrel, a role she took on just over a year ago in November of 2023. Since then, she's led the company with a focus on innovation and growth drawing on her over 30 years of experience in the restaurant and retail industries. Previously, Julie served President of International at Taco Bell and before that, President of North America. She's also held senior leadership positions at Sprinkles Cupcakes, Mattel, Starbucks, and began her career at iconic brands like Godiva, Coach, J. Crew, and Macy's. In this episode, Julie shares her vision for the brand and the five-pillar transformation strategy she is implementing aimed at enhancing market share, guest experience, and profitability.Highlights:Julie explains the opportunity she saw for Cracker Barrel (2:58)Julie's fiver pillar strategy for Cracker Barrel's transformation (4:25)Why dinner remains a key area for increasing market share (9:23)What updates are being made to Cracker Barrel's pricing strategy? (12:39)Improving facilities and team satisfaction (15:44)Julie highlights the metrics correlated with sales growth (18:48)Digital and off-premise growth (23:00)How Cracker Barrel is engaging younger consumers (27:05)Links:Julie Masino on LinkedInCracker Barrel on LinkedInCracker Barrel WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Summary:  This year, news cycles were dominated by American election coverage, groundbreaking advancements in AI, and distressing updates on global conflicts. After a year marked by uncertainty on so many fronts, will 2025 see a leveling out of the macroeconomic landscape, or persistent volatility? On this brief, end-of-year episode, Tom Ryan, founder and CEO of ICR, and host of Welcome to the Arena reflects on the key market trends of 2024 and explores the potential economic shifts that could define the year ahead.Happy new year from everyone at ICR and Welcome to the Arena. Watch out for new episodes and more incredible stories from our guests in 2025. Links:ICR TwitterICR LinkedInICR WebsiteTom Ryan LinkedIn Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Summary: With a new, crypto-friendly administration incoming, 2025 may be the year we see Bitcoin integrate more fully into mainstream finance in America and globally. Though volatile, and with an uncertain future that will heavily depend on how macroeconomic conditions and regulatory policies play out across the year, there's reason to believe that Bitcoin could soon be more prominent than ever. Today's guest is here to tell us why.Michael Saylor is the Executive Chairman and co-founder of business intelligence company MicroStrategy (Nasdaq: MSTR), and a leading advocate of Bitcoin. MicroStrategy considers itself to be the world's first Bitcoin Company, and under Michael's leadership have adopted a unique Bitcoin acquisition strategy with approximately $42 billion in Bitcoin held to date. Michael will also be the keynote speaker in ICR's 27th annual conference, held in Orlando, Florida in January 2025. In this episode, Michael describes his journey from skeptic to Bitcoin maximalist, emphasizes the importance of understanding Bitcoin as a digital capital asset, and discusses its potential to disrupt traditional valuation methodologies in finance.Highlights:Michael recommends resources for Bitcoin beginners (2:37)Why fear of progress holds us back (3:55)Michael points out the clues suggesting Bitcoin is here to stay (7:11)What USD maximalists get wrong (13:15)How we can understand the potential of Bitcoin through an engineering lens (16:25)Why valuation methodologies need to adapt to include Bitcoin (18:48)How Bitcoin outperforms traditional investments (28:09)Why supportive regulatory environment is crucial for Bitcoin's growth (30:54)Michael explains why the current capital market structure favors a select few (34:59)Why sound money is critical for societal progress (39:00)Links:Michael Saylor LinkedInMicroStrategy WebsiteBook: The Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean AmmousICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Summary: With a rising global population and growing urgency around sustainability, one industry under the spotlight is cultured meat. Vegan and plant-based products have made strides in recent years, but today's guest is pushing that progress further—pioneering new ways to create sustainable alternatives without compromise.​Arik Kaufman is an accomplished entrepreneur and the CEO and co-founder of Steakholder Foods. Armed with strong values and a clear vision of how to approach urgently-needed changes in the food industry, Arik set out to develop printed meat in 2019, resulting in a more sustainable and authentic alternative to conventional meat. Today, with its innovative 3D food printing technology, Steakholder is at the forefront of this growing industry. Arik has also founded three other food-tech firms, two of them (cell-grown milk developer Wilk and cultured honey company Beeio Honey) on the Tel Aviv stock exchange, and is a founding partner of Blue Sound Waves, an investment partnership led by Ashton Kutcher, Guy Oseary, and Effie Epstein.In this episode, we explore how Steakholder Foods is shaping a future where alternative proteins and traditional meat coexist, and what it will take for cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing to gain widespread adoption in a rapidly evolving market.Highlights:The impact of a growing population and climate change on the cultured meat industry (4:36)How 3D printing meat works, and what makes Steakholder's approach unique (6:42)The importance of IP and in-house innovation at Steakholder Foods (8:50)Steakholder Foods' business model (10:05)Steakholder's customer base and target audiences (11:19)The status of regulation with cultured meat technology (15:25)Differences between 3D printing variances of cultured meat (18:08)Arik speaks on the potential for international expansion (19:35)Arik discusses collaborations and partnerships in the food industry (22:42)Arik reflects on lessons learned working in food tech (23:49)What Arik is most excited about at Steakholder, and plans for the future (24:46)Links:Arik Kaufman on LinkedInSteakholder Foods on LinkedInSteakholder Foods Website ICR LinkedIn ICR Twitter ICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Summary: In today's market, too often brands find themselves caught up in chasing trends, losing sight of the path to long-term growth. Today's guests are breaking that cycle by taking a customer-first approach, turning insights into action, and aligning multiple brands under one clear vision.Today we're sitting down with Steve Dunn and Diana "DB" Barnes from WHY Brands. Steve is WHY's CEO, founder, and Chairman and Diana is Chief Brand Officer and Creative Director of the company. WHY Brands is the parent company of baby lifestyle brand Munchkin, which Steve founded in 1990, as well as a new name in upscale home goods, Curio, which was co-founded by DB and Steve in 2023. A young father himself at Munchkin's start, Steve aspired to bring smart design into the nursery and found his passion in innovative product development and is now the primary inventor of the majority of over 350 patents. An investment banker turned entrepreneur, Steve holds a Bachelor's Degree from UC Berkeley and an MBA from Harvard Business School. As Chief