The Turning Pro Podcast

What actually breaks businesses when markets change? In this episode of the Turning Pro Podcast, Ben Sharf sits down with Roman Khan, founder of Peak21, for one of the most practical and in-depth conversations we’ve had on operating and scaling businesses through volatility. Roman shares the hard-earned lessons that reshaped how he thinks about growth, cash flow, and discipline, including the mistakes that nearly cost him a business.

Jason Levin is the founder of MemeLord.com, the meme marketing software that’s turning internet jokes into serious business.Jason’s been making memes since middle school, but what started as a way to make friends laugh has evolved into a multi-million-dollar media and software empire. From ghostwriting viral posts for founders to running brand accounts for Fortune 500s, Jason has built a playbook for using humor as a growth engine.In this episode, Jason shares how he turned silliness into a career, why “cringe” is actually a moat, and the power of showing up online as your unfiltered self. He breaks down the real economics of the meme business, the tools that give him a competitive edge, and why most brands completely miss the mark when trying to be funny.

JT Barnett is the founder and CEO of Creator X, the content agency helping brands think like creators and act like media companies.JT’s path is anything but traditional. He started out as a professional hockey player, then pivoted into content, building viral platforms like Honey House and helping breakout brands like Poppi win on social by going all in on community and authenticity.In this episode, JT shares why most brands fail at content, how to actually build emotional connection at scale, and why the future of marketing will be led by creators who deeply understand their audience. He also opens up about quitting hockey with zero dollars, building from scratch, and the exact playbook his wife used to grow her wellness company, Form, into a community-powered rocket ship.

London Glorfield is the co-founder and CEO of Kickback, the cult-favorite consumer tech brand designing retro-inspired products that help Gen Z unplug from their phones and reclaim their time.London’s story is wild. He started out in the music industry as a teenager, signed with RCA Records at 17, and built a fanbase touring across Asia. After stepping away from music, he turned his focus to building companies that blend creativity with cultural insight.In this episode, London opens up about what it really takes to build something meaningful in a noisy world. He shares how a 145 percent tariff hike nearly broke the company, why most people misunderstand creative discipline, and how Kickback is building the anti-iPhone for a generation craving real connection.

Katie Hunt is the co-founder and CEO of Oh Norman!, the wellness brand redefining pet care and built from scratch with actress and animal activist Kaley Cuoco.Katie’s story is anything but linear. She went from being an extra on Gossip Girl and answering customer calls at Warby Parker to co-founding Everywhere Ventures and relaunching Hinge from the ground up. But after the pandemic forced her to move home at 36, she started over this time building a company on her own terms.In this episode, Katie opens up about what it really takes to build a business sustainably. She shares the burnout that broke her, the lessons she brought from Warby and Hinge, and why her all-women team runs a multimillion dollar brand without a single Slack channel.

Tom Shea is the founder and CEO of Adgile, the company turning last-mile delivery trucks into mobile billboards and proving real ROI for every brand on the road.Five years ago, Tom was ready to walk away. The company had burned $1.8 million, his Series A deal collapsed at the finish line, and his co-founders left. But instead of giving up, he stayed in the game and quietly turned Adgile into one of the most exciting businesses in out-of-home advertising.In this episode, Tom breaks down how he built a profitable, scalable company by thinking differently about physical space. He explains how their attribution tech works, shares the early moments that almost killed the business, and opens up about walking away from a $7 million deal to stay independent.

Chad Cohen is the founder of Fortem Media, a creative agency helping brands land at the center of culture, and the co-founder of Unofficial Run Club, one of the fastest-growing running communities in the world.Two years ago, Chad hit a wall. Burnt out and mentally exhausted, he turned to therapy and was given a challenge that would change everything: run the New York City Marathon.Since then, he’s built a thriving agency, scaled a global community, and brought on a full-time videographer to document every step.In this episode, Chad opens up about how movement helped rebuild his mindset. He talks about the highs and lows of agency life, building a personal brand with intention, learning to manage a team while always on the move, and why he doesn't believe in turning pro.

