The CEO Project Podcast

What does it really take to turn a good product into a great brand—one that people can't stop talking about (or eating)?

If you've ever wondered how to revive a once-famous brand or stand out in a crowded market, this conversation is for you. Host Jim Schleckser talks with David Clarke, CEO of Chipwich, about how he brought a nostalgic favorite back to life and built a great brand story that connects with both retailers and consumers.

In this episode, you'll learn how to:

• Identify undervalued brands with untapped potential and bring them back to relevance.

• Turn operational setbacks into opportunities for growth and stronger customer trust.

• Build a great brand by focusing on consistent quality, retail partnerships, and real consumer connection.

Treat yourself—press play now to hear how Chipwich became a great brand comeback story that every business leader can learn from. 🍦

Check out:

[00:14:45] — The "Real Estate" Mindset Behind a Great Brand

David Clarke shares why he sees grocery shelves as real estate—and how treating retailers as your real customers (not just end consumers) changes everything about how you build a great brand that lasts.

[00:31:10] — Reviving the Chipwich: From Forgotten to Great Brand

Hear the origin story of how David rediscovered the Chipwich name, realized its massive latent brand equity, and brought it back to life—proving that a great brand can be reborn with the right focus and persistence.

[00:55:20] — The Listeria Crisis: Protecting a Great Brand Under Pressure

When a contract manufacturer's listeria issue threatened the company, David explains how decisive action, transparency, and leadership kept the great brand reputation intact—and even strengthened retailer trust.

About David Clarke

David Clarke has 25 years of food & beverage leadership experience. From 2004 – 2013, Clarke was CEO of DeMet's Candy Company, where he revitalized the Flipz™ and Turtles™ brands after acquiring them from Nestle growing them from $9MM and $32MM in annual sales respectively to over $130MM combined. In 2014, Yildis (owner of Godiva) acquired DeMet's and named Clarke CEO of the wholesale chocolate business. Prior to DeMet's, Clarke led a similar brand comeback in the sweet popcorn business, growing a set of struggling brands from $21MM to $78MM. Clarke's connection to the ice cream category is derived from his time working in distribution for Häagen-Dazs, and his family's ownership of the Klondike brand from 1978-1989.

What if the secret to stronger client relationships isn't about selling more — but about creating experiences people can't stop talking about?

If you've ever wondered how to make clients feel genuinely valued instead of just served, this episode is for you. Jim Schleckser chats with leadership strategist and author Neen James about how luxury brands like Ritz-Carlton and Rolex master the art of human connection — and how you can apply the same principles to elevate every client and team interaction.

You'll learn how to:

• Apply Neen's "Experience Elevation Model" to strengthen both client and employee relationships.

• Design moments of surprise and delight that transform loyal clients into enthusiastic advocates.

• Combine personalization with technology to create meaningful, lasting connections that set your business apart.

Hit play now to discover how to turn every client interaction into an exceptional experience that builds loyalty for life.

Check out:

• [08:45] — Neen breaks down the Experience Elevation Model and explains how leaders can use it to design exceptional client and employee experiences.

• [21:30] — A powerful discussion on how surprise and delight builds emotional loyalty — with real examples from luxury brands like Ritz-Carlton and Delta.

• [36:10] — Neen and Jim dive into the balance between AI efficiency and human connection, revealing how technology can enhance — not replace — authentic client relationships.

About Neen James

Over the past two decades, Neen James has partnered with some of the most iconic brands in the world, including Comcast, Paramount Pictures, Four Seasons Hotels, and Virtuoso Travel, helping them challenge the status quo by focusing on one fundamental principle: exceptional experiences are built on intentional focus and connection.

Her groundbreaking luxury mindset research—the only study of its kind—shows that luxury isn't about things, it's about a way of thinking and communicating that transforms how businesses connect with their audiences. As the author of Attention Pays and the forthcoming Exceptional Experiences, she brings a wealth of insights that have transformed how Fortune 500 CEOs, luxury brands, and global organizations lead and grow their market share.

