Success Accelerators

Pete Maldonado and Rashid Ali, Chomps' dynamic Co-Founders and Co-CEOs, share the strategy they used to accelerate the success of their entire organization.

In just over a decade, they’ve turned a modest $6,500 investment into "Chomps"—the fastest-growing food brand in the entire consumer landscape—projecting over $500 million in retail sales this year alone!

With a lean team of just over 100 employees, they’re not just redefining snacks; they’re transforming the Consumer Packaged Goods industry.

Join us as we explore their incredible journey, uncover insights on innovation, and reveal the secrets behind their explosive success.

From unexpected sources of inspiration to the delicate balance of confidence and humility, Pete and Rashid share invaluable lessons that can propel any leader forward.

Connect with Pete on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petermaldonado

Connect with Rashid on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rashid-ali-9b436b5

Get Your Chomps here: https://chomps.com/

✨ What You’ll Discover:

Why the best ideas often come from the unlikeliest places

Strategies for instilling a culture of continuous improvement.

The moment that sparked the birth of Chomps.

A pivotal failure that turned into a launchpad for success.

Their vision for the future of snacks and nutrition.

One actionable step every listener can take.

The role of leaders in promoting work-life balance.

Ready to be inspired? Dive into this episode and learn how you can redefine your path to success!

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Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben Fanning

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The Leadership Factor

Angie Hicks, "The Angie" of Angie’s List which is now Angi.....shares the factor behind her and her incredible organization's success.

In our heartfelt conversation, she shares her amazing career journey from starting a small business to becoming a national brand.

No matter if you're an entrepreneur starting a business or a senior leader within an organization, you can benefit from the lesson and stories that Angie shares here.

You won't want to miss it!

You’ll Also Discover:

What’s it like being “The Angie”.

The Result of Her Focus on Authenticity.

Why Being an Introverted Leader is Powerful.

How to Recognize Your Own Leadership Style.

A Strategy to Boost Your and Your Team’s Engagement.

How to Scale Trust with Millions.

Why a Bad Review Can Be Good!

A Tip to Stay Calm in a Crisis.

What She Learned from a Harvard MBA.

Why Learned a Trade Is an Important Career Option.

Time Stamps;

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Angie Hicks

00:02 - The Importance of Leadership in Job Satisfaction

00:05 - Building Authentic Relationships in Business

00:26 - Navigating Challenges as a Shy Leader

11:22 - Exploring the Role of Trust in Business

24:24 - Emphasizing the Value of Trade Skills

30:02 - The Power of Persistence and Learning

35:42 - Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Takeaways:

People quit people, not companies; leadership is crucial for employee retention and engagement.

A supportive leader who invests in your career can significantly enhance your job satisfaction.

Authenticity in leadership creates trust and strengthens connections with both employees and customers.

Finding joy and learning opportunities in your work environment is essential for long-term happiness.

Fostering a culture of open communication and support can transform workplace dynamics.

Experience and reflection can help you navigate the challenges of being a leader.

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Learn more about Angie here: https://www.angi.com/

Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben Fanning

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The Massage Leader's Edge

Shane Evans is the Co-Founder and CEO of Massage Heights, a leading massage and wellness franchise with more than 135 Retreat locations across the U.S. and Canada.

After experiencing back pain at age 19, she was only able to find relief through massage therapy but found it costly.

This sparked a mission that would lead to the creation of Massage Heights – a brand focused on providing accessible, personalized wellness services for all.

She transformed personal pain into a nationwide wellness revolution, then built a franchise empire in an industry traditionally considered a luxury.

Shane’s story is one of resilience, vision, and the relentless pursuit of healing for herself—and now more than a million each year!

She sits on the board of the IFA (International Franchise Association), is a Young Presidents Organization Member, and the ultimate girl mom to three wonderful daughters!

What You’ll Discover in this Episode:

Massage Heights CEO’s Entrepreneurial Journey.

How to Channel Your Own Authentic Leadership.

What Every Leader Needs to Understand about Franchising.