Sydney Karmes-Wainer is the founder of French Squirrel, a cult-favorite snack brand built on hormone health, gut-friendly ingredients, and showing up authentically both online and off.She started by posting recipes on Instagram. Five years later, she’s running a fast-growing CPG company, educating her audience on wellness, and selling out her products at launch.In this episode, Sydney gets candid about what it actually takes to build in public. She opens up about pricing psychology, walking away from conventional advice, the loneliness of solo entrepreneurship, and how one conversation with Andrew Huberman reminded her she’s on the right path.

Chris Hladczuk is the co-founder and CEO of Hanover Park, an AI-native fund admin helping top venture firms run smarter and faster.Before starting Hanover, Chris scaled Meow to $1.5 billion in assets as Chief Revenue Officer, built a strong online audience, and learned how to win through founder-led sales.In this episode, he shares his full playbook. He breaks down how to pitch high-trust clients, what it takes to build a sticky product in fintech, why SaaS is losing its edge, and how he closed a $25 million deal after 26 follow-ups.This is a conversation about selling with obsession, building with urgency, and staying relentless in a crowded market.

At just 16, Shirah Benarde had a dream that sparked one of the most innovative drink safety products on the market: NightCap.Fast forward to today, and she's a Shark Tank alum, public speaker, and Gen Z founder making legislative change in California and beyond. In this episode, Shirah joins us to talk through everything: dropping out of college, navigating imposter syndrome, leading a company while still figuring it all out herself, and passing a bill to mandate drink covers in every California bar.This is a story about building from scratch, trusting your gut, and staying grounded when the mission gets bigger than you.

Aaron Schwartz has built and sold startups, advised 30+ founders, and helped raise millions. Now he’s back in the trenches as co-founder and president of Orita.ai - a platform helping brands fix email deliverability and segment smarter using AI.In this wide-ranging episode, Aaron opens up about the chaos of early-stage founding, what most people get wrong about go-to-market, and why he’s more focused than ever on building for durability, not just scale.This is a masterclass for any operator, advisor, or founder figuring out how to go pro without losing their mind.

Jon Laster is a stand-up comic, MC at the Comedy Cellar, and now founder and CEO of Blapp, an app that maps and sells Black-owned businesses.In this powerful episode, Jon shares how the murder of George Floyd led him to shift gears from punchlines to product-building. What started as an idea during lockdown is now a growing tech platform with real impact: helping Black-owned businesses get discovered, generate revenue, and stay alive.Jon opens up about what it really takes to build a startup with no traditional tech background, how he convinced names like Chris Rock and Tiffany Haddish to invest, and why he sees comedy as the ultimate founder bootcamp. This is a conversation about resilience, reinvention, and staying scrappy — no matter how many nights you bomb on stage.

Bobby Shmurda (real name Ackquille Jean Pollard) is a musician, entrepreneur, and cultural force who joins us to unpack his radical transformation from the streets to the boardroom. Best known for his explosive rise in hip-hop and time behind bars, Bobby is now all-in on building wealth, investing in startups, and giving back through hands-on community work. In this episode, Bobby opens up about how prison gave him the structure to run multiple businesses, why he refuses traditional managers to maintain control, and how he’s applying street smarts to venture capital. He breaks down the moment he got serious about generational wealth, the lessons he learned reading contracts inside a jail cell, and why he proudly calls himself a “pimp nerd” obsessed with equity, margin points, and capital gains. This is Bobby Shmurda like you’ve never heard him before.

