Episódios
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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!
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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, 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. -
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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. -
In this episode of The Story of a Brand Show, I interview Tom Binder, Co-founder of The Real Cereal Co.
From leaving a comfortable job to investing in a self-owned facility to a deep commitment to simple, clean ingredients and sustainability, this story is one of grit, big dreams, and redefining what breakfast cereal can be.
Whether you're a founder, a food enthusiast, or simply someone who loves a good story about innovation and values-driven entrepreneurship, this conversation is for you.
Key Moments in This Episode:
* The Power of Family Support: How Tom’s family believed in his vision and supported him through the rollercoaster of building a brand from the ground up.
* Revolutionizing Cereal: Why The Real Cereal Co. is challenging the status quo by creating products with just one or two simple, clean ingredients.
* Going All In: Tom explains why investing in a dedicated manufacturing facility early on was key to staying true to the brand’s values.
* Balancing Risk and Vision: “Go big or go home” is Tom’s motto, and he shares how taking calculated risks has driven the company’s growth.
* Eco-Friendly Innovation: The importance of sustainable packaging and why The Real Cereal Co. is committed to reducing environmental impact.
Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to this insightful episode as Tom Binder takes us behind the scenes of building a brand that’s setting new standards in the food industry.
Check out The Real Cereal Co. at realcereal.com and find out where you can try their delicious and healthy cereals. Let’s dive in!
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 and omnichannel footprint, Optimize customer journeys, Build brand communities, and more. Visit the link above.
SARAL - The Influencer OS for Brands: https://storybrandoffer.com/
SARAL is the all-in-one influencer platform that finds brand-aligned creators, automates outreach, and manages everything in one place. Try it risk-free with an extended 14-day trial, exclusively for The Story of a Brand Podcast listeners. Start today! Visit the link above. -
In today’s episode of The Story of a Brand Show, I interviewed Rosa Li, the inspiring Founder and CEO of wildwonder.
Her brand is rooted in a beautiful blend of her Chinese heritage and California influences, offering gut-healthy sparkling beverages that are as delicious as they are beneficial.
From early entrepreneurial hurdles to the game-changing impact of appearing on Shark Tank, Rosa shares the incredible story of how her grandmother’s herbal tonics inspired Wildwonder and gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and triumphs of building a mission-driven brand.
Key Moments in This Episode:
* From Passion to Product: How Rosa’s childhood memories of her grandmother’s herbal tonics inspired her to create wildwonder, blending Eastern herbal wisdom with California’s fresh produce.
* Pivoting in the Pandemic: Rosa shares how COVID-19 wiped out her initial business model and forced her to knock on over 300 grocery store doors to keep her dream alive.
* The Shark Tank Effect: Learn how appearing on Shark Tank not only boosted awareness but also drove long-lasting customer loyalty and repeat business.
* Operations First, Marketing Later: Rosa explains why focusing on product quality and operational efficiency before investing in marketing was critical to wildwonder’s success.
* Representation in Retail: Rosa discusses her mission to bring cultural representation and unique, botanically influenced flavors to retail shelves, creating a brand that stands out.
Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to this insightful episode, where Rosa shares how wildwonder is making waves in the beverage industry and leaving a lasting impact on communities.
For more on wildwonder, visit: https://drinkwildwonder.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 and omnichannel footprint, Optimize customer journeys, Build brand communities, and more. Visit the link above.
Shopline U.S. - An All-in-One Commerce Solution for Brands: https://www.us.shopline.com/story
Shopline is offering a complimentary three-month trial when you schedule a demo. Seamlessly manage multi-channel sales, create user-friendly websites, and drive conversions with targeted marketing. Ready to streamline operations and accelerate your business? Visit our unique link. -
I’m thrilled to have Chris Meade back on the show. You might remember Chris as the co-founder of CROSSNET, the four-way volleyball game that has taken backyards and beaches by storm. But today, he’s here to talk about his exciting new venture, The Founders Club, a community designed to support entrepreneurs in navigating the ups and downs of building a business—and life.
In this episode, Chris shares his journey from bootstrapping CROSSNET to seeing it become a staple in major retailers like Target and Costco. Along the way, he opens up about the lessons learned, mistakes made, and how those experiences inspired him to create a space where founders can connect, grow, and thrive.
Whether it’s about overcoming loneliness, avoiding costly mistakes, or balancing business and life, Chris’s insights are invaluable for anyone on the entrepreneurial path.
🔑 Key Moments in This Episode:
* The Origin of CROSSNET: How Chris and his friends invented a four-way volleyball net and turned it into a national sensation, now played in over 15,000 schools and countless backyards.
