Summary

In this episode, Evan J. Cholfin interviews Tom DiPietro, Vice President of Research and Development at DayGlo, discussing the company's pioneering role in fluorescent technology. They explore the evolution of R&D focused on health and safety, the impact of color on well-being, and the challenges faced in developing biodegradable products. Tom shares insights on misconceptions about fluorescent technology, the importance of innovation in color solutions, and the company's commitment to eliminating microplastics. The conversation highlights the significance of color in daily life and the future directions for DayGlo's research and development efforts.

Takeaways

DayGlo is the home of fluorescent pigments, founded in Cleveland, Ohio.
The company focuses on health and safety in its R&D efforts.
DayGlo is developing formaldehyde-free alternatives for various industries.
Natural rice protein is a biodegradable innovation introduced by DayGlo.
Fluorescent colors are used in safety gear and medical devices.
Bright colors contribute positively to people's well-being.
R&D challenges include developing biodegradable pigments that perform well.
Misconceptions about fluorescent technology include beliefs about radioactivity.
DayGlo is the only U.S. manufacturer of fluorescent products.
The company aims to eliminate microplastics from its products.

Soundbites

"We're the only ones left in the United States."
"Biodegradation is a big priority for us."
"We're working very hard on it."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to DayGlo and Fluorescent Technology
02:44 Innovations in Health and Safety
04:50 Role of Technology in Medical and Safety Applications
06:09 Impact of Color on Daily Well-Being
07:02 Challenges in R&D and Misconceptions
09:39 Future R&D Priorities and Directions
12:33 Emerging Technologies in Color Innovation
14:09 The Future of Safer Products

https://youtu.be/p-ee6tJV08A

Summary 

In this episode, Evan J. Cholfin speaks with Tony Nicholson, VP of Franchise Development at Scenthound, about the innovative membership-based dog grooming concept that aims to revolutionize the pet care industry. They discuss the unique S.C.E.N.T. Check system, franchise development strategies, recruitment processes, and the challenges of scaling a franchise network. Tony shares insights for aspiring franchisees, the importance of data and AI in pet care, and the company's ambitious growth plans for the future.

Takeaways

Scenthound aims to disrupt traditional dog grooming with a membership model.
The S.C.E.N.T. Check provides a health score for dogs.
Franchise support is crucial for franchisee success.
Identifying corporate refugees is key to franchise recruitment.
Less than 10% of franchises exceed 100 locations.
Owning a business offers freedom and flexibility.
Scenthound's unique value proposition sets it apart in the pet care market.
Data and AI will drive future growth in pet care.
Franchise development requires careful selection of partners.
The goal is to find coachable and moldable franchisees.

Sound bites

"We want to help you scale."
"We want to keep growing."
"Data is the new gold."

Chapters

00:00 Revolutionizing Pet Care: The ScentHound Story
03:48 Franchise Development and Support Strategies
05:32 Navigating Challenges in Franchise Growth
07:57 Finding the Right Franchisee Candidates
11:08 Trends and Innovations in the Pet Care Industry
13:14 Difficulties Standing Out in a Marketplace
14:34 Franchise Expansion Targets and Strategies
16:33 Strategies for New Cities
17:24 Effective Franchise Sales Processes
21:07 ScentHound Trends Excitement
22:42 The Role of Technology in Pet Care
23:42 The Future of Scenthound and Franchise Development

Video

https://youtu.be/lGDZN8wZdok

Summary

In this episode, Evan J. Cholfin interviews Samantha Burd, owner of Lady Burd Exclusive Private Label Cosmetics, discussing the company's rich history, its commitment to accessibility in beauty manufacturing, and the evolution of the industry. Samantha shares insights on supporting indie brands, the challenges of running a legacy business, and the importance of innovation and sustainability. The conversation also touches on the future of private label beauty manufacturing and how Lady Burd is positioning itself to support the next generation of beauty entrepreneurs.

Takeaways

Samantha's grandmother founded Lady Burd in 1972, breaking barriers for women in business.
The company focuses on making beauty manufacturing accessible with a low MOQ of $150.
Samantha aims to modernize the business while respecting its legacy.
Indie brands and influencers are thriving partners for Lady Burd.
Challenges include rising costs and maintaining profit margins in a legacy business.
Starting small is key for aspiring beauty entrepreneurs; progress over perfection.
Successful brands often take time to grow; patience is essential.
Lady Burd offers low MOQs for custom formulations, easing the transition for brands.
Sustainability includes fair labor practices, not just eco-friendly packaging.
The future may see more brands moving manufacturing back to the U.S. due to tariffs.