Max Crowley, host of The Early Podcast, joins us to unpack his wild career journey - starting as employee #25 at Uber, launching a mobile-first coffee startup that was later acquired by GoPuff, and stepping into the high-stakes world of startup fundraising and operations at scale.In this episode, Max breaks down what it was like building Uber’s early operations from the ground up, why scrappy talent always wins, and how Bandit, his app-based coffee shop, pivoted and sold during the height of COVID. He shares what he learned in the trenches as Chief of Staff to GoPuff’s founders, how he thinks about hiring A+ players, and why his new obsession is building in public through storytelling.He also opens up about imposter syndrome, the art of reinvention, and what it means to stay in the game long enough to find your next thing.00:00:00 – Introduction: Meet Max Crowley, Host of The Early Podcast00:03:49 – Reinvention Mode: What Max Learned from Taking a Step Back00:13:13 – The Invisible Contract: Why Consistency Builds Trust00:14:21 – Early Days at Uber: Max Was Employee #2500:23:13 – Uber Began with Just a Text Message00:40:19 – Founding Bandit: The Idea Behind the App-First Coffee Shop00:58:49 – Don’t Feel Like a Founder? Go Join a Rocket Ship01:00:39 – Max’s Turning Pro Moment: Joining Uber at Age 24

Allie Egan, founder and CEO of Veracity, joins us to unpack how her personal health journey led to launching one of the most innovative brands in holistic wellness. After stints in banking, private equity, and high-growth DTC fashion, Allie built Veracity to help people get to the root of their health issues, starting with hormone and biofactor testing.In this episode, Allie shares the story behind reversing her own Hashimoto’s diagnosis, how she balances building a venture-backed business with raising two kids, and the systemic issues in modern healthcare that inspired her to act. She also dives into practical wellness advice, the business of building trust in supplements, and why education, not hype, is the real growth engine.00:00:00 – Introduction: Meet Allie Egan, Founder & CEO of Veracity00:04:04 – The Health Scare That Changed Everything: Diagnosed with Hashimoto’s00:09:17 – Why Founders Need to Question Everything - Even Their Doctors00:21:29 – No Such Thing as Balance: How Allie structures work, family, and focus00:29:35 – Why Wellness Is Broken: A fresh take on preventative health and biohacking00:37:29 – The Most Overhyped Wellness Trend (and what to do instead)00:39:21 – Why You Shouldn’t Use Mouthwash (and other gut health surprises)00:46:09 – From Operator to CEO: The future of DTC and what’s changing in e-commerce00:51:10 – Why She Runs Marathons: The mindset behind endurance - at work and in life

Ben Buaron, founder and CEO of Windmill Growth, joins us to unpack his incredible leap from Israeli combat officer and aspiring lawyer to running a 7-figure bootstrapped startup in New York City. In this episode, Ben breaks down how his military background shaped his leadership mindset, what it took to scale Windmill from zero to $1M+ ARR in under a year, and why personal growth became the foundation for business success.--- #EntrepreneurPodcast, #FounderAdvice, #BusinessGrowthTips, #Selfimprovement #Entrepreneurs #BusinessStrategies #PersonalDevelopment #Advice #TurningProPodcast #BenSharf #AdrianAlfieri #Podcast #Founder #Growth

Jacob Catalano, founder and entrepreneur, knows what it takes to push boundaries in tech and entrepreneurship. After selling his first startup to Snapchat, where he worked on game-changing projects like "My AI", Jacob co-founded Flock*, a product studio revolutionizing content creation with conversational AI. Their flagship product, dubbed an “AI ghostwriter,” helps users express their ideas effortlessly through natural dialogue.In this episode, Jacob opens up about iterating on startup ideas, building a dynamic partnership with his co-founder, and the lessons from Snapchat that shaped his approach to entrepreneurship. He also dives into early-stage investing, balancing vision with pragmatism, and why persistence is the ultimate tool for success.*This episode of Turning Pro Podcast was filmed in 2024.--#EntrepreneurPodcast, #FounderAdvice, #BusinessGrowthTips, #Selfimprovement #Entrepreneurs #BusinessStrategies #PersonalDevelopment #Advice #TurningProPodcast #BenSharf #AdrianAlfieri #Podcast #Founder #Growth

Alex Song, founder and CEO of Proxima, joins us to share his remarkable journey from the high-stakes world of finance to revolutionizing customer acquisition with cutting-edge data intelligence. Drawing from his experience as a DTC brand operator, Alex built Proxima into a transformative platform that helps brands navigate the complexities of the post-iOS privacy landscape. In this episode, Alex opens up about the emotional highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the key decisions that shaped his leadership style, and the hard-won lessons on resilience. He shares how he inspires his team with a unified vision, maintains momentum through uncertainty, and stays laser-focused on his mission while balancing personal growth with the demands of scaling a groundbreaking company.

