Podcasts about consumer brands

In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Cornish, the spirited co-founder and “Head Bandit” behind The Froot Thief—a fruit snack brand that's turning heads and winning lunchboxes.  Jonathan's story is one of grit, gratitude, and big flavor. We discuss how a family-run business gave him and his brother their first break over 25 years ago, and how that act of faith continues to shape their approach today. That foundation—combined with deep experience in retail and manufacturing—set the stage for a snack brand that's anything but ordinary. We dive into how The Froot Thief went from a bold idea during lockdown to landing on Costco shelves nationwide. What I love about this episode is how honest Jonathan is about the risks, the emotional journey, and the fulfillment that comes from building something you truly believe in.  From production lines in South Africa to school lunches in the U.S., this is a story about purpose, play, and the power of trusting your instincts. Here are a few highlights from our conversation: * How a simple act of belief launched a 25-year entrepreneurial journey   * The Costco call that changed everything: “I'll take every strand you can make”   * Creating a clean-label fruit snack that's as fun as it is nutritious   * Navigating tariffs, manufacturing, and the realities of scaling internationally   * Why “fruit spaghetti” and 100 inches of fun are stealing the snack spotlight   Join me, Ramon Vela, as I listen to the episode and discover why this snack brand is not only worth trying but also worth supporting. If you've got kids, love fruit, or just want a great founder story, you won't want to miss this one. For more on The Froot Thief, visit: https://www.frootthief.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand a rating and review.  Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today's Sponsors: Augmentum Media - Influencer Marketing for Consumer Brands: https://www.augmentum-media.com/story What secret do fast-growing Health and Wellness brands like Xtendlife, Nourished, and Hunter & Gather share? They all outsource their influencer marketing to the experts at Augmentum. Augmentum is offering "The Story of a Brand Show" listeners a 30-minute consulting session AND a personalized influencer strategy plan built by their experts for you to implement either with them or in-house. Visit the link above to learn more. 

Every once in a while, you come across a story so driven by purpose and heart that you can feel it in every word, and that's exactly how I felt talking to the co-founders of ByHeart.  In this episode, Ron Belldegrun and Mia Funt, Co-founders of ByHeart, guide us through their remarkable journey to reinvent infant formula from the ground up, driven by science, transparency, and a deep conviction that parents deserve better options. From building their manufacturing facility to conducting one of the most extensive clinical trials in over 25 years, their story isn't just about disrupting a category; it's about raising the standard for an entire industry. If you're a founder, parent, or just someone passionate about what modern CPG brands can stand for, this conversation is packed with inspiration and actionable wisdom. Here are a few highlights from our conversation: * Why building their manufacturing was a necessity, not a strategy * The science and transparency behind their patented, breast milk-inspired formula * How community, parent feedback, and clinical trials fueled meaningful innovation * What it takes to challenge 100 years of industry status quo * Why ByHeart believes the future of infant nutrition is about access, evidence, and trust Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to the episode to learn how this team built one of the most important—and personal—brands in modern consumer health. For more on ByHeart, visit: https://byheart.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Showa rating and review.  Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today's Sponsors: Augmentum Media - Influencer Marketing for Consumer Brands: https://www.augmentum-media.com/story What secret do fast-growing Health and Wellness brands like Xtendlife, Nourished, and Hunter & Gather share? They all outsource their influencer marketing to the experts at Augmentum. Augmentum is offering "The Story of a Brand Show" listeners a 30-minute consulting session AND a personalized influencer strategy plan built by their experts for you to implement either with them or in-house. Visit the link above to learn more.    1 Commerce: https://1-commerce.com/story-of-a-brand Scaling a DTC brand gets harder the bigger you grow, especially when you're stuck selling on just one channel.  While you're focused on day-to-day ops, your competitors are unlocking marketplaces like Amazon, Walmart, and even retail shelf space—and capturing customers you're missing. That's where 1-Commerce comes in.  They help high-growth brands expand beyond their sites, handle end-to-end fulfillment, and scale through a revenue-share model that means they only win when you do.  As a Story of a Brand listener, you'll get one month of free storage and a strategy session with their CEO, Eric Kasper.  https://1-commerce.com/story-of-a-brand

In this episode of the Operators Podcast, the discussion revolves around the critical role of product in brand strategy and the importance of understanding consumer behavior in product development. The conversation highlights the shift from commodity to brand focus in various industries, emphasizing the need for remarkable products that stand out in a crowded market.Additionally, the use of data insights for product development and the evolving landscape of brand building in the face of AI advancements are explored.00:00 The Importance of Product in Brand Strategy09:59 Understanding Consumer Behavior and Product Development15:06 The Shift from Commodity to Brand Focus20:02 Leveraging Data for Product Insights25:12 The Role of Remarkable Products in Brand Building44:46 The Essence of Remarkable Products51:50 Brand Identity and Consumer Connection57:22 The Journey of Product Development01:01:18 Building a Company as a Product01:11:28 Navigating Market Expectations and Innovations01:20:53 The Future of Consumer Brands and InclusivityPowered By:Fulfil.io.https://bit.ly/3pAp2vuThe Only Cloud ERP Designed to Efficiently Scale 8 and 9-Figure Brands. Northbeam.https://www.northbeam.io/Postscript.https://postscript.io/Richpanel.https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=9O&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescSaras.https://saras-analytics.typeform.com/to/T8jpuAEb?utm_source=9operator_lp&utm_medium=find_out_moreSubscribe to The Marketing Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingOperatorsSubscribe to The Finance Operators here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPS Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

I had an absolute blast chatting with Erica Groussman, the bold and fearless founder of TRUBAR. Erica's energy is infectious, and her story is a masterclass in trusting your gut, listening to your body, and never settling for the status quo.  What started as a personal journey to clean up her own nutrition turned into a full-on movement—and a fast-growing brand that's flipping the protein bar category on its head. TRUBAR isn't just another snack—it's a delicious, clean-label product with a powerful “no BS” message at the center. In our conversation, Erica opens up about the highs and lows of building a better-for-you brand, how she broke into mass retail on her own terms, and what it really takes to stand out on shelf and online in a crowded CPG space. Here are a few highlights from our conversation:   * Why Erica believes "permissionless entry" is the key to innovation   * How she went from her kitchen to national retail distribution   * The truth about navigating manufacturing, scaling, and keeping your standards   * Why brand voice and bold packaging are non-negotiables in today's market   * The importance of staying raw, real, and mission-driven—no matter the pressure   Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to the episode and hear how Erica turned a personal health need into a fearless brand that's changing the snack game—one unapologetically clean bite at a time. For more on TRUBAR, visit: https://www.trubar.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand a rating and review.  Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today's Sponsors: Augmentum Media - Influencer Marketing for Consumer Brands: https://www.augmentum-media.com/story What secret do fast-growing Health and Wellness brands like Xtendlife, Nourished, and Hunter & Gather share? They all outsource their influencer marketing to the experts at Augmentum. Augmentum is offering "The Story of a Brand Show" listeners a 30-minute consulting session AND a personalized influencer strategy plan built by their experts for you to implement either with them or in-house. Visit the link above to learn more. 

This interview left me feeling inspired and grounded.  I sat down with Hayley and Stephanie Painter, the passionate co-owners behind Painterland Sisters, a family-run brand that's redefining what it means to bring food from farm to spoon.  Raised on a fourth-generation regenerative farm in Pennsylvania, they've taken their roots and turned them into a vibrant, values-driven business that's nourishing people and the planet. In our conversation, we dive into how their Icelandic-style yogurt is not just a product, but a platform for connection, connecting consumers to farming, sustainability, and rural America. We talk about the highs and lows of building a CPG brand with family, the grit it takes to stay mission-aligned, and how they're navigating retail with boldness and heart. It's a story of sisterhood, soil, and serious entrepreneurial spirit. Here are some highlights from the episode: * How a regenerative farm upbringing shaped their business philosophy * The decision to launch with Icelandic-style yogurt—and why that mattered * What it takes to scale from local markets to national retail chains * Why storytelling and transparency are central to their brand DNA * Lessons learned from staying rooted in values while growing fast Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to the episode and discover how two sisters are turning rural pride and regenerative farming into a standout CPG brand with heart. For more on Painterland Sisters, visit: https://painterlandsisters.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today's Sponsor: Augmentum Media - Influencer Marketing for Consumer Brands: https://www.augmentum-media.com/story What secret do fast-growing Health and Wellness brands like Xtendlife, Nourished, and Hunter & Gather share? They all outsource their influencer marketing to the experts at Augmentum. Augmentum is offering "The Story of a Brand Show" listeners a 30-minute consulting session AND a personalized influencer strategy plan built by their experts for you to implement either with them or in-house. Visit the link above to learn more. 

