Podcast appearances and mentions of mark rampolla

You know when a company brags about its “great culture,” but the employees look dead inside? That's because culture isn't what leaders say it is — it's what customers feel. In this episode, Mark Rampolla, founder of ZICO Coconut Water and managing partner at Ground Force Capital, tells us how culture quietly shapes every customer interaction. From Liquid Death's branding genius to why “culture fit” hiring is a terrible idea, Mark breaks down what it really takes to build a company people actually want to engage with.We also dive into the “need behind the need” (AKA why customers don't buy what you're selling but what it does for them). Mark shares how ZICO won over yoga studios by solving problems beyond hydration and why understanding where your customers make their money is the key to selling. If your culture, hiring, or customer experience feels off, this conversation holds the solution you're looking for. Key Moments: 00:00 Who is Mark Rampolla, founder of ZICO & managing partner at GroundForce Capital?01:02 Building a Movement02:13 Why Company Culture Matters03:35 Culture in Action: Real-World Examples08:27 Hiring a Culture Add & Customer Obsession17:36 Assessing and Evolving Company Culture24:42 Understanding the Need Behind the Need25:06 Real-World Examples of Customer Empathy26:17 Building Relationships with Yoga Studios29:31 Marketing Strategies and ROI31:34 Hypothesis Testing & the Opportunities in Operational Failure38:17 Active Listening and Empathy in Business41:24 Impressive Brand Experiences43:18 Mark's Key Advice for CX Leaders  –Are your teams facing growing demands? Join CX leaders transforming their strategies with Agentforce. Start achieving your ambitious goals. Visit salesforce.com/agentforce Mission.org is a media studio producing content alongside world-class clients. Learn more at mission.org

In this podcast episode of Entrepreneurship Lab, my guest is Mark Rampolla a visionary entrepreneur and the founder of ZICO Coconut Water, a brand that helped create the now $8 billion global coconut water category. After growing ZICO into one of the fastest-growing beverages worldwide, Mark sold the company to Coca Cola in 2013. He then transitioned into investing, co-founding PowerPlant Partners, where he played a key role in the plant-based food movement, including the success of Beyond Meat.In 2020, Mark made a bold move by repurchasing ZICO from Coca Cola with a group of investors, including Jesse Itzler and tennis star Naomi Osaka. Now, through GroundForce Capital, Mark manages $500 million in assets, focusing on health, wellness, and sustainability investments. His journey reflects a deep commitment to innovation and positive change in the consumer goods industry.Enjoy the episode and implement the tips to make your business more successful! Don't forget to subscribe, download and share this episode!

In season 4's first episode of Braving Business, we sit down with Mark Rampolla, a trailblazing entrepreneur, investor, and author who didn't just build a brand—he built an entire category. As the Founder of ZICO Beverages, Mark turned coconut water from a niche health trend into a global phenomenon, ultimately selling the company to Coca-Cola in 2013.But success didn't come easy. Five years on the verge of bankruptcy, high-stakes negotiations with Coca-Cola, and personal struggles—including chasing shiny objects, burying emotions, and relying on substances—shaped his journey in ways he never expected. Mark has since redefined what success means, stepping into the role of investor and mentor, and now as Co-Founder and Managing Partner of GroundForce Capital, he backs mission-driven consumer brands like Liquid Death and Thrive Market.In this conversation, Mark opens up about:Why the traditional entrepreneurial success formula is broken—and how to flip it.How being first to market nearly killed ZICO, and how he finally turned it around.The biggest mistakes founders make when raising capital—and how to fix them.Why real freedom isn't something you wait for—it's something you create right now.Lessons from losing millions as an investor—and how he learned to play the game differently.Mark's upcoming book, An Entrepreneur's Guide to Freedom, explores how founders can reclaim control of their lives, and in this episode, he shares his hard-won lessons on balancing ambition with well-being, success with self-awareness, and risk with resilience.Oh, and yes—he really did personally unload 5,000 cases of ZICO in his early days.Key Takeaways:The path to freedom isn't through financial success—it starts with mindset and intention.Entrepreneurs fail when they chase growth for growth's sake instead of aligning with their deeper purpose.Raising capital is a skill, and most founders make it harder on themselves by not understanding the game.Connect with Mark Rampolla:LinkedIn: Mark RampollaContact Us: Visit www.bravingbusiness.com for more information, resources, and episodes.Mark's story is raw, real, and packed with lessons for any entrepreneur—whether you're building your first startup or trying to find your way back to the freedom you thought success would bring. This is one episode you don't want to miss.

