Entrepreneur Perspectives

“I don’t think military spouses want charity. I think they just want the opportunity to provide for their families or stay connected to something consistent.” – Lisa Bradley

When Lisa Bradley and her co-founder Cameron Cruse, both military spouses, started R.Riveter in 2011, it wasn’t just about making handbags—it was about creating opportunity, community, and a way to honor the resilience of military families. Inspired by Rosie the Riveter’s legacy, they built a distributed manufacturing model that empowers military spouses to work from home, wherever the military takes them. In this episode, Lisa joins me to talk about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship—from Shark Tank highs to navigating a marketing scam—while staying true to a mission bigger than themselves. We dig into why storytelling matters, how a handbag can carry a legacy, and what it means to love your country without getting political.

I’m fascinated by how R.Riveter turns a name into a movement, supporting military spouses not with handouts but with real work. Lisa’s grit, her roll-up-the-sleeves spirit, and the way they’ve refused to play victim—it’s all here in a conversation that feels like sitting down with a friend who’s been through it and come out stronger.

We explore:

• The origin of R.Riveter and its roots in military spouse resilience
• Surviving Shark Tank, scams, and the unglamorous side of entrepreneurship
• Why storytelling is the heartbeat of their business (and why I think it’s worth the time)
• Building a remote company before it was cool
• How a handbag becomes more than just a bag—it’s a story you carry

Chapters

• 00:00 - Lisa on military spouses and R.Riveter’s mission
• 01:10 - Why I Love Podcasts: Picking up Lisa’s story where others left off
• 02:41 - Shark Tank, Scams, and Chapter 11: The real rollercoaster of entrepreneurship
• 06:36 - More Than a Bag: The deeper meaning behind R.Riveter
• 08:17 - Rosie the Riveter’s legacy
• 11:32 - Bridging generations and communities
• 19:54 - The Loneliness Epidemic: Finding purpose when your spouse is overseas
• 24:03 - Remote Work Realities: Schedules, balance, and staying human
• 28:02 - Shark Tank Prep: Mock tanks, tough love, and last-minute pivots
• 34:50 - Why We Podcast: The ROI of sharing stories (even without data)
• 39:24 - Heirloom Handbags: Turning military uniforms into living legacies
• 40:11 - Moving 14 Times: Resilience, self-confidence, and starting over
• 46:36 - Where to Find R.Riveter: Online and in-store

About R.Riveter:

rriveter.com - Check out their handbags and the stories behind them

R.Riveter on Instagram | Facebook

Southern Pines Store: Visit them in Southern Pines, NC

About Lisa Bradley:
Lisa Bradley is the co-founder of R.Riveter, a handbag company that empowers military spouses with mobile, flexible work. Growing up in rural Montana, she brought a resourceful, sleeves-up mentality to her MBA and her life as an Army spouse. Alongside Cameron Cruse, she launched R.Riveter from an attic in 2011, turning it into a national network that’s as much about community as it is about commerce. She’s navigated Shark Tank, legal battles, and a company overhaul—all while staying rooted in a love for country and family. Lisa lives in Columbus, OH, with her husband Jason and their kids, and she’s still dreaming up ways to make a difference.

A Personal Note from Eric:
Lisa’s story hit me hard—not just as an entrepreneur but as someone who loves a good tale of grit and heart. When R.Riveter sent my wife a bag before the episode, I knew this was more than a business; it’s a movement. She wears it, people ask about it, and suddenly we’re talking about military spouses, Rosie the Riveter, and what it means to build something real. That’s the kind of ripple effect I live for on this show.

Related content to Resilience, Rosie the Riveter, and Military Spouses with Lisa Bradley:

• EP133 | Army Combat Veteran Talks Decision-Making | Lance Collins
• EP089 | Perspectives on Overcoming Adversity with Frank Van Buren, Former U.S. Army Black Hawk Pilot
• EP 179 | Going to the Canvas with Jodie King

Entrepreneur Perspectives is part of the KazSource family. We're building a modern media network through QuietLoud Studios, SportsEpreneur, and KazCM.