* Lessons from the Trenches: Chris discusses the challenges he faced as an entrepreneur, from inventory mishaps to navigating a potential business exit, and how those moments shaped his vision for The Founders Club.
* The Power of Community: Why entrepreneurship can be isolating and how The Founders Club fosters meaningful connections through local chapters, events, and mastermind groups.
* Addressing the Whole Entrepreneur: The club’s focus on more than just business growth, covering topics like financial literacy, personal well-being, and maintaining strong relationships.
* Practical Advice for Founders: Chris offers actionable tips, like how to invest wisely post-exit, the importance of planning ahead, and why understanding your “why” is key to success.
Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to this inspiring conversation as we dive deep into the entrepreneurial journey, the value of community, and the importance of balancing ambition with personal well-being. Chris’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, connection, and never giving up on your dreams.
For more on The Founders Club, visit: https://www.foundersclubofficial.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 and omnichannel footprint, Optimize customer journeys, Build brand communities, and more. Visit the link above.
SARAL - The Influencer OS for Brands: https://storybrandoffer.com/
SARAL is the all-in-one influencer platform that finds brand-aligned creators, automates outreach, and manages everything in one place. Try it risk-free with an extended 14-day trial, exclusively for The Story of a Brand Podcast listeners. Start today! Visit the link above. -
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. 🎧
For more on Goode Health, visit: https://www.goodehealth.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 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. -
In today’s episode of The Story of a Brand, I interview Neal Goyal, a passionate leader and VP of Strategic Sales at Disco.
Neal shares his fascinating journey from sales executive to mentor and industry leader alongside his insights on the evolving e-commerce landscape. From driving innovation in customer acquisition to helping brands unlock new revenue streams, Neal offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.
Here are some highlights from our conversation:
* From Sales to Leadership: Neal’s career shift from a top-performing sales executive to an advocate for mentorship and team success.
* The Power of Post-Purchase: How Disco Network helps brands monetize post-purchase real estate for added profitability.
* Customer-Centric Advertising: Using AI and machine learning to target high-value customers across an integrated ad network.
* Driving LTV Growth: Why lifetime value is critical for profitability and how brands can achieve it with innovative tools.
* Monetizing Real Estate: Turning underutilized website spaces into profit centers with Disco’s retail media network capabilities.
Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to this insightful episode as Neal shares his passion for leadership, customer-centric innovation, and how Disco Network is helping brands thrive in an ever-competitive market.
For more on Disco, visit: https://www.disconetwork.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 and omnichannel footprint, Optimize customer journeys, Build brand communities, and more. Visit the link above.
SARAL - The Influencer OS for Brands: https://storybrandoffer.com/
SARAL is the all-in-one influencer platform that finds brand-aligned creators, automates outreach, and manages everything in one place. Try it risk-free with an extended 14-day trial, exclusively for The Story of a Brand Podcast listeners. Start today! Visit the link above. -
In today’s episode of The Story of a Brand Show, I had the pleasure of chatting with Joshua Britton, Founder, CEO, visionary innovator, and the driving force behind DEINDE and its parent company, Debut Biotechnology.
Joshua's story is of relentless determination, groundbreaking science, and a mission to redefine skincare and beauty through biotech innovation. From living in a one-bedroom apartment to running a company that merges artificial intelligence, molecular biology, and skincare, Joshua’s journey is as inspiring as it is transformative.
Here are some highlights from our conversation:
* A Life-Changing Uber Ride: How a 7-minute conversation led to a $100,000 investment that launched it all.
* Science Meets Beauty: The revolutionary process behind crafting new molecules for skin health.
* Redefining Clean Beauty: Why biotech is the next evolution in sustainable and effective skincare.
* From Academia to Entrepreneurship: Lessons learned transitioning from the lab to the business world.
* Breaking the Mold: How DEINDE's innovative approach is creating products that outperform traditional ingredients.
Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to this fascinating episode as Joshua shares the science, passion, and purpose driving DEINDE and Debut Biotech. 🎧
For more on DEINDE, visit: https://www.deinde.com/For more on Debut BioTechnology, visit: https://www.debutbiotech.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 and omnichannel footprint, Optimize customer journeys, Build brand communities, and more. Visit the link above.
Shopline - An All-in-One Commerce Solution for Brands: https://www.us.shopline.com/story
Shopline is offering a complimentary three-month trial when you schedule a demo. Seamlessly manage multi-channel sales, create user-friendly websites, and drive conversions with targeted marketing. Ready to streamline operations and accelerate your business? Visit our unique link. -
In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sean Goldsmith, Co-founder and CEO of The Zero Proof, a trailblazer in the non-alcoholic beverage space.