Mark Rampolla, fouder of ZICO Coconut Water and author of High Hanging Fruit: Build Something Great By Going Where No One Else Will, shares how to built such a robust brand that you buy it back after selling. Improve your storytelling immediately with my The ABTs of Agile Communications™ quick online course to learn the agile narrative framework that all influential business communication is built.  Grab your copy of The Narrative Gym for Business, a short guide on crafting ABTs for all of your communications.  Read Brand Bewitchery: How to Wield the Story Cycle System™ to Craft Spellbinding Stories for Your Brand.  #StoryOn! ≈Park

Mark Rampolla, Managing Partner at Ground Force Capital, shares his journey from Peace Corps volunteer to creating a billion-dollar brand. Discover how he navigated the beverage industry, sold to Coca-Cola, and then bought back his company to rebuild it even bigger. Rampolla also discusses his transition into venture capital and the exciting companies in his portfolio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Entrepreneurial You, we're excited to introduce you to Mark Rampolla, a visionary entrepreneur and the founder of ZICO Coconut Water. Mark turned a simple idea into a global phenomenon, eventually selling it to Coca-Cola. He is also the co-founder of PowerPlant Partners, playing a pivotal role in the plant-based food movement and contributing to the success of Beyond Meat. In 2020, Mark made headlines by repurchasing ZICO and now heads GroundForce Capital, managing $500 million in health, wellness, and sustainability investments. Join us as Mark shares his journey from coconut water to plant-based powerhouses, revealing the secrets to successful sustainable investing and entrepreneurship. Get ready to be inspired by his commitment to health and wellness and learn how to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of personal branding and business success. 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 a reader of my book, Podcast Power: The Quick-Start Guide to Launching & Leveling-Up, Cecile Levee: I bought this book because of a growing interest in starting my own podcast I was very surprised at how straight forward, easy and idiot proof it was, Heneka takes you through all the steps you could or will ever need to start a podcast, she gives valuable recommendations and also let you in on her secrets. I bought the kindle version but enjoyed this book so much I will be buying a hard copy also to have as a reference guide as I take my dive into the world of podcasting. CONTACT MARK RAMPOLLA: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.rampolla Instagram: https://instagram.com/mark.rampolla LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marksrampolla/ TRENDING NOW: Investing in sustainability and redefining success is more crucial than ever. Recent trends indicate a growing demand for sustainability and wellness in consumer markets. Studies show that over 70% of consumers are more likely to support brands committed to sustainability and health, reflecting a significant shift in consumer preferences towards ethical business practices. If you enjoyed this episode of The Entrepreneurial You, subscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, leave a rating, and share it with your friends. Visit my website at henekawatkisporter.com for a free eBook on conducting podcast interviews like a pro. Affirm with me: I am a unique blend of purpose, passion, and presence. My brand is a true reflection of my authentic self, and I am not afraid to let it shine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Rampolla is a visionary entrepreneur and the founder of (Zee-koh) ZICO Coconut Water, a brand that helped create the now $8 billion global coconut water category. After growing ZICO into one of the fastest-growing beverages worldwide, Mark sold the company to Coca Cola in 2013. He then transitioned into investing, co-founding PowerPlant Partners, where he played a key role in the plant-based food movement, including the success of Beyond Meat. In 2020, Mark made a bold move by repurchasing ZICO from Coca Cola with a group of investors through GroundForce Capital where he manages $500 million in assets, focusing on health, wellness, and sustainability investments. His journey reflects a deep commitment to innovation and positive change in the consumer goods industry. Listen and learn how to grow your business! groundforcecapital.com SageIntl.com

