Ask Brien Show

By Peter Bronstein and Traci DeForgeBusiness Entrepreneurship Management

Ask Brien Show episodes

January 28, 2022Avana Drinks With Brad Ledford
Today we are joined by Brad Ledford, founder of VitalBev Inc, owner of the Avana Cocktails brand. Brad brought VitalBev Inc to life using his experience in international contract and business dealings, financial modeling and planning, business structure and formation strategies, and B2C & B2B marketing tactics. Avana is the first fully organic canned tequila product to hit the market and is rapidly growing in popularity. Tune in to find out how Brad’s grassroots marketing strategies helped him go from distributing using his own car to having a nationwide distribution plan in just two months. VitalBev Inc is changing the alcohol industry one refreshing drink at a time.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[06:42] Brad shares how he got started in the tequila industry.
[12:50] How Brad sold his first batch of Avana, taking the internet by storm.
[15:02] Avana got their brand out into the market and into the hands of their first customers using these techniques and strategies.
[18:57] What is next for Avana as they shift from grassroots tactics to B2B and B2C sales?
[22:07] Avana is the first company to organically can tequila. This was their biggest hurdle in getting their business off the ground.
[23:59] What does Avana’s team look like?
[26:40] Why Avana’s relationships with its distributors are crucial to their team.
[31:55] Upcoming Avana products to get excited about.
[36:27] How Avana stands out from big name seltzers dominating the market.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Many alcoholic companies are not transparent about the way they produce their products. Avana hopes to change that standard.
Distribution management is so important, because whether it’s the B2B or the B2C sales, the customer experience is what’s most important. Avana is the first company to organically can tequila products. Their products are 100% organic, making them stand out amongst the big names in the seltzer industry.
Even as Avana’s sales reach grows, their main priorities are the distributor and customer experience. Avana vows to never put sales over their customers, and this has already built a strong fan base and return customers.

Links Mentioned:
www.askbrien.com
http://www.drinkavana.com/
Brad’s LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-ledford-avana
BIO: Brad Ledford
Starting and running VitalBev Inc, owner of the Avana Cocktails brand, has brought me experience in international contract and business dealings, financial modeling and planning, business structure and formation strategies, B2C & B2B marketing tactics, and the many other managerial roles that come with leading a startup company.
My motivation has always come from inspiring those around me to be the absolute best version of themselves they can be. True passion stems from knowing that you can settle right where you are in life yet choosing to pursue something greater, more refined, more purposeful. With the Avana Cocktail line we will be setting a new standard for health consciousness in the alcoholic beverage industry. A new peak for competitors to look up to. A new height for our consumers to climb to and relax at.
40 min
January 21, 2022A Small Business Owner’s Guide to Trademarking and Copyrights With Peter Bronstein & Traci DeForge
For this special Ask Brien anniversary episode, Traci interviews Peter Bronstein, aka the man himself, Brien Johnson about what he knows best, trademarking and copyrighting So, what is the difference between the two? Can small businesses be trademarked, if so, where do small business owners start? Traci and Brien share insight into patents, domain names, the trademark registration process, and how to navigate the different classifications. Tune in to discover how you can set your business’s brand up for long-term success.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[03:50] What is the “Ask Brien” podcast and radio show all about?
[06:32] What is the difference between a patent, a copyright, and a trademark?
[13:00] Should small business owners trademark their business?
[14:49] Peter explains why registering a domain name and registering a trademark are two very different things.
[18:37] When should a small business owner begin the trademark registration process? In what order should they file?
[25:25] Where can small business owners research available domain names, trademarks, and copyrights?
[28:13] How a trademark attorney can help you navigate trademarking your business.
[33:02] Connect with Peter and start your trademarking journey today.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Many people don’t realize that a trademark itself is based on usage, not on registration.
When trademarking, make sure the name you choose is available, otherwise the costs to retrace and start the process all over again is going to be quite expensive.
In the long run, hiring a trademark attorney and having your business trademarked properly is going to cost far less than going about it yourself and spending a fortune on legal fees and having to start the process all over again.