Sound Bites

"Lip products are blowing up!"
"Don't be afraid to fail!"
"Progress, not perfection!"

Chapters

00:00 The Origin Story of Lady Burd Cosmetics
02:40 Accessibility in Beauty Manufacturing
05:23 Modernizing a Legacy Business
07:48 Supporting Indie Brands and Influencers
10:12 Challenges in the Manufacturing Landscape
12:48 Advice for Aspiring Beauty Entrepreneurs
14:59 Innovation and Trends in Beauty
17:30 Positioning for Future Growth
19:39 Navigating Industry Changes
22:10 The Future of Private Label Manufacturing

Video

https://youtu.be/zpGWDMFkuoc

Summary

In this episode, Evan J. Cholfin interviews Adam Zimmerman, co-founder of Ideal, who discusses the transformation of retail advertising through digital circulars. Adam shares insights on the evolution from traditional print to digital formats, the benefits of analytics for retailers, the role of AI in targeting and engagement, and the challenges faced in transitioning to digital. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a familiar feel for consumers while leveraging the advantages of digital content, including video. Adam also outlines Ideal's expansion goals and the exciting trends in retail media.

Takeaways

Ideal started as an advertising agency and evolved into an ad tech company.
Retailers have historically struggled with print circulars and their effectiveness.
Digital circulars provide a dynamic user experience compared to traditional PDFs.
Analytics help retailers understand customer engagement and improve ad effectiveness.
AI is used to optimize ad targeting and content creation.
Transitioning from print to digital is challenging due to fear of change.
Maintaining a familiar feel in digital formats is crucial for consumer acceptance.
Video content significantly enhances engagement and sales potential.
Ideal aims to grow its market share and retail media investments by 2025.
The independent grocer community is a key focus for Ideal's growth strategy. 

Sound bites

"Who reads these things anymore?"
"We launched it in 2019 at a hardware show."
"The biggest challenge is that it's scary."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ideal
02:51 Approach to New Circulars
05:38 Benefits for Retailers on Analytics
09:11 Challenges from Print to Digital
10:57 Feel of Print for Digital Benefits
12:30 Metric Success for Digital Circular 
12:59 Importance of Video Content and Animation
15:21 Expanded Goals for 2025
18:35 Distribution and Acquisitions for Clients
19:40 Sales Process and What's Working Best
21:10 Incoming Fresh Trends
23:44 Preparing the Changes Ahead
24:48 2025 Hope for Digital Circulars

Video

https://youtu.be/v4J7g3SeHHs

Summary

In this episode, Evan J. Cholfin interviews Shelly Huang, VP of Marketing and Creative at BOXIECAT, discussing the innovative approaches BOXIECAT takes in the pet care industry, particularly in cat litter solutions. They explore the unique subscription model, marketing strategies, consumer education, and the challenges of scaling a premium product. Shelly shares insights on future growth targets, product innovations, and trends in direct-to-consumer (DTC) pet care, emphasizing the importance of understanding consumer needs and providing value beyond price.

Takeaways

The founder's journey led to the creation of BOXIECAT.
BOXIECAT focuses on health-conscious cat litter solutions.
Subscription models in pet care require attractive offers.
Consumer loyalty in cat litter is often hard to establish.
Marketing strategies must balance brand awareness and conversion.
Unique product features can drive consumer interest.
Consumer education is key to overcoming price sensitivity.
DTC channels provide valuable consumer insights.
Future innovations are based on solving real pain points.
The pet care market is shifting towards convenience and hybrid models.

Soundbites

"We need to innovate around this."
"It's a very functional product."
"Helping people visualize the math."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to BOXIECAT and Its Mission
02:21 Innovative Solutions in Cat Litter
04:41 The Subscription Model in Pet Care
07:12 Marketing Strategies and Challenges
09:35 Addressing Consumer Perceptions and Pricing
11:37 Future Innovations and Product Development
14:01 Growth Targets and Market Expansion
16:00 Trends in DTC Pet Care
18:39 The Future of Subscription Businesses
20:18 Conclusion and Future Outlook

Video

https://youtu.be/S8zU19Ih4gE

Summary

In this episode, Evan J. Cholfin speaks with Zvika Goldstein, CEO of Mellie, about the challenges of family caregiving and how Mellie is innovating in this space through technology and personalized support. Zvika shares his personal experiences as a caregiver and discusses the importance of care coordination, the role of employers and health plans, and the future growth strategies for Mellie. The conversation highlights the need for better solutions in caregiving and the potential of technology to improve the lives of caregivers and their loved ones.