We find Labour’s trade spokesman at the E Tipu conference in Palmerston North, but is it a woke talk fest? We also preview tomorrow’s “Love in” with Federated Farmers in Masterton, but is it a waste of time? Plus, is he in favour of Fonterra selling its Consumer Brands? And what about more conversions in Canterbury?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When your product is born out of love, necessity, and a mission to help others, it shows.  In this episode, I sit down with Jesslyn Rollins, CEO of BIOLYTE, the first medical-grade hydration drink formulated to deliver the benefits of an IV bag in a bottle. What started as a way to help her mom during cancer treatment has grown into a mission-driven brand helping people stay hydrated across healthcare, athletic, and everyday wellness settings. We dive into Jesslyn's inspiring entrepreneurial journey, how she leaned on her background in theater to sell products from the ground up, and how BIOLYTE's science-backed formula is shaking up a legacy category. From packaging evolution to retail expansion and customer education, this episode is packed with lessons in resilience, brand building, and staying true to your mission. Here are a few highlights from the conversation: * How a doctor's IV formula became a game-changing hydration solution * Why improv, persistence, and performance shaped Jesslyn's sales success * The power of packaging: how “IV in a bottle” doubled sales * Why dehydration isn't just about thirst and how BIOLYTE goes beyond water * What it really takes to scale a beverage brand with zero outside capital Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to the full episode and discovering how BIOLYTE is helping redefine hydration, one bottle at a time. For more on BIOLYTE, visit:  https://drinkbiolyte.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today's Sponsors: Compass Rose Ventures - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/contact/ Compass Rose Ventures can help your CPG brand increase customer lifetime value, expand into the US market, create an omnipresent omnichannel footprint, optimize customer journeys, build brand communities, and more. Visit the link above to learn more.    Augmentum Media - Influencer Marketing for Consumer Brands: https://www.augmentum-media.com/story What secret do fast-growing Health and Wellness brands like Xtendlife, Nourished, and Hunter & Gather share? They all outsource their influencer marketing to the experts at Augmentum. Augmentum is offering "The Story of a Brand Show" listeners a 30-minute consulting session AND a personalized influencer strategy plan built by their experts for you to implement either with them or in-house. Visit the link above to learn more. 

As someone who's had the pleasure of working closely with Sachi Singh, the Founder & CEO of Rootless, I knew this episode would be special.    Sachi isn't just building a product. She's building a movement rooted in impact, education, and transformation.  In this conversation, we explore Rootless's origin story, how seaweed became the brand's "hero ingredient," and the systems thinking that underpins her entire approach to food, wellness, and the planet. We also discuss how Rootless is bridging the gap between food and medicine, creating a daily ritual that empowers women to feel better. Starting with iodine-rich, whole-food bites that taste as good as they are good for you, Sachi shares her philosophy on customer-led product development, the importance of regenerative sourcing, and why the future of women's health is personal, accessible, and community-driven. Here are some highlights from the episode: * Why seaweed could be the future of food and farming, and why your thyroid needs it   * How Sachi used systems thinking to turn complex climate and nutrition issues into consumer action   * The simple but powerful way Rootless collects feedback from its community   * How she's balancing DTC-first growth with a scalable, retention-focused model   * Her lessons on gut instinct, building from wholeness, and designing a brand with purpose Join me, Rose Hamilton, Founder of Compass Rose Ventures, in listening to the episode and learning what it really takes to launch a mission-driven brand that will change how we nourish ourselves and the planet. For more on Rootless, visit:  https://getrootless.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today's Sponsors: Compass Rose Ventures - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/contact/ Compass Rose Ventures can help your CPG brand increase customer lifetime value, expand into the US market, create an omnipresent omnichannel footprint, optimize customer journeys, build brand communities, and more. Visit the link above to learn more.  Augmentum Media - Influencer Marketing for Consumer Brands: https://www.augmentum-media.com/story What secret do fast-growing Health and Wellness brands like Xtendlife, Nourished, and Hunter & Gather share? They all outsource their influencer marketing to the experts at Augmentum. Augmentum is offering "The Story of a Brand Show" listeners a 30-minute consulting session AND a personalized influencer strategy plan built by their experts for you to implement either with them or in-house. Visit the link above to learn more. 

This episode explores:Henkel's multiyear journey to merge two of its distinct consumer business units. (1:15)An overview of the strategic drivers behind Henkel's business transformation. (2:44)The critical role supply chain leadership plays in driving supply chain change management. (4:52)Concrete steps that Henkel took during its transformation journey, including real-world examples. (8:40)Recommendations for chief supply chain officers (CSCOs) driving large-scale change management in their own organizations. (12:26)Host Thomas O'Connor discusses Henkel Consumer Brands' business transformation journey with Dr. Dirk Holbach, the organization's CSCO. The pair explore the drivers that motivated the transformation, such as Henkel's concept of “volume to value.” They provide insight into four broad steps that Henkel took as part of its transformation, and close the show with recommendations for CSCOs that find themselves driving similar transformations.Gartner clients interested in finding out more about this topic can access the following: Reorganize by Integrating and Differentiating Supply Chain ActivitiesSupply Chain Executive Report: Radically Rethinking ReorganizationAbout the GuestDr. Dirk Holbach has been leading the end-to-end (E2E) supply chain and operations for Henkel's Consumer Brands division since 2022, with net sales around €10.5 billion. He collaborates with approximately 10,000 associates in 36 factories and 88 logistics centers around the world. As one global team, Henkel not only delivers daily on the classic triangle “cost,” “cash” and “service,” but also drives a holistic transformation journey along multiple dimensions creating significant business impact. Henkel's aim is to continuously increase the value delivery, agility and resilience of its global supply chain with the ultimate goal to drive value growth and serve its consumers and customers at its best.This goal is supported by three strategic priorities:People and culture: Henkel puts its people at the center of everything it does. The pandemic has clearly underlined the value of strong individuals collaborating in empowered teams, and Henkel enables strong value creation and business performance via its significant investment into team effectiveness and individual leadership capabilities.Digitalization: Continuously accelerating digital transformation at Henkel started in 2013, with migration toward a fully connected, real-time and integrated digital ecosystem and toward an autonomous, self-driving and touchless supply chain. This work is supported by highly qualified associates and Henkel is the proud owner of four World Economic Forum (WEF) Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Digital LighthousesSustainability: Part of Dr. Holbach's personal agenda and part of the DNA at Henkel, the company drives sustainable progress leveraging digitalization (e.g., reducing its CO2 footprint by more than 70% since 2005), with 14 sites becoming fully climate-positive (electrical and thermal energy), making the company's entire mature region footprint carbon-neutral.When not at work, Dr. Holbach enjoys spending time with his family, or on a race or mountain bike. He has also been listed several times in the Top 28 Supply Chain Executives in Europe, being No. 1 in 2020.

When it comes to fueling ambition, some stories are just unforgettable. In this episode, Rose Hamilton, founder of Compass Rose Venture, sits down with Scott Turner and Nick Lagonia, the powerhouse duo behind Misery & Mayhem, a new protein-packed oatmeal brand that's redefining what "fuel" really means for athletes and everyday warriors alike. We dive deep into how two former Peloton team members turned their personal fitness journeys and frustrations into a brand that's all about perseverance, grit, and getting after it — one bowl at a time. I loved this conversation because Scott and Nick embody the heart of entrepreneurship: bootstrapping their way forward, listening closely to their customers, and creating a product that isn't just high-quality, but also emotional, bold, and stands for something. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a fitness enthusiast, or love a good founder story, you'll walk away inspired. Here are just a few highlights from this episode:

On today's episode of The Story of a Brand Show, I'm joined by Lauren Picasso, the founder and CEO of Cure Hydration.   What started as a personal struggle with staying hydrated as an endurance athlete led Lauren to launch a science-backed, clean-label hydration brand that is now available in thousands of retail stores.  We talked about how she identified the gap in the hydration category, built Cure from the ground up (including mixing formulas at home), and the strategic choices that helped the brand scale across DTC and retail. Lauren didn't come from the CPG world, but her background in e-commerce and performance marketing helped her build a brand that's both mission-driven and data-informed. She shares how DTC insights led to major pivots in product format and packaging, why launching in CVS was a game-changer early on, and how Cure's clean ingredients and powder format offer a better, more sustainable alternative to traditional sports drinks. Here's what we cover in this episode: * Why coconut water powder + salt = hydration magic * The moment CVS expanded Cure to 3,000+ stores—and what it unlocked * The value of launching DTC before going retail * The surprising reason most customers buy Cure (hint: it's not just for athletes) * Expanding into a kids' line (with flavors kid-tested and approved) Join me, Ramon Vela, as we listen to the episode and get inspired by how one founder turned a personal need into a rapidly growing wellness brand, redefining what it means to stay truly hydrated. For more on Cure Hydration, visit:  https://www.curehydration.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today's Sponsors: Compass Rose Ventures - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/contact/ Compass Rose Ventures can help your CPG brand increase customer lifetime value, expand into the US market, create an omnipresent omnichannel footprint, optimize customer journeys, build brand communities, and more. Visit the link above to learn more.    Augmentum Media - Influencer Marketing for Consumer Brands: https://www.augmentum-media.com/story What secret do fast-growing Health and Wellness brands like Xtendlife, Nourished, and Hunter & Gather share? They all outsource their influencer marketing to the experts at Augmentum. Augmentum is offering "The Story of a Brand Show" listeners a 30-minute consulting session AND a personalized influencer strategy plan built by their experts for you to implement either with them or in-house. Visit the link above to learn more. 

In this episode, I chat with Charlie Weisman, the creative force behind Staff, a brand that's reimagining the most overlooked items in your home such as plungers, lint rollers, and oven mitts with joy, color, and a whole lot of personality.   What started as a quirky side project during the COVID lockdown turned into a design-forward brand now making waves with retailers, collaborators, and even celebrities like Drew Barrymore.   Charlie opens up about building Staff from scratch, why he didn't tell anyone what he was working on, and how trusting his instincts (plus a little naivete in the beginning) helped him take a bold, playful idea and turn it into something unforgettable. From early retail wins to lessons in manufacturing and shipping, this one's packed with insights and good vibes.  