Are you struggling to find the right people—and wondering if you've been fishing in the wrong talent pool all along?

With birth rates down and skilled workers in short supply, the talent pool feels tighter than ever. But what if you could widen your reach by engaging an overlooked group of professionals eager to bring their experience, leadership, and skills back into the workforce—if only given the right flexibility?

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to uncover a hidden talent pool of highly educated, seasoned professionals ready to make an impact.

• Why creative approaches like flexible schedules, part-time roles, and returnships can help you stand out in the war for talent.

• What cultural shifts leaders need to embrace to successfully integrate this overlooked workforce segment.

Hit play now to discover how expanding your talent pool could give your company a powerful competitive edge.

Check out:

• [06:45] The hidden talent pool — Why millions of highly educated, experienced women are sitting outside the workforce and how this represents a huge opportunity for CEOs.

• [21:30] Flexibility as the key to unlocking talent — A candid discussion about how part-time roles, fractional leadership, and returnships can help companies attract top performers.

• [39:15] Rethinking hiring practices — How CEOs can overcome biases about résumé gaps and skill gaps to successfully integrate this overlooked talent pool.

What if banana ball held the secret to building a business culture that fans can't stop talking about?

This episode takes you inside the world of the Savannah Bananas—a team that has turned baseball upside down by creating banana ball, a fast-paced, joy-filled experience that keeps fans lining up for more. And the lessons go way beyond sports. You'll see how putting customers first, eliminating friction, and daring to innovate can transform your own organization just like it did for theirs.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How banana ball grew from one small experiment into a nationwide phenomenon.

• Why "fans first" thinking is the mindset shift every leader needs.

• Practical ways to build culture, spark innovation, and scale without losing your edge.

Press play now to learn how the bold moves behind banana ball can inspire you to reinvent your own playbook for success.

Check out:

• 09:45 – The birth of banana ball on the road Tyler explains how a small test in one city turned into a touring phenomenon that now sells out stadiums across the country.

• 21:10 – Fans first in action Discover the creative ways the Savannah Bananas removed friction—like all-you-can-eat tickets and fan-caught foul balls counting as outs—that made banana ball unforgettable.

• 47:30 – Scaling culture while scaling teams Tyler shares how the Bananas are building a Championship League, expanding teams, and keeping "fans first" at the core as they grow nationwide.

About Tyler Gillum

Tyler Gillum is a coach, educator, and entrepreneur who's dedicated his life to helping others believe in themselves and chase their biggest dreams. His mantra, "Bet on Yourself" isn't just a phrase, it's how he lives, leads, and speaks. From growing up on the rodeo circuit to leading the Savannah Bananas as Head Coach, his journey has been built on resilience, vision, and servant leadership. He has seen firsthand what happens when you bet on yourself, and more importantly, what happens when you help others do the same.

What if the secret to keeping up with rapid change isn't just better strategy—but joining the right ceo peer advisory or networking groups?

In a world where technology is evolving faster than organizations can adapt, you need more than just headlines to guide your decisions. This episode dives into how networking groups for CEOs and executives create the conversations, connections, and peer learning that help leaders stay ahead of disruption. Alan Murray—former CEO of Fortune Media and now leading the Wall Street Journal's Leadership Institute—shares why these groups are becoming essential for tackling today's toughest challenges.

Here's what you'll take away:

• How networking groups provide real-time insights into AI, geopolitics, and workforce shifts that no report can match.

• Why connecting with peers outside your company helps you solve problems faster and see blind spots sooner.

• The specific ways top executives use networking groups to strengthen leadership and drive business transformation.

Listen now and learn how the right networking group can give you the clarity, confidence, and edge to lead in uncertain times.

Check out:

• [12:45] – Alan Murray explains why large organizations struggle to adapt as fast as technology and how networking groups help close that gap.

