The Story of a Brand Show

This episode is brought to you by Saral and Vdriven. In today's episode, we interview Ryan Espi, Co-Founder & CEO of First Light Whiskey. First Light Whiskey is a smooth, coffee-flavored whiskey that can be enjoyed neat, on ice, or mixed into your favorite cocktail. It's made with naturally gluten-free 99% corn whiskey, real coffee extract, and raw blue agave — crafted with love on the coast of Southern California. Highlights include: * His Gratitude Story * What his mentor taught him: "All Boats Rise." * What he took for granted about his parents * Taking the Van Wilder path in college * The lesson he learned from his design firm * How did he get started with First Light, and why * How his hobbies and passion make him a better version of himself * Deciding what type of company they wanted to build * Overview and challenges of the alcohol industry * Breaking down the First Light recipe * Why they want people to have a First Light moment: How they named the brand * Internal challenges as a manager and leader * Advice for founders * Launching a D2C offer * What he's proud of about the brand Join Ramon Vela and Ryan Espi as we break down the inside story of First Light Whiskey on The Story of a Brand. For more on First Light Whiskey, visit: https://www.firstlightwhiskey.com/ Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * Today's sponsors: Vdriven - A Partner to CPG brands: https://www.vdriven.com/ Are unauthorized distributor deductions hurting your bottom line and cash flow? Vdriven has recovered over $1 million in erroneous deductions from distributors. Vdriven supports brands with deduction management and an array of services to accelerate sustainable growth. Schedule a call today. SARAL - Your Influencer Assistant Tool for Brands): https://www.getsaral.com/champions/ramon SARAL is offering an exclusive 14-day free trial for my listeners. They will also do a special strategy session to make sure you're set up for success. Go to my special link.

This episode is brought to you by SARAL & Tidio. In today's episode, we interview Vytautas Juskevicius, Chief Marketing Officer at Tidio. Their suite of live chat, chatbots, helpdesk tools, and AI solutions enables brands of all sizes to offer quick and qualitative support and create real connections with your consumers so you can drive the business forward. In this episode, we discuss: * His Gratitude Story * How marketing can bring value to the customer * The future of marketing and marketing roles * How AI will impact the field of marketing * Who is Tidio - an overview * What role will AI play in customer service * Lyro and why it's important to get AI right for their customers * How Lyro works for customers * How Tidio's full suite of products helps brands * Tidio is turning customer service into a revenue generator * The democratization of AI customer service for SMBs * Criteria for becoming a Tidio customer * How Tidio works with Partners * What does Tidio do that makes him so proud? Hint: It's their customer service Join Ramon Vela and Vytautas Juskevicius as we break down the inside story of Tidio on The Story of a Brand. For more on Tidio, visit: http://www.tidio.com/story Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * Today's sponsors: Tidio - Customer Success Tool for Shopify Brands: http://www.tidio.com/story My listeners can start using Tidio AI chatbots for free and upgrade at any time with an exclusive 20% discount. See how Tidio helps your store grow. Visit my special link. SARAL - Your Influencer Assistant Tool for Brands: https://www.getsaral.com/champions/ramon SARAL is offering an exclusive 14-day free trial for my listeners. They will also do a special strategy session to make sure you're set up for success. Go to my special link.

This episode is brought to you by SARAL & WAIR. "Almost every week we hear about there being plastic particles found in the deepest trenches of the ocean, on the highest mountains, in our blood, which is really, really scary. So people are more and more aware of this plastic problem and are actively looking for solutions to cut plastic out of their lives." In today's episode, we interview Nicole Doucet, Co-Founder & CEO and Jess Page, Co-Founder & Chief Brand Officer of Open Water. Open Water is an ultra-purified, electrolyte-packed canned water in BPA-free aluminum packaging. Is it recyclable? Check. Climate Neutral? You bet. Plus, they encourage you to fill up at the tap whenever possible, really. Highlights: * Their Gratitude Story * How did they come up with the idea and what was the motivator? * Why is buying bottled water such a stupid idea? * How and why did they decide to use aluminum packaging? * Were they entrepreneurs looking for an idea or was it an idea looking for an entrepreneur to take it forward? * How they overcame challenges such as the widespread use of plastics * The difficulties in getting the business off the ground * The 3 ways they tried to get ahead of the challenges * Why they stayed away from retail in the early days * Their advice for founders including, get a co-founder * Their huge mistake in naming the brand and what they recommend to others * What was it about not having a label on the can that was really important to them? * How are they building a business with sustainable practices as well? * What they are really proud of about the brand & business * And so much more… Join Ramon Vela, Nicole Doucet, and Jess Page as we break down the inside story of Open Water on The Story of a Brand. For more on Open Water, visit: https://drinkopenwater.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * Today's sponsors: Sendlane - Email & SMS Tool for Brands: https://storybrandgift.com Get a 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. Go to my special link. SARAL - Your Influencer Assistant Tool for Brands): https://www.getsaral.com/champions/ramon SARAL is offering an exclusive 14-day free trial for my listeners. They will also do a special strategy session to make sure you're set up for success. Go to my special link. WAIR, Tool for Apparel Brands: https://www.getwair.com/ With just a few simple questions, customers have an accurate recommendation based on their unique body shape that will support them throughout their shopping session. The stats don't lie, most brands will see an immediate increase in conversions upon installation. Want to provide this service to your shoppers, visit and request a demo.

This episode is brought to you by SARAL & Tidio. In today's episode, we interview Curt Vander Meer, CEO of Endangered Species Chocolate (ESC). ESC is passionate about redeeming typical business practices into "doing good, better" with the hope of leaving a positive and lasting ripple in their wake. They are on a mission to seed joy through abundant giving by donating 10% of net profits to impactful conservation organizations and initiatives. Since 2016, over $3,100,000 has been donated. Highlights: * His Gratitude Story * Mission-based brands have a magnetic force around them * Why mission-based brands should focus on providing an exceptional customer experience * How to keep the mission front and center with employees and customers * Why do they name their chocolate bars based on the endangered animal and not the ingredients? * How they use packaging to further the mission * Conservation is hard work and why they donate 10% of profits to these organizations * Curt describes the values of the company * What is he most proud of about Endangered Species Chocolate? * Is there a secret sauce to the longevity of a consumer brand? * A breakdown of ingredients and products * And so much more… Join Ramon Vela and Curt Vander Meer as we break down the inside story of Endangered Species Chocolate on The Story of a Brand. For more on Endangered Species Chocolate, visit: https://www.chocolatebar.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * Today's sponsors: Sendlane - Email & SMS Tool for Brands: https://storybrandgift.com Get a 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. Go to my special link. SARAL - Your Influencer Assistant Tool for Brands): https://www.getsaral.com/champions/ramon SARAL is offering an exclusive 14-day free trial for my listeners. They will also do a special strategy session to make sure you're set up for success. Go to my special link. Tidio - Customer Success Tool for Shopify Brands: http://www.tidio.com/story My listeners can start using Tidio AI chatbots for free and upgrade any time with an exclusive 20% discount. See how Tidio helps your store grow. Visit my special link.

This episode is brought to you by Rebuy. In today's episode, we interview Anna Peck and Steve Ford, both Co-Founders of Chia Smash. Chia Smash is a superfood jam that's good for you, your tastebuds & the planet. No added sugar, packed with superfoods and made using 'imperfect' fruits. In this episode, we discuss: * What they're grateful for * Overview and origin story of the brand (and their meeting at Blue Apron) * What a summer job at seventeen taught Steve about entrepreneurship * The impact that upbringing and health were for Anna in starting the brand * Why Chia and what is it about Chia Smash that makes it different from the rest * How they overcame challenges in naming the product * What activities worked for them in getting the product to retailers * Advice for other founders who are building a CPG brand * Why it's okay to not have everything figured out * What to do when you have trouble with co-packers and suppliers * A breakdown of their product including their different flavors * What is upcycling and why do they use it (plus how it is sustainable) * And more… Join Ramon Vela, Anna Peck and Steve Ford as we break down the inside story of Chia Smash on The Story of a Brand. For more on Chia Smash, visit: https://chiasmash.com/ Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * This episode is brought to you by Rebuy Engine. It's easier than ever to set up an online store these days. But, creating personalized shopping experiences for every customer? That's the hard part. Using proprietary technology, industry-leading integrations, and fully-customizable merchandising, Rebuy gives you the power to create personalized experiences for every shopper. Boost your order values, increase conversions, and accelerate your business with Rebuy. Visit https://www.rebuyengine.com/foundersparadiso today for a no-credit card 21-day trial.