Takeaways

Caregiving is a common challenge faced by many families.
Mellie aims to bridge the knowledge gap in caregiving.
Technology can automate and simplify care coordination.
The care plan is central to Mellie's platform.
Employers are key partners in supporting caregivers.
Health plans can benefit from engaging family caregivers.
Caregivers often face significant out-of-pocket expenses.
Stress and anxiety among caregivers need more attention.
Telling Mellie's story is essential for wider adoption.
Mellie is focused on growth and enhancing service quality.

Soundbites

"We can make it easier."
"We started selling to employers."
"Telling our story is crucial."


Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mellie and Caregiving Challenges
02:38 Innovative Solutions in Care Coordination
05:00 The Role of Technology in Caregiving
06:33 Development Solutions at Mellie
07:54 Targeting Employers and Health Plans
12:23 Challenges in Scaling and Adoption
13:37 Addressing Caregiver Needs and Stress
15:06 Navigating the Healthcare Benefits Space
17:59 Targets and Health Growth for 2025
20:45 Partnership Development and Market Reach
22:51 Incoming Trends to Support
24:02 Conclusion and Future Outlook

Video

https://youtu.be/cxlM4er40QM

Summary

In this episode, Evan J. Cholfin interviews Zack Miskel, Associate Vice President of Brand Strategy and Growth at DefenAge, a skincare brand that focuses on innovative anti-aging solutions. They discuss the origins of DefenAge, its unique technology based on defensin molecules, and the brand's mission to change perceptions around aging. Zack shares insights into their marketing strategies, challenges in a competitive market, and growth targets for the future, emphasizing the importance of education and customer acquisition. The conversation also touches on emerging trends in skincare and the impact of technology and AI on the industry.

Takeaways

DefenAge was founded by a cellular biologist focused on regenerative medicine.
The brand aims to change the narrative around aging, promoting comfort with the aging process.
DefenAge's products utilize defensin technology to promote skin healing without invasive procedures.
The brand has pivoted to a direct-to-consumer model, significantly increasing revenue.
Education is crucial for differentiating DefenAge in a crowded market.
Paid media has been the most successful channel for customer acquisition.
The skincare market is highly competitive, with significant challenges from larger brands.
DefenAge aims for a 30% growth in revenue this year, focusing on new customer acquisition.
Emerging trends like TikTok and Amazon are becoming important for skincare brands.
AI and technology are shaping marketing strategies and customer engagement in the skincare industry.

Soundbites

"We created microneedling in a bottle."
"Clinical efficacy is an intellectual alibi."
"TikTok is becoming an educational platform."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to DefenAge and Its Mission
00:58 The Genesis of DefenAge and Its Unique Technology
02:10 Addressing Market Gaps and Consumer Needs
03:43 Balancing Clinical Efficacy with Consumer Messaging
04:57 Customer Acquisition Strategies and Challenges
08:39 Influencer Marketing and Education
09:53 Optimizing Growth Strategies and Partnerships
11:50 Standing Out in a Crowded Market
13:20 Growth Targets and Future Plans
16:04 Omnichannel Approach and Customer Engagement
18:07 Trends in the Skincare Industry
19:59 The Role of AI and Technology in Skincare
22:00 Key Focus Areas for the Upcoming Year
23:12 DefenAge's Vision for 2025

Video

https://youtu.be/8TkcozdGI08

Summary

In this conversation, Evan J. Cholfin speaks with Jennifer Mason, EVP and Chief Sustainability Officer at Huber, about the company's long-standing commitment to sustainability, the impact of being family-owned, and the unique challenges and innovations in responsible sourcing and manufacturing. They discuss the importance of data integrity, employee engagement, and the long-term sustainability goals Huber is pursuing, including a target for net-zero emissions by 2050.

Takeaways

J.M. Huber has always prioritized sustainability as a core principle.
Family ownership allows for a patient approach to sustainability.
Responsible sourcing of wood products is critical for Huber's business.
Cutting down trees can actually benefit forest biodiversity.
Huber's approach to sustainability is unique due to its diverse product portfolio.
Regulatory compliance is important but should not drive sustainability strategy.
Data integrity and transparency are major challenges in sustainability reporting.
Employee engagement is crucial for successful sustainability initiatives.
Collaboration with suppliers is essential for addressing Scope 3 emissions.
Innovations in responsible sourcing, like hydrogen fuel, are on the horizon.