In this episode of the Brand Called You, Mark Rampolla, founder of ZICO coconut water and co-founder of Power-Plant Partners, discusses his entrepreneurial journey. He shares insights on creating the coconut water category in the US, building and selling ZICO to Coca-Cola, and then repurchasing it. Mark explores identifying market opportunities, scaling consumer brands, and investing in food trends. He discusses his vision for ZICO's future, investment strategies, and building businesses with positive cultures. Mark also offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in consumer goods. 00:35- About Mark Rampolla Mark is the founder of ZICO coconut water, pioneering the $8 billion global coconut water market. He is the co-founder of Power-Plant Partners, investing in plant-based food companies like Beyond Meat. He repurchased ZICO from Coca-Cola in 2020 with high-profile investors, including Naomi Osaka. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tbcy/support

Discover the incredible journey of Mark Rampolla, the visionary behind Zico coconut water, as he shares his path from a corporate career in Latin America to pioneering healthier beverage options in the United States. Gain insights into how Mark transformed coconut water from a mere byproduct into a global phenomenon, and learn about the significant impact this had on both consumer markets and tropical economies. Mark opens up about the challenges and triumphs of being an industry trailblazer, shedding light on how innovation and an outsider's perspective can revolutionize a market.As we explore Mark's transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship, we delve into the nuances of balancing risk and reward. Mark candidly discusses the sacrifices involved in leaving a secure job in El Salvador to launch a new venture in New York, redefining success in terms of freedom and independence. Reflecting on the competitive landscape of the coconut water industry, the conversation touches on generational career choices and the resilience needed to stay ahead amid rising competition.Finally, we examine the broader scope of building and managing beverage brands, highlighting the complexities of crafting exit strategies and aligning with investor expectations. From establishing Ground Force Capital to Mark's personal experiences with lifestyle integration, we unravel the importance of creating a supportive work environment that fosters growth. Dive into the art of managing significant investment funds while balancing personal and professional goals, and discover how a focus on intentionality can lead to both financial success and meaningful impact.Join the What if it Did Work movement on FacebookGet the Book!www.omarmedrano.comwww.calendly.com/omarmedrano/15min

On today's episode of the Entrepreneur Evolution Podcast, we are joined by Mark Rampolla. Mark Rampolla is a visionary entrepreneur and the founder of ZICO Coconut Water, a brand that helped create the now $8 billion global coconut water category. After growing ZICO into one of the fastest-growing beverages worldwide, Mark sold the company to Coca Cola in 2013. He then transitioned into investing, co-founding PowerPlant Partners, where he played a key role in the plant-based food movement, including the success of Beyond Meat. In 2020, Mark made a bold move by repurchasing ZICO from Coca Cola with a group of investors, including Jesse Itzler and tennis star Naomi Osaka. Now, through GroundForce Capital, Mark manages $500 million in assets, focusing on health, wellness, and sustainability investments. His journey reflects a deep commitment to innovation and positive change in the consumer goods industry.   --   We would love to hear from you, and it would be awesome if you left us a 5-star review. Your feedback means the world to us, and we will be sure to send you a special thank you for your kind words. Don't forget to hit “subscribe” to automatically be notified when guest interviews and Express Tips drop every Tuesday and Friday. Interested in joining our monthly entrepreneur membership? Email Annette directly at yourock@ievolveconsulting.com to learn more.  Ready to invest in yourself? Book your free session with Annette HERE.  Keep evolving, entrepreneur. We are SO proud of you! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/annette-walter/support