Brand Officer, DB oversees global brand partnerships and manages the public relations, social media, and brand design teams for Munchkin and Curio Worldwide. She joined Munchkin in 2014 and under her leadership the brand design team has won over a hundred top international awards.She's the creator and producer of Munchkin's top-ranked parenting podcast, StrollerCoaster, and was recently named one of the top 20 CMOs in the world by Fast Company. DB is a passionate advocate for animals and the environment, and leads all Munchkin CSR initiatives, including partnerships with the International Fund for Animal Welfare and Trees for the Future.Diana holds a BA from the University of Tennessee, a BFA in Graphics Packaging from the ArtCenter College of Design, and has completed several executive MBA programs at Harvard Business School.In this episode, we learn how WHY Brands' "moonshot" culture fuels its innovation, and why paying attention to your customers should always be a priority. Highlights:Steve's business background and path to founding Munchkin (3:50)Steve describes the early days of the baby and children's market, and initial hurdles at Munchkin (5:20)DB talks through the founding of Curio Home Goods (7:08)The inspiration behind the creation of WHY Brands (8:22)DB discusses the unique 'moonshot culture' at WHY Brands (9:35)WHY Brands' RD8 Group and how they innovate for the future (10:40)DB on the importance of connecting with the consumer beyond advertising (15:03)Potential M&A opportunities at WHY Brands (17:31)Hot to stay on top of evolving trends and maintains brand relevancy (19:59)Standout products from Curio and Munchkin (22:59)WHY Brands' philanthropic initiatives (24:44)Steve's advice for navigating rocky climates in business (26:22)DB reflects on career challenges she has overcome (28:13)Links:WHY Brands Inc. on LinkedInWHY Brands Inc. WebsiteDiana Barnes on LinkedInStrollerCoaster PodcastICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Summary:  Navigating the intricate landscape of ESG and shareholder activism requires a deep understanding of both market dynamics and investor expectations. That's why expert guidance is indispensable for companies looking to build lasting value and trust with their stakeholders.Today we're sitting down with Lyndon Park, Head of ICR Governance Solutions. Lyndon advises boards and management teams on complex corporate governance, ESG and shareholder activist event-driven issues to align clients with investor and market expectations. Before joining ICR, Lyndon was Head of Global Corporate Governance at Dimensional Fund Advisors, where he oversaw the firm's global stewardship and ESG initiatives. Prior to Dimensional, Lynden was a partner and Head of Governance and Listing Standards at EQX, a capital market startup. He began his career in governance at BlackRock by supporting BlackRock's board of directors on intercompany governance matters before serving as one of the BlackRock Investment Stewardship teams' lead governance analysts, overseeing portfolio companies representing about $450B of BlackRock's AUM. Lyndon is a recognized thought leader in ESG and shareholder activism, frequently participates on panels, and his perspectives have been published or quoted in numerous leading media outlets like the Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times. Highlights:Takeaways from the 2024 proxy season (3:25)What companies can do differently to avoid Executive comp challenges (6:00)What companies can do differently when under duress during proxy season (8:58)Lyndon discusses the effects of the Universal Proxy Card (11:45)Lyndon discusses MNA-driven attacks (16:06)Examining the recent Starbucks ESG activist campaign (17:25)The current anti-ESG movement, and Lyndon's take (19:24)Lyndon's advice on easy wins in ESG strategy in this moderating DEI climate (21:50)Lyndon shares what he sees on the horizon in 2025 (25:05)How the best boards and management teams tackle this landscape (28:17) Links:Lyndon Park on LinkedInICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Summary:  Every industry has its trailblazers, but true innovation goes beyond just patents and profits. Today's guest understands that collaboration and flexibility aren't just ideals—they're essential to creating safer, smarter technologies that drive progress across an entire ecosystem. Frantz Saintellemy is the CEO of LeddarTech, an automotive ADAS and autonomous driving software company, trading under the symbol LDTC. As an engineer, innovator, and internationally recognized expert in advanced technology, Frantz brings over 25 years of experience in the electronics and automotive sectors. Frantz is the co-founder of Groupe 3737, an incubator and innovation hub, and previously served as VP and General Manager of the Automotive and Industrial Division at Integrated Device Technology. His remarkable career includes roles as President and Executive VP of Global Sales and Marketing at ZMDI AG, a global supplier of automotive and industrial sensor solutions, and as CTO and Corporate VP of Technical Marketing and Advanced Engineering at Future Electronics. A graduate of the MIT Sloan Engineering Fellows Program on Innovations and Global Leadership with a degree in electrical engineering from Northeastern and an MBA from McGill, Frantz's expertise has a firm academic foundation. And, in 2021, he was appointed Chancellor of the University of Montreal, underscoring his commitment to both innovation and education. In this episode, we explore LeddarTech's approach to innovation and IP, how LeddarTech's technology is differentiated, and what the future of autonomous driving looks like for all of us.  Highlights:LeddarTech's background and how their software works (3:32)Common automobile safety problems and what software can do to help (7:46)LeddarTech's target audience (10:52)How LeddarTech protects their software innovations through IP (14:00)Frantz's perspective on market competition (15:52)AI incorporation and current software developments (19:06)Common misconceptions about ADAS safety systems (20:40)Frantz's outlook on short-term developments in automotive technology (22:20)Future goals for LeddarTech (25:04) Links:Frantz Saintellemy on LinkedInLeddarTech on LinkedInLeddarTech WebsiteICR LinkedIn ICR TwitterICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Summary: Driven by pandemic restrictions and changing lifestyles, social isolation is on the rise in America. In response, many people are searching for new ways to connect and share meaningful experiences together. Bars, restaurants, and entertainment spaces have a unique opportunity to help fill this void, but too many venues leave potential markets untapped by prioritizing some aspects of their offering at the expense of others. Today's guest, however, has come up with a winning formula: a blend of thoughtful design, engaging entertainment, and stand-out dining that appeals to customers across generations and backgrounds.Today we sit down with Dale Schwartz, the founder and CEO of the bowling and bocce restaurant Pinstripes, which trades under the symbol PNST. Prior to Pinstripes, Dale was co-Founder and co-CEO of natural pharmacy retailer Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy, CEO of Infigen, Inc., and CFO of