Soundbites

"Sustainability is a core principle at Huber."
"Cutting down trees can benefit biodiversity."
"Sustainability is good business."
"Collaboration is key to achieving net zero."
"Data integrity is a major challenge."
"We aim for net zero by 2050."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Sustainability at Huber 
03:06 The Impact of Family Ownership on Sustainability
05:48 Responsible Sourcing and Wood Products
08:14 Unique Approaches to Sustainability in Manufacturing
10:22 Challenges in Advancing Sustainability Initiatives 
12:37 Managing Timberland and Carbon Footprint
14:31 Data Integrity and Transparency in Sustainability
16:56 Engaging Employees and Customers in Sustainability 
19:26 Long-term Sustainability Goals and Targets 
21:28 Innovations in Responsible Sourcing
23:28 Looking Ahead in Sustainability Success

Video

https://youtu.be/c9II6OazYqE

Summary
In this conversation, Evan J. Cholfin interviews Marc Kravets, CEO of Lancer Skincare, discussing the brand's philosophy, challenges in the skincare market, product development, and the importance of consumer behavior. Marc shares insights on the company's focus on anti-aging products, e-commerce growth, and the impact of technology on customer engagement. The discussion highlights the need for brands to adapt to changing consumer preferences and the strategies Lancer Skincare is implementing to maintain its market position and integrity while expanding internationally. 

Takeaways
Marc Kravets has over 25 years of experience in skincare brands.
Lancer Skincare focuses on reducing invasive procedures through effective products.
The brand targets affluent urban customers aged 45-60 with anti-aging concerns.
Challenges include economic headwinds and competition from new brands.
Transitioning to Shopify Plus for better e-commerce performance.
Leveraging clinical history to stand out in a crowded market.
Education is key to customer engagement and product development.
Focus on anti-aging and hyperpigmentation products for future growth.
Consumer behavior is shifting towards value and efficacy.
2025 is seen as a landmark year for Lancer with new retail opportunities.

Soundbites 
"There's a lot of headwinds."
"Education touches everything."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lancer Skincare and Leadership
02:32 Brand Philosophy and Customer Focus
04:20 Challenges in the Skincare Market
05:22 Product Development and Innovation
06:20 International Growth and Brand Integrity
08:06 Consumer Behavior and Market Trends
09:12 Conclusion and Future Vision

Video

https://youtu.be/Aq9g7KY1OKY

Summary

In this episode, Evan J. Cholfin interviews Teri-Ann Marchigiani, VP of Product Development at Tricoci, discussing the brand's expansion into consumer packaged goods (CPG) and the unique strategies employed in product development. Teri-Ann shares insights on the challenges faced in launching new products, the importance of brand awareness, and the role of influencer marketing. The conversation also covers the significance of storytelling in branding, current trends in the beauty industry, and the evolving relationship between salons and retail products. Looking ahead, Teri-Ann outlines objectives for 2025 and the importance of retail distribution for Tricoci's success.

Takeaways

Tricoci's expansion into CPG products was a strategic decision based on existing brand credibility.
The unique approach to product development leverages a network of professionals for real-time feedback.
Nutrire's launch was focused on authenticity and simplicity, resonating well with consumers.
Challenges in product launches include supply chain volatility and achieving brand awareness.
Data-driven strategies are essential for addressing brand awareness issues.
Influencer marketing plays a crucial role in educating consumers about new products.
Differentiated packaging and product positioning are key to standing out in the market.
Education in salons enhances product sales and consumer understanding.
The incubation process for new brands requires strategic positioning and consumer-centric innovation.
Storytelling is vital for simplifying the shopping experience and driving consumer interest.

Soundbites

"Our packaging is very differentiated."
"Education is like the biggest takeaway here."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tricoci and Teri-Ann Marchigiani
03:13 Tricoci's Expansion into CPG Products
05:40 Unique Approach to Product Development
08:05 Challenges in Product Launches
10:37 Influencer Marketing Strategies
13:08 Differentiation in Product Offerings
15:27 The Incubation Process for New Brands
18:06 The Importance of Storytelling in Branding
20:57 Trends in Premium Beauty and Personal Care
23:18 The Evolving Relationship Between Salons and Retail
26:02 Looking Ahead: Success for 2025

Video

https://youtu.be/S-US5M7H6tA