The Story of a Brand Show

This episode is brought to you by SARAL & WAIR.

"Almost every week we hear about there being plastic particles found in the deepest trenches of the ocean, on the highest mountains, in our blood, which is really, really scary. So people are more and more aware of this plastic problem and are actively looking for solutions to cut plastic out of their lives."

In today's episode, we interview Nicole Doucet, Co-Founder & CEO and Jess Page, Co-Founder & Chief Brand Officer of Open Water. Open Water is an ultra-purified, electrolyte-packed canned water in BPA-free aluminum packaging. Is it recyclable? Check. Climate Neutral? You bet. Plus, they encourage you to fill up at the tap whenever possible, really.

Highlights:

* Their Gratitude Story

* How did they come up with the idea and what was the motivator?

* Why is buying bottled water such a stupid idea?

* How and why did they decide to use aluminum packaging?

* Were they entrepreneurs looking for an idea or was it an idea looking for an entrepreneur to take it forward?

* How they overcame challenges such as the widespread use of plastics

* The difficulties in getting the business off the ground

* The 3 ways they tried to get ahead of the challenges

* Why they stayed away from retail in the early days

* Their advice for founders including, get a co-founder

* Their huge mistake in naming the brand and what they recommend to others

* What was it about not having a label on the can that was really important to them?

* How are they building a business with sustainable practices as well?

* What they are really proud of about the brand & business

* And so much more…

Join Ramon Vela, Nicole Doucet, and Jess Page as we break down the inside story of Open Water on The Story of a Brand.

For more on Open Water, visit: https://drinkopenwater.com/

Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player.

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Today's sponsors:

Sendlane - Email & SMS Tool for Brands: https://storybrandgift.com

Get a step-by-step playbook to drive more revenue and retention with email & SMS. This is typically a $500 package, but for our listeners, it's entirely FREE when you get started with your FREE 14-day trial of Sendlane. Go to my special link.

SARAL - Your Influencer Assistant Tool for Brands): https://www.getsaral.com/champions/ramon

SARAL is offering an exclusive 14-day free trial for my listeners. They will also do a special strategy session to make sure you're set up for success. Go to my special link.

WAIR, Tool for Apparel Brands: https://www.getwair.com/

With just a few simple questions, customers have an accurate recommendation based on their unique body shape that will support them throughout their shopping session. The stats don't lie, most brands will see an immediate increase in conversions upon installation. Want to provide this service to your shoppers, visit and request a demo.

This episode is brought to you by SARAL & Tidio.

In today's episode, we interview Curt Vander Meer, CEO of Endangered Species Chocolate (ESC). ESC is passionate about redeeming typical business practices into "doing good, better" with the hope of leaving a positive and lasting ripple in their wake.

They are on a mission to seed joy through abundant giving by donating 10% of net profits to impactful conservation organizations and initiatives. Since 2016, over $3,100,000 has been donated.

Highlights:

* His Gratitude Story

* Mission-based brands have a magnetic force around them

* Why mission-based brands should focus on providing an exceptional customer experience

* How to keep the mission front and center with employees and customers

* Why do they name their chocolate bars based on the endangered animal and not the ingredients?

* How they use packaging to further the mission

* Conservation is hard work and why they donate 10% of profits to these organizations

* Curt describes the values of the company

* What is he most proud of about Endangered Species Chocolate?

* Is there a secret sauce to the longevity of a consumer brand?

* A breakdown of ingredients and products

* And so much more…

Join Ramon Vela and Curt Vander Meer as we break down the inside story of Endangered Species Chocolate on The Story of a Brand.

For more on Endangered Species Chocolate, visit: https://www.chocolatebar.com/

Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player.

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Today's sponsors:

Sendlane - Email & SMS Tool for Brands: https://storybrandgift.com

Get a step-by-step playbook to drive more revenue and retention with email & SMS. This is typically a $500 package, but for our listeners, it's entirely FREE when you get started with your FREE 14-day trial of Sendlane. Go to my special link.

SARAL - Your Influencer Assistant Tool for Brands): https://www.getsaral.com/champions/ramon

SARAL is offering an exclusive 14-day free trial for my listeners. They will also do a special strategy session to make sure you're set up for success. Go to my special link.

Tidio - Customer Success Tool for Shopify Brands: http://www.tidio.com/story

My listeners can start using Tidio AI chatbots for free and upgrade any time with an exclusive 20% discount. See how Tidio helps your store grow. Visit my special link.

This episode is brought to you by Rebuy.

In today's episode, we interview Anna Peck and Steve Ford, both Co-Founders of Chia Smash.