Ribozyme Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Earlier in his career, he was a principal at Odyssey Partners, a private partnership specializing in leveraged buyouts, venture capital, and recapitalizations. He got is start as an analyst in Morgan Stanley's M&A group, attended Colgate University, and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School. In this episode, Dale talks us through Pinstripes' unique approach to experience curation, their considerations when it comes to real estate, and discusses their plans for domestic growth and international expansion.Highlights:Pinstripes' story and background (3:05)How Pinstripes got its name (4:10)Dan's outlook on the early days in the dining and entertainment industry (5:02)Pinstripes' interior design and the importance of atmosphere (6:33)Pinstripes' menu, and finding balance between food and entertainment (8:57)How Dale chooses new locations for Pinstripes (10:27)Pinstripes economic model for food, drink, and entertainment (12:16)Dale's outlook on the private event space (14:17)Growth and expansion goals (15:25)Dale discusses the influence landlord incentives have on costs and returns (18:08)Potential for international expansion (20:00)Dale's approach to the current macro environment and rising costs (21:40)What future success looks like for Pinstripes (23:46)Links:Pinstripes on LinkedInPinstripes WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Summary:  There's a growing call for clean energy solutions in America, and our guest today is ready to answer it. With an unpredictable geopolitical landscape and US lithium demands projected to skyrocket over 500% by 2030, now is the time for American innovation in the outdated lithium refinement industry. Today's guest is leading this charge, modernizing an industry long overdue for and upgrade with a commitment to environmental responsibility and smarter, sustainable practices. Roshan Pujari is the founder and CEO of Stardust Power, a sustainability-focused, American developer of battery grade lithium resources, which lists on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the symbol SDST. Currently, the company is focused on building 'the U.S.'s largest battery-grade lithium refinery' in Muskogee, Oklahoma, which is expected to process up to 50,000 metric tons of lithium annually (enough to power almost five million electric vehicle (EV) batteries every year). Previously serving as founder and CEO of VIKASA Capital, Roshan brought over 20 years of experience in market analysis with him to Stardust. He is a recognized investor and philanthropist, and is chairman of the Pujari foundation, a 501(c)(3) educational organization promoting arts, culture, education, and community around the globe.  In this episode, Roshan discusses the strategic advantages of the location chosen for their Oklahoma refinery, and outlines the sustainable practices, including the use of recycled wastewater from oil and gas production, at the core of Stardust's business model.  Highlights:Roshan's path to the energy industry (3:00)Stardust Power's Oklahoma refinery project (4:15)Roshan describes the lithium supply chain (5:21)What are the advantages to keeping lithium production domestic? (7:22)Roshan describes the strategic advantages of building the refinery in Oklahoma (9:28)How do legacy methods of lithium production harm the environment? (11:52)Roshan reflects on potential impacts of the upcoming US election to the industry (13:26)Where is the electric vehicle industry likely headed? (15:04)The expertise of Stardust Power's leadership team (16:45)Taking Stardust Power public (18:23)Limiting technology risk in the supply chain (20:15)Roshan's vision for Stardust's future (22:03) Links:Roshan Pujari on LinkedInStardust Power on LinkedInStardust Power WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Summary:  On October 22, the CDC reported that an outbreak of E. coli infections was connected to McDonald's Quarter Pounder hamburgers, leading to recalls of their quarter pound beef patties and fresh slivered onions from supplier Taylor Farms in several states. This outbreak has spotlighted the importance of food safety for restaurants and food services companies and has reminded us of an interview from earlier this year with food safety expert, and CEO & Founder of PathSpot, Christine Schindler. This is a timely episode and, whether you caught it when it originally aired or are listening now for the first time, one you won't want to miss. In an industry booming with customer-focused innovations, it's crucial not to overlook the backbone of an enterprise. Today's guest created a groundbreaking technology that prioritizes health and safety for both customers and in-house staff and is a critical asset for hospitality businesses as a whole.  We're sitting down with Christine Schindler, who is CEO and co-founder of PathSpot, a technology company dedicated to protecting businesses and their customers from the threat of food borne illnesses and outbreaks. An engineer and entrepreneur who is passionate about utilizing technology to overcome gaps in healthcare, Christine invented PathSpot's hand scanner in 2017, following a transformative educational trip to Mount Kilimanjaro. The scanner instantly detects carriers of harmful contamination commonly spread through poor handwashing. PathSpot has now broadened its safety suite to include a comprehensive range of back-of-the-house digital health and safety tools that track temperature, expiration, and more.  Christine has a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering and Global Health from Duke University. Prior to founding PathSpot, she assisted with biomedical research for Engineering World Health at Mount Kilimanjaro and spent two years on the innovation and M&A team at Cigna. In addition to PathSpot, Christine is Founder and CEO at Girls Engineering Change, a non-profit focused on increasing female representation in STEM. She was also featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2021 and Hospitality Technology's Top Women in Restaurant Technology in 2023. Highlights: ·       Christine's background in healthcare and public health (4:30)·       Christine describes the entrepreneurial influence that motivated her (5:30)·       The a-ha moment for PathSpot's hand scanner technology (6:20)·       How the hand scanner technology works (8:12)·       How PathSpot found and targeted their audience (9:22)·       Brands that PathSpot works with (10:24)·       Christine describes PathSpot's safety suite of services and data platform (11:30) ·       The pandemic's impact on PathSpot's newly founded business (13:01)·       PathSpot's economic model (14:29)·       How PathSpot uses their data bank as an ROI feature for businesses (15:36)·       Christine explains the data PathSpot technology detects, and how businesses can utilize it (17:17)·       How PathSpot maintains legal regulation and brand compliance (20:07)·       PathSpot's areas of focus for the new year (21:23)·       Christine's perspective on the society's mindset on health and safety conditions, post-COVID (22:03)·       PathSpot's goals and trajectory over the next 10 years (23:13)  Links:Christine Schindler on LinkedInPathSpot on LinkedInPathSpot WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.  