This episode is brought to you by Reviews.io & Nimble. In today's episode, we interview Co-CEO's Denielle (Verdi) Finkelstein and Thyme Sullivan of UNICORN A TOP Product. UNICORN is the enchanting period product company revolutionizing the industry with their magical, innovative solutions. Their one-of-a-kind dispensers, designed for every stall in businesses, offer unparalleled dignity and convenience. Their sleek, easy-to-install acrylic dispensers showcase their delightful unicorn mascot cartridges, elevating the experience. Highlights: * Building a brand in the traditional way * Taking a good hard look at the numbers and where it was leading them * Having tough conversations with their investors * Deciding to pivot from Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) to Business-to-Business (B2B) * Beta testing their new vision with JP Morgan Chase - Story with Jamie Dimon * Planning the re-brand, pausing social media, and filming a LinkedIn series documentary * Why the re-brand and new focus is all about scaling their original mission of supporting women and ending period poverty * Why the "Fun Factor" is so important to them? * What these founders are grateful for * Where to buy - using Amazon for individual purchases * Raising a third round of funding * And so much more… Join Ramon Vela, Denielle (Verdi) Finkelstein and Thyme Sullivan as we break down the inside story of UNICORN on The Story of a Brand. For more on UNICORN, visit: https://www.magicaldopamine.com/ Original Interview with TOPs - The Organic Project TOP - Period Products for Girls, Moms, and Mother Earth - Part 1 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-story-of-a-brand/id1435740265?i=1000477642067 TOP - New Standard in Feminine Hygiene Care - Part 2 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-story-of-a-brand/id1435740265?i=1000477790389 Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. Today's Sponsors: Reviews.io: https://www.reviews.io/front/founders-paradiso-offer Nimble: https://www.nimble.ai/

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane & SARAL. In today's episode, we interview Jon Brandon, Co-Founder & CEO of FORIA. FORIA is a lifestyle brand on a mission to support lifelong pleasure and sexual wellbeing. Foria's all-natural, organic and award-winning formulas support a woman's most intimate needs. In 2014, FORIA literally created the category for plant-based women's sexual support, with a revolutionary cannabis based topical designed to enhance pleasure. Since then, they've been setting the standards in the plant-based sexual wellness space and they've expanded our clean, innovative and highly effective botanical formulations to support healthy intimate experiences across every stage of her life. Highlights: * Why he's grateful for his parents * The Taboo around sexual wellness products * Reducing the society's stigma * Why we're the most stressed and anxious society in history * How we've weaponized distraction * Why you can market sexual wellness products for men but not for women * Describing his why and motivation when things get tough * How his divorce transformed him * Foria's key pivot and product evolution * Why they are launching products around "Phase of life" * How his customer has changed and grown * A product review breakdown * And much more… Join Ramon Vela and Jon Brandon as we break down the inside story of FORIA on The Story of a Brand. For more on FORIA, visit: https://www.foriawellness.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * This episode is brought to you by SARAL As a founder, have you always wanted to start an influencer program but never got around to it? That's because doing the entire process can be difficult and time-consuming, especially if you're new to it and have limited budgets. SARAL helps you solve these problems. They offer the simplest influencer marketing tool in the world. You can find untapped influencers, automate outreach, and build relationships at scale using their platform. For an ecommerce brand, it's like having an unfair advantage. SARAL is offering an exclusive 14-day free trial for my listeners. They will also do a special strategy session to make sure you're set up for success. Go to my special link at https://www.getsaral.com/champions/ramon * 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!

How does your brand, your message and mission fit in support of Pride Month and LGBTQ culture and issues in 2023 and how are the controversies with Bud Light and other brands affecting how or whether you support in 2024? Today, we interview Arthur Gallego, Founder & CEO of Gallego & Co. Marketing Consultants and pop culture expert. In this special "brand strategy" episode, we discuss pride month and the latest controversies with Bud Light + Dylan Mulvaney, Nike, Target, Cracker Barrel, Starbucks, and Google. Highlights: * How long will Bud Light be dealing with the current controversy * The commercialization of Pride Month * Why many brands are terrified about taking a stand * Why the impact of how large brands react will be seen in 2024 * Brands and Risk Tolerance * Advice for brands around Pride Month support * Why you should spend your energy and resources on the customers who love and support you Join Ramon Vela and Arthur Gallego as we break down "Pride month, brands, and the latest controversies" on The Story of a Brand. For more on Arthur Gallego and Gallego & Co. Marketing Consultants, visit: https://www.gallegoandco.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player.

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Jules says, "GF Jules is a premium baking mix and flour company, and everything we do is gluten-free. From the foundation, everything has always been a hundred percent gluten-free. We also have tried to address other people's food allergy needs as well. So we've always broadened the foundational mix line and flour line so it's been vegan, kosher, and nut free. And we have become one of the first baking mix and flour companies in the country to be certified top nine allergen free as well. So we've tried to be inclusive in what we can bring to families who have different dietary needs." Today, we interview Jules Shepard, Founder & CEO of GF Jules. GF Jules is the #1 gluten-free flour and baking mixes company in the US. We discussed: * What she's grateful for * An overview of GF Jules * Why it started with her diagnosis of Celiac disease * The story of how her partners shut her out of the business * Restarting again both personally and professionally with GF Jules * Why her competitor is the only person she trusts in the CPG Industry * Her big lessons learned in business, partnerships, and trusting people * How you can be nice yet aggressive and ferocious when needed * Why her story is a story of integrity * Her focus is on her ideal customers * A review of products, flour, mixes and what you can do with them * And more… Join Ramon Vela and Jules Shepard as we break down the inside story of GF Jules on The Story of a Brand. For more on GF Jules, visit: https://gfjules.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Our primary sponsor, Sendlane, has a gift for you. 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!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Andrea says, "I always grew up with that sense of otherness and this sense that people looked down on Chinese cuisine and they thought of it as unhealthy or oily or this and that. And it was like, well, I eat this food at home. It's amazing. Like, it's so diverse. So I think that was something always that bothered me…" Today, we interview Andrea Xu, Co-Founder & CEO of Umamicart. Umamicart is an online grocery store delivering hundreds of your favorite Asian products and ingredients. Their carefully curated selection includes both traditional staples and up-and-coming Asian-American owned brands. Umamicart delivers an online grocery shopping experience that highlights and celebrates the endlessly diverse, unique, and ever-evolving Asian American culture and cuisine. Highlights: * What she's grateful for (her family, her sister, and growing up in Spain) * Why investors initially did not like her idea * How she felt a sense of otherness as a child * Why she created Umamicart and what she hopes to change * Learnings from being a new mom and entrepreneur * Why Asian foods have a right to evolve as other foods do * A review of Umamicart Collab products * Criteria for brands who want to be on Umamicart * What she is most proud of about the brand * And so much more… Join Ramon Vela and Andrea Xu as we break down the inside story of Umamicart on The Story of a Brand. For more on Umamicart, visit: https://umamicart.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * 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!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Yarden says, "I'm never worried about competitors too much because when you do something and it's so in the weeds that you're like, no one is gonna do this. It's just so nuanced. But the customers really care about the nuances." Today, we interview Yarden Shaked, CEO of Varos. Varos is the largest e-commerce & Saas data co-op in the world. See how your performance stacks up against your competitors: Compare KPIs anonymously and securely with companies in the same vertical and spend level as yours. Highlights: * What he's grateful for * The Sunk Cost Fallacy and why a lot of startups fall for it * Overview of Varos * What problems do they solve for brands, agencies, SaaS companies? * Why they solve for the nuances (of data) * A look at their fundraising experience and advice for other founders * How are agencies, brands, and SaaS companies using Varos? * Breakdowns of platforms, onboarding, and future of Varos * And more… Join Ramon Vela and Yarden Shaked as we break down the inside story of Varos on The Story of a Brand. For more on Varos, visit: https://www.varos.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * 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!