Chia Smash is a superfood jam that's good for you, your tastebuds & the planet. No added sugar, packed with superfoods and made using 'imperfect' fruits.

In this episode, we discuss:

* What they're grateful for

* Overview and origin story of the brand (and their meeting at Blue Apron)

* What a summer job at seventeen taught Steve about entrepreneurship

* The impact that upbringing and health were for Anna in starting the brand

* Why Chia and what is it about Chia Smash that makes it different from the rest

* How they overcame challenges in naming the product

* What activities worked for them in getting the product to retailers

* Advice for other founders who are building a CPG brand

* Why it's okay to not have everything figured out

* What to do when you have trouble with co-packers and suppliers

* A breakdown of their product including their different flavors

* What is upcycling and why do they use it (plus how it is sustainable)

* And more…

Join Ramon Vela, Anna Peck and Steve Ford as we break down the inside story of Chia Smash on The Story of a Brand.

For more on Chia Smash, visit: https://chiasmash.com/

Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player.

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This episode is brought to you by Rebuy Engine.

It's easier than ever to set up an online store these days. But, creating personalized shopping experiences for every customer? That's the hard part.

Using proprietary technology, industry-leading integrations, and fully-customizable merchandising, Rebuy gives you the power to create personalized experiences for every shopper.

Boost your order values, increase conversions, and accelerate your business with Rebuy.

Visit https://www.rebuyengine.com/foundersparadiso today for a no-credit card 21-day trial.

This episode is brought to you by Reviews.io & Nimble.

In today's episode, we interview Co-CEO's Denielle (Verdi) Finkelstein and Thyme Sullivan of UNICORN A TOP Product. UNICORN is the enchanting period product company revolutionizing the industry with their magical, innovative solutions.

Their one-of-a-kind dispensers, designed for every stall in businesses, offer unparalleled dignity and convenience. Their sleek, easy-to-install acrylic dispensers showcase their delightful unicorn mascot cartridges, elevating the experience.

Highlights:

* Building a brand in the traditional way

* Taking a good hard look at the numbers and where it was leading them

* Having tough conversations with their investors

* Deciding to pivot from Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) to Business-to-Business (B2B)

* Beta testing their new vision with JP Morgan Chase - Story with Jamie Dimon

* Planning the re-brand, pausing social media, and filming a LinkedIn series documentary

* Why the re-brand and new focus is all about scaling their original mission of supporting women and ending period poverty

* Why the "Fun Factor" is so important to them?

* What these founders are grateful for

* Where to buy - using Amazon for individual purchases

* Raising a third round of funding

* And so much more…

Join Ramon Vela, Denielle (Verdi) Finkelstein and Thyme Sullivan as we break down the inside story of UNICORN on The Story of a Brand.

For more on UNICORN, visit: https://www.magicaldopamine.com/

Original Interview with TOPs - The Organic Project

TOP - Period Products for Girls, Moms, and Mother Earth - Part 1 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-story-of-a-brand/id1435740265?i=1000477642067

TOP - New Standard in Feminine Hygiene Care - Part 2 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-story-of-a-brand/id1435740265?i=1000477790389

Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player.

Today's Sponsors:

Reviews.io: https://www.reviews.io/front/founders-paradiso-offer

Nimble: https://www.nimble.ai/

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane & SARAL.

In today's episode, we interview Jon Brandon, Co-Founder & CEO of FORIA. FORIA is a lifestyle brand on a mission to support lifelong pleasure and sexual wellbeing. Foria's all-natural, organic and award-winning formulas support a woman's most intimate needs.

In 2014, FORIA literally created the category for plant-based women's sexual support, with a revolutionary cannabis based topical designed to enhance pleasure.

Since then, they've been setting the standards in the plant-based sexual wellness space and they've expanded our clean, innovative and highly effective botanical formulations to support healthy intimate experiences across every stage of her life.

Highlights:

* Why he's grateful for his parents

* The Taboo around sexual wellness products

* Reducing the society's stigma

* Why we're the most stressed and anxious society in history

* How we've weaponized distraction

* Why you can market sexual wellness products for men but not for women

* Describing his why and motivation when things get tough

* How his divorce transformed him

* Foria's key pivot and product evolution

* Why they are launching products around "Phase of life"

* How his customer has changed and grown

* A product review breakdown

* And much more…

Join Ramon Vela and Jon Brandon as we break down the inside story of FORIA on The Story of a Brand.

For more on FORIA, visit: https://www.foriawellness.com/

Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player.