Sean shared his journey of turning a personal decision to abstain from alcohol into a thriving business that’s reshaping how people socialize and enjoy beverages without compromise.
We explored the rise of non-alcoholic options, the challenges of building a marketplace and brand, and how Sean’s team makes premium non-alcoholic drinks accessible and exciting. Whether you’re curious about non-alcoholic trends or interested in entrepreneurial insights, this episode is a must-listen!
Key Moments in the Podcast:
* How Sean’s decision to stop drinking inspired The Zero Proof’s creation and mission.
* The challenges of building a marketplace for curated non-alcoholic products.
* How The Zero Proof helps customers find their perfect drink through innovative curation and education.
* Insights into the growing non-alcoholic beverage industry and its impact on social habits.
* Sean’s advice for entrepreneurs: focus on unit economics, gross margin, and scaling smartly.
💡 Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to the episode and learn how The Zero Proof is leading the way in this exciting category. Whether you’re a non-drinker or just curious about the possibilities, this conversation offers something for everyone.
For more on The Zero Proof, visit: https://thezeroproof.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 and omnichannel footprint, Optimize customer journeys, Build brand communities, and more. Visit the link above.
SARAL - The Influencer OS for Brands: https://storybrandoffer.com/
SARAL is the all-in-one influencer platform that finds brand-aligned creators, automates outreach, and manages everything in one place. Try it risk-free with an extended 14-day trial, exclusively for The Story of a Brand Podcast listeners. Start today! Visit the link above. -
In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Roger Barnett, Chairman and CEO of Shaklee, a company that has been transforming health and wellness for over 65 years.
Roger shared his incredible journey of acquiring and growing Shaklee, his dedication to purpose-driven business, and how Shaklee’s innovative approach to prevention is changing lives globally.
We dove into his vision of creating a sustainable business that not only provides superior products backed by clinical proof but also empowers communities to live healthier and more fulfilling lives. This conversation is packed with insights into leadership, innovation, and the impact of building a purpose-driven brand.
Key Moments in the Podcast:
* The personal story that led Roger to focus on prevention and health as a lifelong mission.
* How Shaklee’s community-driven business model delivers better health outcomes and fosters lasting connections.
* The importance of clinical proof and quality in Shaklee’s products, from personalized nutrition to eco-friendly home solutions.
* Roger’s vision for the future of health, including the role of cellular health and personalized solutions.
* Advice for entrepreneurs on building long-term value and creating businesses that align profit with purpose.
💡 Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to the episode to discover how Shaklee is making a difference in people’s lives and leading the way in health and wellness innovation. You don’t want to miss this inspiring conversation!
For more on Shaklee, visit: https://us.shaklee.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 - 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 and omnichannel footprint, Optimize customer journeys, Build brand communities, and more. Visit the link above.
Shopline - An All-in-One Commerce Solution for Brands: https://www.us.shopline.com/story
Shopline is offering a complimentary three-month trial when you schedule a demo. Seamlessly manage multi-channel sales, create user-friendly websites, and drive conversions with targeted marketing. Ready to streamline operations and accelerate your business? Visit our unique link. -
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.
💡 Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to the episode and learn how Genexa proves that medicine can be clean, effective, and better for everyone. You won’t want to miss this conversation!
For more on Genexa, visit: https://www.genexa.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 today’s episode of The Story of a Brand Show, I’m excited to share the remarkable journey of Stephen de Heinrich de Omorovicza, Co-founder and one of the visionaries behind Omorovicza.
This episode delves into the intersection of history, science, and luxury skincare. Stephen shares how his family’s legacy inspired a groundbreaking approach to beauty.
From the thermal baths of Budapest to award-winning innovations, Stephen brings us a story rich with tradition and cutting-edge science.
Here are some highlights from our conversation:
* A Family Legacy Unearthed: Discovering his family’s ties to Budapest’s famous thermal baths and their role in shaping the brand.
* The Healing Power of Water: How unique minerals from Hungarian thermal baths inspired the patented Healing Concentrate™.
* Starting from Scratch: Overcoming the challenges of launching a skincare brand with no industry experience.
* Navigating Retail and Digital Spaces: Lessons learned from building a global presence in an evolving market.
* The Role of Joy in Skincare: Why creating moments of happiness is at the heart of the brand’s mission.