Links Mentioned:
www.askbrien.com
www.uspto.gov
www.lacorporateattorney.com
[email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-bronstein-5a70a611
BIO: Peter Bronstien
By focusing solely on legal issues affecting businesses, with an accounting degree with his JD, lawyer Peter Bronstein is able to offer informed counsel, detailed planning, clear communication and aggressive representation during negotiations and litigation.
Before creating our law firm, attorney Peter Bronstein spent five years as corporate counsel for Mail Boxes Etc., a major franchisor with national and international locations. He has experience in the inner workings of a business and the challenges that accompany business ownership in California.
36 min
January 14, 2022Business Leading With Dee Breazeale
On this episode of the Ask Brien Show, our hosts Brien Johnson and Traci DeForge speak with Dee Breazeale, vice president of business development for Albany Farms. Brien and Traci discuss with Dee how the company plans to be the leading producer of ramen in the United States by mid 2022. Dee also elaborates on why Albany Farms chose to manufacture in the United States rather than import their ramen, how the supply chain is affecting all US companies, and how their new facility is going to benefit Belle Fourche, South Dakota. In addition, Brien and Traci discuss the current market trends driving the potential for project and manufacturing expansion in the United States.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[04:25] Dee Breazeale is introduced and she shares how she got started in business.
[07:53] Dee’s role as the vice president of business development for Albany Farms.
[10:40] How the supply chain has affected Albany Farm’s brand and products.
[15:20] Albany Farm’s current standing in the ramen industry and where they aim to be in six months.
[21:55] Have labor shortages impacted the construction of the new facility?
[24:44] Could more companies establish manufacturing plants in the United States rather than importing their goods?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Many companies, big and small, are being affected by the supply chain, leading some companies to consider manufacturing in the United States.
Most ramen sold and consumed in the US is imported. With a new facility under construction, many strategies in place, and utilizing local farmers, Albany Farms aims to be the United State’s leading producer of ramen by mid 2022.
Albany Farms selected Belle Fourche, South Dakota to build their manufacturing plant because of the geographical location, the city is on a major railroad line, and their wheat will be grown and provided by local farmers. The company truly put a lot of thought into this decision that will benefit the community by providing careers for many people and feed for livestock.

Links Mentioned:
www.askbrien.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dee-breazeale-62a8794
BIO:
Team-oriented business leader driving sustainable growth and profit through strategic planning, talent development, and cross-functional collaboration. Leverage global experience in operations, systems, merchandising, buying, financials, P&L accountability, international, wholesale, and category planning to improve market positioning and gain competitive advantage. Build and maintain positive relationships with internal/external stakeholders and suppliers at all levels, promoting win-win solutions. Extensive Walmart/Sam’s experience internally and externally. 12 years of CPG experience selling to Walmart/Sam’s. Long term relationships within Walmart and Sam’s throughout the organization.
35 min
January 07, 2022Personal Information Wallet With Dr. Gordon Jones
On this episode of the Ask Brien Show, our hosts Brien Johnson and Alex Grossman speak with Dr. Gordon Jones about personal data privacy. Dr. Gordon shares how websites gain access to data and how to better protect our personal information. Brien and Alex talk with Dr. Jones about his company, Validide and a new product called Thrivacy, a digital app that manages personal information in a private digital wallet. They also talk about how blockchain technology is advancing the web into a whole new type of economic model.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[02:00] Dr. Gordon Jones is introduced
[03:40] The purpose behind Dr.Gordon’s company, Validide
[04:30] Managing and protecting your personal information and digital identity
[10:09] How to sign up for Thrivacy – a new product for Validide’s digital wallet
[15:03] How the Thrivacy Digital Wallet works
[24:00] How Thrivacy manages data using blockchain technology

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Dr. Gordon’s company, Validide, helps individuals and corporations to protect their individual identity and privacy.
Thirvacy Wallet uses blockchain technology to not only protect your identity while surfing the web, but it also gives you control over all your personal information when applying for jobs.
Through blockchain technology, the goal is to turn the economic structure upside down to where we, as the people who use the system, are the ones in control and not the big tech companies.