In this episode, I had the honor of sitting down with Julie Smolyansky, President, CEO, and Chairwoman of Lifeway Foods, a pioneering brand behind the kefir movement in the U.S.   We dive deep into Julie's incredible family story, from escaping the Soviet Union with just $116 to building a nearly $200M company that now owns 95% of the global kefir category. Julie shares how her father's dream, her mother's entrepreneurial spirit, and her own grit helped turn a probiotic-rich dairy drink into a wellness staple for millions. We also discuss the science behind kefir, staying innovative while running a public company, and how Julie is standing strong in the face of a hostile takeover attempt. This isn't just a conversation about dairy; it's about resilience, passion, legacy, and the powerful connection between gut health and life. Key Moments in This Episode: *

Not every founder finds the right investor. Not every investor bets on the right founder. In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome a BarberShop veteran, Kapil Chopra (Founder - EazyDiner and The Postcard Hotel). But this time, he is not alone. Joining him is his first ever investor and his very good friend, Deepak Shahdadpuri (Managing Director, DSG Consumer Partners). Why did Kapil and Deepak take 8 years to finally start a business together? Find out in this episode. This isn't just an entrepreneurial conversation. It's a masterclass on the kind of investor-founder friendship required for businesses to thrive even when the going gets tough. Takeaways from this episode: What do investors look for in a founder during a pitch?Why did Deepak NOT invest in Bombay Shaving Company?How to identify your Product-Market-Fit in a crowded market. Kapil and Deepak's story is a great reminder of why it matters who you surround yourself with. Who is that friend in your life you'd love to build a business with?Navigate the episode 00:00 Coming up01:00 Introduction06:37 Founder-Investor Friendship11:53 How did Kapil Identify Market Opportunities14:46 The Evolution of Consumer Brands in India17:21 Founding story of Sula23:13 The Future of Consumer Brands in India27:37 Veeba Funding Story29:55 Why and how did Deepak Invest in EazyDiner33:00 Finding the Right Investor-Founder Dynamics38:00 How to Navigate Startup Challenges53:53 Evolution of Investments in India01:05:41 Maturity of Family Offices in India01:17:28 The Art and Commerce of Consumer Brands01:41:40 Importance of Aligning Incentives for Long-Term Success02:01:33 Challenges in the Startup Ecosystem and Corporate Governance02:05:46 How to Find the Right Fit in Teams02:06:17 The Importance of Cultural Fit02:10:15 Opportunities in Travel and Hospitality02:17:09 Culinary Diversity and Innovation in India02:21:16 Closing Thoughts

Not every founder finds the right investor. Not every investor bets on the right founder. In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome a BarberShop veteran, Kapil Chopra (Founder - EazyDiner and The Postcard Hotel). But this time, he is not alone. Joining him is his first ever investor and his very good friend, Deepak Shahdadpuri (Managing Director, DSG Consumer Partners). Why did Kapil and Deepak take 8 years to finally start a business together? Find out in this episode. This isn't just an entrepreneurial conversation. It's about trust, conviction, and the kind of friendship that every investor-founder must share, for businesses to thrive even when the going gets tough. Takeaways from this episode:- What do investors look for in a founder during a pitch?- Why did Deepak NOT invest in Bombay Shaving Company?- How to identify your Product Market fit in a crowed market.Kapil and Deepak's story is a great reminder of why it matters who you surround yourself with. Who is that friend in your life you'd love to build a business with? Drop your thoughts in the comments! And if you'd like to join our next conversation as a live audience member, sign up here :- https://forms.gle/5rVezQtDnYm1rqZJANavigate the episode 00:00 Coming up01:00 Introduction06:37 Founder-Investor Friendship11:53 How did Kapil Identify Market Opportunities14:46 The Evolution of Consumer Brands in India17:21 Founding story of Sula23:13 The Future of Consumer Brands in India27:37 Veeba Funding Story29:55 Why did Deepak Invest in EazyDiner33:00 Finding the Right Investor-Founder Dynamics38:00 How to Navigate Challenges53:53 Evolution of Investment in India01:05:41 Maturity of Family Offices in India01:17:28 The Art and Commerce of Consumer Brands01:41:40 Importance of Aligning Incentives for Long-Term Success02:01:33 Challenges in the Startup Ecosystem and Corporate Governance02:05:46 How to Find the Right Fit in Teams02:06:17 The Importance of Cultural Fit02:10:15 Opportunities in Travel and Hospitality02:17:09 Culinary Diversity and Innovation in India02:21:16 Closing Thoughts

What does it take to build a premium wellness brand in one of the world's most regulated, misunderstood, and competitive industries?  In this episode, I sit down with David Hartigan, Founder and CEO of Hemp Heros, to talk about the real story behind his mission-driven CBD and functional mushroom company. From managing MMA fighters to becoming one of the few B Corp-certified hemp brands, David shares how a single moment of belief changed his life and how he's paying it forward through his business. David takes us behind the scenes of launching into the U.S. market, setting up U.S.-based manufacturing, creating pet products that win hearts (and tails), and building multiple brands with integrity. He's also inspired by his mother's health journey with a new mushroom line. He's proof that success follows when you lead with quality and purpose.

Fonterra's elaborating on the details of their consumer brand sell-off. The conundrum comes off the back of a monster half year result in which operating profit rose to 16%. The planned divestment could see brands like Anchor and Mainland sold off. CEO Miles Hurrell told Mike Hosking the key for any good business is knowing what you're good at. He says that over the years, the returns as an ingredients business have been stellar, but farmers aren't getting the desired return on capital from the consumer side of things. He says they believe they can get higher returns from investing that cash back into ingredients and food service. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when two passionate entrepreneurs set out to reinvent the non-alcoholic drinking experience?  In this episode, I sit down with Oliver Spring and Sophia Racciatti, Co-Founders of Ooso, to discuss their journey of creating a sparkling tea inspired by natural wine. From late-night kitchen experiments to landing on retail shelves, they share how they built a brand that brings complexity, sophistication, and design-forward thinking to the non-alcoholic space. Oliver and Sophia dive into the challenges of launching a beverage brand, the importance of great branding, and why consumer education is key to success in the growing non-alcoholic market. Key Moments in This Episode: ✅ The Spark Behind Ooso – How a personal lifestyle shift led to a brand idea. ✅ From Idea to Market – The year-long journey of formulation and brand building. ✅ Retail Strategy & Challenges – What it takes to get on store shelves. ✅ Why Packaging Matters – The role of branding in consumer adoption. ✅ The Future of Non-Alcoholic Beverages – Trends shaping the category. Join me, Ramon Vela, for this insightful and inspiring conversation with Oliver and Sophia as we explore the future of better-for-you beverages! For more on Ooso, visit:  https://drinkooso.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand a rating and review.  Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today's Sponsors: Compass Rose Ventures - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/contact/ Compass Rose Ventures can help your CPG brand increase customer lifetime value, expand into the US market, create an omnipresent omnichannel footprint, optimize customer journeys, build brand communities, and more. Visit the link above to learn more.    Augmentum Media - Influencer Marketing for Consumer Brands: https://www.augmentum-media.com/story What secret do fast-growing Health and Wellness brands like Xtendlife, Nourished, and Hunter & Gather share? They all outsource their influencer marketing to the experts at Augmentum. Augmentum is offering "The Story of a Brand Show" listeners a 30-minute consulting session AND a personalized influencer strategy plan built by their experts for you to implement either with them or in-house. Visit the link above to learn more.  Today's Highlighted Brand: Goode Health: https://www.goodehealth.com/ If you have a family history of heart disease, listen up.  Now, you can reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke by simply eating more polyphenols, the powerful plant nutrients found in fruits and veggies. Goode Health designed and put them all in a tasty superfood shake and conducted a clinical study!  Users of Goode Health had a significant improvement in heart health in just 2 weeks!  Visit goodehealth.com today and use promo code STORY30 for 30% off now!

What if prenatal and reproductive health went beyond pregnancy?  In this episode, I sit down with Ayla Barmmer, Founder & CEO of FullWell, to discuss the critical role of nutrition in fertility, pregnancy, and overall reproductive wellness for both women and men.  As a registered dietitian and integrative health expert, Ayla shares how evidence-based formulations, transparency, and education are changing the landscape of prenatal and fertility supplements. Ayla opens up about the science behind essential nutrients, why preconception health matters, and the industry-wide gaps FullWell is solving. Key Moments in This Episode: ✅ Beyond Prenatals: Why reproductive health isn't just for pregnancy. ✅ The Three-to-Six-Month Rule: How nutrition before conception shapes lifelong health. ✅ Trust & Transparency in Supplements: What to look for in high-quality vitamins. ✅ Why Men's Fertility Matters: The often-overlooked role of male reproductive health. ✅ Building FullWell: How Ayla turned clinical expertise into a mission-driven brand. Join me, Ramon Vela, as we listen to this insightful, science-backed conversation with Ayla Barmmer and explore the future of reproductive wellness!  For more on FullWell, visit https://fullwellfertility.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today's Sponsors: Compass Rose Ventures - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/contact/ Compass Rose Ventures can help your CPG brand increase customer lifetime value, expand into the US market, create an omnipresent omnichannel footprint, optimize customer journeys, build brand communities, and more. Visit the link above to learn more.    Augmentum Media - Influencer Marketing for Consumer Brands: https://www.augmentum-media.com/story What secret do fast-growing Health and Wellness brands like Xtendlife, Nourished, and Hunter & Gather share? They all outsource their influencer marketing to the experts at Augmentum. Augmentum is offering "The Story of a Brand Show" listeners a 30-minute consulting session AND a personalized influencer strategy plan built by their experts for you to implement either with them or in-house. Visit the link above to learn more. 