Join us in listening to this inspiring episode as Stephen shares his passion for skincare, the science behind his products, and the transformative journey of Omorovicza. 🎧
For more on Omorovicza, visit: https://www.omorovicza.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!
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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 and omnichannel footprint, Optimize customer journeys, Build brand communities, and more. Visit the link above.
Shopline - An All-in-One Commerce Solution for Brands: https://www.us.shopline.com/story
Shopline is offering a complimentary three-month trial when you schedule a demo. Seamlessly manage multi-channel sales, create user-friendly websites, and drive conversions with targeted marketing. Ready to streamline operations and accelerate your business? Visit our unique link. -
Rose says, “Let's go in and stress test your ability to scale. That's step one. Because you may think you have it all buttoned up, but really we like to sit at the intersection of the vision, the action that you're doing, and the motion and the momentum you're actually creating. And are they all aligned, and are they going to allow you to grow and scale?”
Today, we interview Rose Hamilton, Founder of Compass Rose Ventures. The Compass Rose Ventures team brings 20+ years of experience in growing consumer brands from concept to successful exits.
They are dedicated to helping CPG founders and investors launch, optimize, and scale brands offering just the right balance of insight, experience, rigor and hands-on support.
We discussed:
* What she’s grateful for
* Her origin story and background* Her experience at Pet360 and Vitamin Shoppe
* The challenges that brands face today
* The cure for rising customer acquisition cost: Community
* Why she believes that founders need a “Fierce Bias Towards Action”
* Her advice for brand founders and operators
* Why strategy is about making the right choices
* Why the first thing she does when working with brands is a “Stress Test”
* Who she works and what that engagement looks like
* And so much more…Join Ramon Vela and Rose Hamilton as we break down the inside story of Compass Rose Ventures on The Story of a Brand.
For more on Compass Rose Ventures, visit: https://compassroseventures.com/
Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for “The Story of a Brand” on your favorite podcast player.
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This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.
Here’s the deal: I have a gift for you from our primary sponsor — Sendlane. They’re giving away their online course eCommerce Academy - Email & SMS Marketing!
This course gives you the step-by-step playbook to drive more revenue and retention with email & SMS. This is typically a $500 package, but for our listeners, it’s entirely FREE when you get started with your FREE 14-day trial of Sendlane.
When you do, chat with their support team and let them know you’re one of our listeners to get full access to hours of course content that will help you make email marketing your #1 growth engine.
Visit https://storybrandgift.com to get the details, sign up for a free trial and get your gift!
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I had the pleasure of sitting down with Megan Klein, the founder and CEO of Little Saints, a brand redefining how we think about social drinking.
Megan shares everything from her early days towing a mint-green trailer around Detroit to perfecting her recipes to building a brand rooted in mindfulness and purpose.
What stands out in this episode is Megan’s deep thoughtfulness—not just in how she creates Little Saints’ products but also in how she approaches life and business.
We dive into the challenges of launching a brand during the pandemic, the science behind functional mushrooms and adaptogens, and the cultural shift towards more mindful drinking.
Whether you’re curious about the non-alcoholic movement or love hearing about entrepreneurial journeys, Megan’s story will inspire you.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
* The story of driving a mint green vending trailer around Detroit to get feedback from real people.
* How mindfulness and meditation shaped the founder’s journey and helped her tackle self-doubt.
* The unique role of scent, mushrooms, and adaptogens in creating Little Saints’ signature flavors.
* The challenges of traditional distribution and the pivot to a direct-to-consumer model.
* Why non-alcoholic drinks are a cultural shift in how we socialize.
* How Little Saints is making non-alcoholic cocktails feel as exciting and social as their alcoholic counterparts.
Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to this episode and discovering how one brand is reshaping what it means to drink socially. You’ll come away inspired, entertained, and maybe even eager to try a Little Saints cocktail for yourself!
For more on Little Saints, visit: https://littlesaints.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 and omnichannel footprint, Optimize customer journeys, Build brand communities, and more. Visit the link above.
SARAL - The Influencer OS for Brands: https://storybrandoffer.com/
SARAL is the all-in-one influencer platform that finds brand-aligned creators, automates outreach, and manages everything in one place. Try it risk-free with an extended 14-day trial, exclusively for listeners of The Story of a Brand Show Podcast. Start today! Visit the link above. -
In today’s The Story of a Brand Show episode, I interviewed Marcin Malyszko, the passionate and innovative Co-founder behind Mission Craft Cocktails.
Marcin’s story is a testament to the power of friendship, persistence, and purpose. With his co-founder, Amit Singh, Marcin is reimagining the cocktail experience, blending exceptional quality with a mission to give back.