Links Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/drgordonjones
https://thrivacy.io/home
https://validide.com
BIO:
After graduating from The Citadel and serving two tours in the 82nd Airborne Div USA, I earned my Masters and Doctorate in Health Administration from the Medical University of South Carolina. I have acquired 30+ years of digital health innovation, entrepreneurship, and business development experience.
I have founded or invested in many projects from building one of the first physician organizations to take full-risk in healthcare, the first web-based physician billing company, the first computer-assisted surgery system in the US, wearables & IoT, health system operations, and blockchain & cryptocurrency.
I am also a biohacker focused on combining Farm to Table All Natural Organic foods with Nutrigenomics and regular exercise to maximize cellular metabolism and nutrient absorption. We don’t want to just lengthen our Lifespans, we want to increase our Healthspan for Longevity, and die healthy.
A 4A State Soccer player, triathlete, tennis enthusiast, and US Men’s Masters Beach Ultimate Team winning Silver in 2004 & Gold in 2007 at the Beach Ultimate World Championships.
With my wife, Jennifer, we have adopted 5 special children and founded ApparoAcademy.org, a pre-school for medically fragile children through an innovative integrated inclusive model preparing children for K and beyond.
37 min
December 17, 2021Food and Courage With Rachel Bieber
On this episode of the Ask Brien Show, our hosts Brien Johnson and Alex Grossman speak with Rachel Bieber about her cookie company, Food and Courage. Rachel shares about her culinary background and how she started Food and Courage out of her apartment in San Francisco. Brien and Alex talk with Rachel about how she went door to door selling her first cookies and how her passion, courage and tenacity helped to grow her business. She also talks about the importance of giving back and how she donates a portion of all her profits to help rescue children from human trafficking.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[04:00] Rachel is introduced
[05:46] The message behind “Food & Courage”
[08:05] How did Food & Courage start
[11:29] The courage it takes to cold pitch
[13:25] The team behind Food & Courage
[15:37] Supply chain
[16:56] Why cookies
[18:41] The aha moment
[21:45] Passion or Tenacity?
[25:20] Business plan and growth
[30:11] Giving back
[32:10] How to face rejection and challenges

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Rachel started Food and Courage out of a desire to build something bigger than herself, as a way to have a sustainable impact. A portion of all profits go to raise awareness and raise money to help free people from human trafficking.
In the beginning, Rachel went door to door pitching and selling her cookies to local cafes and stores.
The skill of an entrepreneur is really how many times you can bounce back from a no. It’s so hard to get out there, but the more you do it, the easier it gets.
Your why is excruciatingly important for entrepreneurs and for what someone does every single day.
A startup can be all consuming. It’s important to have other key relationships, routines and community – things that are unmatched from the startup. Otherwise, failure in the startup is all consuming.

Links Mentioned:
https://foodandcourage.com/
BIO:
The founder, Rachel Bieber, has been passionate about helping end human trafficking ever since she became aware of its existence. That’s why 10% of all of their profits from Food & Courage go directly to organizations focused on ending this global crisis like Thorn.
They have created their artisan cookies using ONLY ingredients that aren’t harmful to us. Their gluten-free, dairy-free & natural sugar Chocolate Chunk Cookies are handcrafted without using processed sugar, dairy, or gluten and baked to perfection with courage. They have developed their cookie with this specific intent when they realized that the leading causes of death in America are all directly related to processed sugar and high cholesterol.
38 min
December 10, 2021Key Communication With Jane Hanson
On this episode of the Ask Brien Show, our hosts Brien Johnson and Traci DeForge speak with Jane Hanson, who is an Emmy Award winner television journalist and communication coach. Brien and Traci talk with Jane about her passion and gift for helping people communicate better and have more confidence in public speaking. She shares about her 27 years as a TV reporter and anchor for NBC in New York and gives three tips for how to use body language to communicate better.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[05:00] Jane is introduced
[09:20] What Jane learned from broadcast business
[12:56] How to communicate according to Jane
[14:55] How Jane navigated a male-dominated career
[17:35] Business aspects of being an anchor
[20:33] Attire and broadcast
[22:15] Why Jane started her business
[26:40] How COVID impacted Jane’s business
[31:35] Three types of body language concepts
[35:10] The art of pausing

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
There are a lot of overlaps between business and broadcast. Broadcast business teaches you how to be appealing, authentic, and genuine – which is more important than ever in business these days.
During a speech or interview, you usually only have time to convey one or two messages, so it’s important you know how to communicate what it is you want to share and do so in a way that people know exactly what you are communicating.
During the shut down, Jane pivoted her business to help people learn how to communicate effectively through virtual meetings and presentations.
Jane’s main motivation for starting her business is to help people become better communicators in order to succeed in life and their careers.
The most underutilized tool in communication is pausing in between thoughts. A pause makes people sit up and pay attention. And it makes your confidence level go up and people think that you are far more confident, even if you’re not.