Get in touch with Eric Kasimov:
X: x.com/eric_kaz
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/erickasimov/

Credits:
Music by Jess & Ricky: https://soundcloud.com/user-774649902/sets/jess-ricky

"AI is awesome, and it provides many opportunities for advancement in different sectors. Where I find it gets tricky is where a lot of people, especially when it comes to content creation, leverage AI to replace the humanness of content." - Madeleine Lambert

Madeleine Lambert, Director of Marketing and Sales at Originality.ai, shares insights on AI content detection, digital ethics, essay writing in college, and the future of content creation. With experience scaling and selling her own content marketing agency, Madeleine brings unique perspectives on balancing AI tools with authentic human creativity. In this conversation, she discusses the challenges facing content creators, educators, and publishers as AI becomes more prevalent while offering practical guidance on using AI responsibly.

We explore:

1. The changing landscape of AI content detection
2. Balancing AI tools with academic integrity
3. Content validation in the age of automation
4. Building and selling content companies
5. Leadership opportunities for women in tech
6. Education and ethics in emerging technologies

Key Topics:

• AI & Its Implications
• AI in Education and Content Creation
• AI Detection and False Positives
• AI in Publishing and Copyright
• AI Ethics and Implementation
• Google's Role in AI Content
• Business Leadership in the AI Era
• Women in Tech Leadership
• Learning and Development
• Future of AI and Industry
• Education, Digital Ethics, and Integrity

Resources Mentioned in AI Content Detection & Digital Ethics with Madeleine Lambert:

• Originality.ai
• Dare to Lead
• What the Heck is EOS
• The Let Them Theory
• How Leaders Can Inspire Accountability
• Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader
• SportsE Media
• Demon Copperhead
• Altered State of Affairs

Connect with Madeleine Lambert: LinkedIn | Originality AI website

About: Madeleine Lambert is the Director of Marketing and Sales for Originality.AI – a global leader in AI content detection. Previously, she worked for a medical technology start-up and then co-founded the marketing company Content Refined with Originality CEO Jon Gillham, which was sold in 2022. She holds degrees from both Carleton University and the University of Toronto. She lives in Collingwood, Ontario, with her husband and three children.

Related content to AI Content Detection & Digital Ethics with Madeleine Lambert :

• Eric Jorgenson | Serious People Will Always Read
• Going to the Canvas with Jodie King
• The Future of Customer Engagement | Mike Donohue

Entrepreneur Perspectives is part of the KazSource family. We're building a modern media network through QuietLoud Studios, SportsEpreneur, and KazCM.

Get in touch with Eric Kasimov:
X: x.com/eric_kaz
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/erickasimov/

Credits:
Music by Jess & Ricky: https://soundcloud.com/user-774649902/sets/jess-ricky

"The tools of learning are abundant. Desire to learn is scarce." - Naval Ravikant

When Eric Jorgenson discovered Naval Ravikant's work as a young entrepreneur, it changed his life. Years later, he's turned that inspiration into tangible impact — writing a book that's helped millions understand Naval's principles, running a global publishing company that's changing how people create books, and building real leverage through content. In this conversation, Eric discusses what actually works in modern media, why serious people still prioritize reading in a world of endless content, and how to think about playing long-term games. Eric Jorgenson is the CEO of Scribe Media and the author of The Almanack of Naval Ravikant.

We explore:

1. Making things that last in modern media
2. Naval Ravikant's ideas on leverage
3. What many get wrong about vanity metrics
4. Running a remote company
5. Reading matters more than ever in a world of endless content

Chapters:

00:00:00 The power of reading
00:01:32 Why spend all this time podcasting
00:06:15 Naval's ideas in practice and media leverage
00:11:01 What is the ROI of content creation
00:20:03 Fame, social media, vanity metrics, and authenticity
00:23:41 The Sovereign Child launch story
00:28:35 Finding truth in modern media
00:40:32 Remote Work, energy management, and Scribe Media
00:46:40 College, AI tutors, and the future of learning
00:51:10 Why serious people always read
00:57:20 The Book of Elon Musk by Eric Jorgenson (coming soon!)

