Starting Small

Thank you for tuning into "Starting Small", a podcast about brand development, entrepreneurship, and innovation in the modern world. In this episode, I am joined by Sashee Chandran, founder of Tea Drops, bagless, organic tea, pressed into shapes, which dissolve in your hot cup of water. Tea has always been a staple in Sashee's upbringing, especially being born to a Chinese mother and Sri Lankan father. She witnessed first hand how the ritual of tea brought people and communities together.

Working in Silicon Valley, Sashee, like many others, Sashee consumed some form of beverage, for energy throughout the work day. The process of making loose leaf tea began to interfere with efficiency, simply due to the many steps. Tea Drops was created to eliminate the frustration of tea bags, and get straight to what the consumer wants... a ready to drink, hot cup of tea. Simply open the container, grab a drop, place it in your cup, and enjoy! Tea Drops can be found in over 1,500 stores nation wide along with DTC through their site. 

Make sure to check out Tea Drops at: https://www.myteadrop.com/

Follow Starting Small:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingsmallpod/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Startingsmallpod/?modal=admin_todo_tour

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cameronnagle

Support for Starting Small comes from Humanscale, the leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance ergonomic products that help create a healthier work life. All of their products, from chairs to standing desks and more, are comfortable, easy to use, and sustainable. And great for either the office or the work from home environment.

With an increase in shifting workplaces, comfort can be especially hard to find. As I run the podcast, I am in front of my desk for hours a day; from scheduling, researching, interviewing, and more. Humanscale allows me to remain productive, without the consequence of body stress to follow. 

Make sure to check out Humanscale at humanscale.com, and use code: STARTINGSMALL at checkout to save 20% on your purchase.

Thank you to this episodes mid break sponsor Ativafit. When it comes to keeping up a healthy and active lifestyle, it is easy to get side tracked. Busy schedules around work, school, and family make it hard to find time to go to the gym. Avitafit offers top-of-the-line quality fitness equipment, at a fraction of the cost. Make sure to check out Avitafit at: https://www.ativafit.com/

Thank you for tuning into "Starting Small", a podcast about brand development, entrepreneurship, and innovation in the modern world. In this episode, I am joined by Jeremy Howlett, co-founder of Altra Running, one of the top manufactures of road and trail running shoes. Jeremy grew up in Utah, where he was nurtured with an entrepreneurship mindset for discovery and marketing. As contrary as it may sound, Jeremy was not a runner, nor into running growing up. His aunt and uncle owned a running shoe store, where his cousin began to modify customers existing shoes, to fit their stride needs. Realizing the demand for this modification and no existence in the current market, Jeremy proposed to create and sell these shoes from scratch... enter Altra.

Altra was launched in 2009, partnering with Pulse Labs, an engineering firm at Brigham Young University, and with contract manufacturers in Asia. They were able to create this shoe that enabled runners to correctly form their stride, with the right heel angle. Jeremy and the team quickly found massive success, winning awards in Runners World Magazine, Competitor Magazine, Men's Journal, and more. The company has grew at a major annual revenue growth rate, and has been fully acquired by VF Corporation in 2018.

Make sure to check out Altra at: https://www.altrarunning.com/

Follow Starting Small:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingsmallpod/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Startingsmallpod/?modal=admin_todo_tour

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cameronnagle

Support for Starting Small comes from Humanscale, the leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance ergonomic products that help create a healthier work life. All of their products, from chairs to standing desks and more, are comfortable, easy to use, and sustainable. And great for either the office or the work from home environment.

With an increase in shifting workplaces, comfort can be especially hard to find. As I run the podcast, I am in front of my desk for hours a day; from scheduling, researching, interviewing, and more. Humanscale allows me to remain productive, without the consequence of body stress to follow. 

Make sure to check out Humanscale at humanscale.com, and use code: STARTINGSMALL at checkout to save 20% on your purchase.

Thank you for tuning into "Starting Small", a podcast about brand development, entrepreneurship, and innovation in the modern world. In this episode, I am joined by Julie Smolyansky, CEO of Lifeway Foods, America's largest manufacturer of kefir. Lifeway began in 1986, when Julie's parents, Russian immigrants Michael and Ludmila Smolyansky began making Kefir in the basement of their Skokie, IL home. The cultured dairy drink had been popular in Eastern Europe for centuries, but the Smolyansky family was determined to share their delicious health secret with their newfound home. While finding massive success with Lifeway, Julie's father ended up passing away in 2002, which led her to take over the position as CEO...