Taylor Brandt, newly appointed Partner at Headline, joins us to unpack the nuances of venture capital through the lens of an operator-turned-investor. With a career that spans leading growth at Rockets of Awesome to navigating the challenges of early-stage VC, Taylor brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insights. In this episode, Taylor discusses the shifting dynamics of the VC landscape, the traits of founders who succeed, and the art of balancing portfolio management with sourcing new deals. She also dives into the value of storytelling, the importance of understanding venture capital as an asset class, and the evolving role of infrastructure businesses.*Taylor was a Principal at Headline when this episode was filmed.

Brian Von Ancken, founder of Wellness Growth Mastermind, joins us to share how he is building a game-changing community for wellness leaders. As the founder of the number-one member network for wellness professionals, Brian focuses on giving businesses an edge through curated connections, expert feedback, and unparalleled access to industry insights. In this episode, he dives into how he balances family and entrepreneurship, the trends redefining wellness today, and why intentional routines are essential for success. Brian also opens up about the strength in vulnerability, the value of authentic connections, and how building thriving communities can drive meaningful growth.

Meet Nico Ferreyra, co-founder and CEO of Default, the "Costco of go-to-market SaaS." Nico is on a mission to simplify inbound tooling for RevOps and marketing teams. Born in Argentina, he worked his way through the startup worlds of San Francisco and New York, bringing a unique perspective to the challenges of building a company. In this episode, Nico shares his approach to transitioning from founder-led sales to scalable growth strategies. He discusses fundraising without a pitch deck, the power of storytelling in early-stage growth, and the key moments that shaped his journey.

Patrick Cleary, President and Co-Founder of Paul Street and a key member of the founding team at Wayflyer, shares his journey of building two transformative businesses. From driving partnerships and growth strategies at Wayflyer to scaling Paul Street into a leading affiliate-focused marketing agency, Patrick has helped redefine how brands grow and scale. In this episode, Patrick unpacks lessons from building a sustainable business, balancing profitability with growth, and leveraging the power of compounding networks. He reflects on his "Turning Pro" moment, hosting Paul Street’s first team offsite with over 20 employees, a milestone that symbolizes the company’s rapid rise and long-term vision.

Brett Harrison, co-founder and CEO of Roomie and Eepy, is transforming dorm living for students and universities. His entrepreneurial journey began with Eepy, upgrading dorm beds for comfort, and evolved into Roomie, which offers 3D models to help students plan their spaces effectively. In this episode, Brett discusses scaling a niche SaaS business, Roomie’s equity initiative to improve sleep quality for low-income students, and the resilience needed to succeed in challenging industries. He draws a compelling analogy between entrepreneurship and surfing, highlighting persistence, focus, and balance as essential lessons for founders.

Alex Ikonn is the Co-Founder and CEO of Intelligent Change, the company behind globally renowned tools like The Five Minute Journal and the Productivity Planner, designed to inspire intentional and fulfilling lives. Before that, Alex co-founded Luxy Hair, one of Shopify’s early success stories, which he scaled and successfully exited in 2018. From humble immigrant beginnings in Canada to building global brands, Alex’s journey reflects resilience, purpose, and the transformative power of self-reflection. In this episode, he shares the pivotal moments that shaped his success, including his approach to scaling Luxy Hair with a lifestyle-first mindset and creating purpose-driven products through Intelligent Change.