Resources Mentioned:

• The Almanack of Naval Ravikant
• The Sovereign Child
• The Anthology of Balaji
• The Book of Elon Musk
• Leading to Thrive by Klaus Kleinfeld
• Scribe Media
• Smart Friends Podcast

Connect with Eric Jorgenson: X | LinkedIn | website

Related content to Serious People Will Always Read with Eric Jorgenson:

• Gordon Hayward | Life After the NBA & Youth Sports Reform
• How Online Content Is Affecting Our Lives For the Worse
• Sean Cercone Brings Broadway From NYC to Your Home

Entrepreneur Perspectives is part of the KazSource family. We're building a modern media network through QuietLoud Studios, SportsEpreneur, and KazCM.

Get in touch with Eric Kasimov:
X: https://twitter.com/eric_kaz
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erickasimov/

Credits:
Music by Jess & Ricky: https://soundcloud.com/user-774649902/sets/jess-ricky

"I think art saved my life." - Jodie King

In this episode, Eric talks with professional artist and educator Jodie King about discovering the healing power of art, building an authentic creative practice, and helping others reconnect with their artistic spirit. With 20 years of experience as an artist and entrepreneur, Jodie shares insights on using creativity to process emotions and build meaningful connections.

We explore:

1. How Jodie found her way to art at age 35 and made personal healing into a mission to help others
2. Honest Art: Creating from an authentic place rather than for algorithms or external validation
3. The Evolving Art Industry: How digital platforms and direct-to-collector opportunities are changing the gallery system
4. Artists as Entrepreneurs: How business skills can coexist with authentic creativity
5. The Science of Art: Understanding how creativity helps process stress and emotions

Chapters in 'Going to the Canvas with Jodie King':

00:00:00 Introduction and Early Creative Experiences
00:04:31 Childhood Art Memories and Self-Selection
00:08:08 Art as a Tool for Processing Trauma
00:14:10 Building an Authentic Art Business
00:19:01 Evolution of the Art Industry
00:24:30 AI's Impact on Art and Business
00:31:44 The Value of Creative Expression
00:37:02 Breaking Down Creative Barriers
00:42:14 Self-Taught Journey and Overcoming Doubts
00:44:54 The Future of Creativity in Business

Key Takeaways:

• Art can be a powerful tool for processing emotions and moving stress through the body
• Creativity isn't reserved for a select few - everyone has innate creative abilities
• The art industry is evolving, offering more direct paths between artists and audiences
• "Honest art" comes from authentic expression rather than external expectations
• Technology like AI can help artists handle business tasks while maintaining creative focus

Resources Mentioned:

• The Creative Act by Rick Rubin
• Burnout (Book by the Nagoski sisters)
• Honest Art Podcast
• Color Course for Rebels
• Art Biz for Rebels
• Just Create Something (article)
• Artist, Terri Katz Kasimov
• With Gratitude... @ Buffalo Art Movement

Notable Quotes:

"If you're called to create it, somebody needs to hear, see, or read what you have to say." - Jodie King

"I think art saved my life." - Jodie King

"We validate the human experience through art, and it's a gift to be able to do so." - Jodie King

Connect with Jodie King: Instagram | YouTube | website

If you liked 'Going to the Canvas with Jodie King", you'll like:

• EP 178 | Developing Soft Skills and AI at Work with Robin Daniels
• EP172 | Trust the Written Work with Caroline Ailanthus
• EP 173 | A Full Leaf Tea Entrepreneurship Story to Boost Your Day
• EP166 | Embracing the Freelance Economy with Angie Moody of Ruby Money

Entrepreneur Perspectives is part of the KazSource family. We're building a modern media network through QuietLoud Studios, SportsEpreneur, and KazCM.