With the new position, Julie became the youngest female CEO of a publicly held firm at age 27. Under her leadership, the Company has expanded distribution throughout the United States, Mexico, the UK, and Ireland as well as portions of Central and South America and the Caribbean. Continuing the companies growth, Lifeway went from $12 million in annual revenue when Julie first took over to surpassing $120 million in annual revenue. 

Make sure to check out Lifeway Foods at: https://lifewaykefir.com/

Follow Starting Small:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingsmallpod/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Startingsmallpod/?modal=admin_todo_tour

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cameronnagle

Support for Starting Small comes from Humanscale, the leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance ergonomic products that help create a healthier work life. All of their products, from chairs to standing desks and more, are comfortable, easy to use, and sustainable. And great for either the office or the work from home environment.

With an increase in shifting workplaces, comfort can be especially hard to find. As I run the podcast, I am in front of my desk for hours a day; from scheduling, researching, interviewing, and more. Humanscale allows me to remain productive, without the consequence of body stress to follow. 

Make sure to check out Humanscale at humanscale.com, and use code: STARTINGSMALL at checkout to save 20% on your purchase.

Thank you for tuning into "Starting Small", a podcast about brand development, entrepreneurship, and innovation in the modern world. In this episode, I am joined by Kevin McCray, founder of Kevin's Natural Foods, clean, ready to eat entrees, sauces and seasonings. Kevin battled a severe auto-immune disorder for years. He then turned paleo when conventional medicine wasn't working and that lifestyle change was both the cure and the motivation needed to start Kevin's Natural Foods.

Kevin's Natural Foods is the only natural and health-focused refrigerated entrée brand in the nation. Launching in the fall of 2019, the company recorded $4.5 million in sales during its first quarter. Now being in over 6,000 retail locations nationwide and selling DTC, Kevin's Natural Foods is forecasted to do $100 million in sales this year. 

Make sure to check out Kevin's Natural Foods at: https://www.kevinsnaturalfoods.com/

Follow Starting Small:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingsmallpod/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Startingsmallpod/?modal=admin_todo_tour

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cameronnagle

Support for Starting Small comes from Humanscale, the leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance ergonomic products that help create a healthier work life. All of their products, from chairs to standing desks and more, are comfortable, easy to use, and sustainable. And great for either the office or the work from home environment.

With an increase in shifting workplaces, comfort can be especially hard to find. As I run the podcast, I am in front of my desk for hours a day; from scheduling, researching, interviewing, and more. Humanscale allows me to remain productive, without the consequence of body stress to follow. 

Make sure to check out Humanscale at humanscale.com, and use code: STARTINGSMALL at checkout to save 20% on your purchase.

Thank you for tuning into "Starting Small", a podcast about brand development, entrepreneurship, and innovation in the modern world. In this episode, I am joined by Edgar Blazona, Founder of BenchMade Modern, custom sofas and sectionals, without the typical extensive build time. Edgar grew up into a family surrounded by construction, which ultimately had a direct impact on his future endeavors into design. Not following the tratidtional education route,  he then ended up dropping out of high school and pursuing his passion at the time... graffiti art. 

Edgar went on to create multiple companies such as Modular Dwellings (prefab buildings for the DIY consumer) and True Modern (a wholesale furniture model). Realizing the issue of custom furniture having extensive build to delivery times, he continued his passion for modernism by creating BenchMade Modern, custom sofas delivered within one month. Choose your desired size, design, and material, and expect a custom sofa to be delivered to your doorstep in no time. 

Make sure to check out BenchMade Modern at: https://benchmademodern.com/

Follow Starting Small:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingsmallpod/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Startingsmallpod/?modal=admin_todo_tour

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cameronnagle

Support for Starting Small comes from Humanscale, the leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance ergonomic products that help create a healthier work life. All of their products, from chairs to standing desks and more, are comfortable, easy to use, and sustainable. And great for either the office or the work from home environment.

With an increase in shifting workplaces, comfort can be especially hard to find. As I run the podcast, I am in front of my desk for hours a day; from scheduling, researching, interviewing, and more. Humanscale allows me to remain productive, without the consequence of body stress to follow. 

Make sure to check out Humanscale at humanscale.com, and use code: STARTINGSMALL at checkout to save 20% on your purchase.

Thank you for tuning into "Starting Small", a podcast about brand development, entrepreneurship, and innovation in the modern world. In this episode, I am joined by Billy Bosch, Founder of ICONIC, premium, grass fed  protein drinks. Following his time studying business management at LSU, Billy went into the the workforce focusing primarily on sales positions. The fast paced lifestyle led Billy's diet to consist of unhealthy, high calorie meals, leading to facing a series of chronic health issues. After consulting with his doctor, it became clear that he would have to partake a pill to aid in his journey, but to Billy, there had to be a better solution...

