This week, Ward travels to LA to visit with Francois Reihani, founder of La La Land Kind Cafe, coffee shops with a mission to support foster kids as they step into adulthood. They'll discuss the intersection between social-impact work and the business world as well as the value of kindness in today's divisive landscape—all that and more on this episode of Backstory & Beyond.

Find Francois on Instagram or his website.

Explore La La Land on Instagram, Facebook, or on their website.

Learn more about Northwood Retail.

This week, Ward is in New York City with retail expert and Wall Street dynamo Dana Telsey, founder of Telsey Advisory Group, a leading research, trading, and banking firm focused on the consumer sector. They'll talk about the latest retail trends, the value of an on-the-ground perspective, grabbing market share, and how to create a perfect team with Dana's Pizza Test—all that and more on this episode of Backstory & Beyond.

Find Dana on LinkedIn or the Telsey Advisory Group site.

Learn more about Northwood Retail.

This week, Ward sits down with Susan Sarich, founder of SusieCakes, an all-American bakery serving up classic desserts. They'll discuss how a focus on hospitality creates lifelong customers, the unique challenges of starting a woman-led business, and the powerful combination of hard work and luck—all that and more on this episode of Backstory & Beyond.

Find Susie on Instagram.

Keep up with SusieCakes on Instagram or place an order on their website.

Learn more about Northwood Retail.

This week, Ward sits down with Jake Stewart, head of business development at Entrupy, an AI tool that can instantly authenticate luxury accessories. They'll discuss the growing resale market, the subsequent increase in counterfeit goods, and the role of AI in the retail space—all that and more on this episode of Backstory & Beyond.

Find Entrupy on Instagram and on their website.

Learn more about Northwood Retail.

This week, Ward is in Austin with Nina Berenato, founder of Nina Berenato Jewelry and creator of the viral TikTok sensation Permanent Bracelets. They'll discuss the importance of failure for any entrepreneur, how Nina has built a roster of celebrity clientele, and the hidden gems of one of America's fastest-growing cities—all that and more on this episode of Backstory & Beyond.

Find Nina on Instagram, TikTok, or shop her collection.

Check out the bracelet bar on Instagram.

Learn more about Northwood Retail.

With over 30 years of retail experience, Ward Kampf, president of Northwood Retail has a unique ability to forecast trends and identify the businesses that are changing the game. As he travels the country, he'll chat with entrepreneurs who are making waves in their industries.

New episodes coming late Spring 2023.

To learn more about Northwood Retail visit https://northwoodretail.com/