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This episode is brought to you by SARAL

As a founder, have you always wanted to start an influencer program but never got around to it? That's because doing the entire process can be difficult and time-consuming, especially if you're new to it and have limited budgets.

SARAL helps you solve these problems. They offer the simplest influencer marketing tool in the world. You can find untapped influencers, automate outreach, and build relationships at scale using their platform.

For an ecommerce brand, it's like having an unfair advantage.

SARAL is offering an exclusive 14-day free trial for my listeners. They will also do a special strategy session to make sure you're set up for success. Go to my special link at https://www.getsaral.com/champions/ramon

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This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.

Here's the deal: I have a gift for you from our primary sponsor — Sendlane. They're giving away their online course eCommerce Academy - Email & SMS Marketing!

This course gives you the step-by-step playbook to drive more revenue and retention with email & SMS. This is typically a $500 package, but for our listeners, it's entirely FREE when you get started with your FREE 14-day trial of Sendlane.

When you do, chat with their support team and let them know you're one of our listeners to get full access to hours of course content that will help you make email marketing your #1 growth engine.

Visit https://storybrandgift.com to get the details, sign up for a free trial and get your gift!

How does your brand, your message and mission fit in support of Pride Month and LGBTQ culture and issues in 2023 and how are the controversies with Bud Light and other brands affecting how or whether you support in 2024?

Today, we interview Arthur Gallego, Founder & CEO of Gallego & Co. Marketing Consultants and pop culture expert.

In this special "brand strategy" episode, we discuss pride month and the latest controversies with Bud Light + Dylan Mulvaney, Nike, Target, Cracker Barrel, Starbucks, and Google. Highlights:

* How long will Bud Light be dealing with the current controversy

* The commercialization of Pride Month

* Why many brands are terrified about taking a stand

* Why the impact of how large brands react will be seen in 2024

* Brands and Risk Tolerance

* Advice for brands around Pride Month support

* Why you should spend your energy and resources on the customers who love and support you

Join Ramon Vela and Arthur Gallego as we break down "Pride month, brands, and the latest controversies" on The Story of a Brand.

For more on Arthur Gallego and Gallego & Co. Marketing Consultants, visit: https://www.gallegoandco.com/

Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player.

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.

Jules says, "GF Jules is a premium baking mix and flour company, and everything we do is gluten-free. From the foundation, everything has always been a hundred percent gluten-free. We also have tried to address other people's food allergy needs as well. So we've always broadened the foundational mix line and flour line so it's been vegan, kosher, and nut free. And we have become one of the first baking mix and flour companies in the country to be certified top nine allergen free as well. So we've tried to be inclusive in what we can bring to families who have different dietary needs."

Today, we interview Jules Shepard, Founder & CEO of GF Jules. GF Jules is the #1 gluten-free flour and baking mixes company in the US.

We discussed:

* What she's grateful for

* An overview of GF Jules

* Why it started with her diagnosis of Celiac disease

* The story of how her partners shut her out of the business

* Restarting again both personally and professionally with GF Jules

* Why her competitor is the only person she trusts in the CPG Industry

* Her big lessons learned in business, partnerships, and trusting people

* How you can be nice yet aggressive and ferocious when needed

* Why her story is a story of integrity

* Her focus is on her ideal customers

* A review of products, flour, mixes and what you can do with them

* And more…

Join Ramon Vela and Jules Shepard as we break down the inside story of GF Jules on The Story of a Brand.

For more on GF Jules, visit: https://gfjules.com/

Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player.

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This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.

Our primary sponsor, Sendlane, has a gift for you. They're giving away their online course eCommerce Academy - Email & SMS Marketing!

This course gives you the step-by-step playbook to drive more revenue and retention with email & SMS. This is typically a $500 package, but for our listeners, it's entirely FREE when you get started with your FREE 14-day trial of Sendlane.

When you do, chat with their support team and let them know you're one of our listeners to get full access to hours of course content that will help you make email marketing your #1 growth engine.

Visit https://storybrandgift.com to get the details, sign up for a free trial and get your gift!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.

Andrea says, "I always grew up with that sense of otherness and this sense that people looked down on Chinese cuisine and they thought of it as unhealthy or oily or this and that. And it was like, well, I eat this food at home. It's amazing. Like, it's so diverse. So I think that was something always that bothered me…"

Today, we interview Andrea Xu, Co-Founder & CEO of Umamicart. Umamicart is an online grocery store delivering hundreds of your favorite Asian products and ingredients.