Unveiling the Entrepreneurial Journey with Mark RampollaI'm thrilled to share the latest episode of "The Deal Scout" with you. This time, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Mark, an inspiring entrepreneur and investor, to delve into his incredible journey. From building and selling Zico Coconut Water to Coca-Cola, to his current ventures with Ground Force Capital, Mark's story is packed with valuable lessons and insights. Here's a sneak peek at what we discussed:Key Takeaways from Mark's Journey:The Drive Behind Success**: Mark opens up about his personal history and the deep-seated need for acknowledgment that fueled his entrepreneurial spirit. Growing up as the youngest of six, he often felt overlooked, which drove him to seek recognition through his business endeavors.Emotional and Psychological Challenges**: Entrepreneurship isn't just about financial success. Mark shares the emotional toll of making tough decisions, like laying off employees, and the importance of separating self-worth from business outcomes.Core Psychological Drivers**: Understanding the desire for acknowledgment, the need for security, and the quest for control can help entrepreneurs navigate rejection and failure more effectively.Therapy and Self-Awareness**: Mark credits therapy for helping him understand his motivations and emotional triggers, allowing him to approach challenges with a clearer mindset.The Myth of Financial Freedom**: Despite selling Zico for a significant sum, Mark experienced a sense of emptiness. He realized that true freedom and fulfillment come from within, not just financial success.Transition to Investing**: Mark discusses the challenges of shifting from an optimistic entrepreneurial mindset to a more analytical investment approach, emphasizing the importance of discipline and fundamentals.Ground Force Capital**: Mark's current venture focuses on supporting companies that prioritize health and sustainability, particularly in the food system. He believes in aligning passion with purpose and profitability.Balancing Passion and Detachment**: Mark introduces the concept of "holding it lightly," encouraging entrepreneurs to remain flexible and adapt to market realities without becoming overly fixated on a singular vision.Connect:I invite you to connect with Mark on LinkedIn and learn more about Ground Force Capital and Zico. Next Steps Share your thoughts with a review - https://www.thedealscout.com/reviews/ Let's connect on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ Subscribe and Watch on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBQN_Y3nhDGClfMxCSBDjOg Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as financial, legal, or tax advice. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host, Josh Wilson, and any guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency or organization. Josh Wilson is a licensed real estate broker and an investment banker, but this podcast is not a substitute for professional advice. We strongly recommend that you consult with a qualified financial advisor, legal counsel, and tax professional before making any financial decisions or taking any actions based on the information provided in this podcast.

Taste Radio's hosts discussed the relative value of making resolutions and shared advice from a highly successful entrepreneur on how to set achievable goals. They also spoke about the arrival of 2023 trade shows, an effective way that early-stage brands can build awareness and riffed on a handful of new products and brand updates. Show notes: 0:40: Bass Basics, Talking Trends… With Family, Send Us Your News – The episode kicks off with a CTA about reviews and free tees, before Jacqui revealed plans to start “slapping” a certain instrument and the hosts chatted about industry-related conversations with family and friends. Ray highlighted a past episode with Zico founder Mark Rampolla and encouraged attendees and exhibitors of the upcoming 2023 Winter Fancy Food Show to reach out and also extolled the value of BevNET's Elevator Talk series. Brands in this episode: Zico, De Soi, Somi Energy, Sayso, Barr Hill

Welcome back to another Focus Break with the #1 expert on focus and attention in the workplace, Curt Steinhorst.There's a pervasive myth in today's work culture that most of us still believe: Success is tied to constant availability and prioritizing work above all else. But one friend and client, Mark Rampolla, has proven the opposite. He is the very successful founder and former CEO of ZICO Beverages. Tune in to this week's Focus Break to hear a powerful story that Mark once told Curt – one that Curt reflects on whenever he realizes work is preventing him from being present in the other areas of life when they matter most.Learn more about Curt Steinhorst's work:Keynote SpeakerFounder of FocuswiseForbes ColumnistBest-Selling AuthorFocusFit ChallengeProfessional Speech Coach 

Genius Juice CEO & Founder, Alex Bayer interviews the CEO of Zico Rising, Tom Hicks. Zico is back! And Tom Hicks, (Ex: Pepsi/Naked Juice executive) is now at the helm. Mark Rampolla bought back his own company through Powerplant Ventures after it was discontinued by Coca-Cola in October 2020. Tom, along with Mark and their team, are on a mission to build Zico back up, (hence the name Zico Rising) and get back on top. Tom shares his excitement for the coconut water space and how the category is, in fact, NOT declining since the pandemic hit, and popularity has been only growing. Enjoy this very special interview, getting insights on how Tom and Mark plan to revive the category and the brand the old-fashioned way, through hard work day by day. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/genius-juice/support