The Biggest Obstacle to Overcome as a CEO.

Three Ways to Personalize a Massage with Tech.

How to Build a Franchise with Empathy.

LinkedIn Profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-franson-evans-9964639/

Company Link: https://www.massageheights.com/

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The 'Pawsitive' Turnaround: Chris Rowland’s Leadership Revolution

Meet Chris Rowland, the visionary CEO of Pet Supplies Plus, the leading pet retail franchise with over 730 locations across the U.S. and its sister brand Wag N’ Wash.

Chris didn’t just lead a turnaround—he redefined what it means to run a powerhouse brand in the pet industry.

With a bold, unconventional approach, Chris took a path many of his peers wouldn’t dare, and the results speak for themselves.

His journey from PetSmart, where he built over 700 stores, to Pet Supplies Plus is nothing short of extraordinary. Discover how he crafted the ultimate customer experience (or "neighbor experience," as they call it) and why his leadership attracted top talent to help grow the brand to new heights.

Listen now to hear how Chris’s fresh thinking and transformative strategies reshaped the world of pet retail.

This is leadership, done differently!

LinkedIn Profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-rowland-00161a2b

Company Link: https://www.petsuppliesplus.com/

What You’ll Discover in this Episode

A Work-Life Balance Strategyy.

The Key Difference Between a Corporate and Franchise Career.

A Risk that Led to Reinvention. 

Predictions for the Pet Industry.

Decision-Making 101.

Chris’ Advice for the Next Generation.

LinkedIn Profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-rowland-00161a2b

Company Link: https://www.petsuppliesplus.com/

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The Whiskey Secret 

Fawn Weaver, visionary CEO and founder of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, has made history by creating the fastest-growing American whiskey brand ever.

She stands among a rare group—one of only five African American women to lead a $1B+ company in U.S. history.

But Fawn's journey is about more than building a business...

...it’s about resurrecting the untold story of Nearest Green, the once-enslaved man who taught Jack Daniel the craft of distilling.

Her mission intertwines entrepreneurship with a profound commitment to preserving history, honoring Green’s legacy with every bottle.

Recently, Fawn once again earned her place on The New York Times Bestsellers list with her latest work, Love and Whiskey: The Remarkable True Story of Jack Daniel, His Master Distiller Nearest Green, and the Improbable Rise of Uncle Nearest.

Since its release on June , the book has captivated readers, holding its spot on the bestseller list for seven consecutive weeks.

You'll also discover...

How to Cultivate a Resilient Mindset

Why Personal Growth Unlocks Success

How to Help Your Team Boost Productivity Amidst Challenges

A Startup Growth Tip

Dinner Cocktail Ideas.

Her Entrepreneurial Guiding Principle

How to Empower High-Performing Teams

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Follow Fawn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fawnweaver/

Learn more about Uncle Nearest Whiskey Premium Whiskey: https://unclenearest.com/

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Moving 28 Million People by Train.

Robert Grasty, Amtrak’s EVP and CHRO, is driving the transformation of a dynamic workforce, essential to keeping millions of passengers moving across the country every day.

With a clear focus on shared purpose, innovation, and operational excellence, you'll hear his strategy for reshaping Amtrak’s growing organization.

Amtrak's unprecedented expansion is fueled by the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which delivered a landmark investment in the nation's rail infrastructure.

The company’s vision is more ambitious than ever as they build the future of rail travel in America, and Robert has one to match it!

LinkedIn Profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertgrasty/

Company Link: https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

What You’ll Discover in this Episode

Life as the CHRO of Amtrak.

Amtrak’s Cultural Evolution.

Their Strategy to Hire 10,000 employees in 24 months.

The Future of Rail Commutes.

How to Find the Right Mentors and Sponsors.

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The President’s Time Secret

Anthony Viglietti, President at theSkimm, dives into a game-changing approach to leadership that can immediately elevate your effectiveness.

His strategy led to incredible revenue growth...

100%+ at theSkimm

A massive leap from $60M to $400M at Univision.