Their carefully curated selection includes both traditional staples and up-and-coming Asian-American owned brands. Umamicart delivers an online grocery shopping experience that highlights and celebrates the endlessly diverse, unique, and ever-evolving Asian American culture and cuisine.

Highlights:

* What she's grateful for (her family, her sister, and growing up in Spain) * Why investors initially did not like her idea * How she felt a sense of otherness as a child * Why she created Umamicart and what she hopes to change * Learnings from being a new mom and entrepreneur * Why Asian foods have a right to evolve as other foods do * A review of Umamicart Collab products * Criteria for brands who want to be on Umamicart * What she is most proud of about the brand * And so much more…

Join Ramon Vela and Andrea Xu as we break down the inside story of Umamicart on The Story of a Brand.

For more on Umamicart, visit: https://umamicart.com/

Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player.

*

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.

Here's the deal: I have a gift for you from our primary sponsor — Sendlane. They're giving away their online course eCommerce Academy - Email & SMS Marketing!

This course gives you the step-by-step playbook to drive more revenue and retention with email & SMS. This is typically a $500 package, but for our listeners, it's entirely FREE when you get started with your FREE 14-day trial of Sendlane.

When you do, chat with their support team and let them know you're one of our listeners to get full access to hours of course content that will help you make email marketing your #1 growth engine.

Visit https://storybrandgift.com to get the details, sign up for a free trial and get your gift!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.

Yarden says, "I'm never worried about competitors too much because when you do something and it's so in the weeds that you're like, no one is gonna do this. It's just so nuanced. But the customers really care about the nuances."

Today, we interview Yarden Shaked, CEO of Varos. Varos is the largest e-commerce & Saas data co-op in the world.

See how your performance stacks up against your competitors: Compare KPIs anonymously and securely with companies in the same vertical and spend level as yours.

Highlights:

* What he's grateful for * The Sunk Cost Fallacy and why a lot of startups fall for it * Overview of Varos * What problems do they solve for brands, agencies, SaaS companies? * Why they solve for the nuances (of data) * A look at their fundraising experience and advice for other founders * How are agencies, brands, and SaaS companies using Varos? * Breakdowns of platforms, onboarding, and future of Varos * And more…

Join Ramon Vela and Yarden Shaked as we break down the inside story of Varos on The Story of a Brand.

For more on Varos, visit: https://www.varos.com/

Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player.

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This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.

Here's the deal: I have a gift for you from our primary sponsor — Sendlane. They're giving away their online course eCommerce Academy - Email & SMS Marketing!

This course gives you the step-by-step playbook to drive more revenue and retention with email & SMS. This is typically a $500 package, but for our listeners, it's entirely FREE when you get started with your FREE 14-day trial of Sendlane.

When you do, chat with their support team and let them know you're one of our listeners to get full access to hours of course content that will help you make email marketing your #1 growth engine.

Visit https://storybrandgift.com to get the details, sign up for a free trial and get your gift!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.

Kara says, "We don't work with a type of company, we work with a type of person… The ones who want to grow on a revenue level, but the growth in the revenue is more of a means to an end, which is to have impact, create something, change something, improve something. Their business is a vehicle for them to fulfill a legacy or a destiny in their lives."

Today, we interview Kara Redman, Founder & CEO of Backroom. Backroom is a brand strategy and performance marketing agency.

They've helped both startup and global clients reposition, 3x growth, launch, exit, raise up to $9M in funding, build measurable brand equity, merge, acquire, and exit.

We discussed:

* What she's grateful for

* The finite nature of life (we get existential on this topic)

* Overview and origin of Backroom

* The foundational branding elements that every brand should do

* Building community and why it's so hard

* Insights and advice for brands owners and founders

* What kinds of companies or individuals does Backroom work with?

* How they work with brands

* Are the needs of larger brands different from small or midsize brands

* Last words (this is deep)

* And so much more…

Join Ramon Vela and Kara Redman as we break down the inside story of Backroom on The Story of a Brand.

For more on Backroom, visit: https://www.backroom.io/

Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player.

*

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane.

Here's the deal: I have a gift for you from our primary sponsor — Sendlane. They're giving away their online course eCommerce Academy - Email & SMS Marketing!

This course gives you the step-by-step playbook to drive more revenue and retention with email & SMS. This is typically a $500 package, but for our listeners, it's entirely FREE when you get started with your FREE 14-day trial of Sendlane.

When you do, chat with their support team and let them know you're one of our listeners to get full access to hours of course content that will help you make email marketing your #1 growth engine.

Visit https://storybrandgift.com to get the details, sign up for a free trial and get your gift!