Changemakers from One Young World SeriesHost Carol Cone interviews Elio Leoni Sceti, co-founder of The Craftory, a mission-driven investment firm focused on responsible consumer packaged goods (CPG). Elio shares insights into The Craftory's approach to funding purpose-led brands that embed sustainability and social impact at their core. He discusses the evolution of consumer consciousness, the challenges of scaling ethical brands, and the importance of integrating responsible practices into a company's DNA rather than treating them as a marketing afterthought. For young changemakers, he emphasizes the power of bold thinking, strategic focus, and perseverance in building businesses that drive meaningful impact.This episode is part of our multi-episode series featuring some of the world's most influential changemakers who attended the 2024 One Young World Summit, a global forum that brings together young leaders from 190+ countries to accelerate social impact.Resources + Links:Elio Leoni Sceti's LinkedInThe CraftoryOne Young World (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - One Young World Series (01:30) - Meet Elio Leoni Sceti (02:46) - The Craftory (05:38) - Purpose or Sustainability on the Label (07:03) - Authenticity (07:46) - Connecting (09:16) - Categories (11:07) - Identifying Potential (12:22) - Great Examples (13:50) - Consumers Today (16:13) - Plastics Issue (18:20) - Searching at One Young World (19:00) - Providing Counsel (21:05) - Last Word (22:00) - Wrap Up

What if you could naturally support your body's appetite regulation without injections or synthetic drugs? In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Kennedy, CEO of Calocurb, to dive into a revolutionary approach to hunger management and GLP-1 activation.   Backed by 14 years of research and $30 million in funding, Calocurb is a clinically tested, plant-based supplement designed to help consumers take control of their cravings and portion size without side effects. Sarah shares how her personal journey, cutting-edge science, and a mission to transform weight management led to one of the most innovative natural solutions on the market today. Key Moments in This Episode: * The Science Behind Natural GLP-1 Activation – How Calocurb helps reduce hunger, cravings, and calorie intake. * A New Approach to Weight Management – Why controlling hormonal hunger signals is more effective than willpower alone.   * Coming Off GLP-1 Injectables? – How Calocurb is being used to help people transition off Ozempic and Wegovy.   * Debunking Diet Myths – Why weight management is about more than just “eat less, move more.”   * The Future of Health & Nutrition – Where the industry is headed and how Calocurb is leading the charge. Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to this insightful and empowering conversation with Sarah Kennedy as we explore the future of natural weight management!  For more on Calocurb, visit:  https://www.calocurb.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify. Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today's Sponsors: Compass Rose Ventures- Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/contact/ Compass Rose Ventures can help your CPG brand increase customer lifetime value, expand into the US market, create an omnipresent omnichannel footprint, optimize customer journeys, build brand communities, and more. Visit the link above to learn more.  Augmentum Media - Influencer Marketing for Consumer Brands: https://www.augmentum-media.com/story What secret do fast-growing Health and Wellness brands like Xtendlife, Nourished, and Hunter & Gather share? They all outsource their influencer marketing to the experts at Augmentum. Augmentum is offering "The Story of a Brand Show" listeners a 30-minute consulting session AND a personalized influencer strategy plan built by their experts for you to implement either with them or in-house. Visit the link above to learn more.     

00:00 Introduction06:10 Transitioning to FinTech: Highbeam14:49 Navigating Retail and E-commerce20:57 The Future of Consumer Brands and AI33:58 The Pros and Cons of Opening Physical Stores41:54 Finding the Right Retail Locations47:46 The Importance of Data in Business51:25 Lessons from High-End Retail Experiences01:02:35 Understanding Market Differences: Canada vs. U.S.01:11:19 The Importance of Great Retail Staff01:14:00 The Future of Retail: Who Will Survive?01:21:14 The Challenge of Competing with Walmart01:25:30 Lessons Learned from Building David's Tea01:27:55 The Emotional Journey of Exiting a Business01:29:18 Connecting with David: Where to Find HimOperators Exclusive Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/shared_invite/zt-2tdfu426r-TepSHJP~evAyDfR29U2qUwPowered By:Fulfil.io.https://bit.ly/3pAp2vuThe Only Cloud ERP Designed to Efficiently Scale 8 and 9-Figure Brands. Northbeam.https://www.northbeam.io/Postscript.https://postscript.io/Richpanel.https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=9O&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescSaras.https://www.sarasanalytics.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=operators+podcast&utm_id=9operatorSubscribe to The Marketing Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingOperators

How can a company use today's digital world to their advantage? Luckily for Jeff and Kelly, they have just the expert to ask: Abbey Karel from Bounteous! In their chat with Abbey, they talk digital strategies, automation, AI and more. Plus, just how long until the tucked in sweater goes out of fashion? Listen to find out!  About Abbey: As VP of Growth at Bounteous, Abbey Karel helps Consumer Brands drive digital transformation and create meaningful customer experiences that maximize growth and ROI. By aligning business goals with digital innovation, she enables brands to unlock new opportunities through strategic partnerships and co-innovation while optimizing spend.  With a background in global client leadership, digital strategy, and in-store innovation, Abbey has worked with some of the world's most recognized brands to elevate customer engagement and drive measurable business impact. Prior to Bounteous, she led high-impact client relationships at Ogilvy, earning recognition as a Top-25 Global Client Leader, and played a key role in pioneering native apps and in-store digital experiences for Kohl's and JCPenney.    Abbey is also a frequent speaker and thought leader, sharing insights on digital transformation, customer experience, and data-driven growth at industry events.

In today's episode, I sit down with Yash Chavan, the founder of Saral, to talk about what's changed in influencer marketing, what's working right now, and how brands can build long-term, authentic partnerships with influencers. We dive into the evolution of the influencer space, why attention is the new currency, and how brands can stop wasting money on the wrong influencer deals. Yash breaks down his game-changing strategy—one that flips the script on traditional influencer marketing and helps brands build a sustainable, scalable pipeline of real advocates. If you're serious about growth, this episode is packed with must-know insights! Key Moments in This Episode: * The Attention Economy – Why getting the right kind of attention matters more than ever. * Building Your Influencer "Secret Society" – The three-layer strategy that separates successful brands from the rest. * The New Way to Pay Influencers – How brands can de-risk partnerships and only invest in proven creators. * Common Mistakes to Avoid – Why follower count means nothing without real influence. * The Future of Influencer Marketing – How AI, authenticity, and trust will shape the next wave of brand partnerships. Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to this insightful episode with Yash Chavan as we uncover the real strategies behind influencer marketing success!

Fonterra appears to be advancing its plans to sell off Anchor, Mainland and its other consumer brands. The co-op hasn't decided whether or not to sell the brands to another business in a trade sale - or whether to list the in an IPO. NZ Shareholders Association CEO Oliver Mander weighs in on what Fonterra's next move could be. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine leaving a six‐figure Wall Street salary behind to chase a single, daring idea. In this episode, David Heacock shows you how he turned a basic product into a $250M empire. At 29, he left Wall Street to bet on air filters. That bet transformed into Filterbuy, now a $250 million direct-to-consumer manufacturer serving more than 7 million customers through a ruthlessly efficient operation. Today we talk about what actually matters when building a business, balancing obsession with family life, selling on Amazon, what he'd do differently if starting over, and the freight decision he calls his biggest mistake. Whether you're starting a business, scaling one, or simply looking for insights on hiring, managing, or making bold decisions, David shares the lessons that helped him build his empire.    David Heacock is the founder and CEO of Filterbuy. Before revolutionizing the air filter industry, he traded options at Goldman Sachs from 2005-2012.  If you're driven by bold decisions and value hard-won lessons, this conversation is your playbook. Don't miss out on the insights that could redefine your own path to success. Newsletter - The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it's completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter Upgrade — If you want to hear my thoughts and reflections at the end of the episode, join our membership: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fs.blog/membership⁠⁠ and get your own private feed. Watch on YouTube: @tkppodcast (00:02:56) David's Journey to Goldman Sachs  (00:06:07) Committing to Entrepreneurship  (00:07:35) The Power of Obsession  (00:10:08) The Decision to Expand Geographically  (00:12:55) Challenges in Building the First Plant  (00:18:58) Management Level Hiring  (00:22:41) Studying Operating Systems for Companies  (00:24:49) The Nuances of Hiring  (00:25:53) External Accountability  (00:29:37) Adapting Business Operating Systems  (00:30:13) The Role of a Chief of Staff  (00:31:03) Building Department-Specific Operating Models  (00:32:56) Articulating the Company's Mission and Values  (00:44:19) Understanding Marketing and Branding  (00:47:10) The Strategy Behind Intent-Based Marketing  (00:52:13) The Decision to Enter Retail  (00:57:26) Success in Retail and Customer Acquisition  (00:58:19) Diversifying Market Segments  (00:59:13) Competitive Advantage Over Other Brands  (01:01:07) The Logistics Aspect of the Business  (01:04:25) Defining Direct-to-Consumer Brands  (01:08:39) Technical Challenges and Overcoming Setbacks  (01:11:46) Core Personal Traits for Success  (01:16:37) The Power of Obsession Over Willpower  (01:17:46) Facing the Hardest Moments in Business  (01:26:36) The Decision to Enter the Freight Business  (01:30:48) Diversifying into the HVAC Service Business  (01:34:51) The Future of HVAC Service Business  (01:36:01) Personal Branding and Business Growth  (01:37:23) The Role of Marketing and Operations  (01:38:48) Contrasting Business Models: Private Equity  (01:43:00) The Importance of Mission and Vision  (01:47:12) Balancing Obsession and Family Life  (01:53:44) The Dangers of Lifestyle Creep and Maintaining Financial Stability  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Behind the Numbers, host Dave Bookbinder is joined by Erin Andrea Craske—executive psychologist, award-winning author, and renowned brand strategist—to explore the power of brand strategy, equity, and differentiation in today's business landscape. Erin shares her personal journey as a nonconformist in the corporate world, highlighting the challenges she faced and the lessons that reshaped her approach to business and life. She dives deep into the true meaning of brand equity, explaining why it's more than just logos and marketing—it's the real, measurable value of a business. Key takeaways from this episode: ✅ How strategic positioning and differentiation create lasting competitive advantage ✅ Why brand equity is a critical business asset ✅ The unique challenges (and advantages!) of nonconformists in corporate environments ✅ Erin's expert insights on navigating business transformation and standing out in a crowded market If you're looking to elevate your brand, challenge conventional thinking, and understand the real value behind a business, this episode is a must-listen!