Summary: Last week, we welcomed Sandra Campos back to the show to discuss her new role as CEO of PetMed Express, and her vision for the company's future. This week, we're revisiting our previous interview with Sandra, where we unpacked the career trajectory that set the stage for her leadership at PetMeds today. If you missed it the first time, this conversation is a must-listen. The fashion industry is powered by the sometimes differing perspectives of artistic entrepreneurs and business executives. It takes an intuitive and bold business innovator to merge those visions, and lead brands into the future.  On this episode we sit down with Sandra Campos, a board member, three time CEO and two-time entrepreneur and advisor. Throughout her career, she's built global lifestyle brands, and she's been instrumental in turnarounds, digital transformations, and innovative marketing campaigns, as well as international expansion as a technology-focused operator.  She's the only independent board director at Fabric, a modular and headless commerce solution. She's also a board member at Private Equity-backed Daniels Jewelers, and Big Lots. Her retail career has included being CEO of Diane Von Furstenberg, president of a portfolio of billion dollar contemporary brands, including Juicy Couture, and Division President at Oscar de la Renta. As an entrepreneur, she created the first teen celebrity brand management company in partnership with fellow Latina, Selena Gomez. Together, they launched Gomez's first lifestyle brand 'Dream out Loud'. Sandra is an advocate for Latinos, and recently launched Latina Disruptors, an event highlighting and honoring entrepreneurs. She has received numerous awards, including Top 100 Latina Leaders by Latina Magazine; ALP'S most powerful Latina 2020 to 2022; Top Women in Retail and 2019 Top Leaders in Business, by Hispanic Executive Magazine. Highlights:Upbringing and entrepreneurial background (3:23)How Sandra was introduced to retail and fashion (5:20)Sandra's business mindset (7:44)Her first CEO role (8:44)Bringing together creative and business mindsets (10:18)Recent transformation in the retail industry (12:53)Sandra's partnership with Selena Gomez (15:13)Finding the right role in the fashion industry (17:50)Working on a Board of Directors (19:06)Sandra's experience working in a male-dominated and less culturally-diverse industry (23:16)Her new role with Fabric and Daniel's Jewelers (24:46)Latina visibility in the workforce (27:56) Links:ICR TwitterICR LinkedInICR WebsiteSandra Campos on LinkedInFabric on LinkedInFabric Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Summary: Periods of transition often come with uncertainty, but they also offer a chance for businesses to innovate and refine their direction. Under the right leadership, companies can seize these opportunities to reevaluate objectives and implement fresh strategies, finding new alignment with the core values of their customers. At PetMed Express, that leadership takes the form of CEO Sandra Campos.Sandra is now a two-time guest on the podcast, and, as of this past April, the president and CEO of PetMed Express (Nasdaq: PETS).Already a three-time CEO prior to joining PetMeds, Sandra recently served in the role at DVF (Diane von Furstenberg) a global luxury fashion brand. She has held leadership roles at apparel companies Polo Ralph Lauren and Nautica International, and is the former co-president of women's apparel at Global Brands Group Holding Limited, a branded apparel, footwear, and brand management company that included labels like Juicy Couture, Bebe, and BCBG, among others. Sandra is the founder of Fashion Launchpad, a continuing education platform for retail and fashion professionals, and created Dream Out Loud in partnership with Selena Gomez, the first teen celebrity brand management company. Sandra is a board member for Big Lots, Daniel's Jewelers, Fabric (a modular commerce solution), and advertising services company PureRED since 2023. She has also served on the board of the national non-profit Girls, Inc. and is a Director of the Latino Corporate Directors Association. In this episode, Sandra talks us through the strategic decisions she's made since joining PetMeds Express as CEO, and where she anticipates the company heading.Highlights:How Sandra came to the opportunity at PedMed Express (3:39)PedMeds' mission and audience (4:34)How Sandra's previous work influences her role and personal goals for the company (6:02)Sandra's approach to realigning the business (7:14)How Sandra has organized senior management and company structure (8:44)What distinguishes PedMeds from their competition (11:10)PetMeds' customer base and economic model (12:15)How PedMeds balances their subscription service with private product development (13:00)Current product lines of focus (14:09)How the current macro environment is impacting pet owners and the pet industry (15:12)Sandra shares insights on customer retention strategies (16:50)PetMeds' approach to innovation and a look inside product development (18:09)Sandra discusses PetMeds' advisory board and collaboration with pet healthcare professionals (19:28)The role of technology at PedMeds and in the pet industry (21:28)Sandra describes the long-term goals for PedMeds (24:02)Links:Sandra Campos on LinkedInPetMeds on LinkedInPetMeds WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

A few weeks ago, Jared Isaacman became the first civilian in history to carry out a spacewalk during a mission aboard the SpaceX spacecraft. We decided to celebrate that by revisiting our two-part interview with him from earlier this year. Check out part two, now!If you've been to space and back, you're bound to have an amazing perspective about your own capabilities, and what humans can achieve. Our guest today knows all about that.On this episode, we're sharing part two of Morgan Brennan's interview with Jared Isaacman, recorded in January at ICR's 26th annual conference in Orlando, Florida. If you didn't catch part one last week, we highly recommend you do. Jared is an extraordinary business leader and on top of his incredible career as founder of Shift4, and Draken International, he's an accomplished pilot and an astronaut.  Jared has made significant contributions to financial technology, defense, and aerospace industries.  He is the founder of both Shift4 and Draken International. Jared founded Shift4 in 1999 at 16 years old, and under his leadership as CEO, Shift4 has consistently pushed boundaries.  Today, Shift4 employs over 2,500 people and processes $250 billion in payments annually for more than 200,000 customers across the US and Europe.Apart from his extraordinary success with Shift4, in 2021 Jared made history by commanding Inspiration4, the world's first all-civilian mission to orbit. That mission raised over 250 million dollars for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. And later this year, he's going to return to space as commander of the Polaris Dawn mission.  This is the first of three space flights under the Polaris program, which is a partnership with SpaceX, and we'll hear all about those missions in this next part of the interview. We're delighted to have Morgan Brennan as the guest host for this interview. Morgan is the co-anchor of CNBC's Closing Bell Overtime. Over the last 10 years, she's held various on-air roles with CNBC and was previously co-anchor of Squawk on the Street and Squawk Alley.  Highlights:Jared talks about the differences between being a private and public company (3:45)Insight on new upcoming Shift4 projects (4:22)Jared tells us the best and worst parts of being in space (5:29)Common questions Jared gets about space (6:20)Jared gives us an inside look at the training process for astronauts leading up to launch (7:17)How seeing space has changed Jared's view of the world (9:28) Jared answers whether he ever felt nervous regret before a launch (12:58)How Jared talks to his family about space missions (15:35)Jared describes what it feels like to come back to Earth from space (16:43)How your height changes after going into space and coming back to Earth (18:37)More about SpaceX's new Starship project (20:27)Links:Morgan Brennan on LinkedInJared IsaacmanShift4 WebsiteDraken International on LinkedInICR TwitterICR LinkedInICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