Episode #43 Notes1:00 - How did you get into plant-based ice cream?3:00 - Why make it a business?6:00 - Why are more customers moving toward plant-based dairy?9:00 - What makes what Nadamoo is doing different than other plant-based food companies?12:10 - What are your parameters around ingredient sourcing?15:00 - How do you decide on the flavors and recipes for Nadamoo?18:00 - On opening Nadamoo's first scoop-shop.21:00 - What's the Nadamoo culture like?25:00 - Biggest challenges of growing the Nadamoo company.28:00 - What are Nadamoo's retail and wholesale relationships like?30:30 - How was Nadamoo financed?39:00 - Book Recommendations!Light Years, James SalterThe War of Art: Break Through The Blocks and Win Your Inner Battles, Steven PressfieldHigh Hanging Fruit, Mark Rampolla

We often think of influence as being about individuals with large followings, but Rampolla makes the case for leveraging all stakeholders as strategic key influencers. Rather than large followings, he argues the value of going deep and narrow with influencer engagement. Reference Links • Mark Rampolla: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marksrampolla • Amanda Russell: https://amandarussell.co • Neal Schaffer: https://nealschaffer.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to episode 53! We speak with Nik Ingersöll about entrepreneurship, freedom and creating a meaningful life. Nik was born and raised in the rural farmland of Western Nebraska on a dirt road across from fields of sheep, cattle, horses and straw. He grew up in a family without a lot of money, no college fund and no fallback plan. At the age of 13, he decided his plan was to go to California for college and start a business. And if you listen to the episode, you'll understand that Nik far exceeded his dream :) Nik is Co-Founder & Chief Marketing Officer of Barnana. He personally designs everything for the brand and its packaging. Barnana has received numerous accolades from top press for the product, growth and mission to end food waste.  The Company also boasts some top tier investors on-board including Boulder Food Group, Brad Feld, Mark Rampolla, Finn Capital Partners, Verde LLC and others. Find Nik on IG: @ingersollnik  and Twitter: @ingersollnikCheck out Nik's awesome podcast, The Nik Ingersöl Show anywhere you listen to podcasts.  Deyus Life is a show about interesting people and interesting conversations. Have a question or want to be featured on the show? Email deyuspod@gmail.com or visit deyuspod.com. We read and respond to EVERY email - including yours.

This special edition of Taste Radio Insider highlights actionable insights and advice from interviews with six founders, creators and investors who joined us on the show during the second half of 2019. Our guests include Zico founder and Powerplant Ventures co-founder Mark Rampolla; Zoe Feldman, the director of the Chobani Incubator; Rick’s Picks founder and CEO Rick Field; Mike Cessario, the founder and CEO of Liquid Death; Harbinger Ventures founder Megan Bent and Chris Kirby, the founder of Ithaca Craft Hummus. Show notes: 1:28: Mark Rampolla, Founder, Zico; Co-Founder, Powerplant Ventures --  We kick off the episode with Mark Rampolla, the founder of Zico coconut water and the co-founder of plant-centric CPG investment firm Powerplant Ventures. In the following clip, pulled from our interview with Rampolla in Ep. 53, he discussed how he sets and reviews long-term goals, why it’s critical to write them down and look at them daily, the importance of thoughtful communication and alignment with employees and colleagues and why daily huddles are key for highly effective organizations. 9:18: Zoe Feldman, Director, Chobani Incubator -- Next up is Zoe Feldman, who is the director of Chobani Incubator, which invests in and supports purpose-driven, early-stage companies. We spoke with Feldman for an interview featured in Ep. 63, and in the following clip she spoke about how she’s using her voice and platform to support marginalized communities and shared the advice she has for brand owners and executives that might be afraid to have “the diversity conversation.” 15:10: Rick Field, Founder/CEO, Rick’s Picks -- Let’s continue with Rick Field, the founder and CEO of premium pickle brand Rick’s Picks. Field joined us in Ep. 42, and in this clip he urged potential and early-stage entrepreneurs to understand the minutiae that comes with building a food brand, why it’s not a part-time endeavor and why he describes entrepreneurship as being an “army of one.” 19:23: Mike Cessario, Founder/CEO, Liquid Death  -- Next is Mike Cessario, the founder and CEO of Liquid Death, a canned water brand whose heavy metal vibe and edgy marketing has generated considerable online buzz and attracted funding from a range of prominent investors. In an interview from Ep. 51, Cessario explained why upstart CPG companies must stand for something, the importance of conveying “small,” why customer acquisition is about getting people to “invest in your brand” and how to establish proof of concept for an untested idea. 27:16: Megan Bent, Founder & Managing Partner, Harbinger Ventures -- We continue with Megan Bent, the founder and managing partner of Harbinger Ventures, a specialized investment firm whose mission is to provide growth equity and strategic resources to the next generation of female entrepreneurs. We spoke with Bent in Ep. 64 and in this clip, she explained how Harbinger vets potential portfolio companies, the “trifecta” that she looks for in growing brands and why she encourages entrepreneurs to establish a “common language” with potential investors. 34:40: Chris Kirby, Founder/President, Ithaca Craft Hummus -- Wrapping up this episode is Chris Kirby, the founder and president of fast-growing brand Ithaca Craft Hummus. In this clip, pulled from an interview featured in Ep. 55, Kirby explained how he identified white space in legacy food category, why carefully crafted success stories have been key to landing placement at new retailers and why he advises entrepreneurs to be “very intentional about what you’re spending and why.”  Brands in this episode: Zico, Chobani, Rick’s Picks, Liquid Death, Ithaca Craft Hummus