Rohit Bhadange, co-founder and CEO of Zamp, shares his journey from the structured world of Wall Street to the dynamic tech startup scene. In founding Zamp, a tax compliance solution for e-commerce and SaaS businesses, Rohit combines his investment expertise with a passion for problem-solving in the compliance space. In this episode, Rohit delves into the initial challenges and key learnings from the early stages of Zamp, discussing the importance of founder-led sales, hands-on customer acquisition, and building relationships. He touches on his approach to network management and partnerships, revealing how a personal touch in interactions can yield long-term gains.

Brett Perlmutter, founder and CEO of Bulletpitch, has crafted a distinctive path in venture media by blending investment with media-driven platforms. Drawing inspiration from the media strategies of top VCs, Brett identified a unique opportunity to foster connections between founders and investors by creating an innovative ecosystem around Bulletpitch. With its weekly newsletter and well-curated events, Bulletpitch rapidly grew, attracting over 100,000 subscribers eager for the next big opportunity. In this episode, Brett dives into the foundational strategy behind Bulletpitch, revealing how he bridges the gap between investment and media. He discusses the platform’s evolution, his approach to partnerships, and the strategic decisions that shaped Bulletpitch’s syndicate model.

Matt Rosenfeld, founder and CEO of CRUSH, has built a unique Amazon-focused agency that’s distinguishing itself in a crowded digital marketplace. With an eye for strategic growth and a commitment to transparency, Matt has led CRUSH to become a boutique agency dedicated to helping brands optimize their Amazon presence while prioritizing client relationships. In this episode, Matt delves into the nuances of running a service-oriented business, including the importance of choosing the right clients and fostering trust through transparent communication. He shares how CRUSH has evolved from a solo venture into a team of 22, as well as the lessons learned from managing a lean, high-performing agency.

Samantha Coxe, founder and CEO of Flaus, shares her journey from corporate law to disrupting the dental care industry with a groundbreaking new invention. Driven by her experience as a self-admitted reluctant flosser, Samantha identified a need for a more accessible flossing solution, especially for individuals with limited dexterity or visual impairments. This insight led her to create Flaus - an electric flosser. In this episode, Samantha reflects on her experience as a female founder in a male-dominated field, navigating “queen bee syndrome” and championing other women in business. She shares the highs and lows of building a hardware startup, including an intense Shark Tank appearance and managing production setbacks.

Michael Chernow is the entrepreneurial force behind Kreatures of Habit and the Meatball Shop. Growing up in the heart of New York City, Michael faced early challenges, including a turbulent family life and the allure of nightlife, leading to a struggle with substance abuse. Following a near-fatal overdose, he committed to sobriety with the help of a mentor who introduced him to Muay Thai kickboxing. In this episode, Michael opens up about how martial arts and a regimented lifestyle set him on the path to becoming a successful restaurateur and founder of a wellness brand that embodies his passion for fitness, nutrition, and disciplined daily habits. He also discusses the rigorous structure he’s built into his days to maintain peak performance and balance, from early morning workouts to family time.

Cyrus Shirazi, founder and CEO of Haven, is revolutionizing the accounting and finance landscape for startups with a customer-first approach. By focusing on building an obsessively responsive company, Cyrus has created a horizontal platform that serves the comprehensive tax, finance, and accounting needs of businesses, not just in the U.S. but across English-speaking countries. In this episode of Turning Pro, Cyrus discusses his journey from early-stage startup experiences to leading Haven, a profitable business that’s scaling fast. He shares his insights on the importance of speed, obsession, and surrounding yourself with high-energy, ambitious individuals. He also dives into how listening to customer feedback shaped Haven's product development and why staying close to the customer is crucial for long-term success.

Liv Schreiber, founder of Hot and Social, Camp Social, and Brand Cafe, has made a name for herself by creating spaces where people connect and build authentic relationships. With a community of over 60,000 people, Liv’s work centers on curating events where strangers leave as friends, from exclusive New York City gatherings to transformative adult sleepaway camps. In this episode of Turning Pro, Liv dives into the hustle behind running multiple ventures, managing influencer partnerships, and staying true to herself amidst the chaos. She shares insights on balancing work with personal life, overcoming adversity, and maintaining authenticity on social media.