A few weeks ago, Jared Isaacman became the first civilian in history to carry out a spacewalk during a mission aboard the SpaceX spacecraft. We decided to celebrate that by revisiting our two-part interview with him from earlier this year. Look for part two next week.In business, there's success, and there's potential. Success is an achievement, but true greatness lies in tapping into untapped possibilities. Today's guest has harnessed their business's potential to make a lasting impact on a global scale.On this episode, we're featuring an interview recorded in January at ICR's annual conference in Orlando. It's a fireside chat hosted by Morgan Brennan, who was kind enough to step in to ask all the pressing questions. Morgan is co-anchor of CNBC's 4P.M. show Closing Bell Overtime. Over the last 10 years, she has held various on-air roles with CNBC and was previously co-anchor of Squawk on the Street and Squawk Alley. We're thrilled to feature her as our host today. Morgan sat down with Jared Isaacman. Jared is an entrepreneur, a business leader, an accomplished pilot, AND he's also an astronaut. He's the founder of both Shift4 and Draken International. Under his leadership as CEO, Shift4 has consistently pushed boundaries, developing cutting-edge payment technologies that empower businesses across countless sectors. Draken International is an aerospace defense company that provides tactical aviation services for all branches of the US military. In 2021, he made history by commanding Inspiration4, the world's first all-civilian mission to orbit. And later this year, he's going to return to space as commander of the Polaris Dawn mission, which is a partnership with SpaceX.Highlights:How Jared got his start in payment processing and technology (5:10)Jared tells the origin story and inspiration behind founding Shift4 (7:09)Jared describes Shift4's recent public listing accomplishment (8:41)Shift4's current verticals and growth opportunities in payment processing (10:32)How Jared transitioned from payment to piloting (12:26)How Jared got the opportunity to make space history (14:09) Jared describes the process of assembling the Inspiration 4 mission and crew (16:22)Jared's upcoming Polaris Dawn space mission (19:07)Jared discusses their partnership with SpaceX (21:09)More on Shift4's team and board members (23:38)Jared shares his biggest lessons in leadership (24:33)Links:Morgan Brennan on LinkedInJared IsaacmanShift4 WebsiteDraken International on LinkedInICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

As travel trends shift, and young people drive demand for simple, integrated, experience-focused journeys, its critical to respond with innovative solutions that are ahead of the curve. That's where today's guest comes in. We're sitting down with Alex Ibrahim, the Corporate CFO at Yanolja. South Korea's top travel and accommodation booking platform. In this role, Alex leverages his expertise in the capital markets to strengthen the company's financial management and drive strategic initiatives, supporting its continued global expansion and growth.He brings over 20 years of experience from his distinguished career at the New York Stock Exchange, where he played a pivotal role in facilitating IPOs, Capital raises for numerous global enterprises across Asia, North America, and South America. We chatted about what excites him about Yanolja, and the bold moves the company is making to reimagine travel around the globe. Highlights:Alex explains Yanolja's background and founding story (2:50)Alex discusses his career at the NYSE, and why he made the leap to Yanolja (4:17)Yanolja's edge over its competitors (6:21)The B2C and B2B aspects of the business (7:07)Yanolja's data advantage (10:10)How Yanolja prioritizes which geographies they focus on (10:59)How Yanolja's data-driven services provide efficiency and profitability for their customers' businesses (12:12)How Alex sees AI shifting the industry in the next 5-10 years (13:06)Yanolja's strategy as its connected with their acquisition of Go Global Travel (14:36)The opportunities inherent in the fragmentation of the industry (15:21)The company's customer demographics and what Alex means by "democratizing" travel (16:34)Alex discusses how Yanolja prioritizes data privacy (18:36)How the company's Korean origins influence the business (19:23)Alex's advice for aspiring tech leaders, and his travel recommendations (20:27)Links:Alex Ibrahim on LinkedInYanolja on LinkedInYanolja WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

As the world embraces cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, and deregulated finance, there's a massive transformation on the horizon. But if you're going to invest in these innovations, you need to be incredibly diligent and have a deep understanding of the tech. Today's guest has both.We're sitting down with Pete Najarian, who is the Managing Partner of RW3 Ventures. RW3 is a digital asset venture firm built in partnership with The Raptor Group. The Raptor Group is a multi-sector venture firm with significant investments across fintech, sports and gaming, healthcare, and digital assets.Pete has significant dedicated digital asset experience, having previously served in senior leadership roles for two leading digital asset operating businesses: Zappo, which was ultimately acquired by Coinbase in 2019, and BitGo, the leader in digital asset security, custody, and liquidity. They provide the operational backbone for more than 1, 500 institutional clients and over 50 companies. They also process 20 percent of all the global Bitcoin transactions by value.Prior to that, Pete spent 20 years plus building and leading the global emerging markets businesses for some of the world's largest banks, UBS and RBS in particular.Highlights:Pete's experience in finance, discovering cryptocurrency, and founding RW3 (3:11)Pete's approach to investing at RW3 (6:25)Bitcoin, and Pete's outlook on when to invest in crypto (7:19)Analyzing Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies' place in the market (8:54)Pete breaks down the opportunities opened up by blockchain innovation (10:31)The use and value of cryptocurrency technology in the world economy (12:36) How Pete makes decisions on blockchain investments (15:04)How RW3 assists clients (17:47)Pete breaks down the relationship between traditional finance and cryptocurrency (20:07)Pete's predictions on the future of blockchain technology and finance field (23:12)Understanding decentralized finance (24:03)Government involvement in cryptocurrency (25:39)Some of Pete's current investments at RW3 (29:01)Qualifications for an investment at RW3 (32:11)Links:Pete Najarian on LinkedInRW3 Ventures on LinkedInRW3 Ventures WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Longevity in any business is something to celebrate, but when a media company can successfully evolve through several decades of seismic shifts, it's also a huge lesson in the art of pivoting. Today's guest has navigated through 41 years of change and his company has come through stronger than ever.We're sitting down with Andy Goldberg, CEO of PCH Media. Andy is leading PCH's multi-year transformation as the company continues to pivot from direct-to-consumer retail towards an identity and data-driven advertising business. This includes a concerted effort to attract and hire top media talent to align with the company's new focus. The company is aimed at creating incremental shareholder value based on PCH's unique value exchange and unparalleled ability to generate peer audience authentication, permission first-party data, and tremendous user engagement.Andy has led the company through several successful evolutions via acquisitions in the online search, casual games, and mobile advertising markets. In addition to being CEO, he's also Chairman of the Board of Directors and a past member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Direct Marketing Association.Recognized for excellence in the industry, Andy has been honored with the Silver Apple Award from the Direct Marketing Club of New York. He earned a BS in Marketing from the Wharton School at UPenn.Highlights:PCH's background and history (3:16)How Andy got involved at PCH and his path to leading transformation initiatives (4:43)User base and engagement at PCH (7:50)The value of PCH's audience and engagement data to marketers and advertisers (9:02)How PCH partners with clients to help them build their databases (13:24)The differences between zero, first, and third-party data (14:47)Andy's take on the discussion around depreciating