Constructing Brands

• How to transition from a creative passion to a successful business
• The importance of brand building in attracting potential buyers
• Strategies for balancing creative work and business operations

The podcast “Constructing Brands” is hosted by Eric Lanel and focuses on the business of building materials manufacturing. It aims to assist companies in this sector by discussing strategies for launching new products, rebuilding brands, and implementing effective communication strategies. The podcast features conversations with experts from construction, architecture, engineering, marketing, and manufacturing to help companies become stronger and more profitable. In a recent episode, Eric interviews Rosemary Hallgarten, founder of Rosemary Hallgarten Inc., who shares her journey from jewelry making to textiles and her experience with being acquired by a 138-year-old company. The episode delves into the challenges and opportunities of maintaining a brand identity post-acquisition and the importance of staying true to one’s creative vision while scaling a business.

The podcast "Constructing Brands" is hosted by Eric Lanel and focuses on the business of building materials manufacturing. It aims to assist companies in this sector by discussing strategies for launching new products, rebuilding brands, and implementing effective communication strategies. The podcast features conversations with experts from construction, architecture, engineering, marketing, and manufacturing to help companies become stronger and more profitable. In a recent episode, Eric interviews Rosemary Hallgarten, founder of Rosemary Hallgarten Inc., who shares her journey from jewelry making to textiles and her experience with being acquired by a 138-year-old company. The episode delves into the challenges and opportunities of maintaining a brand identity post-acquisition and the importance of staying true to one's creative vision while scaling a business.

What are 3 things you will learn

1. Evolution of Romo Inc.: The podcast discusses the historical journey of Romo Inc., which began in 1902 as a furniture manufacturing business and later transitioned to textiles. This evolution highlights the company's adaptability and strategic pivots in response to market demands over the decades.
2. Family Business Dynamics: Frederic Henry elaborates on the unique aspects of working in a family-owned business, especially one that has lasted for five generations. He shares insights into the challenges and advantages of maintaining a family legacy while driving innovation and growth, emphasizing the importance of leadership and autonomy in fostering a thriving work environment.
3. Branding and Marketing Strategies: The conversation delves into the significance of branding in luxury markets. Frederic discusses the distinct identities of Romo's six brands and the importance of authentic storytelling in connecting with consumers. He explains how effective branding creates an emotional experience for customers, differentiating the company in a competitive landscape.

In this captivating podcast episode, Maya and Price share the inspiring journey of creating Alkemis, the world’s first wellness paint. Born from a shared passion for art and a commitment to health, they reveal how their experiences during the pandemic led them to challenge the toxic norms of conventional paints. With a focus on sustainability and aesthetics, they discuss their innovative mineral-based formula that prioritizes both environmental safety and design elegance. Listeners will gain insights into the complexities of launching a groundbreaking product in the building materials industry while advocating for a cleaner, healthier living environment.

From this podcast, you will learn:

1. The Origins of Wellness Paint: Discover how the founders, Maya and Price, were inspired to create the world's first wellness paint after realizing the harmful chemicals present in traditional paints and their impact on health and the environment.
2. Innovative Formulation Techniques: Gain insights into the research and development process that led to the creation of a mineral-based paint, which utilizes ancient techniques and modern technology to provide a healthier alternative to conventional paints.
3. Marketing Strategies for Sustainable Products: Learn about the unique marketing approaches used to introduce this innovative product to the design trade, including partnerships with architects and interior designers, and how they aim to shift consumer perceptions regarding eco-friendly and aesthetically pleasing home products.

• The origins and early days of Rocky Mountain Hardware, founded by Christian Nickum’s parents
• How Christian transitioned from the family's window and door business to focus on decorative hardware
• Strategies for creating unique, high-end artisan hardware pieces for designers and architects
• The importance of trade shows, distribution networks, and innovative marketing tactics like the "road show"
• Insights into product design, material selection (bronze), and collaborations with designers
• Maintaining a balance between artistic vision and business scalability

Christian Nickum, the CEO and owner of Rocky Mountain Hardware, shares the captivating story of how his family’s business evolved from a humble window and door company to a renowned manufacturer of artisanal decorative hardware. In this riveting interview, he takes us on a journey through the company’s origins, the challenges they faced, and the innovative strategies that propelled their success.

What you will learn from this podcast:

• Mikael Akerberg's entrepreneurial background and journey to Nobilia
• Nobilia's decision to enter the fragmented U.S. kitchen market and create a new product category
• Strategies for researching and understanding the cultural nuances of the U.S. market
• Building an efficient nationwide distribution network for European kitchen furniture
•  Partnering for successful online sales and reaching a broader audience
• Future plans for franchising and expanding Nobilia's presence in the U.S.
• Lessons learned and advice for global expansion and innovation

Intro: 

Exploring Nobilia's disruptive journey into the U.S. market.

Guest Bio:

Mikael Akerberg is the CEO of Nobilia, Europe's largest kitchen furniture company. With an entrepreneurial spirit ignited at a young age, Mikael has led Nobilia's bold expansion into the U.S. market, introducing a new category of European-style modular kitchen furniture and embracing innovative strategies to cater to American consumers.

Renowned interior designer Jennifer Bertrand joins host Eric Lanel to discuss her human-centered approach to design. She explains how psychology and deep conversations help her understand clients and create soulful, personalized spaces. Jennifer shares her creative process, from initial chats to online vision boards, and emphasizes the importance of authenticity and risk-taking for growth. She highlights some of her most meaningful projects, including designing homes for military veterans and Ronald McDonald Houses. Jennifer encourages shying away from boundaries, having fun, and not being afraid to fail on the journey toward great design.  

Summary:

In this episode of Constructing Brands, the hosts introduce their new partners and discuss their agenda of celebrating heroes in the building materials industry. They express their passion for design and construction and the importance of telling the stories behind the people, brands, and products in the industry. The hosts highlight the need for getting things done and the ability to identify and tell compelling stories. They emphasize the value of working with knowledgeable and experienced partners and discuss the inspiration that comes from travel and food. The episode concludes with closing remarks and a call for feedback.

Takeaways:

The hosts are focused on celebrating heroes in the building materials industry. Telling the stories behind the people, brands, and products is a key aspect of their work. Getting things done and the ability to tell compelling stories are important skills in the industry. Working with knowledgeable and experienced partners is valuable for success.

Summary:

In this episode of Constructing Brands, the hosts introduce their new partners and discuss their agenda of celebrating heroes in the building materials industry. They express their passion for design and construction and the importance of telling the stories behind the people, brands, and products in the industry. The hosts highlight the need for getting things done and the ability to identify and tell compelling stories. They emphasize the value of working with knowledgeable and experienced partners and discuss the inspiration that comes from travel and food. The episode concludes with closing remarks and a call for feedback.TakeawaysThe hosts are focused on celebrating heroes in the building materials industry.

Takeaways: Telling the stories behind the people, brands, and products is a key aspect of their work. Getting things done and the ability to tell compelling stories are important skills in the industry. Working with knowledgeable and experienced partners is valuable for success.

In the latest episode of GWP’s Constructing Brands podcast, we speak with Kenn Busch, owner of Material Intelligence Website and sustainability thought leader. Kenn offers us insights in how to start the discussion and position your building material company in a world where your carbon footprint is becoming more and more important.. Kenn’s goal is to drive awareness to the importance of climate positive. Learn ways to position your efforts to be climate positive.