Their journey is one of grit, creativity, and community impact, making this episode a must-listen for entrepreneurs and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
Here are some highlights from our conversation:
From DIY to Double Gold: How two best friends turned a COVID hobby into an award-winning brand.
The 5% Pledge: Why Mission Craft Cocktails donates 5% of all sales to local food banks—and the lives it’s impacting.
Crafting Perfection: The two-year journey to develop their lineup of full-strength, shaker-quality cocktails.
Scaling with Heart: Lessons learned from launching and growing in a challenging alcohol industry landscape.
Building a Legacy Brand: Staying true to their mission while creating innovative and unforgettable cocktails.
Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to this inspiring episode as Marcin shares the story behind Mission Craft Cocktails, their unwavering commitment to quality, and their goal to fund one million meals by next year. 🎧
For more on Mission Craft Cocktails, visit: https://missioncocktails.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 and omnichannel footprint, Optimize customer journeys, Build brand communities, and more. Visit the link above.
SARAL - The Influencer OS for Brands: https://storybrandoffer.com/
SARAL is the all-in-one influencer platform that finds brand-aligned creators, automates outreach, and manages everything in one place. Try it risk-free with an extended 14-day trial, exclusively for The Story of a Brand Podcast listeners. Start today! Visit the link above.
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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 ProtoLyte, 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. 🎧
For more on VMI Sports Nutrition, visit: https://www.vmisports.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 today’s episode of The Story of a Brand Show, I had the pleasure of speaking with Morgan Cros, the creative mind behind Original Duckhead.
Morgan’s journey is one of resilience, innovation, and sustainability. From a serendipitous moment during a rainy day to creating a unique and environmentally conscious brand, Morgan shares how she turned a classic accessory into a product with purpose and style.
Here are some highlights from our conversation:
* A Rainy Day Revelation: How a broken umbrella sparked the idea for a stylish and sustainable brand.
* Reimagining an Everyday Item: Transforming the humble umbrella into a fashion-forward accessory with a mission.
* Challenges in Manufacturing: Overcoming hurdles to find the right partners and materials for eco-friendly production.
* Building a Brand Through B2B: Growing the business by collaborating with over 1,000 retailers worldwide.
* Sustainability at the Core: Incorporating recycled materials and aiming for a circular economy in every product.
Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to this fascinating episode as Morgan shares her journey of building a brand that combines functionality, sustainability, and style. 🎧
For more on Original Duckhead, visit: https://originalduckhead.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 and omnichannel footprint, Optimize customer journeys, Build brand communities, and more. Visit the link above.
Shopline - An All-in-One Commerce Solution for Brands: https://www.us.shopline.com/story
Shopline is offering a complimentary three-month trial when you schedule a demo. Seamlessly manage multi-channel sales, create user-friendly websites, and drive conversions with targeted marketing. Ready to streamline operations and accelerate your business? Visit our unique link. -
On this episode of The Story of a Brand Show, I speak with Tania Boler, Founder and President of Elvie, a company transforming women's health through radical, female-first technology.
Tania shared her inspiring journey, from working in global health nonprofits to founding a company tackling taboo topics in women’s health with innovative, beautifully designed products.
We explored her path to disrupting entrenched norms, the importance of creating products that truly solve problems, and the challenges of leading in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Tania’s story is filled with resilience, purpose, and the drive to empower women globally.
Here are some key takeaways from our conversation:
* Tania’s journey from nonprofit work to launching Elvie inspired by her passion for solving overlooked women’s health issues.
* How Elvie revolutionized the breast pump market with discreet, wearable designs, giving women more freedom and choice.
* The role of addressing taboos in women’s health and making these conversations more mainstream.
* Tania’s lessons on raising capital, building a business, and knowing when to step back as CEO.
* Insights into Elvie’s innovative product development process, grounded in listening to real women’s needs.
Join me, Ramon Vela, for this insightful episode as Tania Boler shares how Elvie empowers women through technology and changing lives. You don’t want to miss this one!
For more on Elvie, visit: https://www.elvie.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 and omnichannel footprint, Optimize customer journeys, Build brand communities, and more. Visit the link above.
Shopline - An All-in-One Commerce Solution for Brands: https://www.us.shopline.com/story
Shopline is offering a complimentary three-month trial when you schedule a demo. Seamlessly manage multi-channel sales, create user-friendly websites, and drive conversions with targeted marketing. Ready to streamline operations and accelerate your business? Visit our unique link. - Mostrar mais