• [28:10] – A candid look at how CEOs are using networking groups to navigate AI adoption, geopolitics, and supply chain risks.

• [44:30] – The future of leadership: how peer exchange and networking groups shape smarter strategies for today's unpredictable business environment.

About Alan Murray

Alan Murray is the former CEO of Fortune Media. He oversaw the business and editorial operations of the independent media company and is known for expanding its digital and conference franchises. Until April 2024, Murray also wrote a closely-read daily newsletter for Fortune, CEO Daily. Prior to joining Fortune in 2015, Murray led the rapid expansion of the Pew Research Center's digital footprint as president of that organization. Before that, Murray was at the Wall Street Journal for many years, serving as deputy managing editor, executive editor online, Washington bureau chief, and author of the Political Capital and Business columns. He served for several years as Washington bureau chief for CNBC, and cohost of the nightly show Capital Report. He is the author of multiple books, including Showdown at Gucci Gulch: Lawmakers, Lobbyists, and the Unlikely Triumph of Tax Reform.

What if you could spot employee turnover before it happens—and stop it in its tracks?

Turnover is expensive, frustrating, and disruptive. In this episode, you'll hear how AI is changing the game for leaders like you by predicting when employees are at risk of leaving and giving you real, actionable strategies to keep your best people engaged.

Here's what you'll learn when you listen in:

• How companies are using AI to predict employee turnover and proactively boost loyalty.

• Why recognition, scheduling, and salary optimization can make or break retention.

• How a data-driven approach can save you millions by reducing hidden turnover costs.

Don't miss this conversation—press play now to learn how you can reduce employee turnover and strengthen your team's long-term success.

Check out:

• 07:42 – Why AI is better at spotting turnover risks than traditional surveys and reviews.

• 18:15 – The surprising low-cost tactic that outperforms pay raises in reducing employee turnover.

• 33:50 – How one company cut turnover by up to 35% using AI-driven insights.

What happens when your personal brand gets the spotlight—are you ready to make the most of it?

You work hard to earn visibility for yourself and your business, but the truth is: securing the booking is only half the battle. The real impact comes from how you show up, connect, and tell your story in a way that builds trust and grows your influence.

In this episode, you'll discover how to:

• Sharpen your on-camera and on-mic presence so you come across with confidence and credibility.

• Use personal stories to make your brand relatable, magnetic, and memorable.

• Navigate tough questions and "off-track" moments so you can stay calm, in control, and persuasive.

Press play now to learn how to turn every interview into a powerful opportunity to elevate your brand and expand your reach.

Check out:

• [06:45] – Why Luana walked away from acting and how that turning point led her into PR.

• [21:10] – The real risks (and rewards) of making a CEO the face of a company's personal brand.

• [38:25] – How to handle tough interview questions and pivot with confidence when things go off track.

About Luana Ribeira

Speaker, actress and founder of Dauntless PR Luana Ribeira gets personal brands booked for TV, radio, podcasts, magazines and the news. This helps experts to boost brand awareness, credibility and to become known as the leading voice on their topic. She has appeared on Forbes, OK Magazine, FOX TV, ITV, BBC, Channel 4, Teen Vogue, Insider and many others.

You can find Luana at http://www.dauntlesspr.com/

What does it really mean to build a purpose driven business—and how can focusing on more than just profit transform your success?

As an entrepreneur, you know the tension between chasing growth and staying true to your deeper mission. In this episode, Kyle Kamrooz, founder and CEO of Bonus Home, opens up about the lessons he's learned in real estate, technology, and venture capital—and why putting purpose over profit is not only more fulfilling but also a smarter long-term strategy.

By listening, you'll learn:

• How to align your business decisions with a mission that sustains you beyond financial gains.

• The pitfalls of taking capital from partners who don't share your values—and how to guard against it.

• Why building wealth through homeownership offers a powerful example of combining purpose with impact.

Press play now to hear how prioritizing purpose over profit can reshape the way you grow, lead, and leave a legacy.