Links Mentioned:
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/janehansontv
https://www.janehanson.com/
BIO:
Emmy award winning television journalist and media/presentation/video coach Jane Hanson has spent over 30 years helping people learn to communicate better. Hanson focuses on three core elements: what you say, how you say it, and how your body language keeps it all in sync.
Among her clients: top tier leaders in finance, insurance, startups, pharma, technology, education, fashion and media; chefs, sports figures and restaurateurs. She hosts programs on cable, digital and life streaming channels. And she is a frequent speaker, emcee, and panel moderator.
Jane spent most of her broadcast career at NBC New York, including anchoring “Today in New York”, appearances on the Today show, reporting on every major event from the tragedy of 9/11 to the joy of Yankees victory parades to Wall Street and Washington. She also hosted Jane’s New York that traveled the world; and later New York Live. Jane has won 9 Emmy Awards. She’s been honored by New York’s Police Detectives, New York’s Firefighters, and numerous other groups, and has served on the board of several philanthropies.
37 min
December 03, 2021The RSH Group With James Renzas
On this episode of the Ask Brien Show, our hosts Brien Johnson and Traci DeForge speak with James Renzas about his company, The RSH Group, which specializes in corporate restructuring. James started the company in 2002 with his first client being Lowe’s Home Improvement stores. Brien, Traci and James discuss the inner workings of retail expansion, relocations and restructures. James also shares helpful information about grants and incentives that other businesses can take advantage of.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[06:24] James is introduced and shares about RSH Group
[07:51] How did RSH Group start?
[10:35] What services did RSH provide for Lowes
[14:03] “Kickback” retail agreements & negotiations
[17:05] How retailers choose the best locations
[20:00] Determining growth rates
[23:30] Grants and incentives
[26:55] Referrals program & marketing strategies
[29:18] Challenges RSH group faced
[31:28] How COVID affected RSH client base
[33:50] Effectiveness of working from home

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
When retailers, like Lowe’s, are choosing locations to expand to, it comes down to which communities provide the greatest incentives and return on investment for the company.
Retail tax incentives are a huge way for communities to attract more retailers.
When looking for the best location for a business, the first thing to look at is who and where are your customers.
For the first time, California is offering money to businesses that are expanding or creating jobs through a grant program called, “California Competes.”
Traditional advertising isn’t as useful for The RSH Group’s growth. Instead they rely on word of mouth and consistent networking and helpful conversations with business owners.

Links Mentioned:
http://www.thershgroup.com/
BIO:
James Renzasa is Principal and Founder of The RSH Group. He joined RSH with almost 30 years of experience in site selection, incentives negotiation, tax credit analysis, and compliance. Formerly Practice Leader for both KPMG and Arthur Anderson, Renzas is a nationally-known and respected expert in the area of corporate incentives and tax credits. He has experience in a broad range of industries, including financial services, manufacturing, distribution, food processing, bio-fuels, photovoltaic energy, and development. He has assisted over 250 clients select the optimal location for new corporate facilities and has participated in over 2,000 incentives negotiation projects in the last five years.
36 min
November 26, 2021Super Food and Nutrition Bars With Wade Brooks
On this episode of the Ask Brien Show, our hosts Brien Johnson and Traci DeForge speak with Wade Brooks about his product, LivBars, which are certified organic nutritional bars. Wade is the CEO of Liv Foods, Inc and has helped grow the company from a team of 1 to 45 people, doubled the size of their food facility, and expanded their product distribution to every state in the country and in Hong Kong. Brien, Traci and Wade discuss what makes LivBars different from other bars, how their messaging educates people about the dishonesty of the food industry, and how angel investing has helped the company grow.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[06:43] Wade is introduced
[07:41] LivBars introduction and beginnings
[09:04] Differentiation of LivBars
[11:23] The problem with food labels
[13:13] How did the business grow
[14:30] Distribution: Why Hong Kong
[16:50] How are LivBars are made
[17:40] Teaching entrepreneurship vs being an entrepreneur
[19:40] Brand story of LivBars
[21:25] The transition of leadership
[23:54] LivBar marketing strategy
[26:39] Investor relationships of LivBar
[30:00] The team behind LivBar
[32:05] LivBar company culture
[33:51] Challenges that entrepreneurs face

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
LivBars’ marketing strategy focuses on highlighting their 100% organic ingredients while also educating people about the misleading messages of the industrial food industry and dishonest labels that other companies use.
Entrepreneurship isn’t something you can learn from a book. You need to do it to really understand what it is.
Finding the right team members when building a company is crucial. You have to find “A Players” who are invested in the company, excited about the product and innovative.
An important thing to do as an entrepreneur is to talk to your customer about your product, get their feedback and make changes.