Mark Rampolla has been at the forefront of not one, but two industry-making companies. The first was his own ZICO coconut water, which birthed an $8 billion alternative beverage industry. The next saw Mark as an investor in Beyond Meat, which has been leading the plant-based food revolution. In both cases, the pioneering companies were met head on with major challenges. Both companies had to change deeply held biases of their consumers. But then, the minute they started to win people over, competitors came on strong. Is there such a thing as first-mover advantage, and if so, how do you hang onto it? What happens when you literally create an industry, and then the industry tries to cannibalize you? Pun intended! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by entrepreneur and investor Mark Rampolla for a discussion on the positive habits that have shaped his personal life and career. As part of our conversation, Rampolla, who is the founder of Zico coconut water and the co-founder of venture capital firm Powerplant Ventures, spoke about why he consistently reviews long and short-term goals and the importance of thoughtful communication with employees and colleagues. He also explained why daily huddles are key for highly effective organizations and why getting to bed early every night might be the most underrated habit of all. Show notes: 1:04: The New Rotary Club, What’s Oat Is New and TRL -- BevNET/NOSH brand specialist Melissa Traverse joined the regular hosts for a freewheeling conversation about her previous work experience at Whole Foods, how to use LinkedIn effectively, and the range of oat-milk based products featured at Expo East 2019. They also discussed the upcoming Bread & Jam Festival in London and a Taste Radio-hosted meetup for food and beverage entrepreneurs during the event. Later, they spoke about BevNET’s upcoming Winter 2019 conferences, which will include an inaugural Taste Radio Live session, and riffed on the potential for “ultra filtered” dairy milks. 18:58: Interview: Mark Rampolla, Founder, Zico; Co-Founder, Powerplant Ventures -- Rampolla spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif at Expo East 2019 about how he considers long-term goals, why it’s critical to write them down and look at them daily, and why he regrets not following the practice while building Zico. Later, he discussed why every first conversation with employees included the question “What are you trying to do with your life?” why he believes that “there’s no substitute for in-person communication with people,” and why he schedules daily huddles at 10:07 AM. Finally he revealed the worst advice he ever received and why getting enough sleep allows him to be at his absolute best. Brands in this episode: Mikoyo’s, Oatly, Van Leeuwen, La Colombe, Rise Nitro Brewing Co., Bluestone Lane, Chameleon Cold-Brew, Califia Farms, Goodio, Raaka, Minor Figures, Fitjoy, A2 Milk, Organic Valley, Beckon Ice Cream, Zico Coconut Water, REBBL, Core Hydration, Runa, Juicero