If you love stories of resilience, grit, and entrepreneurial spirit, today's episode is exactly that.   Meet Molly Blakeley, the powerhouse founder of Molly Bz Cookies, who went from being a single mom with just $150 to her name to building a nationally recognized brand. Molly's journey is nothing short of inspiring—full of hustle, creative problem-solving, and an unstoppable mindset. We talk about the highs and lows of building a business, from baking cookies in her kitchen to landing in major retailers like Costco and Walmart. Molly shares the behind-the-scenes hustle, the power of saying "yes" before you figure it out, and how she turned obstacles into stepping stones for success. If you've ever wondered what it takes to build a brand from the ground up, this episode is for you! Key Moments in This Episode: * The $150 Gamble – How Molly turned her last bit of money into a booming cookie business. * From Food Truck to National Brand – The creative way she tested and validated her cookie concept. * Bold Moves & No Limits – Why asking, taking risks, and ignoring self-imposed limitations led to her big break. * The Walmart Open Call Success – How Molly's hustle landed her two golden tickets and an exclusive Walmart cookie. * Lessons in Entrepreneurship – Her insights on rejection, mindset, and pivoting to keep growing. Join us in listening to this incredible episode with Molly Blakeley as she shares the highs, the lows, and everything in between in building Molly Bz Cookies!  For more on Molly Bz Cookies, visit:  https://mollybz.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today's Sponsors: Compass Rose Ventures - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/contact/ Compass Rose Ventures can help your CPG brand increase customer lifetime value, expand into the US market, create an omnipresent omnichannel footprint, optimize customer journeys, build brand communities, and more. Visit the link above to learn more.    Augmentum Media - Influencer Marketing for Consumer Brands: https://www.augmentum-media.com/story What secret do fast-growing Health and Wellness brands like Xtendlife, Nourished, and Hunter & Gather share? They all outsource their influencer marketing to the experts at Augmentum. Augmentum is offering "The Story of a Brand Show" listeners a 30-minute consulting session AND a personalized influencer strategy plan built by their experts for you to implement either with them or in-house. Visit the link above to learn more. 

How many of you have that idea for a great business nagging you in the back of your head? The one that you just know will make the judges on Shark Tank swoon? Or maybe it's another idea altogether… writing a book, an adventure, going back to school to pivot your career? What is it that urges us to take that leap of faith and move forward? It's not always about a perfectly executed plan. Sometimes it's about resilience, having the right people around you, and more than a little bit of hustle.In this final episode of season 3, J.B. and Molly kick off their shoes with Bianca to talk about what it takes to turn an idea into a thriving brand, the lessons she carried from Facebook into her own company, and why community is everything in business and in life."I never put pressure on myself to start a company. It was like this nagging thing I had to figure out if I could solve." - Bianca GatesFollow Bianca on Instagram @biancagates and check out Birdies at birdies.com.Follow Unserious in your podcast app, at unserious.com, and on Instagram and Threads at @unserious.fun.

In this episode, we dive into the latest trends in retail investing with Claire Cherry, Partner at Era VC. Claire shares her journey from science to venture capital and provides a deep dive into how consumer brands can thrive in today's competitive landscape.

In this episode, Rose Hamilton, Founder of Compass Rose Ventures, sits down with Pete Maldonado and Rashid Ali, Co-founders and Co-CEOs of Chomps, the fastest-growing food brand in the U.S.  From humble beginnings to over $500 million in retail sales, Pete and Rashid have built a brand redefining the snacking industry with high-quality, healthy, and delicious meat snacks. What I love about this conversation is how Pete and Rashid dive into the lessons they've learned, the mistakes they've made, and the strategies that have fueled their success. Whether you're a founder, a business leader, or someone passionate about entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable takeaways. Key Moments in This Episode: * Building from Scratch: How Pete and Rashid leveraged their complementary skills and a deep understanding of their customers to build a loyal community around Chomps. * Focus on Brand Awareness: Why keeping brand awareness ahead of distribution has been their key to scaling successfully while maintaining customer loyalty. * Lessons in Resilience: How bootstrapping through challenges—like raising $1 million in a weekend to fund a Trader Joe's order—helped them grow sustainably. * Innovation with Simplicity: The power of focusing on a core product lineup while introducing customer-driven innovations like pantry packs to meet evolving needs. * The Chompian Culture: How Pete and Rashid maintain their original values and foster a strong company culture, even as their team and operations scale rapidly. Join us in listening to this insightful episode where Pete and Rashid share the secrets behind Chomps' incredible growth and their mission to create a better-for-you brand that resonates with consumers. Let's dive into their journey and learn how to build a purpose-driven and wildly successful business. Enjoy the show! For more on Chomps, visit:  https://chomps.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today's Sponsors: Compass Rose Ventures - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/contact/ Compass Rose Ventures can help your CPG brand increase customer lifetime value, expand into the US market, create an omnipresent omnichannel footprint, optimize customer journeys, build brand communities, and more. Visit the link above to learn more.  Augmentum Media - Influencer Marketing for Consumer Brands: https://www.augmentum-media.com/story What secret do fast-growing Health and Wellness brands like Xtendlife, Nourished, and Hunter & Gather share? They all outsource their influencer marketing to the experts at Augmentum. Augmentum is offering "The Story of a Brand Show" listeners a 30-minute consulting session AND a personalized influencer strategy plan built by their experts for you to implement either with them or in-house. Visit the link above to learn more. 

Buffett and Munger Unscripted: A Conversation with Alex Morris  Alex Morris, friend of the show (and IRL), author of TSOH Investment Research stops by to discuss his new book "Buffett and Munger Unscripted." The book offers three decades of insights from Berkshire Hathaway shareholder meetings, grouped by topic area to provide a coherent understanding of Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger's investment wisdom. Alex shares his experience writing the book, including the extensive work involved and his communication with Berkshire. They also discuss various investment philosophies, the importance of transparency in investment research, and the challenges faced by consumer brands in today's market. Further, they reflect on the impact and potential risks of long-term investments in businesses like Dollar Tree and the complexities of analyzing brands like Jack Daniels.    00:00 Welcome to the Business Brew  00:06 Introducing Alex Morris and His New Book  02:02 Personal Anecdotes and Family Stories  05:15 The Journey of Writing the Book  12:23 Insights on Buffett and Munger's Investment Strategies  28:53 Discussion on Dollar Stores and Retail Landscape  34:19 Analyzing Dollar Tree's Market Position  36:06 The Value Proposition of Dollar Stores  38:08 Comparing Retail Strategies  39:23 Brand Value and Pricing Power  41:14 Consumer Brands and Retail Dynamics  44:27 Investment Strategies and Portfolio Management  49:11 The Philosophy of Investing  55:01 The Business of Writing and Publishing  01:00:44 Reflections and Future Plans 

From the archive: This episode was originally recorded and published on May 26, 2022. Our interviews on The Story of a Brand Shows are meant to be evergreen, and we do our best to confirm that all offers and URLs in these archive episodes are still relevant. In this episode of The Story of a Brand, I interview Anthony Ciavirella, Co-founder of Manmade.  Anthony and his co-founders are redefining men's essentials with a focus on quality, simplicity, and authenticity. From leaving their finance careers to perfecting their products, their story is filled with grit, innovation, and a relentless drive to create something extraordinary. In this episode, we explore what it takes to build a product-driven brand, the journey of creating boxer briefs and socks that truly deliver on quality, and how TikTok and customer feedback became game-changers for their growth. Anthony's passion and insights into entrepreneurship will leave you inspired and ready to take action.   Key Moments in This Episode: * From Finance to Fashion: How four best friends left their corporate careers, locked themselves in a cabin, and came out with a plan to build a legacy brand. * The Power of Listening: Why calling over 1,000 customers and gathering feedback was critical to perfecting their products. * TikTok Success Story: How leveraging trends and authentic storytelling on TikTok helped the brand gain viral attention and organic growth. * Redefining Men's Essentials: The attention to detail behind Manmade's products, including their innovative “drop-top fly” boxer briefs and no-slip socks. * Commitment to Sustainability and Quality: The challenges and rewards of creating premium products without cutting corners or compromising values. Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to this fascinating episode as Anthony takes us behind the scenes of building a purpose-driven brand that puts men's wellness first without the BS. Enjoy the show! For more on Manmade, visit:  https://us.manmadebrand.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today's Sponsors: Compass Rose Ventures - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/contact/ Compass Rose Ventures can help your CPG brand increase customer lifetime value, expand into the US market, create an omnipresent omnichannel footprint, optimize customer journeys, build brand communities, and more. Visit the link above to learn more.    Augmentum Media - Influencer Marketing for Consumer Brands: https://www.augmentum-media.com/story What secret do fast-growing Health and Wellness brands like Xtendlife, Nourished, and Hunter & Gather share? They all outsource their influencer marketing to the experts at Augmentum. Augmentum is offering "The Story of a Brand Show" listeners a 30-minute consulting session AND a personalized influencer strategy plan built by their experts for you to implement either with them or in-house. Visit the link above to learn more. 