third-party cookies (16:39)PCH's marketing collaborations with third-party players (19:12)The role of AI in the evolution of PCH (20:39)Andy's outlook on future goals and opportunities for PCH (22:31)Links:Andy Goldberg on LinkedInPublishers Clearing House on LinkedInPublishers Clearing House WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Breaking away from the norm will always attract skepticism, especially from industry veterans. But these risks often lead to the most significant rewards. Our guest today has not only challenged the status quo in business but did so with fearless commitment and a willingness to be the newcomer in any field.In this episode, we're diving into part two of our conversation with Larry Connor—a trailblazer in business and beyond. Larry is an entrepreneur, nonprofit activist investor, and adventurist, known for founding The Connor Group, a real estate investment firm that thrives on doing things differently.Last week, we explored Larry's unique approach to leading The Connor Group. Today, we shift our focus to his remarkable journey outside of the business world, beginning with his impactful philanthropic efforts.Highlights:Larry discusses Kids & Community Partners, and the importance of investing in the future (2:33)How Larry started The Greater Dayton School, and its approach to education (4:51)Larry tells the story behind his space mission (7:30)Diving to the Mariana Trench (10:44)Building, and jumping off of the world's largest hot air balloon (12:40)Larry's advice to businesses that want to solidify a culture of accountability in the workplace (14:57)What excites Larry about the future of The Connor Group and Kids & Community Partners (17:00)Links:Larry Connor on LinkedInThe Connor Group on LinkedInThe Connor Group WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Hiring top talent is a proven game plan for any business, but there's untapped power in taking risks—especially on professionals with unconventional, strategic backgrounds that keep your company fresh and forward-thinking. Today's guest is no stranger to risks of any kind. He took that leap with his company, and it's been thriving for over 30 years. And he continues to take extraordinary leaps today — both inside and outside of the business world.Today we're sitting down with Larry Connor, an entrepreneur, nonprofit activist investor, and adventurist. In business, he's best known for founding the Connor Group, a real estate investment firm that has grown its assets from zero to $5 billion over a 30-plus-year period.The company operates luxury apartment communities in 18 markets and has earned national accolades as a top workplace. Connor has been featured in Forbes and USA Today, among other national publications.During the stress and uncertainty of COVID-19, Larry made $1.6 million on stock market investments, but instead of building his own wealth, he distributed all the money to his frontline associates in the form of bonuses. He also organized a small business loan program that helped Ohio-based entrepreneurs survive the economic downturn.Larry is also a philanthropist. And the Connor Group's success has been critical to those efforts. It helped fund Connor Group Kids and Community Partners, which has devoted $175 million to nonprofit causes, including the Greater Dayton School, Ohio's first private non-religious school for under-resourced students, which Larry founded in 2022. Kids and Community Partners will devote over $800 million to nonprofit initiatives over the next decade.In 2022, Connor piloted AX 1, the first private mission to the International Space Station. That mission came on the heels of his research work 36,000 feet under the ocean in the Mariana Trench, making him the first human being to reach the deepest part of the ocean and space within a year. Larry followed that feat by leading a team of four U.S.Air Force pararescue specialists in a 38,139-foot leap from a hot air balloon setting a Guinness World Record for the highest halo formation skydive. Connor has also won multiple titles as a professional racecar driver. He is an accomplished pilot, rated in both helicopters and fixed wing aircraft, with extensive hours piloting a fighter jet and competing in national and aerobatic competitions.As you can tell there's a LOT to cover with someone like Larry, so we're making this interview a two-parter. Be sure to check out next week's episode to get his full, amazing story.Highlights:Larry's background and early entrepreneurial ventures (4:28)How Larry decided to get involved in the real estate industry (8:25)Larry discusses The Connor Group's impressive industry stats (10:22)Why Larry founded The Connor Group without experience, or real estate professionals (12:19)Larry's outlook on The Connor Group's culture and mission statement (13:53)The origins and evolution of The Connor Group's culture (15:27)Why everyone at The Connor Group uses pencils (18:07)Larry describes what differentiates The Connor Group's approach from field competition (19:00)Links:Larry Connor on LinkedInThe Connor Group on LinkedInThe Connor Group WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Navigating the intricate landscape of ESG and shareholder activism requires a deep understanding of both market dynamics and investor expectations. That's why expert guidance is indispensable for companies looking to build lasting value and trust with their stakeholders.Today we're sitting down with Lyndon Park, Head of ICR Governance Solutions. Lyndon advises boards and management teams on complex corporate governance, ESG and shareholder activist event-driven issues to align clients with investor and market expectations.Before joining ICR, Lyndon was Head of Global Corporate Governance at Dimensional Fund Advisors, where he oversaw the firm's global stewardship and ESG initiatives prior to Dimensional, Lynden was a partner and Head of Governance and Listing Standards at EQX, a capital market startup. He began his career in governance at BlackRock by supporting BlackRock's board of directors on intercompany  governance matters before serving as one of BlackRock Investment Stewardship teams' lead governance analysts, overseeing portfolio companies representing about 450 billion of BlackRock's AUM.Lyndon is a recognized thought leader in ESG and shareholder activism, frequently participates on panels, and his perspectives have been published or quoted in numerous leading media outlets like the Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times.Highlights:Takeaways from the 2024 proxy season (3:25)What companies can do differently to avoid Executive comp challenges (6:00)What companies can do do differently when under duress during proxy season (8:58)Lyndon discusses the effects of the Universal Proxy Card (11:45)Themes surrounding proxy contests (13:53)Lyndon discusses MNA-driven attacks (16:06)Examining the recent Starbucks ESG activist campaign (17:25)The current anti-ESG movement, and Lyndon's take on that (19:24)Lyndon's advice on what are easy wins in ESG strategy in this moderating DEI climate (21:50)Lyndon shares what he sees coming for 2025 (25:05)How the best boards and management teams tackle this landscape (28:17)Links:Lyndon Park on LinkedInICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