Get in touch with Eric Kasimov:
X: https://twitter.com/eric_kaz
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erickasimov/

Credits:
Music by Jess & Ricky: https://soundcloud.com/user-774649902/sets/jess-ricky

Eric chats with Robin Daniels, Chief Business and Product Officer at Zensai. An episode on developing soft skills and working with AI. Robin brings incredible energy and wisdom to this engaging conversation. Drawing from his 20+ years of executive experience at companies like Salesforce, LinkedIn, and Box, Robin explores how AI is reshaping the workplace while making soft skills more vital than ever. He dives deep into the work-from-home (WFH) versus return-to-office (RTO) debate, offering valuable insights into why public and private discussions often differ. Throughout the episode, Robin's authenticity and genuine desire to help others succeed shines through in every story and thought.

We go over:

1. Career Development & Soft Skills: Why soft skills are becoming even more critical in the age of AI | The importance of energy and initiative in career growth | How acting classes helped Robin become a better communicator
2. Leadership Philosophy & Personal Growth: Using weekly self-assessments on a 1-10 scale | Balancing professional growth with life enjoyment | The value of learning from failure and taking calculated risks
3. Remote Work & Company Culture: A conversation about return-to-office | How remote work affects different roles and career stages | Creating belonging and purpose in distributed teams
4. Human Success Platform: Zensai's approach to employee development | Using AI as a "superpower" to enhance human potential | The importance of regular check-ins and feedback

Chapters in 'Developing Soft Skills and AI at Work with Robin Daniels':

00:00:00 Introduction and Background
00:01:41 Perspectives on College and Education
00:04:25 Career Growth and Interview Stories
00:09:20 Energy Management and Leadership
00:30:41 Sleep and Work-Life
00:35:21 Return to Office Discussion
00:54:11 Human Success Platform and AI
00:59:32 Closing Thoughts

Connect with Robin Daniels: LinkedIn | Zensai | Post about Robin's grandfather mentioned in the conversation

This show is made possible by:
KazCM: A B2B content production company that aims to create space where businesses can build assets and drive revenue through writing and talking. https://kazcm.com/

QuietLoud Studios: A podcast network where reflection and voice come together. https://quietloudstudios.com/

If you liked 'Developing Soft Skills and AI at Work with Robin Daniels", you'll like:

• The Future of Customer Engagement with Conversational AI | Gupshup and Mike Donohue
• Gordon Hayward | Life After the NBA & Youth Sports Reform
• Make the World Less Grey with Footwear Legend “Sneaker” Steve Patiño

Get in touch with Eric Kasimov:
X: https://twitter.com/eric_kaz
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erickasimov/

Credits:
Music by Jess & Ricky: https://soundcloud.com/user-774649902/sets/jess-ricky

In this episode, Eric chats with NBA All-Star Gordon Hayward about his transition from professional basketball, his thoughts on youth sports in America, and his new ventures, including Form (a basketball training tool) and his movie "Notice to Quit."

We go over:

1. Youth Sports Development: Gordon shares his concerns about early specialization and the emphasis on games over skill development
2. From NBA to entrepreneurship: His experience adapting to life after professional basketball and staying active
3. International Basketball: Insights on the differences between American and international player development
4. Business Ventures: The story behind Form, his basketball training product, and producing an independent film

Chapters in 'Gordon Hayward | Life After the NBA & Youth Sports Reform'

00:00 Basketball Development and College Experience
01:20 Social Media and Mental Health in Sports
09:54 Managing Kids and Technology
11:04 Dealing with Sports Injuries and Mental Health
14:40 Business Ventures and Form Basketball Training Tool
23:19 Youth Sports in America
31:41 College Basketball and NIL Discussion
38:24 International Players in the NBA
42:28 Movie Production and Distribution
49:23 Closing Thoughts and Where to Find Form

Resources Mentioned:

Basketball Form
Notice to Quit movie
U19 Team USA
Butler University
Podcast P with Paul George
Utah Jazz
Boston Celtics
Charlotte Hornets
OKC Thunder

Find Gordon Hayward on social media: Instagram | X | Facebook

This show is made possible by:

KazCM: A content production company that aims to create space where businesses can build assets and drive revenue through writing and talking. https://kazcm.com/

QuietLoud Studios: A podcast network where reflection and voice come together. https://quietloudstudios.com/

If you liked 'Gordon Hayward | Life After the NBA & Youth Sports Reform", you'll like:

The Future of Customer Engagement with Conversational AI | Gupshup and Mike Donohue

SAT & ACT Resilience with Prep Expert Founder Shaan Patel

Recognizing the Drama in the Ordinary with Alexander Concepcion

Kenny Dillingham and the Rising Sun of Arizona State Football

Get in touch with Eric Kasimov:

X: https://twitter.com/eric_kaz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erickasimov/

Credits:

Music by Jess & Ricky: https://soundcloud.com/user-774649902/sets/jess-ricky

Featured Guest: Mike Donohue, SVP of Global Sales at Gupshup | The Future of Customer Engagement, Conversational AI

“The world is moving towards conversational engagement, where AI and messaging apps are transforming the customer experience.” – Mike Donohue

Conversational AI and messaging platforms are revolutionizing the way businesses connect with customers. This change is driving the future of commerce, marketing, and support. From automating customer interactions to creating personalized, real-time engagement, this technology is creating a new era of customer experience—worldwide.

In this episode, Mike Donohue, Senior Vice President at Gupshup, shares insights on this technological shift, the future of customer engagement and messaging in business, and his journey from startup hustler to a leader in the world of conversational engagement and AI.

Topics discussed in 'The Future of Customer Engagement with Conversational AI | Gupshup and Mike Donohue'

• How Gupshup is shaping the future of customer engagement with AI
• The rise of messaging platforms in emerging markets
• WhatsApp as a “Super App” for commerce and customer service
• The role of AI agents in replacing traditional call centers
• Real-world applications of conversational AI in insurance and real estate
• Mike Donohue's career path from Square and PayPal to Gupshup
• Advice for young professionals: focus on action and passion over outcomes
• Why customer experience is the new battleground for brands
• Embracing new tech: conversational AI, RCS messaging, and global engagement
• Insights on balancing technical and soft skills in a tech-driven world

This show is made possible by:

KazCM: A content production company that aims to create space where businesses can build assets and drive revenue through writing and talking. Learn more here: https://kazcm.com/

QuietLoud Studios: A podcast network where reflection and voice come together. Learn more here: https://quietloudstudios.com/

Episodes you might enjoy:

• EP 175 | Make the World Less Grey with Footwear Legend “Sneaker” Steve Patiño
• EP169 | Kevin Anderson & Associates on the Formative Process of Reading, Writing, and Publishing
• EP168 | SAT & ACT Resilience with Prep Expert Founder Shaan Patel

Connect with Mike Donohue and learn more about Gupshup:

• Connect with Mike Donohue on LinkedIn.
• Learn more about Gupshup at Gupshup.io.
• Interested in leveraging AI for your business? Check out Gupshup’s events in cities worldwide, featuring insights from industry leaders like Google, Meta, and WhatsApp.

Get in touch with Eric Kasimov:

• X: https://twitter.com/eric_kaz
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erickasimov/

Credits:

• Music by Jess & Ricky: https://soundcloud.com/user-774649902/sets/jess-ricky
• Produced by the team at KazCM: https://kazcm.com/podcast-production/
• Part of QuietLoud Studios (podcast network): https://www.youtube.com/@quietloudstudios

Deep dive into this episode 'The Future of Customer Engagement with Conversational AI':

1. Conversational Engagement and AI-Driven Business Models

• Gupshup’s Role: Mike explains Gupshup’s mission as the world’s leading conversational engagement platform, facilitating two-way customer interactions across popular messaging channels like WhatsApp, RCS, and others. The platform supports 30+ messaging channels globally, enabling brands to engage with consumers in their preferred language and platforms.
• Emerging Conversational Internet: Mike describes the shift towards a “conversational internet,” where messaging apps are replacing traditional web browsers, and AI-driven chatbots are becoming the new storefronts. Consumers can now interact with brands just like they would with friends or family, thanks to advancements in AI and language models (LLMs).