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Kara says, "We don't work with a type of company, we work with a type of person… The ones who want to grow on a revenue level, but the growth in the revenue is more of a means to an end, which is to have impact, create something, change something, improve something. Their business is a vehicle for them to fulfill a legacy or a destiny in their lives." Today, we interview Kara Redman, Founder & CEO of Backroom. Backroom is a brand strategy and performance marketing agency. They've helped both startup and global clients reposition, 3x growth, launch, exit, raise up to $9M in funding, build measurable brand equity, merge, acquire, and exit. We discussed: * What she's grateful for * The finite nature of life (we get existential on this topic) * Overview and origin of Backroom * The foundational branding elements that every brand should do * Building community and why it's so hard * Insights and advice for brands owners and founders * What kinds of companies or individuals does Backroom work with? * How they work with brands * Are the needs of larger brands different from small or midsize brands * Last words (this is deep) * And so much more… Join Ramon Vela and Kara Redman as we break down the inside story of Backroom on The Story of a Brand. For more on Backroom, visit: https://www.backroom.io/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * 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!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Chris says, "I figured I should make something that just goes back to basics and gives people something a little better than ingredients go." Today, we interview Chris Wysong, Owner & Founder of Bucket of Bread. Bucket of Bread provides baking mixes that are made with certified organic ingredients, preservative-free, vegan-friendly, and super easy to prepare. Add lukewarm water to the recyclable bucket, mix, and you'll end up with dough that can last up to 2 weeks in the fridge. This gives you complete flexibility to make a variety of baked goods. You can make garlic knots, pizzas, cinnamon buns, breadsticks, pretzels, bagels, naan, doughnuts, or even more with recipes available on our website. Bucket of Bread is also Veteran-owned and shares profits with charities fighting food insecurity and combating hunger in America. We discussed: * What he's grateful for * How he got started with baking * Baking bread with Iraqis and being a veteran-owned business * Why it's like a meal prep kit * A breakdown of ingredients, including no dairy, preservatives, fat, or egg * The charitable side of the business or why he does what he does * His goals as a business: 500 online sales per month * Why he has more than the bottom dollar in mind Join Ramon Vela and Chris Wysong as we break down the inside story of Bucket of Bread on The Story of a Brand. For more on Bucket of Bread, visit: https://bucketofbread.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * 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!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. David says, "Our head of R&D is continuously working day by day. Yes, we have new products coming, but we're always trying to figure out how to make that melt better. How to find a better ingredient. How to make the stretch better. We're all about innovation, quality, and improvement, nonstop." Today, we interview David Israel, Founder & CEO of GOOD PLANeT FOODS. Their goal is to bring you the true experience and joy of cheese, with plant-based offerings that are GOOD for you and good for the PLANeT! We discussed: * What he's grateful for * His personal story - Incarceration, second chances and more… * Lesson's he's learned on how to overcome personal tragedies * The story of his first snack company * How he got into plant-based cheeses with the help of his Sister-in-law * How and why they created a better plant-based cheese * Getting people to lean into plant-based cheese because of the message * Why this time and this brand is more than about money; It's about doing the right thing * New product that's going to revolutionize the industry (coming out July/August 2023) * And more… Join Ramon Vela and David Israel as we break down the inside story of GOOD PLANeT FOODS on The Story of a Brand. For more on GOOD PLANeT FOODS, visit: https://goodplanetfoods.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * 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!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Our friends at Review.io are giving my listeners 20% Off the Lifetime of Any Plan. Use the following link: https://www.reviews.io/front/founders-paradiso-offer Today, we interview Joe Fox, Global VP of Partnerships and Joe Santillan, Regional Growth Manager of REVIEWS.io. REVIEWS.io is a powerful review collection and management tool that helps businesses grow their online reputation. We discussed: * What they're grateful for * What trend they are seeing in the market * How REVIEWS.io works with multiple channels * Why you should audit your tech stack more frequently * How they work with agencies and tech partners * What sets them apart from competitors? * Onboarding from a brand's perspective * What is their vision for the future? * Integrations like Rebuy Engine, Gorgias, and Dotdigital * What other platform they work with * Future Product Launches * Advice and insights around user generated content * Case studies and customer success stories * And more… Join Ramon Vela, Joe Fox and Joe Santillan as we break down the inside story of REVIEWS.io on The Story of a Brand. For more on Reviews.io, visit: https://www.reviews.io/front/founders-paradiso-offer Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * 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!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Christian says, "often the authentic story is sitting there, but often as well, agencies or the marketing team may be afraid to go there but we push to go. That's the interesting thing. That's what's going to connect the audience because it's a genuine real conversation." Today, we interview Christian Lachel, Chief Creative Officer for BRC Imagination Arts. BRC Imagination Arts is a full-service, strategic design and production company that translates brand and cultural stories into transformative human experiences. We discussed: * What he's grateful for * Overview and Ethos for BRC * Why great brand experiences start with the heart of the audience * If you have a unique message to tell, does the customer really want to hear it? * Case studies on how they have created transformative experiences * How they grew out of Disney's Imagineering * Always look for a great storyteller * And more… Join Ramon Vela and Christian Lachel as we break down the inside story of BRC Imagination Arts on The Story of a Brand. For more on BRC Imagination Arts, visit: https://www.brcweb.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * 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!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Thomas says, "The biggest thing we offer in all is the mentoring platform. We have a platform called The Orbit, because we're launching into space all together. And the orbit is mentoring and coaching from investors and industry experts. And we have industry experts in there who cover every aspect of CPG." Today, we interview Thomas Malengo, Co-Founder of Brandjectory. Brandjectory guides early-stage CPG brands to be investor-ready faster and smarter, with a robust network, structured process, and expert resources. We discussed: * What he's grateful for * How he got started in the consumer brand world * How investors and consumers look at brands * What are investors focused on? * Advice for the Founders of consumer brands * How to make sure you know who your customers are? * The two parts of Brandjectory and how they help brands * What brands are ideal for joining Brandjectory * How to validate or qualify your product idea in the marketplace * And so much more… Join Ramon Vela and Thomas Malengo as we break down the inside story of Brandjectory on The Story of a Brand. For more on Brandjectory, visit: https://www.brandjectorynow.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * 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!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Parker says, "we're really focused on cognitive health. Some of these mushrooms can have really incredible, really impressive medicinal value for basically maintaining really clean and positive cognitive health, but also helping improve cognitive health. So whether it is memory or mental energy like processing capability. On a fundamental level, they're really helping your central nervous system, primarily in your brain, to prune and also grow your neurons. So it's almost acting as like neural food." Today, we interview Parker Olsen, Founder of Forij. Forij is loaded with brain nutrients, their functional granola delivers serious brain power. And their taste is award-winning; all without any of the high sugar or fake ingredients. We discussed: * What he's grateful for * Revisiting Parker's personal why and what drives him * Experiencing "ego death" and learning that the "obstacle is truly the way" * Challenges of the brand including margin erosion, less capital expenditures, debt capital, economies of scale, and making a pivot * A breakdown of the new product - functional granola bars and their ingredients & flavors * His blog and the hundreds of articles on mushroom, brain health, and all the other benefits * And so much more… Join Ramon Vela and Parker Olsen as we break down the inside story of Forij on The Story of a Brand. For more on Forij, visit: https://www.forij.co/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * 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!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Today, we interview Dan Zavorotny, Co-Founder & COO of Nutrisense. Nutrisense is a platform focused on improving metabolic health. Their mission is to help anybody discover and reach their health potential. Their members discover the perfect diet for their unique bodies by tracking key metabolic markers in real-time. They leverage powerful hardware (CGM, Ketone Meters, etc), software, and a team of expert dietitians to enable lasting behavior change. We discussed: * What he's grateful for * How mentors help you reduce your failure when you're a startup * Why experience gives you pattern recognition (and what is it) * How layoff should occur and why should hire slowly * Why you should hire failed founders * Overview and origin of Nutrisense * Why this mission is important to Dan and why he wanted to do something for the world * How he started selling * How they started to scale quickly (brief story of how their revenue grew) * The three parts of Nutrisense: analytics, glucose monitor and health practitioners * Why so much of the world is pre-diabetic * Why if you want to know who you are and what works for you ~ see the data * The difference between Nutrisense and Fitbit * Advice, make sure you want to change * It's really an education & accountability tool * And so much more… Join Ramon Vela and Dan Zavorotny as we break down the inside story of Nutrisense on The Story of a Brand. For more on Nutrisense, visit: https://www.nutrisense.io/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * 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!