Shlomit Malka, co-founder and CEO of Happ, transitioned from a decade-long career in modeling to launching a platform designed to empower creative freelancers. After experiencing the limitations of the creative industry firsthand, Shlomit and her team built Happ to streamline the business side of freelancing, helping creatives manage contracts, payments, and project milestones while staying in their creative flow. In this episode of Turning Pro, Shlomit shares her personal and professional transformation, including how the COVID-19 pandemic and her move to New York sparked a journey of self-discovery and entrepreneurship. She reflects on the importance of following intuition, the role of spiritual practices in staying grounded, and how her passion for supporting creatives shaped Happ into the innovative platform it is today.

John Sampogna, Co-Founder and CEO of Wondersauce, has built one of the most respected digital agencies by recognizing opportunities for service expansion and staying hyper-focused on client needs. Founded on the principle of transparent communication and consistent delivery, Wondersauce has grown by incubating new services and scaling its offerings organically to meet market demands. In this episode of Turning Pro, John shares how Wondersauce has evolved from its early days to competing with top-tier agencies for major clients. He reflects on pivotal moments in his career, the challenges of scaling a service business, and his approach to maintaining personal fulfillment and work-life balance as a leader in the creative industry.

Ellis Fried, Vice President at Vanterra Ventures, made the leap from founding a health-focused snack brand to becoming an investor in the consumer health space. After studying economics at the University of Michigan and launching SMPL, Ellis shifted to venture capital. In this episode of Turning Pro, Ellis discusses his transition from founder to investor, offering insights into the skills required to succeed in both roles. He reflects on how his operational experience shapes his current work, supporting founders in sectors like branded products and digital health.

Colm Mackin, Co-Founder of Act+Acre, has redefined the hair wellness space by focusing on the often-overlooked importance of scalp health. Originally from Ireland, Colm and his wife, Helen Reavey, launched Act+Acre in 2019, pioneering a new approach to hair care that prioritizes nourishing and balancing the scalp. In this episode of Turning Pro, Colm shares how their innovative brand has grown from its inception to being featured in over 300 Sephora stores across the U.S. He also reflects on his journey from a 14-year career in law and corporate finance to becoming an entrepreneur in the beauty and wellness industry.

Jordan Weitz, co-founder of Keychain, turned his deep-rooted passion for consumer products into an innovative platform that streamlines the connection between brands and manufacturers. Fueled by his own experience with celiac disease, Jordan became obsessed with the consumer products space, eventually identifying a major gap in how brands find manufacturing partners. This insight led to the creation of Keychain, a marketplace designed to revolutionize the CPG industry. In this episode, Jordan discusses how he leveraged his unique expertise to build confidence and drive the company forward. He also delves into the personal adjustments he's made to maintain balance, including the critical role of fitness and the struggle to improve his sleep habits amidst the pressures of startup life.

Aaron Spivak, co-founder of Hush, has achieved remarkable success by combining innovation, persistence, and a relentless drive. Hush, a company known for its weighted blankets, faced a major downturn early on, but Aaron’s decision to directly engage with customers revealed a key product flaw: excessive heat. This insight led to the creation of a cooling weighted blanket, a move that propelled the company from near failure to a $50 million business. In this episode, Aaron discusses his entrepreneurial journey, the importance of surrounding oneself with the right people, and his commitment to personal growth through therapy. He emphasizes the power of setting clear goals, maintaining energy, and simplifying complex problems to achieve success in both business and life.

Chris Meade, Co-Founder of Crossnet, shares his journey from humble beginnings to creating the world’s first four-way volleyball net. Starting with just $7,000 from his 401k, Chris hustled on Miami beaches, gradually scaling his business despite having no prior manufacturing experience. He reflects on the challenges of entrepreneurship, emphasizing financial discipline and the importance of finding happiness in the simple things. In this episode, Chris also discusses the impact of losing his father at a young age, which motivated him to succeed. He introduces the Founders Club, a community designed to help entrepreneurs avoid the mistakes he made, highlighting the value of health, wellness, and personal fulfillment in building a successful life.