What’s the connection between Mark Rampolla, Joe De Sena & Coconut water? It begins with dysentery, giardia and an ultra race in Fiji. Joe experienced all three and coconut water saved him.  Mark Rampolla, founder of Zico, was introduced to coconut water in the Peace Corps and Coconut water changed his life too when he decided it would be the vehicle for his next chapter in life.  Why coconut water? In this episode hear how he found his true north, stayed the course, and about the natural power of coconut water. Is it possible to create a life that includes great family, a successful business and a positive impact on the world? Let us know what you think after this episode.What’s the connection between Mark Rampolla, Joe De Sena & Coconut water? It begins with dysentery, giardia and an ultra race in Fiji. Joe experienced all three and coconut water saved him.  Mark Rampolla, founder of Zico, was introduced to coconut water in the Peace Corps and Coconut water changed his life too when he decided it would be the vehicle for his next chapter in life.  Why coconut water? In this episode hear how he found his true north, stayed the course, and about the natural power of coconut water. Is it possible to create a life that includes great family, a successful business and a positive impact on the world? Let us know what you think after this episode. Lessons: 1. If you’re doing something you love, making a positive impact on the world and meeting your definition of success, then you a win.
 2. Burn your ships: when you’re doing something big, don’t allow a way to back out. 3. To overcome fear write your limiting beliefs down then refute them one by one.
 Links: Mark Rampolla & PowerPlant Ventures http://powerplantvc.com/about/mark-rampolla/“High-Hanging Fruit” by Mark Rampolla https://www.amazon.com/High-Hanging-Fruit-Build-Something-Great/dp/0399562125Zico http://zico.com/get-to-know-us/ This episode is brought to you by AfterShokz open-ear headphones. Visithttp://spartan.aftershokz.com/ for $30 off a wireless pair.  SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay   FOLLOW SPARTAN UP: Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod CREDITS: Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, and Col. Tim Nye. Synopsis – Matt Baatz © 2018 Spartan  

When you look at Mark Rampolla’s resume, he almost seems like he might secretly be The Most Interesting Man in the World. Here’s a partial list of the jobs Mark has held: Landscaper. Dishwasher. Peace Corp Volunteer. President of International Paper (a multinational corporation). CEO of Beanfields (aka, Chief Bean Fiend). Partner at Powerplant Ventures (a venture capital fund that invests in sustainable, plant-based businesses). Author of the book High Hanging Fruit. But he’s probably best known as the guy who started ZICO coconut water. Yep, he and his team essentially created an $8 billion beverage category - and believe it or not, the inspiration ties back to his days in the Peace Corps. We picked Mark’s brain on building a CPG brand to exit, what it’s like to go from entrepreneur to VC, and a whole lot more. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode. Presence = performance. According to Mark, when you make an effort to live in the moment and enjoy the journey, a funny thing happens. You enjoy life more - and you’re better at whatever you’re doing. Realize that “you’ve already won.” Mark tells us his lowest moment while building ZICO (he almost lost his house), and reveals how this piece of advice helped him dig himself out and get back on top. It pays to go after the “High Hanging Fruit.” It’s not just the title of Mark’s book. Going for the High Hanging Fruit means seeing beyond your limitations and striving for something greater. When you do that, magical things can happen. Jump to: Mark’s background, including why he joined the Peace Corps. 4:50 Mark explains why he moved to El Salvador to run a division of International Paper. 9:09 Mark tells the ZICO origin story. 12:35 Mark describe his lowest moment in the early days of ZICO, and how he overcame it. 17:30 Marks breaks down how he evaluates businesses that he invests in. 23:50 Check out Mark’s book, High Hanging Fruit. Links PowerPlant Ventures Beanfields ZICO Have an idea for the show? Drop us a line! Brandbuilder@snacknation.com. Brand Builder is a co-production of SnackNation and ForceBrands.