Check out:

• [09:15] — Kyle shares what it was like building one of the largest direct-to-consumer mortgage lenders by age 25 and the hard lessons that came with rapid growth.

• [28:42] — A candid discussion on why taking money from the wrong strategic partners can derail your vision, and how Kyle learned the importance of protecting purpose over profit.

• [47:10] — The inspiration behind Bonus Home, rooted in Kyle's father's experience, and how rethinking homeownership can unlock generational wealth for everyday Americans.

About Our Guest:

Kyle Kamrooz is the founder and CEO of Bonus Homes, a groundbreaking platform redefining how Americans build generational wealth through homeownership.

Prior to founding Bonus Homes, Kyle spent nearly two decades in the real estate ecosystem. By the age of 25, Kyle had already built one of the largest direct-to-consumer mortgage lending companies in California. By 27, he built a 50 state national lender that processed over $7 billion in loans annually and employed more than 800 people across all 50 states.

Ever wonder how a CEO goes from managing 2,000 apartments to building multiple seven-figure ventures backed by private equity?

If you've ever struggled with scaling a service business, finding reliable vendors, or wondered how to make the leap from bootstrapping to private equity funding, this episode will feel like it's speaking directly to you. Tyler Dunagin shares the real story of how he solved a problem most property managers know all too well and turned it into a rapidly growing portfolio of companies.

Here's what you'll take away from this conversation:

• How to create a focused business model in a crowded industry that instantly speaks to your ideal clients.

• The step-by-step reality of moving from self-funding to securing private equity while keeping control of your business.

• What really works (and what doesn't) when acquiring companies and integrating teams into your growing portfolio.

Hit play now to learn Tyler's hard-earned lessons—and discover strategies you can use to scale smarter and faster in your own business.

About Tyler Dunagin

At the crossroads of innovation and leadership, Tyler founded and scaled multiple seven-figure ventures, consistently driving industry transformation. Over the past decade, he started and expanded both service and product-based companies, notably Turnserv—a platform of self-started brands revolutionizing the housing sector by streamlining turnover processes. With operations extending to new locations every few weeks, Turnserv addresses critical operational challenges for property managers with unparalleled reliability and efficiency.

Have you ever wondered why the 80/20 rule works in almost every aspect of life, from business to personal connections, and how you can use it to optimize your success?

The Pareto Principle, or 80/20 rule, has been around for decades, but do you really understand how deeply it impacts your business? In this episode, we explore not just the basics of 80/20, but how digging deeper into this principle can radically shift your approach to everything from customers to employees, and even your own personal life.

• Learn how applying 80/20 can uncover your business's true power and profit centers.

• Discover how to maximize talent and resources by focusing on the most productive elements of your team and customers.

• Understand why focusing on fewer, better relationships can transform your personal and professional life.

Tune in now to discover how embracing 80/20 could be the key to unlocking exponential growth and serenity in your business.

Check out:

• 4:30 – Discover how the 80/20 rule impacts customer relationships and why focusing on your most profitable clients can save time and boost profits.

• 19:45 – Learn about the "80/20 inside the 80/20" concept and how breaking it down further can reveal hidden opportunities in your business.

• 35:10 – Gain insights into how the 80/20 rule applies to talent management and why doubling down on strengths, rather than weaknesses, leads to explosive growth.

About Our Guest

Perry Marshall is one of the most expensive business strategists in the world. He is endorsed in FORBES and Inc. Magazine and has worked with clients such as FanDuel, InfusionSoft, and LoanBuilder.

He founded the $10 million Evolution 2.0 Prize, with judges from Harvard, Oxford and MIT. Launched at the Royal Society in London, it's the world's largest science research award. He is co-founder of the AACR's Cancer & Evolution Working Group.

NASA's Jet Propulsion Labs uses his 80/20 Curve as a productivity tool. His reinvention of the Pareto Principle was published in Harvard Business Review.