What happens when a founder turns a personal challenge into a category-defining brand?

On this episode of The Shades of Entrepreneurship™, host Gabriel Flores sits down with Jake Rosenberg, the Founder and CEO of Krete, a men’s skincare company reshaping the industry through simplicity, education, and clean, effective formulations.

After experiencing a traumatic facial injury, Jake discovered just how confusing, inconsistent, and overwhelming the skincare world can be—especially for men who are new to it. Determined to create a better path, he built Krete to offer straightforward routines, transparent ingredients, and products designed specifically with men’s skin in mind. Today, he's leading customers through a clear and intentional skincare journey—one that often ends in becoming a Krete Club Member.

Whether you're building a subscription model, scaling a DTC company, or transforming a personal experience into a purpose-driven business, Jake’s story offers actionable insights and inspiration.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How a life-changing accident sparked the creation of Krete

• The challenges of launching a men’s skincare brand in a crowded market

• Why simplicity, transparency, and trust are key to product loyalty

• How to guide customers down an intentional marketing and education funnel

• What it takes to grow a DTC brand rooted in mission, authenticity, and customer success

If you’re interested in ecommerce, CPG, skincare innovation, or purpose-driven entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

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Have you ever thought about how technology can bridge—or widen—the gap for underserved communities?

In this episode of The Shades of Entrepreneurship™, host Gabriel Flores welcomes Edgar Navas, Founder and CEO of Cliqa Digital Inc., a Portland-based tech company on a mission to narrow the digital divide.

From the days of calling cards that financially exploited immigrants and indigenous migrants to building innovative solutions for accessible digital services, Edgar shares his journey of creating a technology company that empowers communities and provides equitable access to digital tools.

This episode is perfect for entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts, social impact leaders, and anyone interested in technology that drives inclusion and equity.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Edgar identified the need for digital inclusion in immigrant and underserved communities

• The challenges and rewards of building a tech company from the ground up

• Strategies for creating socially responsible and impactful technology

• Insights into navigating the startup ecosystem in Portland, Oregon

• Lessons on entrepreneurship with a mission-driven purpose

If you’re into tech entrepreneurship, social impact, or digital innovation—this episode is for you.

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How can leaders increase performance and drive better results?

In this episode of The Shades of Entrepreneurship™, host Gabriel Flores welcomes Carla Fowler, MD, PhD, Founder and Managing Director of THAXA, to explore the intersection of strategy, productivity, and psychology.

From the operating room to the boardroom, Carla shares her journey as an elite executive coach, helping leaders optimize performance, improve decision-making, and develop high-performing teams. This episode highlights actionable insights for entrepreneurs and executives looking to elevate their leadership impact.

This episode is ideal for business leaders, startup founders, and anyone seeking to harness the science of performance to drive organizational success.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The principles of performance science and how they apply to leadership

• Strategies to improve productivity, focus, and decision-making

• Lessons from transitioning from medicine to executive coaching

• Tips for building and leading high-performing teams

• Insights into optimizing personal and organizational performance

If you’re interested in executive coaching, leadership development, or performance optimization—this episode is for you.

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Have you ever felt like you waited too long to plan for the next chapter of your business?

In this episode of The Shades of Entrepreneurship™, host Gabriel Flores welcomes Jessica Fialkovich, Founder of Exit Factor, to discuss the importance of creating a well-thought-out exit strategy.

Jessica shares her expertise on preparing businesses for sale, succession planning, and how entrepreneurs can maximize value while ensuring a smooth transition. This conversation highlights strategies that every business owner should know to avoid common pitfalls and plan for long-term success.

This episode is perfect for business owners, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to understand exit planning and strategic business transitions.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to design an effective exit strategy for your business

• Key considerations for preparing your company for sale or succession

• Lessons learned from guiding businesses through successful exits

• Strategies to maximize business value and protect your legacy

• Tips for planning ahead to avoid costly mistakes

If you’re interested in business strategy, succession planning, or learning how to prepare your company for the future—this episode is for you.

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What does it take to innovate across multiple industries — from advertising to product design to clean-tech?

In this episode of The Shades of Entrepreneurship™, host Gabriel Flores welcomes Marcelino Alvarez, CEO of Photon Marine, a serial entrepreneur making waves in the world of electric boating.

From his early days at Crispin Porter + Bogusky and Wieden + Kennedy, to founding his own product development firm, Uncorked Studios, Marcelino has built a career rooted in passion, creativity, and purpose. Now, he’s on a mission to electrify marine transportation and transform the future of sustainable water mobility.

This episode is perfect for innovators, clean-tech founders, designers, and anyone drawn to the intersection of technology, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How a background in advertising and design led to clean-tech entrepreneurship

• What it takes to build and scale an innovative hardware and software company

• Why electric boating is a rapidly emerging industry with massive potential

• Lessons learned from launching Uncorked Studios and Photon Marine

• Insights on leadership, innovation, and designing products that matter

If you love stories of creativity, sustainability, and founders building bold solutions for the future — this episode is for you.

