ContenderCast with Justin Honaman

Everyone knows that cigarettes aren't as popular as they once were. As more and more people became aware of the massive health risks involved in their continued use, the popularity of the once ubiquitous oral accessory has dwindled, but that doesn't mean there aren't still lots of smokers out there who know they should quit but don't want to give up the allure of the cigarette altogether. There's no shortage of gums, patches, and other products out in the market, but none of them are quite as cool as Oklahoma Smokes hemp flower cigarettes. Oklahoma Smokes are, as suggested by their name, actual cigarettes. But they don't have any tobacco or nicotine, or in fact any additives of any kind. Instead, they're filled with all-natural and indoor grown hemp flower, which is rich in CBD and provides as satisfying and smooth a smoke as you've ever enjoyed. Ashwinn Krishnaswamy joins Justin to discuss this new brand!

Tire Agent was founded by Jared Kugel, a tire industry veteran for more than a decade. He has tires in his blood, since his family owned tire distribution centers and retail stores. Jared saw how traditional tire stores stuck with the decades old customer purchasing and installing experience. He believed people should be educated about the tires they purchase, receive top notch care, and have it done at their convenience of their home, work or anywhere else. He realized that a technology driven business is how this dream would be accomplished. Today, consumers have a smooth e-commerce experience that translates to a full service on-site and friendly replacement experience. TireAgent is the internet's largest selection of tires, rims and wheels, shipped anywhere in the continental U.S. for free. Jared joins Justin to discuss "driving" growth in a consumer direct tire company!

Hälsa Foods (Halsa means "health" in Swedish) is the manufacturer of oatmilk yogurt. It is one of the first plant-based oatgurt made from whole grain oats and the world's first dairy-free yogurt without a single artificial ingredient. Co-founders Helena Lumme and Mika Manninen join Justin to share details on this fast-growing food brand!

Batteries Plus is the nation's largest and fastest-growing battery, light bulb and smartphone/tablet repair franchise with a nationwide network of stores. With access to more than 60,000 types of batteries, light bulbs and accessories, they have the widest selection of battery and light bulb products available. Batteries Plus offers unmatched service to consumers, businesses and government entities at the national and local levels and delivers national brands at exceptional value. Scott Williams, CEO, joins Justin to discuss retail, ecommerce, consumer centricity, and more!

Starr Edwards is the charismatic entrepreneur behind San Diego's Bitchin' Sauce. A foodie at heart, she initially planned on pursuing a career as a personal chef. Then, with a young family to feed, she infused her fun, fresh flavors into a host of Bitchin' Sauces. An immediate hit at the local farmers market, it wasn't long before they made their way to grocery shelves. Today they are in Costco, Sprouts, Whole Foods, Kroger and many more retail stores. Starr joins Justin to discuss this bitchin' brand!

Wan Kim was first introduced to Smoothie King while studying at Boston University before going on to earn his MBA at the University of California at Irvine. Wan became a huge fan of the concept and opened the first international Smoothie King location in South Korea in 2003. Within six years, Wan had opened 120 stores in South Korea and eventually grew brand awareness to 94 percent on the peninsula. Wan went on to purchase the entire Smoothie King company in 2012 with the fundamental goal of pushing the brand to rediscover and reinvigorate the foundational values that differentiate Smoothie King as the standalone pioneer in the quick-service restaurant segment focused on health and fitness. Wan joins Justin to discuss this high-growth brand!

In a quest to find a healthier alternative to traditional burgers, co-founder, Jason, quickly realized that the grocery aisles were full of imitation meats and veggie burgers but all were either highly processed, frozen, bland or loaded with preservatives. Not to mention they didn't even look appetizing! He was determined to create a better option full of fresh farm-grown veggies and ingredients that were not only healthier, but filling, delicious and colorful. This was the spark that led to the creation of Actual Veggies and its line of chef-created, gourmet, ALL vegetable burgers - Just veggies, actually. Co-founders Jason Rosenbaum and Hailey Swartz join Justin to discuss this "actually" delicious new food brand.

The first and only spirits line distilled with pure organic cane sugar, that also meets all five official certifications including Vegan, Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Kosher, and USDA Organic – meet Drake's Organic Spirits. For hard alcohol that's not hard on the planet—or your palate, taste the difference organic spirits can make. Founder and CEO Mark Anderson joins Justin to share his incredible story of building a unique, high-growth spirits brand!

The texture of a proper Japanese drinking moment can be a beautiful balance of experiences. Aroma and flavor are a given, but temperature, feel, sight, and sound all play equally important roles in elevating the sip above a mere drink. This is life in high fidelity. Sip slowly. Sip Honkaku. Founder Christopher Pellegrini joins Justin to discuss this growing brand.

The city you call home. The neighborhood where you bought your first apartment. The street corner where you shared a first kiss. Terratorie's maps are designed to honor local community, neighborhood spirit, and pride in all the places we make memories. Founder Torie Partridge joins Justin to discuss this unique, creative and fun growing business!