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Elizabeth says, "At the end of the day, one of the things that we take so much pride in is, this is not a meat imitator. This is just a whole food, real food, veggie burger. And everything in there are ingredients from the earth, not from a lab." Today, we interview Elizabeth Raymond, Co-Founder of NoBull Burger. NoBull Burger, is the TRUE veggieburger, and is a handcrafted, 100% plant-based veggieburger that takes pride in using premium ingredients to make an exceptionally tasting, whole-food veggieburgers. We discussed: * What she's grateful for * Origin Story and Overview of NoBull Burger and their values * Their biggest challenges in past and present * Advice for other CPG founders * Their focus on Mental Health * Their personal story with Mental Health and how they use the brand as a platform to help others * Understanding your self worth as a founder of a CPG brand * The state of nutritional psychology and how NoBull Burger fits in * A breakdown of ingredients and products * Where to buy this amazing product (Ramon's words) * And so much more… Join Ramon Vela and Elizabeth Raymond as we break down the inside story of No Bull Burger on The Story of a Brand. For more on NoBull Burger, visit: https://nobullburger.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * 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!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Lauren says, "we built rituals around our wellness tech to really amplify the benefits of the wellness tech and create an amazing experience for people at home that they want to do over and over again because the more you do it, the more benefits you're gonna get, the better you're gonna feel." Today, we interview Lauren Berlingeri, Co-Founder of Higher Dose. Higher Dose cultivates the hottest at-home wellness tools using nature-inspired technologies to release a DOSE of feel-good chemicals — AKA, Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins — that elevate your mood, promote a healthy glow, support long-term health benefits, and lift your spirit. We discussed: * What she's grateful for * How her raising her kids is more challenging than business * Her health issues and how it impacted her life and business * Lauren's background and overview of Higher Dose * Creating content for longevity, her YouTube series * Developing rituals for people to do at home * Why people want a sauna experience at home & launching the Sauna Blanket * Benefits of Sauna for your health and engaging your "healing state" * How to use and clean your sauna blanket * The benefits of red light therapy * Solving what their customers are asking for * Adopting a healthy lifestyle through rituals * Her favorite bio-hacks * And more… Join Ramon Vela and Lauren Berlingeri as we break down the inside story of Higher Dose on The Story of a Brand. For a 15% off Higher Dose products, use STORY15 For more on Higher Dose, visit: https://higherdose.com/ Their YouTube series, Biohack-Hers: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtt3Vc8Sfqz2rWmxlkgDdcqUJp4fkWY1v Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * 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!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Steve and Jamie say, "Your mouth health is directly connected to your gut and mind health. Especially your gut. You have people spending a ton of money on probiotics and if they're not taking care of their mouth health, they could be completely out of balance." Today, we interview Steve Thorp and Jamie Collins, Co-Founders of Before. Before is a custom dentist-approved formula made with clean ingredients and packaged in a 100% recyclable plant-based tube. We discussed: * What they are grateful for * The idea, origin, and overview of Before * The opportunity in oral care and wellness * What both founders never expected on their entrepreneurial journey * Why accessibility and price point are important to them * Avoiding the petroleum and aluminum lining that competitors use in their tubes * Their focus on clean ingredients, sustainability and plant-based * How gut health and oral health are connected * The 2023 Men's Health Winner for Best Tooth Paste * A breakdown of their products * Advice for other Founders * And more… Join Ramon Vela, Steve Thorp and Jamie Collins as we break down the inside story of Before on The Story of a Brand. For more on Before, visit: https://beforecompany.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * 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!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Ryan says, "Care more about humans. And as much as you think, you care. It's not even close to where you should be. That's what I would say. I think everyone needs to take a very long look at what they're in business for. If you're in business for profits and cash, then you'll never gonna realize the profits and cash that you actually want, because you're just gonna be thinking about yourself." Today, we interview Ryan Bartlett, Co-Founder & CEO of True Classic. At True Classic they get it, everybody makes shirts, but not every body is shaped the same. That's where True Classic comes in. True Classic makes everyday essentials for every type of person. Premium high-quality basics with no gimmicks. We discussed: * What's he grateful for * How his health concerns changed his life * Asking himself is he raising good humans (about his kids) * Overview and origin of True Classic * Why entrepreneurs need to get used to failing * Think about how you are serving and adding value to the customer * Why, when starting out in business, don't spend a lot of money * How analysis can cause paralysis * A dark time in the business * Why forecasting is the number one most important thing in business * Advice for other founders * Dealing with family life, your spouse or partner when you're an entrepreneur * Their upcoming line of women's clothing * Why their clothing gives their customers confidence Join Ramon Vela and Ryan Bartlett as we break down the inside story of True Classic on The Story of a Brand. For more on True Classic, visit: https://www.trueclassictees.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * 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!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Allie says, "we're exposed to we're exposed to 85,000 chemicals that disrupt our health and hormones. And this is not allowing your body to heal itself, take care of itself, and create this sort of homeostasis that is, a healthy, balanced life that you feel from the inside and see on the outside." Today, we interview Allie Egan, Founder & CEO of Veracity Selfcare. Veracity creates a personal selfcare experience based on real data about your hormones and other bio-factors that impact your skin and your health. We discussed: * What she's grateful for * An overview and origin story for Veracity * Why she is so passionate about this brand: her story * What are hormones, why they're amazing and why they could be unbalanced * Why doctors are not checking hormone levels * How to get hormones back in balance * Why you need to stop using hormone disruptors (in many products we use) * Their test for general hormonal health * What are the most common issues they see in women * Breakdown of Veracity products including ingredients * Their consultation for hormonal health * And more… Join Ramon Vela and Allie Egan as we break down the inside story of Veracity Selfcare on The Story of a Brand. For more on Veracity Selfcare, visit: https://veracityselfcare.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * 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!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Leland says, "So the authenticity piece, obviously that's really core and central to our brand. One thing that I'm proud of myself and Sarah for doing and holding true to remaining authentic. Because, earlier on when we were trying to raise capital and got a lot of pushbacks on, is Thai a large enough section in the grocery store? Is the market large enough for that? And a lot of investors And other folks pushed us to try to, do something that was more Pan-Asian… and that's not central to our brand." Today, we interview Leland Copenhagen, Co-founder of Yais Thai. Created to bring Thai flavors into American households with the twist of a cap. Inspired by his Yai (translation: grandma) and mom's sense of ease in the kitchen, they want to share the joy of connecting over a delicious meal with everyone! We discussed: * What he's grateful for * An overview and origin story of Yais Thai * Seeing the opportunity with heritage products * How the consumer is driving demand for authentic foods * Marriage and running a brand with your spouse * How he handles the mental and emotional aspects of running a brand * A breakdown of the Yais Thai products, including ingredients * Why glass jars? * What are Leland's favorite sauces (currently) * What he's most proud of about the brand * Where to buy * and so much more… Join Ramon Vela and Leland Copenhagen as we break down the inside story of Yais Thai on The Story of a Brand. For more on Yais Thai, visit: https://www.yaisthai.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * 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!