2. Global Reach and Messaging Trends in Emerging Markets

• WhatsApp as a Super App: Mike highlights WhatsApp’s critical role in countries like India, Brazil, and throughout Latin America, where it is used as a main business channel. From ordering items to engaging with customer service, WhatsApp’s ecosystem is transforming local commerce.
• Technology Adoption Differences: While WhatsApp is a primary communication tool in many regions, the U.S. has been slower in adopting it for business due to differences in mobile preferences and app ecosystems. Mike believes this trend will eventually catch on in the U.S., driven by shifts like Apple’s recent RCS support for iPhones.

3. AI Agents and Customer Service Evolution

• AI in Customer Support and Sales: Gupshup’s platform leverages AI agents to automate customer service and sales, providing a seamless experience. These AI agents can access a company’s business logic and APIs to answer queries, offer recommendations, and complete transactions directly within the chat.
• Scaling Customer Service: Mike describes how AI agents can eliminate the traditional waiting time during high-traffic periods, such as holiday sales, by serving thousands of customers simultaneously, reducing operational costs and increasing customer satisfaction.

4. Real-Life Applications of Conversational Commerce

• Insurance and Real Estate Industries: Eric and Mike explore how traditional industries like insurance and real estate can leverage conversational AI to streamline processes. Mike shares examples of insurance quotes being issued via WhatsApp in minutes and real estate firms in Dubai engaging prospective buyers through messaging apps, replacing in-person and phone-based interactions.
• Impact on E-commerce and Customer Decision-Making: AI agents simplify the buying process by consolidating information and reviews, allowing customers to make decisions without sifting through endless data. Gupshup’s conversational platform helps brands provide personalized recommendations and support in real-time.

5. Career Path and Industry Insights

• Tech Journey and Personal Drive: Mike reflects on his career, from running a dorm-based laundry service at Columbia University to joining Square and later PayPal. Driven by curiosity and a passion for tech, Mike shares his approach to learning, embracing new roles, and making bold career moves, such as moving from Square to PayPal to lead a new business unit.
• Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Young Professionals: Mike encourages young professionals to pursue what excites them rather than solely focusing on financial outcomes. He highlights the benefits of startup culture, where impact and merit often outweigh seniority, and advises newcomers to gain hands-on experience in various business functions.

6. Industry Dynamics and the Future of Work

• AI’s Impact on Traditional Jobs: Mike acknowledges concerns about AI replacing human jobs in c...

Featured Guest: "Sneaker" Steve Patiño, CEO & Founder of AGS Labs Inc. / ALES GREY™

"The gift is not the end result" - Pharrell Williams

"Stick with the shoes, stick with the shoes." - "Sneaker" Steve's mom

Discover how passion and persistence led "Sneaker" Steve Patino from working for free sneakers to becoming a global footwear powerhouse and now a pioneering force in sustainable footwear. This episode features Steve Patiño, CEO & Founder of AGS Labs Inc. / ALES GREY™, who transformed DC Shoes during a $1 billion sales growth period, co-founded the celebrity-favorite Android Homme luxury footwear brand, and is now revolutionizing the industry with the world's first circular bio-based footwear made in the USA.

In this episode of Entrepreneur Perspectives, we discuss:

• Building a footwear empire
• The aim of REI...the arrival at REI!
• Getting into Barneys after three rejections
• From struggling in high school to Stanford GSB
• Creating carbon-negative footwear for frontline workers
• How passion fuels resilience in business and startup challenges
• The evolution from streetwear culture to sustainable innovation
• At age 16, working for free in exchange for sneakers at retail stores
• The story behind Ales Grey and its mission to make the world "less grey"
• The importance of manufacturing locally and reducing environmental impact
• Balancing parenting and entrepreneurship in different socioeconomic contexts
• Making high-quality, sustainable footwear accessible at $34 for frontline workers

This show is made possible by:

KazCM: A content production company that aims to create space where businesses can build assets and drive revenue through writing and talking. Learn more here: https://kazcm.com/

QuietLoud Studios: A podcast network where reflection and voice come together. Learn more here: https://quietloudstudios.com/

Episodes you might enjoy:

• A Full Leaf Tea Entrepreneurship Story to Boost Your Day
• Infrared Technology Meets Performance Wear with Seth Casden
• WhatsApp Is the Future of Communication with César Martín of ChatWith