He decided to seek advice from Registered Dietitian Molly Kimball, who advised him to an alternative solution...clean up his diet. This led him to comprise ingredients towards creating his dream protein drink, a drink consisting in low sugar, high-quality protein source, no artificial ingredients and no sugar alcohols. Today, ICONIC can be found in over 5,000 retailers nation wide, along with DTC, due to being shelf stable. 

Make sure to check out ICONIC at: https://www.drinkiconic.com/

Follow Starting Small:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingsmallpod/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Startingsmallpod/?modal=admin_todo_tour

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cameronnagle

Support for Starting Small comes from Humanscale, the leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance ergonomic products that help create a healthier work life. All of their products, from chairs to standing desks and more, are comfortable, easy to use, and sustainable. And great for either the office or the work from home environment.

With an increase in shifting workplaces, comfort can be especially hard to find. As I run the podcast, I am in front of my desk for hours a day; from scheduling, researching, interviewing, and more. Humanscale allows me to remain productive, without the consequence of body stress to follow. 

Make sure to check out Humanscale at humanscale.com, and use code: STARTINGSMALL at checkout to save 20% on your purchase.

Thank you for tuning into "Starting Small", a podcast about brand development, entrepreneurship, and innovation in the modern world. In this episode, I am joined by Brandon Leibel, Co-Founder of Sand Cloud, beautifully crafted beach towels with a mission to protect our oceans. Following his time at San Diego State University, Brandon went on to work in the corporate world for insurance. Lasting around 10 months, Brandon and his other two co-founders quit their corporate job to pursue their passion... preserving the enviorment.

They went on to reinvent the beach towel, by coming up with a sustainable, lightweight, and sand resistant product. Since launch, Sand Cloud has landed a deal with Robert Herjavec of Shark Tank and completed many successful social campaigns. With a mission to save marine life, 10% of all profits go towards preserving marine life, through various organizations.

Make sure to check out Sand Cloud at: https://www.sandcloud.com/

Follow Starting Small:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingsmallpod/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Startingsmallpod/?modal=admin_todo_tour

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cameronnagle

Support for Starting Small comes from Humanscale, the leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance ergonomic products that help create a healthier work life. All of their products, from chairs to standing desks and more, are comfortable, easy to use, and sustainable. And great for either the office or the work from home environment.

With an increase in shifting workplaces, comfort can be especially hard to find. As I run the podcast, I am in front of my desk for hours a day; from scheduling, researching, interviewing, and more. Humanscale allows me to remain productive, without the consequence of body stress to follow. 

Make sure to check out Humanscale at humanscale.com, and use code: STARTINGSMALL at checkout to save 20% on your purchase.

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Thank you for tuning into "Starting Small", a podcast about brand development, entrepreneurship, and innovation in the modern world. In this episode, I am joined by Jon Richards, Co-Founder of NOMATIC, minimalistic gear with a strong focus on functionality. Growing up, Jon had a passion for entrepreneurship, as he started a service business cleaning the area's garbage cans for a fee. Through this, he was making more in one day, than his friends were making for 40 hour work weeks. 

Following his time at BYU and working in corporate finance, Jon and his cousin, Jacob, came up with this idea of a minimalistic wallet. After launching that initial product on Kickstarter, they expected to receive around 50 orders... they happened to land 6,000. Since then, NOMATIC has launched numerous travel products, selling to hundreds of thousands of customers worldwide. 

Make sure to check out NOMATIC at: https://www.nomatic.com/

Follow Starting Small:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingsmallpod/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Startingsmallpod/?modal=admin_todo_tour

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cameronnagle

Support for Starting Small comes from Humanscale, the leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance ergonomic products that help create a healthier work life. All of their products, from chairs to standing desks and more, are comfortable, easy to use, and sustainable. And great for either the office or the work from home environment.

With an increase in shifting workplaces, comfort can be especially hard to find. As I run the podcast, I am in front of my desk for hours a day; from scheduling, researching, interviewing, and more. Humanscale allows me to remain productive, without the consequence of body stress to follow. 

Make sure to check out Humanscale at humanscale.com, and use code: STARTINGSMALL at checkout to save 20% on your purchase.

Thank you to this episodes mid-break sponsor, YITAHOME. YITAHOME’s online store dedicates to providing fashionable and practical home furniture, at a very low cost. 

Whether it’s furniture for your bedroom, office, or living room, YITAHOME provides an array of products. Use code 25YITAHOME, to save 25% off your purchase using this link: 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08FMDS9QX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thank you for tuning into "Starting Small", a podcast about brand development, entrepreneurship, and innovation in the modern world. In this episode, I am joined by Drew Whited, Founder of Waggin Water, an on-the-go water solution for pets. Growing up in Indiana, Drew didn't have the greatest support from his surroundings and community. Using this as a major motivator, Drew was determined through life, to achieve what he strives for and to prove those who doubted, that he was capable. 