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Michael says, "We also have a nutritionist, a formula, a flavorist on staff that most brands don't have. And then the next layer is we get to manufacture the product. We control that process, so we have disclosure, we have control into all of that. There's no middleman. That allows us to make the top of the line product with no middleman, no surcharge, no upcharge. We're offering premium formulas, incredible flavors and experiences for market price." Today, we interview Michael Yewdell, President of BEAM - Be Amazing. BEAM's mission is to create superior supplement products. How do they guarantee this? By controlling the entire process. From sourcing and importing the raw ingredients, to an in-house flavor team, down to the manufacturing and production of the final product. They do it all. We discussed: * What he's grateful for * His personal story, his diagnosis & fight with cancer * What keeps him going every day * How cancer changed his life and fueled his mission and products with BEAM * How the owning the entire manufacturing process gives them an edge * A review of new products and customer feedback * Their philanthropic initiatives including raising money for cancer research and funding 500 plus hours of therapy * And more… Join Ramon Vela and Michael Yewdell as we break down the inside story of BEAM - Be Amazing on The Story of a Brand. For more on BEAM - Be Amazing, visit: https://youcanbeam.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * 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!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Jordan says, "My goal is to be evergreen. We use evidence backed research when we're doing any of our formulations. So we can offer someone a medical grade experience, kind of in-office consult, from the comfort of their own couch." Today, we interview Jordan Harper, Found, CEO, and Nurse Practitioner of Barefaced. Barefaced® is a direct to consumer skincare brand dedicated to building relationships, confidence, and knowledge through healthy, beautiful skin. Offering only a rigorously curated collection of skincare products, Barefaced® is the home for those seeking the confidence and calm that comes with fresh, vibrant, healthy skin. We discussed: * What she's grateful for * Raising kids as an entrepreneur * How to live a life of intention * Overview of Barefaced and origin story * Her experience of working with doctors, patients, and giving injections * Why her primary mission is to educate * Caution: there is no miracle one product that solves everything, so don't get fooled * Why other brands release so many products * Ingredient and formulation philosophy; a breakdown of Barefaced products * Where to start? Start with her blog. * And more… Join Ramon Vela and Jordan Harper as we break down the inside story of Barefaced on The Story of a Brand. For more on Barefaced, visit: https://www.barefaced.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * 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!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Madhavi says, "we've started trying to design products where you see the result very quickly after one use.Things like lip pluming or blemish treatments, because you'll see results after a single use. And that's a way of positively reinforcing the use of our device because you're delighted by the results." Today, we interview Madhavi Gavini, CEO of Droplette. Droplette is a technology company revolutionizing the skincare industry with its breakthrough device. The Droplette device and capsules use our enhanced aerosol technology to deliver active ingredients under the skin - where they can actually work. We discussed: * What she's grateful for * An overview and origin of the brand * Discovering that for skin treatments, there is a delivery problem * How treatments get on your skin (usually) * What is "diffusion" * Being a start up founder and mathematician * The challenges with brand building * Droplette's big picture vision * Wanting to be a tech platform for other brands * The challenge of getting people to change behavior * New product versions and formulations coming out soon! * And more… Join Ramon Vela and Madhavi Gavini as we break down the inside story of Droplette on The Story of a Brand. For more on Droplette, visit: https://droplette.io/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * 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!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Ben says, "the goal is not a subscription. The goal is for a customer to buy repeatedly, and sometimes a subscription is the right mechanism for that, but for many people, it's not. And so what you need is to have a series of different tools that enable you to meet the person where they are and then the right way for them to consume." Today, we interview Ben Fisher, Co-founder & CEO of Rodeo. Rodeo is a consumer-centric subscription platform for challenger CPG brands. Consumers *don't* want a subscription. They *want* your product, when they need it. With Rodeo, you can turn transactional customers into subscribers with a bespoke platform that offers "middle ground" flexibility tuned to your customer's buying patterns & products. We discussed: * What he's grateful for * His discussion on entrepreneurship, the pressures, anxiety * Ketamine therapy and was it helpful * How to achieve Zen like performance * A different perspective on what it means to be a high achiever * His morning routine - a break down * The pressure to perform * An overview of Rodeo * What's a flexible subscription * The challenges to implementing a subscription program * How to work with Rode: who is a customer, onboarding, etc. * And more… Join Ramon Vela and Ben Fisher as we break down the inside story of Rodeo on The Story of a Brand. For more on Rodeo, visit: https://hey.rodeo/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * 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!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Kristoffer says, "one thing that I'm practicing right now is distinguishing between fear and intuition. Because sometimes that gut feeling isn't necessarily intuition, it's your fear speaking or it's oh no, not this again. And so now it's like paying attention. If I am being present to whatever's happening in me internally and knowing when it's fear speaking. Today, we interview Kristoffer Quiaoit, Founder & CEO of Good Journey. Good Journey creates delicious donuts with magical macros 🍩. 3g Net Carbs and 1g sugar. They are made with wholesome ingredients like almonds and soluble tapioca fiber and are naturally sweetened. We discussed: * What he's grateful for * Closing his first business and how it affected him * Carrying armor and building a wall from feeling emotions * Why comparison is the thief of joy * How to recover from bankruptcy, closing a brand, and finding yourself again * Avoiding playing it small and overcoming imposter syndrome * Why entrepreneurs struggle with "not being enough" * Understanding the difference between "fear and intuition" * Why he stopped drinking alcohol * Having self-compassion for yourself * Starting fresh with Good Journey * Creating a delicious donut * Lessons learned that he is now applying to his brand, Good Journey * And more… Join Ramon Vela and Kristoffer Quiaoit as we break down the inside story of Good Journey on The Story of a Brand. For more on Good Journey, visit: https://www.goodjourneyfoods.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * 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!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Ethan says, "Truthfully, any space can, because what we're talking about when we think about a community-based brand, we're really thinking about a set of values, right? A set of interests that people have been, may be into. They could be into cars, they could be into fitness, they could be into renovation. There's people that are passionate about it and want to talk about it. And so I would say it can be done in every single space. There are spaces where it's a more natural fit, but it can be done any where." Today, we interview Ethan Song, Founder & CEO of RareCircles. RareCircles is a membership and experiential loyalty platform, powering the world's best communities. We discussed: * What he's grateful for * His previous brand, Frank & Oak, and how it informed his new venture * What worked in the early days of Frank & Oak around community? * The challenges of building community and why more brands aren't doing so * What is the easiest way to build communities * A walk through the RareCircles platform and what it does * Who do they work and how to onboard? * Why building a community can fit with any sector and brand * And more… Join Ramon Vela and Ethan Song as we break down the inside story of RareCircles on The Story of a Brand. For more on RareCircles, visit: https://www.rarecircles.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * 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!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Michael says, "If you are eating more clean three to five days in a row, you're gonna feel a major difference. Three to five days, that's it. You don't have to do it for years and years. It's obviously better. You're gonna feel better. Just doing it for three to five days, you're gonna feel a major difference. You're gonna feel lighter, you're gonna feel less bloated. You're gonna feel more clear, more productive, more energy. And that's what it is. That's what true health is about, feeling your best." Today, we interview Michael Kuech, Co-founder of Your Super. Their mission is to make the world a healthier and happier place by providing natural, organic, and delicious products. Their mixes include Superfoods which are plant-based foods that contain high amounts of micronutrients, minerals and vitamins. We discussed: * What he's grateful for * He tells us about his Cancer diagnosis and how he recovered * Why 50% of Cancers are diet related and what to do about it * How to make a connection between what you eat and how you fee * Their book: Your Super Life: 100+ Delicious, Plant-Based Recipes Made with Nature's Most Powerful Superfoods * How to super charge your meals and the power of Detoxing * Why they want to be a vehicle for change * And more… Join Ramon Vela and Michael Kuech as we break down the inside story of Your Super on The Story of a Brand. For more on Your Super, visit: https://yoursuper.com/ Get the "Your Super Life book" at your favorite bookstore: Barnes & Noble, Booksamllion, Target, Amazon, Walmart, etc. Follow them on IG on @kristelandmichael and @yoursuperfoods. Learn more on kristelandmichael.com and yoursuper.com. Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * 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!