When you're a founder, you need creative ways to grow your business. Today's guest recognized that need, and built her company on it.We're sitting down with Keri Findley, Founder and CEO of Tacora Capital. Keri has two decades of experience in structured credit investing at leading firms, and as a private investor. She founded Tacora in 2022, securing a $250 million investment from renowned venture capitalist Peter Thiel.From 2009 to 2017, Kerry ran the structured credit portfolio for Third Point, the multi-billion dollar hedge fund founded by Dan Loeb. She was the first woman and the youngest person to be made partner at Third Point. Prior to that, she held a similar position at D.B. Zwirn, and began her career at Morgan Stanley.Keri currently serves as an advisor to Firework Ventures and 8VC, and is on the boards of Hearth, Karus, Point Digital, and Architect.Highlights:Keri summarizes her introduction to finance (2:51)Falling into the industry, and growing up as a 'math person'(3:22)Keri describes what it was like to begin in the finance industry in the late 2000's (4:28)Types of assets in the payment processing platform (6:10)Leaving her job, and how Keri came to found Tacora Capital (7:21)Working with Peter Thiel, and more about their partnership (9:14)Keri describes the audience, and kinds of investors that are attracted to Tacora Capital (10:10)Tacora's unique approach and structure in venture capital (11:14)Keri discusses whether she would rather Tacora be at a later-stage (12:50)Tacora's reason for focusing on Fintech and Insuretech fields (14:37)Keri gives an example of the opportunities Tacora has provided to one of their portfolio companies (16:00)Where Tacora's pipeline for new deals is sourced from (16:52)How the current financial and economic climate effects the work done at Tacora (18:22)How Tacora avoids risky situations and maintains discipline in their work (20:16)Keri predicts the future of the venture capital market based on recent history (21:37)'Non-dilutive capital' and Tacora's approach to companies facing down-rounds (25:15)Why Keri decided to settle the company in Austin, Texas (27:07)Keri predicts how the banking model will change in the near future (30:04)Tacora's short-term goals and plans (31:22)Links:Keri Findley on LinkedInTacora Capital WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

As today's guest will tell us, breakfasts have recently overtaken Friday dinners as the number one dining out experience of choice. So in the always-competitive hospitality industry, restaurants that do those meals particularly well are in a fantastic position. Chris Tomasso definitely understands how to excel in this space. Chris is the CEO of First Watch Restaurants, which trades under the symbol FWRG.  Prior to taking the helm in 2018, Chris served as President for three years and as Chief Marketing Officer from 2006 to 2015.  Before joining First Watch, Chris led strategic branding and marketing for renowned national and international brands such as Cracker Barrel and Hard Rock Cafe International.In 2021, Chris was named one of the restaurant industry's most admired C-suite leaders by FSR Magazine. Later that year, he led First Watch into Wall Street with their IPO. Chris earned a BA from the University of Central Florida and is an active alum who currently serves on the University of Central Florida Foundation Board of Directors. He was inducted into the University's Nicholson School of Communication and Media Hall of Fame in 2016. Highlights:Chris describes First Watch's background and market concept (2:57)Competition and First Watch's position in the market (4:08)Chris describes First Watch's business model (6:17)First Watch's unique shift schedule, and why it attracts employees (8:43)Chris' approach to business operations (10:36)Chris describes the importance of remaining in the restaurant atmosphere as a CEO (12:06)How First Watch incorporates developing technology into their business (13:59)How Chris applies his marketing background in his role at First Watch (15:30)Chris' capital allocation strategies (17:21)More on First Watch's disruptive business model, and their strategic market placement (18:54)Chris' view on inflation and its ongoing impact on the hospitality industry (20:28)Chris describes the impact of First Watch to becoming a public company (22:09)How Chris was introduced to the hospitality industry (24:27)Links:Chris Tomasso on LinkedInFirst Watch Restaurants on LinkedInFirst Watch Restaurants WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

On the surface, successful growth in business might seem to be about rapid expansion. But that's not the right strategy for every business. Growth has to align with the business's principles, be at the right pace, and it can't endanger the brand's image and identity along the way. Today's guest has reset his growth strategy to reinforce and preserve brand identity.We're sitting down with Chris Schultz, CEO of Voodoo Doughnut. Chris has a remarkable track record in expanding renowned brands, both nationally and globally with over four decades of industry experience. In the 1990s, he played a vital role in Starbucks' US and international growth, including entry into the UK market.Chris was a founding team member at ModPizza, growing it from one store to over 300 locations worldwide. His strategic acumen and leadership made ModPizza a fast, casual industry leader. Since 2017, as CEO at Voodoo Doughnut, he's tripled the company's size and expanded from 5 to 22 locations in 7 states.Chris has twice been recognized as one of the most innovative and influential CEOs by National Restaurant News, and recently as one of the top 25 food and beverage executives of 2023 by C-Suite Magazine. Throughout his career, Chris has consistently demonstrated his ability to build and nurture successful restaurant brands. His innovation, passion, and commitment to exceptional customer experiences make him a respected industry leader.Highlights:Chris' journey in the restaurant business, and his path to Voodoo (3:10)Voodoo's history and unique identity (4:29)Chris describes what differentiates Voodoo in their market (6:35)Chris talks about Voodoo's unique consumer base and following (8:01)Voodoo's growth strategy, and the importance of maintaining brand identity amidst expansion (10:03)Chris' approach to expansion, and new locations for Voodoo (10:56)Chris' approach to innovation with the Voodoo brand (12:29)How Voodoo finds its employees and keeps them motivated and engaged in the unique culture (15:54)How Voodoo maintains consistency amongst its varied brand presence (18:31)Chris' approach to tech innovation at Voodoo (20:26)Chris discusses Vodoo's 'Giving Doughnuts' program (23:37)Chris reflects on his biggest successes as CEO at Voodoo (24:53)The advice Chris would have given himself during his early days in the restaurant business (27:29)Links:Chris Schultz on LinkedIn Voodoo Doughnut on LinkedInVoodoo Doughnut WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

For industry dominators, success rarely hinges on a 'one-size-fits-all' approach. Instead, they master their market by focusing on specific demographics and creating tailored strategies unique to needs and preferences. Today's guest has used this method to craft customized solutions in his unique market.Today, we're sitting down with Doug Sanders, Heritage Grocers Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Doug's extensive career in the grocery industry spans 38 years across multiple and wide-ranging sectors including supermarket retail, wholesale food distribution, retail technology solutions, natural and organic foods, in addition to Hispanic and ethnic-focused specialty formats.Over the past 20 years, Doug has held the role of chairman and CEO for multiple private equity-owned grocery companies, including Sprouts Farmers Market, Cardenas Markets, and Heritage Grocers Group. In 2011, he led the sale of Sprouts Farmers Market to Apollo Global Management, followed by two successful acquisitions and an initial public offering In 2013. In 2022, Doug spearheaded the sale of Cardenas Markets from KKR to Apollo joining Cardenas Markets and Tony's Fresh Market under the parent company Heritage Grocers Group. Highlights:Heritage's history and background (2:58)Doug's journey in the industry and opportunity at Heritage (4:16)Doug expands on Heritage's demographic and unique consumer base (6:47)What makes Heritage a competitive industry player (7:18)How Heritage prioritizes and celebrates authenticity in it's culture (8:33)Doug discusses the environment and atmosphere at Heritage stores (9:45)How Doug creates a company culture at Heritage (11:14)Field competition (12:34)Doug's approach to maintaining culture amid expansion (13:48)Doug's outlook on technology and innovation in the industry (16:06)Customer stories that left an impact on Doug and his work (18:03)Heritage's unique brand foundation collaborations (19:31)What excites Doug the most about the future of Heritage (20:33)Doug's predictions for Heritage's future growth and expansion (22:17)Links:Doug Sanders on LinkedInHeritage Grocers Group on LinkedInHeritage Grocers Group WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