Dan McCormick, founder and CEO of Create, is transforming the creatine market by rebranding the supplement for a broader audience. Originally stigmatized as a steroid, creatine is now being positioned by Create as a safe, everyday nutrient beneficial for all ages. Dan shares how the company overcame early challenges, refining its product to become a leader in the space. In this episode, Dan discusses working closely with his fiancée, the strategic decisions behind Create's growth, and the importance of maintaining focus in the ecommerce space. He also offers insights into the current landscape for DTC brands and the challenges of raising capital while scaling a business.

Brett Conti, a YouTuber and entrepreneur, joins us in the studio to discuss his diverse journey in content creation and business. Known for his travel and business-focused YouTube content, Brett shares insights into his latest venture—a public journey to build a $1 million D2C tea brand. He emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's passions and the sacrifices he's made, including forgoing a traditional career path. In this episode, Brett reflects on the challenges of balancing travel, content creation, and business while maintaining personal routines. He also shares stories of perseverance, such as taking over a decade to reach his first 1,000 YouTube subscribers, and talks about his future plans, including his continued dedication to content creation and entrepreneurship.

Michael De Santis, Managing Director of Doris Dev, leads a company that specializes in innovative product design and development, helping consumer brands bring their concepts to life. With teams in New York and Hong Kong, Doris Dev manages everything from initial design to supply chain setup, working with both emerging and established brands, including successes like the Canopy humidifier. In this episode, Michael shares his journey from finance to the consumer product industry, discussing the challenges of scaling a business in the evolving ecommerce landscape. He emphasizes the importance of a systematic approach to product development and Doris Dev’s unique ability to incubate new businesses, blending creativity with rigorous process management.

Nick DiNatale, founder of ShipPlug, is transforming the logistics industry by automating refund processes for high-volume shippers. Leveraging his industry experience, Nick spotted a market gap for a service that recovers funds from shipping errors without adding extra work or costs for companies. Since starting ShipPlug, Nick has grown the team from four to 26 members, focusing on educating clients and building trust to overcome initial skepticism. In this episode, Nick shares insights on scaling a bootstrapped business, the evolving role of leadership, and the influence of his hardworking single mother. He also highlights the importance of simplifying complex problems and delivering clear value, drawing inspiration from industry leaders like Netflix's Reed Hastings.

Alex Malamatinas, founder of Melitas Ventures, has made a notable impact in venture capital by investing in early-stage consumer brands. With a finance and hedge fund background, Alex combines analytical skills with a passion for guiding founders through the challenges of building successful companies. In this episode, He shares his journey from finance to becoming a leading investor in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) space. He discusses his investment philosophy, highlighting the importance of resilience and vision in founders and the role of early traction in assessing potential. Alex also reflects on the CPG market’s evolution, the balance between collaboration and competition among investors, and the trends he finds most exciting.

Andrew Rea, founder of Taxwire, is a seasoned entrepreneur with a deep understanding of the challenges in sales tax compliance for e-commerce and software companies. With a background in early-stage startups, Andrew has leveraged his expertise to create a company that simplifies the complexities of operating across multiple states and countries. In this episode, Andrew shares his journey from a religious upbringing in Ohio to becoming a tech entrepreneur in New York City. He discusses the importance of authenticity in marketing, the value of hiring top talent, and the lessons learned from his past ventures. Andrew also highlights the significance of building a strong brand presence and the role of consistent, high-quality content in achieving long-term success.

