Replacing Plastic, Winning Big Contracts, and Patents vs Trade Secrets episode artwork

EPISODE · Oct 30, 2025 · 22 MIN

Replacing Plastic, Winning Big Contracts, and Patents vs Trade Secrets

from The Angel Next Door · host Dillon Baxter, Marcia Dawood

What does true innovation in entrepreneurship look like when the problem seems too big for conventional solutions? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, host Marcia Dawood sits down with Dillon Baxter, co-founder of PlantSwitch, to explore how determination and creativity can drive next-generation solutions in the sustainability space.Dillon shares his journey from college athlete to entrepreneur, revealing how an interest in plastic alternatives led to the founding of PlantSwitch: a company now producing affordable, truly biodegradable cutlery and food packaging. He discusses strategic decisions like building manufacturing capacity in North Carolina, then rapidly expanding to China to fulfill major contracts such as with Walmart and Taylor Farms.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the practical realities of scaling a startup, protecting your technology, and finding product-market fit in a complex industry. Dillon’s story offers actionable insights and inspiration for founders and innovators looking to turn ambitious ideas into real-world impact. To get the latest from Dillon Baxter you can follow him below!https://www.linkedin.com/in/dillon-baxter/https://www.plantswitch.com/ Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing!Website: www.marciadawood.comDo Good While Doing WellLearn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.comAnd don't forget to follow us wherever you are!Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.appleSpotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotifyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-next-door-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

What does true innovation in entrepreneurship look like when the problem seems too big for conventional solutions? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, host Marcia Dawood sits down with Dillon Baxter, co-founder of PlantSwitch, to explore how determination and creativity can drive next-generation solutions in the sustainability space. Dillon shares his journey from college athlete to entrepreneur, revealing how an interest in plastic alternatives led to the founding of PlantSwitch: a company now producing affordable, truly biodegradable cutlery and food packaging. He discusses strategic decisions like building manufacturing capacity in North Carolina, then rapidly expanding to China to fulfill major contracts such as with Walmart and Taylor Farms. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the practical realities of scaling a startup, protecting your technology, and finding product-market fit in a complex industry. Dillon’s story offers actionable insights and inspiration for founders and innovators looking to turn ambitious ideas into real-world impact.

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Replacing Plastic, Winning Big Contracts, and Patents vs Trade Secrets

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This episode was published on October 30, 2025.

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What does true innovation in entrepreneurship look like when the problem seems too big for conventional solutions? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, host Marcia Dawood sits down with Dillon Baxter, co-founder of PlantSwitch, to explore...

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