The Story of a Brand Show

This episode is brought to you by Rebuy and SARAL. In this episode, we delve into personal relationships, shared values, and the fascinating concept of biohacking with Kent Yoshimura, the Co-founder and CEO of NeuroGum and Mints. We'll also discover how these elements are vital to the Neuro's business growth and success. Highlights: * NeuroGum and Mints, a company driven by the power of human connections, places great importance on alignment and vision. * Kent reveals how they have developed accessible biohacking products, specifically NeuroGum and Mints, that offer sustained energy and focus. * The secret behind their success lies in a unique blend of caffeine and L-theanine, supplemented by energy-boosting B vitamins. * Moreover, these products cater to various dietary needs, being vegan, sugar-free, and gluten-free, and utilizing monk fruit as a natural sweetener. * Kent also discusses a range of other products designed to enhance mood, relieve stress, and promote good sleep. * Highlighting the crucial role of sleep in overall health, mental well-being, and gut health, he shares insightful information on the importance of prioritizing restful nights. * How kindness towards one another is emphasized as a crucial aspect in business and personal relationships. Join Ramon Vela and Kent Yoshimura as we break down the inside story of NeuroGum & Mints on The Story of a Brand. For more on NeuroGum and Mints, visit: https://neurogum.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * Today's Sponsors: Rebuy Engine: https://www.rebuyengine.com/foundersparadiso Rebuy uses AI to create personalized experiences for every shopper. Get a no-credit card 21-day trial. Visit my unique link to receive the offer. SARAL - Your Influencer Assistant Tool for Brands: http://storybrandoffer.com/ Claim an "exclusive onboarding" offer for the listeners of The Story of a Brand Show. The SARAL Team will work directly with you and offer weekly check-ins and 1:1 consulting until you succeed. Visit my unique link to receive the offer.

This episode is brought to you by WAIR and Tidio. Today, we interviewed Caroline Gogolak, Founder and CEO of Saint Art. Saint Art is New Your Street Style for everyone. This new form of American sportswear is easy, effortless, and luxe by addressing the cadence of our everyday. The collection reads as a juxtaposition - masculine and feminine, romantic and sporty. Highlights: * Her Gratitude Story * What she learned from ballet and how it helped shape the person she is today * Being obsessed with clothes and how they make you feel and look * She sets aside ballet, finds a new identity, and realizes that she loves to sell clothes * Faced with either an MBA or Entrepreneurship, she chose to found Carbon38, and what she learned from that experience * Her time at SoulCycle: what she learned, such as how to focus on operations and managing a more significant business * Finding time during COVID to start thinking about ideas and deciding to jump back into entrepreneurship again with her newfound knowledge and, most importantly, jump back into fashion * The ethos of Saint Art and the new of American sportswear * What is the promise of the brand * How operational efficiencies allow Saint Art to compete on a fast fashion level but with much less risk and more sustainable * Review of designs and line * Advice for founders Join Ramon Vela and Caroline Gogolak as we break down the inside story of Saint Art on The Story of a Brand. For more on Saint Art, visit: https://saintartnewyork.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * Today's Sponsors: WAIR - A Recommended Tool for Apparel Brands: https://www.getwair.com/ This sizing experience IS the difference for shoppers who find a brand that utilizes WAIR to communicate sizing for them. Now, with just a few simple questions, customers have an accurate recommendation based on their unique body shape to support them throughout their shopping session. The stats don't lie. Most brands will see an immediate increase in conversions upon installation. To provide this service to your shoppers, visit WAIR and request a demo. 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 unique link. SARAL - Your Influencer Assistant Tool for Brands: http://storybrandoffer.com/ Claim an "exclusive onboarding" offer for the listeners of The Story of a Brand Show. The Saral Team will work directly with you and offer weekly check-ins and 1:1 consulting until you succeed. Visit my unique link to receive the offer.

This episode is brought to you by Reviews.io and Nimble. Today, we interview Christina Dorr Drake, Co-Founder and CEO of Willa's Oat Milk. Willa's Organic Oat Milk is on a mission to change the plant-based milk category for good and forever. Willa's uses real, organic ingredients to create deliciously smooth oat milk. Highlights: * Her Gratitude Story * What Walter Robb, former CEO of Whole Foods, saw in Willas * How and why her Grandmother came up with Willa's Recipe * The Willa's Mission * Why some other brands aren't as healthy as they claim, and why Willa's is different * Lesson: Taking the risk of being the first * Not just an alternative to milk but something nutritious * Why their chocolate milk is so good, how they honor the single source Peruvian cacao, how they work with indigenous farmers, and why that is so important * Building a brand that lives its values, is congruent with its values, and can sustain itself. * Challenges, pandemic, being omnichannel, and how that helps * What trust means to Willa's * The Innovation Christina is Seeing from Smaller Brands * Review of the recipe and main products * Innovation is an opportunity to include partners in the ideation process Join Ramon Vela and Christina Dorr Drake as we break down the inside story of Willa's on The Story of a Brand. Visit Here to Get 20% off Your Order: https://willaskitchen.com/discount/RAMON20 Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. 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 The Reviews.io platform drives 18.5% of total online revenue for leading brands. Sign up to get 20% OFF the lifetime of any plan. Risk-free, no contracts, and a 90-day money-back guarantee. Visit my special link to receive the offer. Nimble.ai: https://www.nimble.ai/ Do you need to reduce your fulfillment costs to remain competitive? Switch to Nimble's fulfillment services and SAVE! Visit Nimble for more, and please let them know you heard it on The Story of a Brand Show. SARAL - Your Influencer Assistant Tool for Brands: http://storybrandoffer.com/ Claim an "exclusive onboarding" offer for the listeners of The Story of a Brand Show. The Saral Team will work directly with you and offer weekly check-ins and 1:1 consulting until you succeed. Visit my special link to receive the offer.