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Kelley says, "I was just astounded. What guy is educated enough about skincare to understand what these products are? There's nobody that I know in America that is in my sphere of friends or business people that would understand any of this, and I sure didn't. But big cosmetic companies really thought that they could market skincare to men how they market for women. And it just didn't work out very well. That's why Tiege has been so successful. Our tagline is Uncomplicated Skincare for men." Today, we interview Kelley Thornton, Founder & CEO of Tiege Hanley, Inc. Tiege Hanley is an uncomplicated skin care company for men, with the sole mission of taking out the guesswork by giving you every product you need and nothing you don't. The products are not only high quality but are affordable as well. We discussed: * What he's grateful for * The difficulties of building a business and lessons learned: Purchase Point story * What is entrepreneurship PTSD? * How he's applied previous lessons learned to Tiege * Building a voice in the market * Spotting cultural changes to find a market opportunity * Break down of ingredients and COGS * Why they produce their own products and why it's a competitive advantage * How their recycling efforts cost them more money but worth it * What the future holds for Tiege, including TV spots * And more… Join Ramon Vela and Kelley Thornton as we break down the inside story of Tiege Hanley, Inc. on The Story of a Brand. For more on Tiege Hanley, Inc. and to get a 30% discount, visit: https://tiege.com/storyofabrand Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * 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!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Chelsea says, "I think what we're seeing is everybody's looking at every area for ways to tighten their budget and their marketing dollars. And what is exciting about what's possible with D2C is you're still seeing this pushback into stores, but those that have invested well into D2C, realizes it influences the store purchase." Today, we interview Chelsea Jones, Co-founder of Chelsea & Rachel Co. One of only five woman-owned Shopify-Plus Preferred Partners in the world, Chelsea & Rachel, Co has a proven track record of delivering increased sales for eCommerce clients. Focused on consumer food and wellness brands, Chelsea & Rachel, Co., is quickly leading the path on UX/UI design and custom Shopify development for enterprise brands looking to make a significant impact. We discussed: * What she's grateful for * Her origin story and overview of Chelsea & Rachel * What to do when you feel stuck * How do you raise kids when you're a mom and entrepreneur? * The big trends in the market * Current challenges faced by brands and solutions * What's working and what's not working * What type of brands does she work with * Why everything starts with strategy * And so much more… Join Ramon Vela and Chelsea Jones as we break down the inside story of Chelsea & Rachel Co. on The Story of a Brand. For more on Chelsea & Rachel Co., visit: https://chelseaandrachel.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * 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!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Liz says, "Perky plant is a hundred percent organic fertilizer in an easy-to-use shaker bottle for house plants. So picture your spice jars that are sitting in your kitchen right now but full of organic fertilizer for those house plants. You can just put it on your counter, put it on your shelf next to your plant, and it's a reminder to feed your plant and keep it healthy." Today, we interview Liz Murphy, Co-founder & CEO of Perky Plant. Perky Plant is a plant food additive made of organic, water-soluble nutrients and bio-stimulants that make your plants as Perky as can be. Perky Plant comes in an easy-to-use shaker bottle that makes watering fun! We discussed: * What she's grateful for * Working & learning for established entrepreneurs * The road from intern to Co-founder & CEO * Attending college and running a brand: how she manages the hustle * Identifying the market opportunity * Overview and mission of Perky Plant * Working with influencers * Advice for college students * Last words on mental health and plants * And more… Join Ramon Vela and Liz Murphy as we break down the inside story of Perky Plant on The Story of a Brand. For more on Perky Plant, visit: https://perkyplant.co/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * 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!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Gracia & Benjamin say, "from a skin perspective, most people think of skin as something that they should treat from a topical standpoint. Skin is our largest organ. Our gut is really the place where every single health practitioner, every human, everybody should focus first." Today, we interview Gracia Walker and Benjamin Silver, Co-founders at BROC SHOT. BROC SHOT is a daily shot for beauty, body + brain powered by a certified broccoli sprout powder formula that the TGA (Australia's version of the FDA has even approved) as a medicine. BROC SHOT contains broccoli sprouts which contain the highest amount of the active compound, sulforaphane, of any vegetable–50-100x more than mature broccoli. Sulforaphane is clinically proven to fight free radicals that cause cell damage and premature aging, detoxify the body from pollutants, stabilize and strengthen the gut barrier to enhance immunity and normalize bowels, and improve and support brain function. We discussed: * What they are grateful for * The problem with many products: "bit of science, lots of marketing" * Sulforaphane: The magical compound and what it does * The 3 key functions of BROC SHOT: Gut health, inflammation, detoxification * Why you need to take it - Ramon's story * How cooking broccoli kills the Sulforaphane and sprouts are the way to go * Why beauty starts in the gut? * Collagen vs protein vs multivitamin vs sulforaphane * And more… Join Ramon Vela, Gracia Walker and Benjamin Silver as we break down the inside story of BROC SHOT on The Story of a Brand. For more on BROC SHOT, visit: https://brocshot.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * 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!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Harry says, "I think the part about the company that really excites me is the things that we have done to provide resources and experiences for people to fulfill their full potential. We launched a mentoring program last year. Our goal is to personally one-on-one mentor, thousands of people, where we're providing them with one-on-one connection with outsiders, experts, mentors to help them overcome whatever's getting in their way of achieving what they want to achieve." Today, we interview Harry Arnett, Co-founder & CEO of MUNICIPAL. MUNICIPAL was created to inspire, build & showcase a community of self-made, unstoppable people. Simply put, MUNICIPAL is a mindset. It pushes you to make big things happen. Nothing is given. Everything is earned. Commit to your dream. Put in the reps. And be unstoppable. Co-founded by Mark Wahlberg, the Sport Utility Gear they create will give you the comfort, style and versatility that you need to pursue your full potential. We discussed: * What he's grateful for * Deciding to be an entrepreneur * Wanting the brand to be much more than a transaction * Mark Wahlberg and the brand ethos: be unstoppable & make big things happen in your life * His background and origin story * Redefining how people see and experience comfort * Their focus: clothing that says something about you * Their mentoring program and turning their ethos into reality * A breakdown of the materials and men's and women's line * What's he most proud of about the brand? * And more… Join Ramon Vela and Harry Arnett as we break down the inside story of MUNICIPAL on The Story of a Brand. For more on MUNICIPAL, visit: https://municipal.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * 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!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Today, we interview Vanessa Barboni Hallik, Founder & CEO of Another Tomorrow. Another Tomorrow launched in January 2020 and are an end-to-end sustainable luxury ready-to-wear collection and platform. They have a transparency initiative that will ensure each of its products, particularly its articles of clothing, come with a tag equipped with a QR code. This QR code links customers to a product ID page that offers transparency on the history of the product. This includes the manufacturing location, shipping process, material composition, and more. Another Tomorrow believes that transparency is key in the fashion industry, and that this partnership is an excellent way to both gain trust with customers and inform them of its business practices. Another Tomorrow also launched a resale program, aimed at, in part, at reducing production of new clothes, which from their point of view, is the only way that resale can help fashion to reduce its overall environmental footprint. We discussed: * What she's grateful for * Her transition from Financier to Fashion * Why fashion was ripe for transformation * Fashion's problems the sustainability * Values that guide the brand: Animal, Human, & Environmental Welfare * Transparency and their Providence Journey * Treating Clothing as an Asset * Embracing Re-commerce as a way to produce less * A breakdown of materials used * Their Fashion * And the future of Another Tomororw Join Ramon Vela and Vanessa Barboni Hallik as we break down the inside story of Another Tomorrow on The Story of a Brand. For more on Another Tomorrow, visit: https://anothertomorrow.co/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * 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!