https://www.leadfeeder.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=body&utm_campaign=brandvivaSummaryIn this engaging conversation, Mark, Ben, and Adam delve into the world of entrepreneurship, exploring Adam's journey from aspiring doctor to successful entrepreneur with his company, Bottlekeeper. They discuss the influence of childhood environments, the importance of creativity in small towns, and the risks associated with starting a business. Adam shares insights on the initial skepticism he had about Bottlekeeper and the innovative ways he tested the market for his product. The conversation highlights the significance of enjoying what you do and the value of taking calculated risks in the pursuit of success. In this conversation, Adam Callinan shares his journey of launching and growing Bottle Keeper, emphasizing the importance of market validation, the impact of Shark Tank, and the challenges of running a cyclical consumer goods business. He discusses the emotional toll of entrepreneurship, including anxiety and the need for coping strategies, ultimately leading to the decision to exit the business. In this conversation, Adam Callinan shares his journey from leading Bottlekeeper to launching Pentane, a software tool designed to help businesses understand their financial dynamics. He discusses the acquisition process, the importance of patience during transitions, and the lessons learned from consulting with struggling companies. Adam emphasizes the significance of efficiency and strategic spending in entrepreneurship, while also highlighting the impact of his work on other businesses. The discussion culminates in Adam's vision for Pentane as a tool that empowers business operators to make informed decisions and drive profitability. https://www.leadfeeder.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=body&utm_campaign=brandviva

In this episode, Rose Hamilton, Founder of Compass Rose Ventures, sits down with Mike Glick, the innovative Co-founder and CEO of Goode Health.  Mike shared his journey from working in large-scale nutrition to building a groundbreaking, personalized superfood brand. His passion for nutrition and commitment to helping people take charge of their health shines through as he discusses how Goode Health leverages technology, data, and smart product design to transform daily routines into healthy habits.  If you've ever been curious about biohacking, personalized wellness, or the future of nutrition, this episode is for you! Key Takeaways: * From Big Nutrition to Innovation: Mike's journey from working at Abbott Nutrition to launching Goode Health and what inspired his focus on personalized wellness. * The Science Behind Superfoods: How Goode Health uses polyphenols, clean ingredients, and customization to create a powerful yet scalable product. * Blending Tech and Nutrition: Why personalization, backed by wearables and biomarkers, is the next frontier in health. * Tackling Wellness Trends: How Goode Health is positioning itself to complement health trends like GLP-1 usage and the rise of nutrient-dense diets. * Retention Ready from Day One: The importance of starting with retention strategies and creating tools to help consumers stay engaged, like journals and recipe guides. Join us in listening to the episode as Mike shares his vision for the future of health, his entrepreneurial lessons, and why Goode Health is poised to redefine the wellness industry.

In this episode of The Story of a Brand Show, I interview Cleo Davis-Urman, the founder of Barrière, about her groundbreaking innovation in the vitamin and wellness space. Cleo shares her inspiring journey from working in luxury fashion to reimagining how we take vitamins with her patented transdermal patches. What started as a personal need has become a product combining functionality, design, and self-expression, making wellness accessible, stylish, and practical. From navigating manufacturing hurdles to embracing customer feedback, her journey is a masterclass in perseverance, innovation, and building a brand with heart. Key Moments to Look Out For: * The Spark of Innovation: How Cleo's health challenges led her to invent transdermal vitamin patches. * Bridging Wellness and Style: Creating wearable "works of art" that make health routines fun and expressive. * Consumer-Centric Iteration: Leveraging customer feedback to refine the product for accessibility and appeal. * Overcoming Hurdles: Finding the right manufacturing partner and perfecting the product over three years. * Advice for Entrepreneurs: Patience, trust in the process, and not letting fear of failure hold you back. Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to the episode! You won't want to miss this inspiring story of resilience, creativity, and innovation. For more on Barrière, visit: https://www.mybarriere.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today's Sponsors: Compass Rose Ventures - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/contact/ Compass Rose Ventures can help your CPG brand increase customer lifetime value, expand into the US market, create an omnipresent omnichannel footprint, optimize customer journeys, build brand communities, and more. Visit the link above to learn more.    Augmentum Media - Influencer Marketing for Consumer Brands: https://www.augmentum-media.com/story What secret do fast-growing Health and Wellness brands like Xtendlife, Nourished, and Hunter & Gather share? They all outsource their influencer marketing to the experts at Augmentum. Augmentum is offering "The Story of a Brand Show" listeners a 30-minute consulting session AND a personalized influencer strategy plan built by their experts for you to implement either with them or in-house. Visit the link above to learn more.

Artificial intelligence is changing the relationship between brands and consumers. And of course, as CPG and retail brands do everything possible to unlock more value, AI has become a new tool for CMOs. Accenture's Managing Director and Partner, Karen Fang Grant, joined me to share her perspective on new AI trends, market disruptors, and the reinvention of retail experiences.If you are a chief marketing officer and seeking information about how best to leverage AI in 2025, you're in the right place! Karen's in-depth knowledge and personal obsession surrounding consumer products and retail is unparalleled. She loves L'Oreal.On this episode, Karen and I discuss AI's impact on marketing, content creation, the value chain, personalized shopping experiences, customer privacy, data security, and even the drawbacks of artificial intelligence.The discussion delves into new AI trends, the influence of AI on content creation, personalized shopping experiences, customer privacy, and data security. Karen shares her insights on the evolving role of brands in an AI-driven world, the transformation of marketing strategies, and the potential for AI to redefine consumer trust and loyalty.The conversation also covers the implications of AI for job displacement and the importance of maintaining human creativity and authenticity in brand communication.Preorder Marc's new book, "Some Future Day: How AI Is Going to Change Everything"Sign up for the Some Future Day Newsletter here: https://marcbeckman.substack.com/Episode Links:Karen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-fang-grantTwitter: https://x.com/KarenFangGrantTo join the conversation, follow Marc Beckman here: YoutubeLinkedInTwitterInstagramTikTok

Ben Matthews is a general partner at Night Ventures, an early-stage consumer VC fund, focused on culture, community, and creators. They have partnered with some of the most famous people on the internet including Mr. Beast, Kai Cenat, and Hasan Piker.In this episode of DTC Pod, Ben and Blaine discuss:Lessons from incubating and investing in early-stage consumer companiesThe key elements of successful talent-driven brands, including audience fit and long-term commitmentChoosing the right business opportunities based on market potential and operational feasibilityStructuring effective partnerships between creators, operators, and investorsThe future of TikTok and emerging monetization avenues for content creatorsInteract with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Business Launch and Growth2. Talent-Driven Brands3. Challenges in Creator Partnerships4. Creator-Audience Relationship5. Employment Trends and AI Impact6. Content Commerce Trends7. TikTok's Future and Market Impact8. Elements of Business Success9. Incentive Structure in Partnerships10. Importance of Having an Audience11. Monetization Opportunities for CreatorsTimestamps00:00 Ben Matthew's background and Night Ventures06:05 Building business with talent: the case of Mr. Beast10:54 What works in creator-brand partnerships15:25 Picking the right talent to represent a brand19:42 Picking the right business and products23:01 Incubating early-stage consumer companies30:07 Investing in early-stage consumer companies33:03 Future trends in the creator-commerce space35:19 Future trends in the content creator landscapeShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Ben Matthews - General Partner at Night VenturesBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

In this week's roundup we are joined buy Pudgy Penguins founder Luca Netz to unpack the recent Pengu token launch. He shares the journey from surviving the bear market with just $500k in the bank to becoming a global brand in Walmart, and explains why Pudgy Penguins is positioned to become crypto's first consumer conglomerate. The conversation delves into the challenges of fundraising for IP projects, strategic decisions around launching on Solana versus Abstract L2, and how the project aims to transcend traditional memecoins to become a cultural phenomenon. Thanks for tuning in! - - Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross and David Canellis. Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire?utm_source=podcasts Follow Luca: https://x.com/lucanetz Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz Follow Santiago: https://twitter.com/santiagoroel Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod Subscribe on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/4fdhhb2j Subscribe on Apple: https://tinyurl.com/mv4frfv7ww Subscribe on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/wbaypprw Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ - - Explore the SKALE Ecosystem at skale.space/ecosystem and stay up to date with the gas-free blockchain on X at @skalenetwork - - It's time for an on chain Binance to emerge. Magic Eden is getting into token trading and their vision is to become on chain Binance and then much more as the entire world ends up moving on chain - - The self-custody wallet that's built for swapping. Created for a multi-chain world by the most trusted team in DeFi. Available on Chrome, iOS, and Android. https://blckwrks.co/UniswapWallet - - $cmETH, a Mantle native liquid restaking token, will launch together with Season 2: Methamorphosis, allowing users to easily participate in restaking, and earn $COOK rewards in addition to other yields. $COOK, the governance token of mETH Protocol, will allow holders to play a pivotal role in directing the strategic future of mETH Protocol. Learn more: https://x.com/mETHProtocol - - Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors Empire podcast. Celebrating 10 years of protecting over 20% of the world's crypto, Ledger ensures the security of your assets. For the best self-custody solution in the space, buy a LEDGER™ device and secure your crypto today. Buy now at Ledger.com - - Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (02:51) Pudgy Airdrop Review (12:16) Why launch a coin (24:56) Solana, zkSync, L2 Decision Making (30:53) Skale Ad (31:32) Magic Eden Ad (32:16) Uniswap Ad (32:48) Mantle Ad (33:43) Ledger Ad (34:30) Walmart Deal making (51:48) Difficulty of Raising - - Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

I had an amazing conversation with David Johnson, the CEO and Co-founder of Genexa, a brand that's revolutionizing the pharmaceutical industry with clean, effective medicine. David's journey is one of resilience and purpose, fueled by his passion for providing families with better options. From building the first organic-certified over-the-counter medicines to tackling the giants of the pharmaceutical world, his story is both inspiring and practical.  If you've ever wondered what it takes to disrupt an industry while staying true to your values, this episode is for you. Key Moments in the Podcast: * How two dads with no background in pharmaceuticals decided to clean up the medicine aisle. * The challenges of replacing artificial ingredients with clean, natural alternatives while maintaining FDA standards. * Why Genexa products are now found in major retailers like Walmart, CVS, and Whole Foods. * The importance of building a people-focused brand that listens to its customers. * David's advice for entrepreneurs facing big challenges is to stay focused, be passionate, and always remember why you started.

