Predicting The Turn w/ Dave Knox

The story of Ember began with a simple observation over breakfast: cold scrambled eggs. Fueled by his background in thermal science engineering and a penchant for innovation, Ember Founder and Chairman Clay Alexander embarked on a mission to revolutionize the way people eat, drink, and live. I sat down with Clay to learn more about his journey launching the world’s first temperature-controlled coffee mug, the global expansion of the business in partnership with Starbucks and Apple, and why he believes so strongly in entrepreneurs protecting their ideas.

In a dynamic landscape where consumer brands navigate ever-evolving markets, Camino Partners has emerged as a beacon of innovation and collaboration. I sat down with Elle Lanning, President of Camino Partners and veteran of KIND Snacks, to discuss the firm’s pioneering approach to investing and incubating emerging brands. From leveraging operational experience to championing values-driven partnerships, Lanning shared what inspired Camino to take a differentiated approach to consumer investment, guided by a commitment to sustainable growth and strategic innovation.

In a landscape dominated by established brands, Nori emerged as a disruptor in the ironing industry.  Where others saw a commodity, Nori pioneered innovation where few dared to venture. I sat down with Nori CEO and Co-Founder, Courtney Toll, to delve into her journey from launching Nori despite investor skepticism to navigating the complexities of hardware manufacturing and retail distribution.

In the competitive landscape of direct-to-consumer brands, Sunday's innovative approach to lawn care is setting it apart. By focusing on a seamless end-to-end customer experience, Sunday has redefined how consumers interact with and care for their outdoor spaces. This strategy not only ensures high customer retention but also positions Sunday as a leader in integrating technology with traditional products. I sat down with Coulter Lewis, CEO and Founder of Sunday to learn more about how Sunday’s unique model is revolutionizing the lawn care industry.

From humble beginnings in a kitchen, Coconut Cult has become a pioneering brand in the world of functional foods. I sat down with the Coconut Cult leadership team including founder Noah Simon-Waddell and CEO Ari Raz to learn more about their journey. We discussed the challenges and opportunities of self-manufacturing, how they have fostered community engagement, and the plans for an upcoming brand refresh.

BODYARMOR has been disrupting the world of sports hydration since 2011. Founded by Mike Repole, the brand has witnessed a meteoric rise in the sports nutrition industry through game-changing innovation. Federico Muyshondt, CEO of BODYARMOR, took over leadership of the brand shortly after its acquisition by Coca-Cola. I sat down with Muyshondt to discuss their strategic focus on authenticity, the brand’s expansion into new categories and global markets, and their quest to live up to the Mamba Mentality that Kobe Bryant infused into the brand since its beginning as an early investor back in 2013.

Catalina Crunch has carved out a niche with its innovative approach to low-carb, high-fiber foods. Founded by Krishna Kaliannan, whose personal journey with type one diabetes sparked the creation of Catalina Crunch, the company has rapidly evolved from a passion project to a thriving business. I sat down with Kaliannan to learn more about the brand's trajectory, from its humble beginnings in cereal to its strategic expansion into new product categories and retail channels.

Cabinet Health is on a mission to reduce single-use plastic from healthcare. In just a few short years, they have found like-minded partners in major companies such as Target, CVS and McKesson. I sat down with Co-Founder and President Russell Gong to discuss the origins of the company and Cabinet Health's commitment to pioneering the next generation of sustainable healthcare products and services.    

In the competitive landscape of the food industry, Red's has emerged as a beacon of innovation and quality in the frozen food sector. Founded by Mike Adair, Red's journey from homemade burritos to a beloved frozen food brand spans over 15 years of perseverance and dedication. I sat down with Adair to reflect on the company's humble beginnings, the evolution of its product portfolio, and the strategic decisions that have propelled Red's to success in an ever-changing market.

In a culinary landscape marked by innovation and a blending of cultures, MìLà, a modern Chinese food company, stands out as a beacon of success. From its humble beginnings as a restaurant in 2018 to its triumphant foray into the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) realm, MìLà's unique approach, guided by quality, accessibility, and a third-culture perspective, has captured the hearts and palates of a diverse and expanding audience. I sat down with Jen Liao, Co-Founder and President of MìLà to learn more about how these former

restaurant owners pivoted during COVID to turn one of their favorite dishes into a frozen food success story.