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Aaron says, "My wife always reminds me that things always work out. I know that viscerally, I've lived that. I think as entrepreneurs, we get so deep in the weeds and the stress of the business and how many people are counting on us from our employees or investors, our customers that we forget that. It might have been Tony Robbins, that said everything always works out and if it hasn't worked out yet, it hasn't reached its full resolution. Life is not happening to us. We're not victims of external circumstance. Life is happening for us." Today, we interview Aaron Hinde, President and Co-founder at LIFEAID Beverage. LIFEAID's focus is on great tasting, wellness enhancing, and functionally driven supplement products. LIFEAID Beverage Co. has become a trusted brand among athletes, health-conscious and performance-minded consumers. We discussed: * What he's grateful for * His financial collapse in 2008's Real Estate recession * Reframing your thoughts * The role of attitude and effort in our success * Why life is simple: make better decisions * What is negative soft talk, negative loops, and how to flip it to the affirmative * Breaking down the concept of the A.T.M. (Alignment. Trajectory, and Momentum) of life * How to build and keep momentum: "keep doing the little things" * Breakdown of beverage products including FITAID Energy + Sports Recovery Join Ramon Vela and Aaron Hinde as we break down the inside story of LIFEAID Beverage on The Story of a Brand. For more on LIFEAID Beverage, visit: https://www.lifeaidbevco.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * 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!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Forest says, "...most of the agencies are just pretty bad. I hate to say that, but they are. You know, folks are spending way too much or they're getting someone way too junior or it's an agency that pretends to be good at everything, but they're really great at just one or two things. And so we're helping [our clients] kind of cut through all the clutter and make sure that they have the right stack." Today, we interview Forest Bronzan and Scott Briggs, Partners at MachForty. MachForty helps ambitious companies solve complex problems and be best-in-class. Their active team has been operators, founders, and growers who have built and exited some of the most innovative brands in their class. They approach problems with real-world experience rather than theoretical ideas and bring this operational excellence to serve Fast-Growth to Enterprise Brands. We discussed: * What they are both grateful for * Scott's and Forest story: from how they built their business to their exits * Why you should focus on the company, not on the exit (sounds counterintuitive but it works) * The false myth of retiring after an exit * Why most agencies are bad * Why they want to roll up their sleeves again and help Fast Growth to Enterprise Brands * What's working and not working for brands * Why they see opportunity with text & SMS and email but with data * Who they work with and how and how they can add value * Last words: why you need to take care of your partner (spouse, loved one, etc) Join Ramon Vela, Forest Bronzan and Scott Briggs as we break down the inside story of MachForty on The Story of a Brand. For more on MachForty, visit: https://www.machforty.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * 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!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Becca and Jess say, "It is the utility. They are so practical and I love the idea that you should have things in your home that serve a purpose and that you believe to be beautiful. And to me I still have the original locker that I literally picked up off the side of the street because it's a reminder of the beauty that I saw in this rusty old banged up locker that really needed a lot of love to make it practical… it's got a story, it's got history and metal furniture ages gracefully, you know, whereas something that's made out of MDF if it gets wet or it gets soggy the edging peel off it." Today, we interview Becca Stern and Jess Gray, Co-Founders of Mustard Made. Mustard Made has reimagined old school lockers to make them pretty + practical for your home, work space + kids' rooms. They're here to make life a little more tidy. Mustard Made was founded by Becca and Jess, two sisters living on opposite sides of the world who always had the dream of building a business together. We discussed: * What they are both grateful for * What they were doing before the brand * What was it about lockers that excited them enough to start the brand * The power of the brand's vision * The multiple challenges faced by the brand including packaging, fire on boats, Suez Canal, sandstorms, typhoons and more * Their secret for getting through hardships ~ not being surprised when things happen (expectation & acceptance) * Their story of launching in America * Putting "problem solving" as your job description as an entrepreneur * Supply Chain issues and why they now add in buffers to delivery dates * A review of their product: lockers and more… * The challenges of scaling the business * Their 3 core values * Why it's important to define who you are and who you want to be * As the business grows, so should you as an entrepreneur Join Ramon Vela, Becca Stern and Jess Gray as we break down the inside story of Mustard Made on The Story of a Brand. For more on Mustard Made, visit: https://www.mustardmade.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * 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!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Dan says, "If I weren't the co-founder of this company, I would be a customer because… we make products that cater to people just like me and we try to convey through the ethos of our brand the messaging that life could be lived on your own terms. And that makes it easy to relate to our customers and have thoughtful and effective marketing that appeals to them. I sometimes feel like when we're writing ads, we're writing them for me." Today, we interview Dan Demsky, Co-founder & CEO of Unbound Merino. Unbound Merino is stylish, simple Merino wool apparel that can be worn for weeks or even months without ever needing to be washed. That means you can ditch the enormous suitcase, because all you'll need is your carry-on. We've created travel essentials that will bring out the true minimalist in you. We discussed: * What he's grateful for * Traveling, doing the interview from Mexico * His thoughts, as CEO, on remote work and productivity * How the pandemic and lack of travel impacted the brand and what they did about it * How the pandemic made them savvier, stronger, more profitable * The best places to manufacture outside of China (why China is no longer the least expensive) * Why having investors is like having a boss (and why they don't have any) * The simplicity of e-commerce model and why it suits them * Their brand ethos: life can be lived on your own terms * Introducing a line for Women * And more… Join Ramon Vela and Dan Demsky as we break down the inside story of Unbound Merino on The Story of a Brand. For more on Unbound Merino, visit: https://unboundmerino.com/ Listen to his past episode where we go into more of the founding story: Part 1 - Unbound Merino - The Everyday High-Performance Clothing https://sites.libsyn.com/119400/unbound-merino-the-everyday-high-performance-clothing Part 2 - Unbound Merino - Do the Work. Momentum will Follow. https://sites.libsyn.com/119400/unbound-merino-do-the-work-momentum-will-follow Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * 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!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. The Tasting Alliance competitions are considered the most influential for a reason. They have elevated the reputation of thousands of brands, and represent the ultimate curator for the world's best wine and spirits. Receiving a medal from the organization is a critical next step for any producer to earn recognition in the industry. Today, we interview Amanda Blue, President & COO of The Tasting Alliance. The Tasting Alliance is the ultimate resource for the best in wine and spirits. Hundreds of their judges have spent hours evaluating every product on their site so you don't have to. We discussed: * What she's grateful for * How her father was an editor at Bon Appétit Magazine * Overview and origin of The Tasting Alliance * How The Tasting Alliance Process works and why it's the Oscars of the Booze industry * Why young brands can see an increase in sales by 10x when winning an award * The events including San Francisco World Spirits Competition * What consumers will find at the Top Shelf gala, including masterclasses * Adding new categories including ready to drink, no & low alcohol and more * The benefits for a brand beyond winning awards * And so much more… Join Ramon Vela and Amanda Blue as we break down the inside story of The Tasting Alliance on The Story of a Brand. For more on The Tasting Alliance, visit: https://thetastingalliance.com/events/12123/ Purchase tickets for their TOP SHELF event before March 31st and receive a discount, promo code: TA20 Visit The Tasting Alliance e-commerce partner: https://www.reservebar.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * 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!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Brian says, "I just hope that [hair and color] could be the catalyst of a conversation that becomes a friendship that becomes more. Maybe it saves someone's life because they didn't feel alone that day." Today, we interview Brian O'Connor, Co-founder of Good Dye Young. Good Dye Young was created by Hayley Williams, lead singer of the Grammy Award winning band Paramore, and her longtime hair stylist and makeup artist, Brian O'Connor. Good Dye Young cultivates a safe and inclusive community that values vibrant self-expression and creativity. They also make bad ass hair products. We discussed: * What he's grateful for * How he met his co-founder Hayley Williams and their relationship * How & why they started the brand * Brian's origins including growing up in a broken home, experiencing loneliness, depression, shame, and finding safe harbor with his grandparents * His "bag of ash" idea and how he wants to leave the world with something bigger * Why he is passionate about Good Die Young being a place for every body, every shape, size, color, and walk of life * Building a family and creative, safe space and how hair/color could be a gateway to a human connection * Giving people a DIY-at-home experience * A review of products, where to buy, and so much more… Join Ramon Vela and Brian O'Connor as we break down the inside story of Good Dye Young on The Story of a Brand. For more on Good Dye Young, visit: https://gooddyeyoung.