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Rachel Drori, the founder/CEO of popular direct-to-consumer food brand Daily Harvest, explained why customer service “is not just about meeting needs, but anticipating them,” why social media is “not just a one-way relationship” and how “data is just part of the story” in understanding consumer needs.
In this episode, we sat down with Shilen Patel, the co-founder of Distill Ventures (DV), a U.K.-based venture capital firm and accelerator that invests in disruptive distilled spirit companies and non-alcoholic drink brands. Patel explained why he’s bullish about the future of low- and no-alcohol adult beverages, and why quality is of paramount importance to DV’s investment philosophy.
Jeffrey Hollender, co-founder of pioneering natural products brand Seventh Generation, spoke about the company’s ambitious mission and how the company found its footing after years of stagnation. He also discussed the ways in which he supports socially responsible companies and why he urges entrepreneurs to address systemic environmental problems.
In this episode, Jason Shiver, the CEO of fast-growing sparkling water brand Waterloo, discussed his strategy for winning in a crowded and highly competitive category. Shiver spoke about how he’s applied past lessons to his current role, the challenges of managing rapid growth and how he establishes and communicates metrics for success.
Melissa Hartwig Urban, co-founder/CEO of Whole30, explained why she describes the lifestyle program as an “experiment” and why she is staunchly opposed to the idea of moderation. She also discussed the selective process for brands to become “Whole30 approved,” why she spends the majority of time at work messaging with members of her community, and why she decided to open up about past challenges in her life.
Chris Kirby, founder/president of Ithaca Craft Hummus, spoke about how he identified white space in the hummus category and what he learned during four years of operating his own production facility. He also urged entrepreneurs to be thoughtful about their retail relationships and deliberate about expenses, and discussed why he hires people that are highly self-sufficient.
Alex Day, co-founder of trendsetting cocktail bar Death & Co., spoke about his thoughtful approach to innovation and branding. He also explained why articulating the brand’s style is an “ongoing process,” why the Death & Co. considers itself a content creator as much as a bar, and why it never “follows trends out of fatigue.”
In this episode, we’re joined by Ashleigh and Trey Lockerbie, the co-founders of organic kombucha brand Better Booch, who joined us for a conversation about the good, the bad and the ugly of a brand revamp. As part of our conversation, they discussed how the process helped shape the strategy that now serves as the foundation for the company’s future.
Greg Vetter, the co-founder/CEO of organic dressing brand Tessemae’s, spoke about the huge wins and unexpected losses from his first decade in business. He also explained why his “positively intense” approach is not for everyone, the dangers of bad employees and advisors, and why he believes that “the key to this game is surrounding yourself with people that you really trust.”
Mark Rampolla, founder of Zico and co-founder of venture capital firm Powerplant Ventures, spoke about why he reviews long-term goals on a daily basis and the importance of thoughtful communication with employees and colleagues. He also explained why daily huddles are key for highly effective organizations and why getting to bed early every night is the most underrated habit of all.