Connect with "Sneaker" Steve and Learn More About ALES GREY™:

• Website: https://alesgrey.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sneakersteve/

Get in touch with Eric Kasimov:

• X: https://twitter.com/eric_kaz
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erickasimov/

Credits:

• Music by Jess & Ricky: https://soundcloud.com/user-774649902/sets/jess-ricky
• Produced by the team at KazCM: https://kazcm.com/podcast-production/
• Part of QuietLoud Studios (podcast network): https://www.youtube.com/@quietloudstudios

More about ALES GREY™:

ALES GREY™ by AGS LABS Inc., headquartered in Los Angeles, is pioneering foot-tech innovation by accelerating local green manufacturing in the USA with sustainable products made from future-focused materials.

By making their products in the USA, the company is amongst the top percent of companies capable of producing footwear with the highest quality certified standards. Additionally, local manufacturing allows them to minimize the carbon emissions from the transportation of their products, which are typically associated with heavy long-distance overseas shipping.

ALES GREY, currently available at REI stores across the country, on Amazon, and other key retailers, takes an innovative approach that uniquely combines advanced engineering with injection molding technology and sustainably certified bio-based materials. Their footwear is designed for frontline workers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those focusing on foot health recovery. They're not just making shoes — they're taking the steps to a more comfortable, healthier, and safer future for all.

The company was founded by a global footwear and manufacturing expert with 30 years of experience, “Sneaker “ Steve Patiño. He founded the company, naming it in honor of his gen alpha son, to create a positive legacy in the world for future generations.

More About “ Sneaker “ Steve Patiño:

Founder and CEO of AGS Labs Inc. / ALES GREY™ a Los Angeles based foot-tech company that combines advanced footwear engineering with local North American manufacturing and future focused bio-based materials.

Previously, Steve held the position as the Global Director of DC SHOES INC. during a remarkable $1Billion-dollar sales growth in just five years with the action sports company under Quicksilver Inc. Patiño is a Global Footwear expert with a 30-year career in the shoe and fashion industry.

Steve was the consultant for J Balvin, one of the biggest music stars from Latin America. Steve’s company, ALES GREY™, has also launched special projects with Bad Bunny & SWAROVSKI® on multiple sold-out luxury collaborations.

After DC Shoes, Steve was the co-founder & President of Android Homme luxury footwear. The biggest celebrities in Sports, Music, and Entertainment wore his products (Justin Bieber, Usher, Lebron James, Lewis Hamilton, Karim Benzema, Nas, Russell Westbrook, Kendrick Lamar, and much much more...)

Steve’s products and designs have sold at the best retail stores in the world (Barneys, Saks, Nordstrom, Selfridges, Kith, Fred Segal, and Internationally ). A continuous learner, Steve earned certification from Stanford Graduate School of Business in partnership with LBAN Latino Business Action Network ). He pursued his undergraduate academic pursuits at New York University and actively engaged with the Entrepreneurship Club at Stern School of Business.

Before NYU, Steve attended the prestigious Vassar College and earned accolades as Valedictorian with Phi Theta Kappa honors at La Guardia College. Steve was born in Queens, NY, and has strong Colombian roots. Currently, he resides in Beverly Hills, CA, with his wife Samantha and son Greyson Alessandro, who is Colombian / Mexican. His son is the namesake and inspiration behind the name ALES GREY. The company was created to leave a positive legacy in the world for future generations.

Discover how innovative materials science is revolutionizing performance wear and wellness products. This episode features Seth Casden, the CEO and co-founder of Hologenix, creators of CELLIANT®, a groundbreaking infrared technology.