200% growth at BET Digital.

What You’ll Discover in this Episode:

✅ How to Thrive in a Leadership Shake Up.

✅ When Curiosity Can Catapult Your Career.

✅ The Key for Building Trust.

✅ A Strategy to Make Betters Decisions.

✅ How Helped an Organization Change with Purpose

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theSkimm, a digital media company, dedicated to giving women the information they need to navigate life’s most important decisions.

Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/viglietti

Company Link: https://www.theskimm.com/

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The Vision Spark

Jesse Cole, founder and owner of the Savannah Bananas, has unlocked a trailblazing approach that sparks creativity and inspires a whole new way of thinking—not just in sports, but in life.

His relentless drive to innovate could reshape how we tackle the world’s toughest challenges. Imagine if we all approached problems with this kind of fearless ingenuity.

The Savannah Bananas aren’t just a baseball team—they’re a creative powerhouse, redefining sports entertainment with bold, fresh ideas. Jesse shares their fascinating process, which is like Saturday Night Live on steroids!

Every night, they debut 15 new twists, offering fans a unique, unpredictable experience—think Phish concerts, where no two shows are ever the same. Jesse is the George Lucas or Pixar of live entertainment, and once you hear his vision, you’ll understand why it’s set to transform the world of creativity and beyond!

You'll also Discover

The Most Important Decision He’s Ever Made.

Why the Team Stays “Constantly Curious”.

His Biggest Fear.

Why the Biggest Competitor is Always Within.

Inspiration from Saturday Night, Walt Disney, and Steve Jobs.

Why He NEVER Uses the Words: Burnout, Failure, Training, or Off Season.

The Secret to Increasing Your Leadership Energy.

What He Learned from Writing 500 Thank You Notes.

Why Simon Sinek Called Him.

The Savannah Banana Legacy.

Learn more about Jesse and the Savannah Bananas here: https://thesavannahbananas.com/

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The WOW Leader!

Jason Parker, Co-Founder of K9 Resorts and CEO of K9 Resorts Franchising, shares his remarkable journey of becoming one of the youngest entrepreneurs in the franchising world.

At just 12 years old, he and his brother identified a need — and they never looked back and continue to generate "WOW" experiences for their customers (which include families and their dogs).

Today, K9 Resorts has evolved into a multi-award-winning, luxury dog boarding and daycare franchise with over 170 locations open or in development—and according to Jason, they’re only getting started!

If you're a pet lover or just enjoy a great story, you're in for a real treat here.

What You’ll Discover in this Episode:

Jason's story of overcoming challenges and thriving in business.

How to inspire a passion-driven mindset in your team.

The mantra behind delivering exceptional customer service.

A strategy for scaling growth effectively.

Jason's insights on the future of the dog care.

Jason's LinkedIn Profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-parker-33121520/

Company Link: https://www.k9resorts.com/

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Leadership by All

David Zeman is Chief Strategy Officer at ENT and Allergy Associates... THE Nation’s Largest ENT, Allergy & Audiology Practice.

He shares the incredible story of a hospital system that was struggling.

Everything was chaotic until one leader introduced a simple but powerful mantra that changed everything.

It united the staff work and the hospital became much better place for both the employees and the patients.

You’ll hear how this powerful approach redefined leadership and inspired lasting change....

...now you can use this with your team.

What You’ll Discover in this Episode:

✅ The Challenge that Sparked a Transformation.

✅ Three Steps to Foster an Engaged Team.

✅ An AI Strategy Enhance Communication.

✅ The Connection between Hearing Loss and Dementia.

✅ How to Make Tough Decisions.

Connect with David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dzeman22/

Learn more about ENT and Allergy Associates: https://www.entandallergy.com/

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ENT and Allergy Associates see over 150,000 patients every month with over 300 clinicians in 50+ office locations in Westchester, Orange, Dutchess, Rockland, Nassau and Suffolk counties in Long Island, New York City, northern New Jersey.

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Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben Fanning

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