These days Zico founder Mark Rampolla spends most of his time thinking about transformative technology and better-for-you sweets. Three years removed from the sale of his coconut water brand to the Coca-Cola Co., Rampolla is now the managing partner and a co-founder of Powerplant Ventures, a private equity firm that invests in “visionary companies that are re-architecting” the food system via plant-based nutrition. He’s also the interim CEO of Hail Merry, a maker of plant-based snack foods, which counts Powerplant as an investor. We caught up with Rampolla last week in Los Angeles at the Project NOSH L.A. conference where we recorded this edition of the BevNET podcast. As part of a broad-ranging discussion, Rampolla explains why food and beverage investors, including Powerplant, are embracing ideas that meld idealism and technology and what’s driving systematic changes in the food industry. Rampolla also offers up some investment advice for Coca-Cola’s Venturing and Emerging Brands unit and talks about why he decided to get back into the food and beverage business after selling Zico.

Segment 1: Howard Behar's career in business spans over 50 years, all in consumer oriented businesses covering several industries. He retired from Starbucks Coffee after 21 years where he led the domestic business as President of North America and was the founding President of Starbucks International. Segment 2: Howard Love has founded or co-founded over 15 businesses and invested in over 50 startups including Trulia and HotelTonight. Segment 3: Mark Rampolla is the cofounder and Managing Partner of Powerplant Ventures.  He was the founder and CEO of ZICO Beverages from 2004 until 2013, when it was purchased by The Coca-Cola Company. Segment 4: As the founder of Juice Inc., Brady Wilson functions as a human energy architect, working with leaders to build the conditions in which innovation, value creation and unforgettable customer experiences can flourish. Segment 5: Rachel Durkan is the founder and owner of Paradigm Marketing and Design which provides comprehensive marketing services including strategy development and execution, and creative solutions.Sponsored by Nextiva.

Mark and Jenna discuss pioneering the coconut water industry with ZICO and how to compete in the food world.

Cash Flow Diary podcast guest Mark Rampolla is the man behind Zico Coconut Water. I’m talking about the highly popular coconut water beverage my family knows and loves!! Mark wrote a book that has to do with his journey, too. It’s titled High Hanging Fruit and it’s a recommended read. Mark wasn’t always the trend-setting entrepreneur he is today. BUT what drove him toward starting his own business is that he was never quite like his peers. He wasn’t into the trends, but he watched them with interest.  He also knew how to set goals. So before he chose the product he wanted to launch he needed something that would scale. He wanted something healthy and that would make people’s lives better if they took it into their bodies. After lots of research and because he happens to love coconut water, Mark and his wife decided that’s what his road to wealth and success would be.  This success didn’t happen overnight. But then when does that ever happen in real life? He put in 9 years of hard work up front as he grew his brand. Everyone in his little company worked toward his mission. (It’s always about more than just the possible money we can make, right?)  The great news is that Mark’s little company isn’t little any longer. Because of Mark’s dedication and beliefs about the benefits of his products, he attracted excellent talent to the company, which made growth happen naturally.  Mark’s story is very unique… and I don’t use that word often. This guy’s energy is contagious. He has a great amount of wisdom that he shares about building a business of YOUR dreams, and if this interview doesn’t motivate you to move further toward your goals, well, I don’t know what to say. Listen in particular to what Mark has to say about “going where others don’t want to go” to get to the success he now enjoys. Learn more. Listen now. 

The Unwritten Rules of Entrepreneurship with Mark Rampolla of Powerplant Ventures, High-Hanging Fruit and ZICO Coconut Water

Mark Rampolla, Founder and Former CEO ZICO Beverages - Mark created Zico Coconut water, and then sold it to Coca-Cola! So how did he do it? Find out his tips and tricks to growing your business fast!Jeffrey Hayzlett, Chairman C-Suite Network & Business TV Host and is the Contributing Editor and Host of Jeffrey Hayzlett on Bloomberg Television. He is also host of the digital television show Mind Your Own Business on C-Suite TV. Hayzlett is a global business celebrity, speaker, bestselling author, and Chairman of C-Suite Network, home of the world's most powerful network of C-Suite leaders.