In this episode of "Entrepreneur Perspectives" we discuss:

• How CELLIANT® technology harnesses infrared energy for better performance and recovery
• Work From Home (WFH) and in-person collaboration
• Finding your life's mission
• The challenges and strategies of building an ingredient brand
• Partnering with major brands like Under Armour
• The potential of infrared technology in pain management
• Infrared technology meets performance wear
• An interaction with Tom Brady and Brady's relationship with infrared
• Seth's thoughts on the state of college and education
• Making science accessible to all with performance wear and content like podcasts
• AI's influence on the materials science industry
• Recent studies on the effects of CELLIANT® in performance wear | National Library of Medicine: Effect of Shirts with 42% Celliant™ Fiber on tcPO2 Levels and Grip Strength in Healthy Subjects: A Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial

This show is made possible by:

KazCM: A content production company that aims to create space where businesses can build assets and drive revenue through writing and talking. Learn more here: https://kazcm.com/

QuietLoud Studios: A podcast network where reflection and voice come together. Learn more here: https://quietloudstudios.com/

Episodes you might enjoy:

• EP169 | Kevin Anderson & Associates on the Formative Process of Reading, Writing, and Publishing
• EP 173 | A Full Leaf Tea Entrepreneurship Story to Boost Your Day
• EP166 | Embracing the Freelance Economy with Angie Moody of Ruby Money
• EP163 | Broadway Podcast | Sean Cercone Brings Broadway From NYC to Your Theatre and On Demand

Learn more about Seth Casden & CELLIANT®:

• Website: https://celliant.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethcasden/

Get in touch with Eric Kasimov:

• X: https://twitter.com/eric_kaz
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erickasimov/

Credits:

• Music by Jess & Ricky: https://soundcloud.com/user-774649902/sets/jess-ricky
• Produced by the team at KazCM: https://kazcm.com/podcast-production/
• Part of QuietLoud Studios (podcast network): https://www.youtube.com/@quietloudstudios

More about Seth Casden:

Seth Casden is the CEO and co-founder of Hologenix, a materials science company dedicated to developing products that amplify human potential, including its flagship innovation CELLIANT®. Under his leadership, Hologenix has been named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing privately held companies in the U.S. for three consecutive years.

Discover how mindful consumption and healthy habits can fuel entrepreneurial success. This episode features Lisa Hammonds, the co-founder of Full Leaf Tea Company, a USDA-certified organic tea company based in Southern Oregon.

In this episode of "A Full Leaf Tea Entrepreneurship Story to Boost Your Day" we discuss:

• The journey from tea enthusiasts to successful tea company owners
• How tea can boost energy and reduce inflammation
• The benefits of a no-sugar lifestyle and mindful consumption
• Educating consumers to make informed decisions
• Advice for young women in entrepreneurship
• The story behind Full Leaf Tea Company's growth and success

This show is made possible by:

KazCM: A content production company that aims to create space where businesses can build assets and drive revenue through writing and talking. Learn more here: https://kazcm.com/

QuietLoud Studios: A podcast network where reflection and voice come together. Learn more here: https://quietloudstudios.com/

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Learn more about Full Leaf Tea Company and Lisa Hammonds:

• Website: https://fullleafteacompany.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fullleaftea/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fullleaftea/

Get in touch with Eric Kasimov:

• X: https://twitter.com/eric_kaz
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erickasimov/

Credits:

• Music by Jess & Ricky: https://soundcloud.com/user-774649902/sets/jess-ricky
• Produced by the team at KazCM: https://kazcm.com/podcast-production/
• Part of QuietLoud Studios (podcast network): https://www.youtube.com/@quietloudstudios

More about Lisa Hammonds and Full Leaf Tea Company:

Lisa Hammonds and her husband, Matt, established Full Leaf Tea Company about ten years ago. Their venture began with a modest budget – just $100 in savings and a $2500 credit line – but was rich in enthusiasm for tea as a healthier alternative to coffee.

From these humble beginnings, their company has flourished into a diverse tea emporium, now offering over 200 products. Their catalog features USDA-certified organic loose-leaf teas, ranging from timeless favorites to innovative blends designed to address specific wellness goals.

The journey wasn't without obstacles. Lisa and Matt entered the e-commerce world with limited experience, facing financial constraints and steep learning curves. However, their dedication to quality and customer relationships helped them overcome these challenges.

Full Leaf Tea Company has evolved beyond selling tea; it's become a platform for educating consumers about tea's benefits and promoting sustainable practices. Lisa and Matt's story exemplifies how continuous small improvements can lead to significant achievements in business.