Dan Freed, co-founder of Thesis, has emerged as a pioneering force in the wellness space by developing personalized supplements designed to enhance cognitive function. His journey is marked by overcoming early challenges, such as an ADHD diagnosis at six and dropping out of high school at sixteen. After years of working in elite kitchens, including a Michelin-three-star restaurant in France, Dan discovered his passion for brain-enhancing compounds while pursuing higher education. This led him to co-found Thesis, a company that recently secured $13.5 million in funding. In this episode, we dive into Dan’s extraordinary path from a troubled youth to a thriving entrepreneur. He reflects on the key turning points that influenced his career, including how nootropics played a crucial role in his academic and professional achievements. Dan also offers an in-depth look at the science driving Thesis, the company’s approach to personalization, and their mission to influence the future of mental wellness.

Jay Wright, founder of Ecommerce Equation, is a dynamic entrepreneur who has carved out a unique niche in the ecommerce world. With a background in finance and a talent for scaling businesses, Jay's journey began with the co-founding of Search Insights, Australia's leading ecommerce digital marketing agency. Today, he focuses on empowering ecommerce founders by helping them build in-house capabilities and navigating the complex landscape of online retail with an emphasis on sustainable growth. In this episode, Jay shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey, from the highs of launching products that rapidly scale to seven figures to the challenges of transitioning from agency life to hands-on brand building. He discusses the critical importance of product-market fit, the evolving nature of digital marketing, and how his coaching program is reshaping the way ecommerce brands approach growth.

Caroline Danehy, Co-Founder and Chief Brand Officer of Fair Harbor, is making waves in the fashion industry with her commitment to sustainability and innovation. Founded in 2014 while she was still in high school, Fair Harbor, based in New York, specializes in creating stylish and eco-friendly swimwear and apparel from recycled plastic bottles. Alongside her brother, Jake, Caroline has driven the company’s mission to reduce oceanic plastic waste by transforming it into high-quality clothing. In this episode, we explore Caroline’s entrepreneurial journey and the evolution of the brand. Caroline shares the brand’s origin story, highlighting their childhood summers in Fair Harbor and how these experiences shaped their dedication to sustainability. We delve into the strategic decisions that propelled their growth, from bootstrapping and grassroots trunk shows to recycling over 36 million plastic bottles.

Alex Fine, CEO and co-founder of Dame Products, has been a transformative figure in the sexual wellness industry since the company's inception in 2014. Founded alongside Janet Lieberman, Dame emerged from a need to create better sexual wellness products designed specifically for women. Under her leadership, Dame aims to close the pleasure gap and destigmatize sexuality through thoughtful, innovative product design, empowering people to prioritize their sexual health. In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Dame Products from its entrepreneurial beginnings to becoming a notable name in the industry. Alex shares the strategic decisions that have driven their success, the challenges of navigating the market, and the dynamic growth of their product line. She also provides insight into the company’s mission to foster sexual wellness and the cultural shifts they aim to influence through their groundbreaking work.

Nishal Kumar, Founder and CEO of No Days Wasted (NDW), is revolutionizing the wellness industry with innovative solutions for recovery and well-being. Since launching in 2017, Nishal has been committed to creating science-backed supplements that help individuals recover faster from alcohol consumption and maintain an active lifestyle. In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey behind NDW's rise to success. Nishal shares the story of the company's entrepreneurial beginnings, the strategic decisions that have driven their growth, and their recent achievement of launching in Walmart stores nationwide. He also discusses the importance of customer feedback in product development and his personal routines for maintaining balance and wellness.

Ryan Lewendon, co-founder of Giannuzzi Lewendon LLP, is at the forefront of legal services for emerging consumer brands. Since establishing the firm with Nicholas Giannuzzi in 2011, he has played a pivotal role in guiding high-growth companies through complex legal landscapes. With a client list boasting household names like Vitaminwater and BodyArmor, Ryan's expertise has been instrumental in their rapid growth and successful exits. In this episode, we uncover the fascinating story behind the company’s ascent to prominence. Ryan discusses the firm’s entrepreneurial beginnings, the strategic moves that have cemented their reputation, and the dynamic relationships they've built with some of the most notable brands in the industry.