In today's episode of The Story of a Brand Show! Today, I interviewed Tom Reilly, the passionate and innovative Co-founder, President, and partner behind VMI Sports Nutrition. Tom's journey is a masterclass in grit, creativity, and staying true to his mission of delivering high-quality, performance-driven supplements. From humble beginnings to becoming a trusted name in the sports nutrition space, Tom shares how he's navigating challenges while staying deeply connected to his community and customers. Here are some highlights from our conversation: * Building a Brand with Purpose: How gratitude, persistence, and a clear vision fueled Tom's entrepreneurial journey. * Solving Real Problems: The story behind ProtoLite, a protein product that addresses digestion and hydration needs. * Lessons in Resilience: Overcoming financial struggles, personal sacrifices, and staying committed to product quality. * Finding Your Niche: The importance of starting with a focused audience and growing organically from there. * Innovation That Matters: Redefining customer-centric innovation with functional, effective, and value-driven products. Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to this inspiring episode as Tom shares his hard-earned lessons, the philosophy behind VMI Sports Nutrition, and his unwavering commitment to improving his customers' lives.

In this episode of The Entrepreneurial You, join us as we explore the journey of Jordan Frank, co-founder of Courageous, a full-service marketing agency specializing in helping direct-to-consumer brands grow through digital channels. As a multiple 7-figure entrepreneur and marketing advisor to renowned companies like Netflix, Capital One, Adidas, Fender Guitars, and Urban Outfitters, Jordan brings a wealth of experience and expertise. Jordan shares his mission to apply industry-leading marketing strategies to up-and-coming brands that promote health, happiness, and freedom. Get ready to master marketing for direct-to-consumer brands with insights from a true industry leader! COMMUNITY CONNECTION: In this segment, I invite you, our community, to share your reviews, questions, feedback, etc. to engage with us. This week I am sharing a feedback from one of our community members, Tishauna Mullings, that I met up with at the Build Wealth Conference in August. “I was a guest on this podcast some time ago, and I genuinely believe every entrepreneur should listen. If you're looking for a playbook with tips, strategies, and tools to grow and scale your business, this is the podcast for you. And don't keep it to yourself—share it with every entrepreneur you know. You can find it on all podcast platforms, wherever you listen.” CONTACT JORDAN FRANK: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanfrank/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-frank-46085625/ TRENDING NOW: A growing trend in digital marketing is the increased emphasis on personalized customer experiences. Leveraging AI and machine learning, marketers are creating highly tailored interactions to enhance customer satisfaction and drive sales. According to HubSpot, 96% of marketers believe that personalization advances customer relationships, while 94% report it boosts conversion rates and sales. This trend underscores the importance of delivering relevant, individualized content and recommendations to engage customers effectively and foster loyalty. If you enjoyed this episode of The Entrepreneurial You, subscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, leave a rating, and share it with your friends. Join our global community of forward-thinking entrepreneurs and don't miss out on actionable insights and strategies that can transform your business. Reach out at heneka@henekawatkisporter.com. Affirm with me: I have the power to transform my dreams into reality. I am a beacon of innovation and success, radiating my unique vision into the world. Stay inspired, stay driven, and until next time, keep shining brightly! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode of The Story of a Brand Show, I had the pleasure of chatting with Lisa King, the trailblazing founder behind AF Drinks. Lisa's journey is as inspiring as it is impactful—from launching Eat My Lunch, a social enterprise that addressed child poverty in New Zealand, to creating a globally recognized alcohol-free beverage brand. With a clear mission to normalize mindful drinking, Lisa is reshaping how we celebrate, socialize, and live healthier lives. Her story is a testament to the power of purpose-driven business. Here are some highlights from our conversation: * From Social Impact to Innovation: How Lisa transitioned from Eat My Lunch to leading the alcohol-free revolution with AF Drinks. * The Power of Purpose: Creating businesses with missions that change lives and solve real-world problems. * Challenging Alcohol Culture: Why Lisa is passionate about making alcohol-free living fun, aspirational, and inclusive. * The Role of Afterglow: AF Drinks' unique ingredient that replicates the warmth and ritual of alcohol. * Lessons for Entrepreneurs: Insights on building mission-driven brands that blend profit and purpose. Join us in listening to this inspiring episode as Lisa shares her journey of resilience, innovation, and transforming social norms—one drink at a time!

Elizabeth welcomes Tom Spier, founder and managing partner of Boulder Food Group, a VC firm focused on consumer packaged goods. Tom shares his journey from an early employee at BareNaked to selling the company to Kellogg's, and then co-founding Evolved Foods before transitioning to investing. Tom provides some great insights on building successful CPG brands, the importance of innovation, strong supply chains, and surrounding yourself with the right people. He also shares advice for navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, tips for making a great first impression, and going for your idea with gusto. Say Hi To Elizabeth and Purely Elizabeth: Website | InstagramTom: Boulder Food Group Mentioned:OlipopBobo's  Vacation Mineral Sunscreen

In this interview, I had the pleasure of speaking with Chris Lander, founder of Autobrush, about his journey in reinventing how we approach oral care. From starting out in affiliate marketing to building an innovative, ADA-approved dental care product, Chris has a passion for creating something meaningful that genuinely makes a difference in people's lives.  In this episode, he shares the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial path, the challenges of disrupting a traditional industry, and how Autobrush is improving the health and independence of its users. Here are some highlights from our conversation: * Building from Curiosity: How Chris transitioned from affiliate marketing to creating a groundbreaking oral care product. * Persistence in Innovation: The five-year journey to refine Autobrush into the revolutionary product it is today. * Changing Lives: Stories of how Autobrush has provided independence for children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. * From Skepticism to Recognition: Earning the ADA Seal as the first non-traditional toothbrush in the industry. * Lessons for Entrepreneurs: Why staying lean, patenting your ideas, and treating people well are keys to success. Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to this inspiring episode as Chris takes us through his remarkable journey and shares his vision for the future of dental care!

In today's episode of The Story of a Brand Show, I sit down with Michael Ark, the creative mind behind OCTOBUDDY, to explore his fascinating entrepreneurial journey.  From life-changing moments in the Arctic to the creation of a viral sensation, Michael shared how his unique adventures shaped his approach to building a product loved by millions.  His passion for innovation and commitment to making OCTOBUDDY more than just a tool—it's a stylish companion—truly stood out. Here are just a few of the topics we discussed: * The Birth of OCTOBUDDY: How a trip to Indonesia inspired Michael to create a tool that became a viral hit. * A Near-Death Experience: The Arctic expedition that taught Michael resilience and the importance of perseverance. * Building from Scratch: Michael's journey from hand-packing products in his apartment to scaling through Amazon. * The Power of Community: How customer feedback has driven innovation, including OCTOBUDDY Max and Mini versions. * Lessons in Entrepreneurship: Why following your passions, embracing failure, and having a dream are critical to success. Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to this inspiring episode as Michael shares the highs, lows, and everything in between on his journey to creating OCTOBUDDY!

About the Guest(s):Sid Banthiya is an esteemed advisor and investor with a wealth of experience in consumer businesses. He began his career in investment banking with UBS and Credit Suisse, where he developed a strong foundation in finance. Sid transitioned into executive roles at prominent consumer brands like Blue Apron and Milk Bar, where he honed his expertise in financial strategy, operations, and packaging. His journey from finance to consumer investments underscores his acumen in identifying and nurturing business opportunities within the consumer sector.About the Sponsors:Specright has some amazing things happening! Please check them out below and help support the podcast!* Specright eBook - How to define sustainable packaging strategies!* Gartner Report* Packaging Pros eBook* Home Page* Book a demo with SpecrightMeyers has some incredible sustainable packaging options!* Get the 2023 Sustainability Report* Meyers Packaging EPR eBook - it is FREE!!Get the dopest Packaging shirts at www.packagingfashion.comBook a demo with Trayak (LCA's on demand!)SmartSolve has water soluble label and paper materials. Learn more!The Scrapp App is going to revolutionize home and corporate recycling. Download for your device today!Episode Summary:In this engaging episode of the People of Packaging Podcast, host Adam Peek welcomes Sid Banthiya, a savvy advisor and investor in consumer businesses. They dive into the complexities of #packaging within consumer brands, exploring how it intersects with various departments from marketing to operations. This episode promises to offer unique insights into what advisors and investors like Sid look for when assessing consumer businesses, particularly in the realm of packaging.Sid Banthiya draws from his extensive background in finance and consumer businesses to uncover how packaging impacts financial outcomes, brand perception, and customer experience. From his time at Blue Apron to Milk Bar, Sid shares anecdotes that reveal the multifaceted role of packaging in retail success. Listeners will gain an understanding of the omnichannel disruption that packaging can cause and how it influences both operational and branding strategies. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone interested in the convergence of finance, consumer behavior, and innovative packaging solutions.Key Takeaways:* Packaging impacts every department in a consumer business, from finance to marketing, and logistics to customer experience.* Sid highlights the importance of control in packaging, particularly how direct-to-consumer brands manage their packaging compared to wholesale and retail channels.* The significance of physical and design considerations in packaging decisions for shelf presence, consumer engagement, and logistical efficiency is emphasized.* An omnichannel approach requires packaging that fits well in both digital and physical realms, ensuring consistency and brand representation across all platforms.* Understanding customer feedback and behavior through packaging experiences can inform strategic business improvements.Notable Quotes:* "Packaging can hit so many different parts…from a cost perspective, and then obviously all the way to sort of the revenue side and in between." - Sid Banthiya* "There's only so much advice I can give if I don't really understand the product." - Sid Banthiya* "Finance, as we've talked about, Adam, as sort of the source of truth for everybody that's sitting in the business, that's thinking about experimenting." - Sid Banthiya* "You have the operations folks saying… It's the summer months. By the time it got there, we had bad customer experiences." - Sid Banthiya* "When you're bringing in products, if they sell out, you can simply say, hey guys, like, sorry, I mean, we sold out." - Sid BanthiyaResources:* Connect with Sid Banthiya on LinkedIn for more insights and to explore his advisories.* Learn more about Blue Apron and Milk Bar, brands where Sid has played key roles.* Discover Pop Up Grocer, an innovative retailer mentioned in the episode.* Explore Tacombi, another noteworthy business Sid mentions for its unique take on consumer experience.Listeners are invited to dive into the full episode for a comprehensive understanding of the intricate roles packaging plays in consumer businesses and to gain more insights from Sid Banthiya's wealth of experience. Stay tuned for future episodes filled with enlightening discussions and expert insights in the realm of packaging and beyond. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.packagingisawesome.com/subscribe