Links Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wadebrooks
https://livbar.com/
BIO:
Mr. Brooks is the CEO of Liv Foods, Inc. Liv Foods was founded in 2012 and develops, manufactures, and sells LivBars®, USDA certified organic, superfood and nutrition bars. He has 25 years of top management experience running multiple companies. He founded his first company while in college, which became the first Apple Computer VAR in the US. He has a BS and MBA from Willamette University and executive education and management training from Harvard Business School.
In addition to his industry experience, Mr. Brooks was an Associate Professor of Entrepreneurial Practice at Willamette University’s Graduate School of Management for eight years, receiving the Faculty Member of the Year award in 2016.
37 min
November 19, 2021Hot and Spicy With Taufeek Shah
On this episode of the Ask Brien Show, our hosts Brien Johnson and Traci DeForge speak with Taufeek Shah about his family business, Lola’s Fine Hot Sauce, built on his mother’s special recipe. Taufeek shares the unique origins of the sauce, how he started the company after a corporate potluck, and how Lola’s sauces and product lines continue to grow and diversify. Brien, Trace and Taufeek discuss what it’s like to work closely with his mom, how COVID has impacted their supply chain, and their dreams of expanding into international markets in the future.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[06:06] Taufeek introduces himself and his background
[8:00] The origins of the hot sauce
[10:25] How Lola’s started
[11:45] Scaling the business
[15:20] Lola’s growth timeline
[18:00] Where to buy Lola’s
[18:42] Lola and Lowe’s ‘Shark Tank’ experience
[19:50] What was the catalyst for Lola’s growth
[21:50] Lola’s products and merchandise
[24:24] Behind the scenes of a family business
[28:33] How international growth would impact Lola
[29:12] Characteristics of a successful entrepreneur
[30:12] Top 3 challenges of building a startup
[34:00] How has COVID impacted supply chain of Lola
[35:03] Tips for other entrepreneurs

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Passion is a given for any entrepreneur. You have to be passionate about what you’re doing!
COVID’s impact on Lola’s supply chain and product costs has been significant but their forward-thinking perspective and goal setting has helped balance out these challenges.
Hustle, patience and integrity are key factors to being successful in creating a new product or business.
Google and mentors go a long way in being an entrepreneur and growing a company from the ground up.

Links Mentioned:
www.lolasfinehotsauce.com/
Facebook
Instagram

BIO:
Taufeek Shah is the CEO of a global food company specializing in hot sauce condiments, chocolates, and cocktail mixers. He oversees their Des Moines team in ensuring products are manufactured, delivered, and quality controlled. He also specializes in handling market analysis and trends with the company.
38 min
November 12, 2021E-Council Inc. With Lauren Cohen
On this episode of the Ask Brien Show, our hosts Brien Johnson and Traci DeForge speak with Lauren Cohen about her company, e-Council Inc, and the range of
specialized services they offer to businesses and individuals who are seeking foreign investments, visas, and more. She also shares her own experience with immigrating from Canada and the ups and downs of being an entrepreneur.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[05:35] Lauren is introduced
[7:30] How to invest in real estate in foreign countries
[8:43] How property deeds work in Mexico
[11:00] How to connect with Lauren Cohen
[13:15] How Lauren protects her clients
[13:52] How non-US citizens can get a mortgage loan in the US
[15:53] Immigration services that Lauren offers
[16:25] Lauren’s entrepreneur journey
[19:13] Overcoming obstacles when starting her business
[23:09] More about Lauren’s podcast
[25:50] Connect with Lauren online
[27:27] Advice for other entrepreneurs
[28:40] 5-year goals

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Every real estate model is going to be different depending on the country so having someone to walk you through the process is really crucial – that’s why Lauren provides services to help people navigate the process.
Having a trusted advisor that speaks the country’s language is really important when investing in real estate in foreign countries.
Don’t let fear stand in the way of your entrepreneur dreams, persevere and keep pushing towards your goals.

Links Mentioned:
Book: Finding Your Silver Lining in the Business Immigration Process: An Insightful Guide to Immigrant & Non-Immigrant Business Visas
Podcast: Investing Across Borders
Website: Real Estate Across Borders

BIO:
Lauren A. Cohen, international speaker, #1 bestselling author and immigration and business strategist, is an attorney licensed in both the U.S. (TN) and Canada (ON). As an active AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association) member, Lauren boasts a stellar track record of success. She was also recently recognized as one of 2017’s “Super Lawyers” by Attorney-at-Law Magazine.
Although her role at e-Council does not involve practicing law, Lauren has first-hand knowledge of the visa process, having herself immigrated from Canada, and later becoming an American citizen in 2012. The overriding goal in all of her business endeavors is to help her clients achieve their version of the American Dream. Developing sound strategies designed to sustain long-term growth is a cornerstone of the e-Council Inc. brand.
31 min

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