Starting his entrepreneurial journey in the alcoholic beverage industry, Drew went on to create DTC and retail companies such as, Feni, Minute Mixology, and Coastal Spritz. While he has found success in this area, he later discovered a major void in efficiency for our pets... a clean, pull and peel water solution, for anywhere. Whether you're at the beach and don't want kicked up sand in your water, the airport, a park... pet's desire the same clean water as you would. Understanding their plastic footprint, Waggin Water has gone Plastic Neutral through its partnership with rePurpose Global, removing twice the amount of plastic waste out of nature as they use. Being such a young company, Waggin Water has found massive retail success over the past year, such as locking in spots with Target, Camping World, 7 Eleven, and more.

Make sure to check out Waggin Water at: https://wagginwater.com/

Follow Starting Small:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingsmallpod/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Startingsmallpod/?modal=admin_todo_tour

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cameronnagle

Support for Starting Small comes from Humanscale, the leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance ergonomic products that help create a healthier work life. All of their products, from chairs to standing desks and more, are comfortable, easy to use, and sustainable. And great for either the office or the work from home environment.

With an increase in shifting workplaces, comfort can be especially hard to find. As I run the podcast, I am in front of my desk for hours a day; from scheduling, researching, interviewing, and more. Humanscale allows me to remain productive, without the consequence of body stress to follow. 

Make sure to check out Humanscale at humanscale.com, and use code: STARTINGSMALL at checkout to save 20% on your purchase.

Want clean air?

Have your indoor air free of dust, pollen, mold and odors today, by purchasing an air purifier by Medify Air. Whether you are working in an office or at home, clean air is crucial in order to work to full efficiency. Save $15 off of your first purchase today using code: STARTINGSMALL15 and the link below:

https://medifyair.com/?rfsn=5620509.a730c0b&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=5620509.a730c0b&_ke=eyJrbF9jb21wYW55X2lkIjogIlhaU0J4aCIsICJrbF9lbWFpbCI6ICJzdGFydGluZ3NtYWxscG9kQGdtYWlsLmNvbSJ9

Thank you for tuning into "Starting Small", a podcast about brand development, entrepreneurship, and innovation in the modern world. In this episode, I am joined by Bill Phelps, Co-Founder of Wetzel's Pretzels, an American fast food franchise, specializing in their variety of pretzel types. Growing up in Massachusetts, Bill's father was the creator of the rawhide dog bone. Being surrounded by entrepreneurship and business, Bill went on to study at Middlebury College for economics. 

Following his time in college, Bill went on to work with his father, in which he then initiated the businesses selloff to the company Nestle. Following the sell, Bill worked for Nestle from 1990-1994, where he met his now co-founder, Rick Wetzel. While on a business trip to Seattle, the two of them came across a pretzel store in a mall that had fresh pretzels, low cost of goods, but poor marketing. They came to the agreement that they could create something better, and Bill wrote their business plan on a napkin, at a restaurant that night... to open their first store by November.

Today, Bill is the current CEO of Daves Hot Chicken and Rick went on to create Blaze Pizza. The two of them remain close business partners, as Bill is a founding investor in Blaze and they share office space in Pasadena.

Make sure to check out Wetzel's Pretzels at: https://www.wetzels.com/

and Daves Hot Chicken at:  https://www.daveshotchicken.com/

Follow Starting Small:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingsmallpod/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Startingsmallpod/?modal=admin_todo_tour

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cameronnagle

Support for Starting Small comes from Humanscale, the leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance ergonomic products that help create a healthier work life. All of their products, from chairs to standing desks and more, are comfortable, easy to use, and sustainable. And great for either the office or the work from home environment.

With an increase in shifting workplaces, comfort can be especially hard to find. As I run the podcast, I am in front of my desk for hours a day; from scheduling, researching, interviewing, and more. Humanscale allows me to remain productive, without the consequence of body stress to follow. 

Make sure to check out Humanscale at humanscale.com, and use code: STARTINGSMALL at checkout to save 20% on your purchase.

Thank you to this episode’s mid-break sponsor, Salomon, premium outdoor shoes, apparel, and accessories. With running outdoors being a major stress reliever for my work, I count on Salomon shoes to carry me through each and every workout. Salomon strives to create progressive gear to enable you to freely enjoy and challenge yourself in the great outdoors. Make sure to check out Salomon at Salomon.com