In this episode, Rose Hamilton, Founder of Compass Rose Ventures, sits down with Eziah Syed, Co-founder and CEO of MEND, to talk about his inspiring journey and mission to revolutionize healthcare through nutrition.  Eziah shared deeply personal stories that fueled his passion for creating a brand focused on healing, both physically and emotionally. We dive into the innovative approach MEND is taking by merging clinical nutrition with behavioral science and the enormous impact it's having on patients, athletes, and the healthcare industry as a whole. We also explore some of the biggest challenges in healthcare today, why prevention is critical, and how MEND gives doctors new tools to improve outcomes.  Plus, Eziah shares insights on balancing innovation with execution, the importance of micro-habits for personal wellness, and his thoughts on staying mission-driven. Key Moments: * The personal story behind MEND's mission to revolutionize healing * How MEND's clinical-grade products are transforming patient recovery * The gap in traditional medicine and the role of nutrition in healing * Insights into balancing innovation with operational discipline in startups * The importance of micro-habits for personal wellness and resilience Join us in listening to this powerful episode and discover how MEND is reshaping the future of healthcare! For more on Mend, visit:  https://mend.me/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today's Sponsors: Compass Rose Ventures - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/contact/ Compass Rose Ventures can help your CPG brand increase customer lifetime value, expand into the US market, create an omnipresent omnichannel footprint, optimize customer journeys, build brand communities, and more. Visit the link above to learn more.    Augmentum Media - Influencer Marketing for Consumer Brands: https://www.augmentum-media.com/story What secret do fast-growing Health and Wellness brands like Xtendlife, Nourished, and Hunter & Gather share? They all outsource their influencer marketing to the experts at Augmentum. Augmentum is offering "The Story of a Brand Show" listeners a 30-minute consulting session AND a personalized influencer strategy plan built by their experts for you to implement either with them or in-house. Visit the link above to learn more. 

Subscribe to Our Conscious Commerce Newsletter:Stay updated with the latest insights and tips by subscribing to our newsletter here: https://subscribe.2xecommerce.comShownote available on: https://2xecommerce.com/podcast/ep456/In this episode of the 2X eCommerce podcast, host Kunle Campbell is joined by Ellery, the founder of NIFT, to discuss an innovative alternative to traditional advertising platforms like Meta. They explore how NIFT offers eCommerce brands a scalable way to acquire highly engaged, high intent customers by leveraging a network of premium consumer apps to match brands with potential customers who aren't actively in the market but are interested. Through tailored gift mechanisms, NIFT allows brands to reach new audiences while collecting valuable first-party data, offering a game-changing channel for customer acquisition. Ellery shares insights into managing NIFT accounts, optimizing conversion rates, and the potential benefits for both large and emerging brands, highlighting its consistency and scalability as an acquisition channel. The conversation also touches on the challenges marketers face with traditional advertising platforms, and how NIFT's approach can provide a more efficient path to growth.00:00 How NIFT is Helping Consumer Brands Acquire New Customers at Scale → Elery Pfeffer01:59 Meet Ellery: The Visionary Behind NIFT02:28 Ellery's Journey: From Tech Enthusiast to Marketing Innovator04:44 The Problem with Traditional Advertising05:54 Introducing NIFT: A Revolutionary Platform08:56 How NIFT Works: A Deep Dive13:15 Success Stories: Brands Thriving with NIFT16:35 Optimizing Your Marketing Strategy with NIFT18:57 NIFT's Unique Approach to Customer Engagement26:44 Scaling with NIFT: Opportunities for Emerging Brands37:05 Getting Started with NIFT: Tips and Offers42:07 Conclusion: Embrace the Future of Customer AcquisitionConnect with 2X eCommerce:Website: 2X eCommerce Website → https://2xecommerce.com/podcast/Instagram: 2X eCommerce Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/2xecommerce/Twitter: 2X eCommerce Twitter → https://twitter.com/2XeCommerceYouTube: 2X eCommerce YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@2XeCommerce/Get a Copy of Kunle's BookElevate your e-commerce game with Kunle Campbell's book, "E-Commerce Growth Strategy: A Brand-Driven Approach to Attract Shoppers, Build Community and Retain Customers." Discover practical strategies and insights to boost your e-commerce growth.Buy on Amazon → https://amzn.to/3ybY6WSBuy on Walmart → https://bit.ly/3swOuDeBuy on Kogan Page → https://bit.ly/44DylLnBuy on Barnes & Noble → https://bit.ly/3Pgd4B4Buy on WHSmith → https://bit.ly/4bfr9r3Sponsors:This episode is proudly brought to you by: 1️⃣ ShipAccel↳ ShipAccel helps eCommerce operators streamline their entire shipping process, saving time and money. With ShipAccel, you can lower your shipping costs by accessing better carrier rates, track and analyze all of your shipments with powerful insights, and automate your workflows to focus more on growing your business. Whether you're handling thousands of orders or just getting started, ShipAccel scales effortlessly with your business. Simplify shipping, save on costs, and deliver faster with ShipAccel.Head over to ShipAccel.com to find out more 2️⃣ REVIEWS.io↳ Drive Sales & Reduce Marketing Spending with REVIEWS.ioREVIEWS.io offers an affordable, all-in-one platform for collecting and displaying customer reviews. It's easy for you to set up and simple for your customers to leave reviews, helping you boost both trust and conversions from anyone discovering your brand on Google.With REVIEWS.io, you can increase your Google conversions by up to 26%, improve click-through rates, and lower your ad costs—all with a platform built for busy eCommerce operators like you.To find out more, head over to Reviews.ioGet 10% off your first year—mention ‘2x eCommerce' when you sign up.New customers only. Terms and conditions apply.Creators & Guests Kunle Campbell - Host Elery Pfeffer - Guest (00:00) - How NIFT is Helping Consumer Brands Acquire New Customers at Scale → Elery Pfeffer (02:10) - Meet Ellery: The Visionary Behind NIFT (02:40) - Ellery's Journey: From Tech Enthusiast to Marketing Innovator (04:56) - The Problem with Traditional Advertising (06:05) - Introducing NIFT: A Revolutionary Platform (09:08) - How NIFT Works: A Deep Dive (11:36) - Boost Your Visibility with Reviews.io (15:50) - Success Stories: Brands Thriving with NIFT (19:10) - Optimizing Your Marketing Strategy with NIFT (21:32) - NIFT's Unique Approach to Customer Engagement (29:19) - Scaling with NIFT: Opportunities for Emerging Brands (39:40) - Getting Started with NIFT: Tips and Offers (44:42) - Conclusion: Embrace the Future of Customer Acquisition

In today's episode, Ramon Vela interviews Meredith Mann, the Founder of The Peachie Spoon. We discussed her journey of creating her health-conscious brand and how she turned a personal wellness breakthrough into a thriving business.  From managing blood sugar through balanced smoothies to launching her own protein powder, Meredith shared the passion and intention behind everything she creates. Her story of overcoming health struggles and her dedication to helping others “feel their best” made this an inspiring conversation. Meredith also opened up about developing her protein powder, ensuring it's free from unnecessary fillers while maintaining great taste and quality. Her approach to wellness is refreshing—focusing on nourishing the body without obsession and making healthy living easy for everyone.  Whether you're interested in health, entrepreneurship, or simply want to feel better, you won't want to miss this episode. Key moments from the interview: * Meredith's personal wellness journey and how it led to creating The Peachie Spoon * How balancing blood sugar with protein-packed smoothies changed her life * The importance of creating products with integrity and transparency * Challenges and lessons learned in developing her protein powder * Tips for maintaining a healthy relationship with food and simplifying wellness Whether you're interested in health, entrepreneurship, or simply want to feel better, you won't want to miss this episode. For more on The Peachie Spoon, visit:  https://thepeachiespoon.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today's Sponsors: Compass Rose Ventures - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/contact/ Compass Rose Ventures can help your CPG brand increase customer lifetime value, expand into the US market, create an omnipresent omnichannel footprint, optimize customer journeys, build brand communities, and more. Visit the link above to learn more.    Augmentum Media - Influencer Marketing for Consumer Brands: https://www.augmentum-media.com/story What secret do fast-growing Health and Wellness brands like Xtendlife, Nourished, and Hunter & Gather share? They all outsource their influencer marketing to the experts at Augmentum. Augmentum is offering "The Story of a Brand Show" listeners a 30-minute consulting session AND a personalized influencer strategy plan built by their experts for you to implement either with them or in-house. Visit the link above to learn more.