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Have you ever wondered how entrepreneurs can make a lasting impact beyond their businesses?

In this episode of The Shades of Entrepreneurship™, host Gabriel Flores welcomes Sybil Akerman-Munson, Founder and President of Do Your Good, to explore the power of philanthropy and creating a meaningful legacy.

Sybil shares her journey of building a nonprofit that inspires giving, highlights strategies for integrating social impact into your entrepreneurial endeavors, and demonstrates how businesses can create positive change in their communities.

This episode is perfect for entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, socially conscious business owners, and anyone looking to leave a lasting mark through intentional giving.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to align entrepreneurship with philanthropy for meaningful impact

• Strategies for building a legacy through charitable initiatives

• Lessons from founding and growing Do Your Good

• Tips for incorporating giving into business practices

• The personal and professional benefits of making social responsibility a priority

If you’re interested in philanthropy, legacy building, entrepreneurship, or simply want to learn how giving can amplify your impact—this episode is for you.

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Have you ever wondered why certain products end up in the right place at the right time—or how businesses seem to appear exactly where you need them?

In this episode of The Shades of Entrepreneurship™, host Gabriel Flores welcomes Brooke Chapman, Executive Director of ThreeBy3 and 9Boxes™, to explore the art and science of strategic marketing and placement.

Brooke shares insider insights into how brands create visibility, influence consumer behavior, and craft marketing strategies that actually work. From coffee shops to retail spaces, learn how intentional placement and marketing can transform the way customers experience your brand.

This episode is ideal for entrepreneurs, marketers, small business owners, and anyone curious about the strategies behind successful brand visibility.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How strategic product placement drives brand recognition and customer engagement

• Techniques for crafting effective marketing strategies that stand out

• Lessons on building and sustaining a brand in competitive markets

• Insights from Brooke’s experience leading ThreeBy3 and 9Boxes™

• Tips for entrepreneurs looking to elevate their marketing game

If you’re into marketing strategy, brand building, entrepreneurship, or simply love learning how businesses position themselves for success—this episode is for you.

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How do you turn ambition into measurable success?

In this episode of The Shades of Entrepreneurship™, host Gabriel Flores welcomes Midori Verity, CEO of Fuel to Fire, an entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience helping professionals unlock their potential through accountability groups and coaching.

Midori shares strategies for finding your zone of genius, building consistent habits, and amplifying professional success. From startups to seasoned executives, this episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to level up their career or entrepreneurial journey.

This episode is perfect for business owners, professionals, career coaches, and anyone interested in accountability, personal development, and achieving their full potential.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How accountability groups can accelerate professional growth

• Strategies for identifying and maximizing your zone of genius

• Lessons from over two decades of entrepreneurial experience

• Building habits and systems to sustain business and personal success

• Tips for coaches, mentors, and professionals seeking structured growth

If you’re into professional development, entrepreneurship, coaching, or simply achieving more than you dreamed possible—this episode is for you.

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What does it take to scale a business and succeed in the world of startups?

In this episode of The Shades of Entrepreneurship™, host Gabriel Flores welcomes Brad Feld, Co-Founder of Foundry Group and a pioneer in early-stage investing since 1987.

Brad shares his decades of experience providing capital, mentorship, and strategic guidance to startups and high-growth companies. From venture capital to authoring Startup Boards, this episode is packed with insights for entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone looking to understand the mechanics of scaling a business.

This episode is perfect for founders, startup enthusiasts, venture capitalists, and aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to learn from a seasoned industry leader.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Key strategies for scaling startups and high-growth companies

• Insights into venture capital and funding early-stage businesses

• Lessons from decades of entrepreneurship and investing

• The role of mentorship, boards, and strategic guidance in business success

• Practical advice for entrepreneurs navigating the startup ecosystem

If you’re into entrepreneurship, startup growth, venture capital, or learning from industry veterans—this episode is for you.

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How do you network effectively in business and entertainment?

Tim Tortora, Hollywood CFO and author, shares actionable strategies for building meaningful connections that propel careers forward. From navigating Hollywood finance to leveraging informative interviews, Tim has mastered the art of networking while managing complex financial operations.

In this episode of The Shades of Entrepreneurship™, host Gabriel Flores explores how Tim combines his financial expertise with relationship-building to support entrepreneurs, creatives, and executives alike.

This episode is ideal for business owners, creatives, aspiring executives, and anyone looking to enhance their networking skills and professional growth.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Networking strategies for entrepreneurs and professionals

• The role of financial leadership in creative industries

• How to conduct and leverage informative interviews

• Tips for building meaningful professional relationships

• Insights into Hollywood finance and entrepreneurship

If you’re into networking, business strategy, entrepreneurship, or mastering the art of relationship-building—this episode is for you.

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