In the world of wealth management, working with clients is a deeply personal endeavor that requires more than just financial expertise. By looking inward first, and prioritizing a strong team culture and personal and professional development, companies can cultivate a strong trust and connection with clients. Today's guest has made this approach the foundation to his business.Today we're sitting down with Rob Skinner, who is a founding partner and the co-CEO of IEQ Capital. He has served as a financial advisor to wealthy families and institutional investors for over two decades. Rob began his career at Fidelity Investments in 1995 before joining Merrill Lynch as first vice president of investments.In 2008, he co-founded Luminous Capital, an independent registered investment advisory firm where he served as Chief Investment Officer, Co-Head of Investment Research, and Co-manager of Portfolio Construction. Luminous Capital was acquired by First Republic Bank in 2012. Active in the community, Rob serves on the Board of Directors for the First Tee of Monterey County, the Board of Directors of the Pebble Beach Company Foundation. He's a Trustee of PGA REACH, the charitable foundation associated with PGA of America, as well as the Naval Postgraduate School Foundation. Rob and his wife actively support numerous foundations and charities in and around the Monterey peninsula. Rob holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Connecticut, which, if you haven't heard has won national championship titles, back to back in men's basketball. Go Huskies!Highlights:Rob's early influences and beginnings in wealth management (4:15)Founding Luminous Capital (5:52)Background on IEQ Capital, and company mission (6:37)What differentiates IEQ from competitors (7:13)IEQ's ideal client profile (8:34)How the IEQ team works with clients on wealth management (9:30)Rob walks us through IEQ's client screening process (10:18)The value of culture at IEQ (11:10)The use of technology at IEQ (12:00)How being a founder has informed Rob's work with his clients (13:30)How Rob approaches liquidity planning with clients (14:41)Rob breaks down IEQ's partnership with Stone Point Capital (15:33)The benefits for smaller firms (18:37)What Rob has learned from entrepreneurs during his time in wealth management (19:19)The importance of fostering a fun and enjoyable environment and culture (20:43)Links:Rob Skinner on LinkedInIEQ Capital on LinkedInIEQ Capital WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Venture Capital is all about the cash — but in a crowded field, money is a commodity. To truly stand out, you have to go above and beyond for your portfolio companies. Today's guest has set themselves apart by providing exceptional support.We're sitting down with Seth Spergel, who is a managing partner of Merlin Ventures, where he's responsible for identifying cutting-edge companies for Merlin to partner with and invest in. Seth has more than 20 years of experience building, selling, and investing in software and startups.Prior to Merlin Ventures, Seth was VP for Infrastructure Technologies at In-Q-Tel, a strategic investment firm that invests in startups that meet the mission needs of government customers. There he led a team of technology experts to evaluate companies and identify novel uses of their technology within the In-Q-Tel customer set.Before In-Q-Tel, Seth was the VP of engineering for ThinkGeek, an online seller and manufacturer of geeky toys and clothing. He also spent 12 years at IBM in roles ranging from software developer to sales manager. Highlights:Merlin's background and evolution into VC (3:44)What differentiates Merlin in the VC market (7:32)What an ideal portfolio looks like for Merlin (8:38)Seth walks us through the support system Merlin provides their companies (9:21)The unique guidance Merlin offers on compliance and political relations (12:57)Seth tells the story of one of Merlin's successful exits (14:52)Seth's advice for founders seeking funding (17:59)Current trending market opportunities (18:50)How cloud computing and migration are affecting the cybersecurity space (20:35)Seth describes the current state of Israel's funding environment (22:00)Values and culture at Merlin (25:35)Seth's predictions for the future of Merlin and the VC market (26:55)Links:Seth Spergel on LinkedInMerlin Ventures on LinkedInMerlin Ventures WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

In the effort to recover from the impact of the pandemic, the hospitality industry has had a surge of innovation, ideas, and new technologies. And while the boost has been essential to getting the industry back on its feet, it has also intensified the competition. Today's guest is setting their company apart with a consumer-focused approach.We're sitting down with Matt Tucker, who is the head of Tock, a technology driven hospitality business owned by Squarespace, and trading under the symbol SQSP.  Matt oversees commercial success and growth of the Tock business, which includes a reservation system, table management, carry-out operations and events for operators across 33 countries. Matt came to Squarespace after nearly two decades of experience building teams and operating companies of all sizes and has a strong background in hospitality tech and the startup world.Most recently, Matt served as President and COO of Olo, the leading provider of SaaS solutions to the chain restaurant industry, serving almost 90,000 locations. He spent nearly nine years there, taking the company from 10 people and one product to a public company with over 700 team members, six core products and nearly 200 million in revenue.Prior to Olo, Matt was on the founding team of LendingTree and was also the founder of Rely Software. He has an MBA from Georgetown and a BA in Political Science from the University of Michigan.Highlights:Matt's background and path to restaurant software (4:09)Matt describes Tock's founding and current work (5:11)How Tock works in the restaurant to optimize reservations (7:01)Matt explains how Tock targets customers, and ROI agreements (8:35)Data captured through Tock, and what makes Tock's approach to data optimization unique (10:34)Matt talks about recent economic hurdles and how Tock has navigated the atmosphere (14:04)Matt discusses Tock's versatility in the restaurant industry (16:11)How Squarespace and Tock's work interconnect (17:49)Field competition and the state of the restaurant technology market (20:00)Tock's senior team and their history in hospitality (22:57)Links:Mathew Tucker on LinkedInTock on LinkedInTock WebsiteICR TwitterICR LinkedInICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

In a landscape where standing out demands both innovation and accessibility, finding ways to connect with a broad audience is crucial. Today's guest has been on a career-long quest to revolutionize the culinary world by blending tradition with modernity, creating products that not only appeal to diverse audiences but also prioritize health and taste.Today we are lucky enough to sit down with Chef Ming Tsai, who is not only an Iron Chef, he's also a James Beard and Emmy Award winner, and a Chef-partner at BABA at the Yellowstone Club in Big Sky, Montana. He's also President of the National Advisory Board for Family Reach and the author of five cookbooks.Chef Ming was the host and the Executive Producer of the longest-running cooking series on PBS, Simply Ming, and just received acclaim for his new mini-series titled Simply Ming: Better for You. He founded MingsBings, a consumer packaged goods startup bringing chef quality, better-for-you, convenient food to the frozen food aisle.Beyond being the first East meets West option of its kind, MingsBings supports the mission of the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Family Reach. To date, Chef Ming has helped raise $12 million for Family Reach. In 2022, Chef Ming became Iron Chef Ming Tsai as he joined the cast of five world-class chefs in the Netflix series, Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend. Highlights:Chef Ming's first cooking experiences, and introduction to the culinary world (4:21)Chef Ming's favorite dishes from childhood (7:19)What Chef Ming learned from his family's restaurant (7:46)How Chef Ming adjusted from Chef to businessperson (8:44)Early mistakes and lessons from running a restaurant (10:54)Chef Ming explains his East meets West cuisine style and influence (11:45) Work in the TV and entertainment industry (14:35)Chef Ming discusses his time on Iron Chef (16:50) Chef Ming's approach to writing cookbooks (18:07)The inspiration behind MingsBings (19:17)Philanthropic work for Family Reach (21:54)Chef Ming tells stories about his famous friends in the culinary world (25:21)Links:Ming Tsai on LinkedInMingBings on LinkedInMingBings WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.