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * 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!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Forest says, "68% of us pretend to check stuff (on phones) in order to avoid talking to people. 20% reported checking their phone while having sex. I don't know how it's possible, but okay? That's just bonkers. Talk about a lack of meaningful connection and intimacy. I think something like 47% reported phone use in their relationship being one of the top two causes of fights." Today, we interview Forest Bronzan, Partner at Digital Detox. Digital Detox provides the skills to help you slowly bring your life and phone use back into balance—so technology can help you be a better parent and friend and partner and colleague. As they say at Digital Detox, you deserve to feel better physically and mentally. To experience life in the moment. And to take back control of your time. We discussed: * What he's grateful for * An overview and origin of Digital Detox * In memoriam: The story of Levi Felix, Founder of Digital Detox and Friend * How Forest became involved with Digital Detox * Stats and the emotional and physical impact that technology can have on our lives * What you can do to bring balance into your life (and not let technology control your life) * Why Digital Detox is not Anti-technology * Tips that you can use in your daily life to minimize the impact of technology * Parenting and technology * The wildly popular Digital Detox Newsletter and what you can expect from it and more… Join Ramon Vela and Forest Bronzan as we break down the inside story of Digital Detox on The Story of a Brand. Learn about Digital Detox and sign up for the newsletter at https://www.digitaldetox.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * 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!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Erica says, "it's safe to eat raw, there's less sugar, there's added protein. It's a healthier version of a snack that's normally not vegan, but ours is plant-based... so you have health-conscious consumers who exercise or look for cleaner ingredients, who wouldn't really normally eat the Pillsbury stuff that's on the shelf... and kids love it too." Today, we interview Erica Rankin, Founder & Chief Everything at Bro Dough. The best part of Bro Dough is that you are SUPPOSED to eat their cookie dough raw! Bro Dough is a is a healthier way to indulge in your favorite childhood treat. Low in sugar, 100% plant-based, and only quality ingredients. With added protein, Bro Dough is perfect for that post workout snack, or afternoon treat you can feel good eating. We discussed: Who and what she's grateful for The origin, overview, and the Why for Bro Dough Brand How she started creating "better for you" versions of snacks in her kitchen What strategies have helped her cope with the harsh entrepreneurial journey Erica's morning routine and how she sets herself up for success Her New Year's Eve routine that starts her year The Bro Dough Formula Why pivoting has been an important strategy for her Her answer to what the title of her memoir would be and what mine would be Where it's available, where to buy and so much more… Join Ramon Vela and Erica Rankin as we break down the inside story of Bro Dough on The Story of a Brand. For more on Bro Dough, visit: https://brodough.ca/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Alright, guys, 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!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Tyler says, "We are pasture raised. So our chickens are out on our pastures with movable hoops with free access to the outside. They get to run out in the sun. They get to eat grass and dig bugs… their pituitary glands are right, their vitamin D levels are right. We are raising chickens the way they are meant to be raised; the way their genetics and instincts are set up. And so that quality of life translates into the quality of the chicken." Today, we interview Tyler Dawley, Head Chicken Wrangler at Big Bluff Ranch. Big Bluff Ranch is dedicated to regenerative agriculture and farming practices. They raise healthy organic chicken and help protect, preserve, improve, and sustain the land for future generations. We discussed: * What he's grateful for: finding his life's calling * How Big Bluff Ranch grabs your soul and is like a spiritual connection to the land * The origin of the ranch, including how his parents met (this is a great story!) * How listeners can experience a digital detox and beautiful lake at his ranch * What is pasture raised chickens and why it's how chickens are supposed to be raised * Why they take land stewardship, holistic management, and regenerative farming seriously * Why "quality of life translates to the quality of the chicken?" * Why there is a disconnect between consumers, food and the land * Why your food dollars matter and why the food we eat affects the environment Join Ramon Vela and Tyler Dawley as we break down the inside story of Big Bluff Ranch on The Story of a Brand. For more on Big Bluff Ranch, visit: https://www.bigbluffranch.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Alright, guys, 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!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Alina and Vanessa say, "when people talk about let's represent Latinos, especially from a female standpoint, the first thing you see is that there's this belief that the average Latina is the sex pot. And I'm sorry to use this word because it's an awful word to use, but not every woman that is Latina walks around with, you know, her boobs out and her butt up to here and this and this and that..." Today, we interview Alina Gonzalez and Vanessa Ramos, Co-founders at Erenzia Beauty. Erenzia Beauty is a brand with a mission and purpose, born out of the ideal that all women deserve better beauty. And, at the center of it all, a celebration of the Latina woman–her allure, beauty and unique essence blending generations of deeply rooted traditions with modern-day life. We discussed: *What they are grateful for *The origin and overview of Erenzia Beauty * How can brands provide more representation and dispel sexual stereotypes? * How its not about vanity but about "self confidence" * Why "Latinos" can't be lumped together and why we're complex * The difficulties of raising capital and their personal experience * The vision for their brand * Their "Amigas Program" affiliate model and why this is also about financial empowerment * And so much more… Join Ramon Vela, Alina Gonzalez and Vanessa Ramos as we break down the inside story of Erenzia Beauty on The Story of a Brand. For more on Erenzia Beauty, visit: https://erenziabeauty.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Alright, guys, 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!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Jennifer says, "we've intentionally branded it in a really weird, unique and magical way. If you explore our website and look at the bottle, it really stands out. We wanted to evoke a potion or, or magical feeling. And the product itself is incredibly versatile. It is not only delicious on its own, you can pair with pretty much anything: whiskey, tequila, gin, vodka, sparkling wine, even some beers. And it makes these products taste better. And from my perspective, it elevates every kind of drink that it's put into, whether it's a simple cocktail or just drinking it on ice or mixing it in a really complex cocktail." Today, we interview Jennifer Toyzer, Founder & CEO of UME. UME is a delightfully tart, mildly sweet plum spirit featuring a show-stopping royal purple hue. It's made from all-natural plums, grapes, & black cherries, with hints of green apple and lemon. It has 17% ABV, gluten-free, with half the sugar of similar apéritifs and is produced responsibly in California. We discussed: * What she's grateful for * Encouragement to other founders * Overview and origin of UME * Launching during COVID and the supply issues they experienced * Getting validation from the industry * Review of the product, including ingredients, history, and working with a mixologist * Why UME is like a magical potion and condiment for your bar * Advice for founders and dreamers building a business * And more… Join Ramon Vela and Jennifer Toyzer as we break down the inside story of UME on The Story of a Brand. For more on UME, visit: https://www.drinkume.com/ Try some by using this promo code: STORYOFAPOTION10 Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Alright, guys, 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!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Arthur says, "I think part of the entrepreneurial journey in our country is that everyone thinks it is so damn easy. The success stories we've read about. The billion dollar exits that are so far and few between. I think it's disillusioning when they see that, because this is a blood, sweat and tears industry to build something." Today, we interview Arthur Gallego, CEO of Gallego & Co Marketing and a 2023 SKU Mentor. Arthur is the preeminent Food & Beverage marketing expert and has worked with clients such as OLIPOP, Health-Ade Kombucha, Vita Coco, Flow Spring Water, LifeAid, BulletProof 360, CANN, Hop WTR, Chomps, Vervet and more. We discussed 3 major topics: 1) Why an Accelerator?, 2) Entrepreneurial Psychology, and 3) What to look at Expo West 2023 * What is SKU? * Difference between incubator and accelerator * What Arthur likes about SKU * The SKU 2023 Track * SKU vetting process * What makes a good accelerator? * What the SKU process looks like? * Entrepreneurship Psychology, including single mindedness, Shark Tank Affect and more * How to become more emotionally aware as an entrepreneur * Going to Expo West 2023 * Trends to look for at Expo West and in Food & Beverage * And so much more… Join Ramon Vela and Arthur Gallego as we break down the inside story of Gallego & Co Marketing and a 2023 SKU Mentor on The Story of a Brand. For more on Gallego & Co., visit: https://www.gallegoandco.com/ For more on SKU, visit: https://sku.is/ For more on Natural Products Expo West, visit: https://www.expowest.com/en/home.html Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Alright, guys, 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!