This episode is brought to you by Vdriven, Tidio, and SARAL. Today, we interview Luke Abbott, Founder and CEO of Vdriven. Vdriven is a CPG agency dedicated to helping forward-thinking leaders in the natural food space realize their potential and accelerate their growth. Their mission is to democratize the natural industry by coming alongside you, providing guidance and support as you navigate the complex retail landscape. Highlights: * His Gratitude Story * Story: why encouragement is the biggest gift you can give * Why it's hard to see clearly when you're stressed and anxious * Advice Luke would give to someone struggling * Welcome fear and then let it pass and why fear is not the enemy * Advice: understanding your financials is crucial * How he bought a 30 million dollar company using the law of attraction * Lesson: commit to something and be true to your values * Lesson: using mentorship and coaching to help you scale your brand * Why you should hire people who are smarter than you are * Challenges in the market and solutions * Priority: focus on financials, cash position, and COGS * Solution: focus on where you spend money and be open to doing things differently * Is now a good time to start a CPG brand? * The Emerging Brand as Hypothesis strategy * How Vdriven helps brand, their free masterclasses, and ideal client * Parting words: don't be afraid to ask for help * And so much more… Join Ramon Vela and Luke Abbott as we break down the inside story of Vdriven on The Story of a Brand. For more on Vdriven, visit: https://www.vdriven.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. 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? Over the last three years, Vdriven recovered over $1 million in erroneous deductions from distributors. Vdriven supports brands with an array of services to accelerate sustainable growth, including deduction management. Use the link above to learn more and schedule a call. 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: http://storybrandoffer.com/ Claim an "exclusive onboarding" offer for the listeners of The Story of a Brand Show. The Saral Team will work directly with you and offer weekly check-ins and 1:1 consulting until you succeed. Visit my special link.

This episode is brought to you by Rebuy, Reviews.io, and SARAL. Today, we interview Brian Pedone, CEO of Quiet Punch. Quiet Punch is the most affordable and all-inclusive home boxing solution available. Their platform tracks performance, connects users, and dramatically increases engagement. Their mission is to "make boxing and combat sports accessible to all regardless of their living situation." Highlights: * His gratitude story: a father who helped him with boxing. * Starting a boxing club in College * He started a gym for high schoolers and did coding to pay the bills. * Moving to Manhattan and making money doing corporate training (boxing) * Boxing is the Gateway Drug to Training * Changing the connotation of training * How he came up with the Quiet Punch idea * How he started mass marketing the product, Part 1 (The infomercial) * Lesson: Don't give your idea to someone else; do it yourself. * Getting the money for his first 1000 units. * How he started getting orders with a trending video * Capturing emails and building his FB followers * Hard lessons: selling at a loss, letting the patent expire, and not caring about margins. * Life lesson: do not wait until you're retired to do what you want * His Shark Tank Story and Lessons Learned. * Almost doing a deal with Damon John * Big Lesson: it's better to be balanced than to get too high or too low and then crash * Overview of Quiet Punch: what it is, how it fits on the door, how people use it * Conducting a study on how boxing helps people 65 and older with their cognitive health * Why he isn't offering a subscription * His deal with Everlast to getting into retail. * Gamification: challenging others online * Review of Quiet Punch exercise programs * And more… Join Ramon Vela and Brian Pedone as we break down the inside story of Quiet Punch on The Story of a Brand. For more on Quiet Punch, visit: https://quietpunch.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. 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 The Reviews.io platform drives 18.5% of total online revenue for leading brands. Sign up to get 20% OFF the lifetime of any plan. Risk-free, no contracts and a 90-day money-back guarantee. Rebuy Engine: https://www.rebuyengine.com/foundersparadiso Rebuy uses AI to create personalized experiences for every shopper. Get a a no-credit card 21-day trial. SARAL - Your Influencer Assistant Tool for Brands: http://storybrandoffer.com/ Claim an "exclusive onboarding" offer for the listeners of The Story of a Brand Show. The Saral Team will work directly with you, offer weekly check-ins, and 1:1 consulting until you succeed.

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.