⁠Holie's⁠ are on a mission to shake up the breakfast aisle with their high protein, low sugar range and in this episode, I speak to UK Commercial Director to ⁠Bina Edwards⁠.

Bina has a fantastic background working for brands like Red Bull, Ugly, and Liquid Death.

Unpicking all these lessons and learnings throughout her journey was fantastic.

It's raw, honest and there's so much value in this.

I love that she's channeling all this experience into taking on the sugar packed sector - and we even talk about a lawsuit from Lotus bakeries... which Holies won...

As always thanks to our fantastic sponsor ⁠Mission Kitchen!⁠

If you're a chef, baker of food brand looking to grow, then head on over to book a tour at their site in Nine Elms, London today.

Also if you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible new sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous new rebrand.

They also have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today!

Check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head

Chapters

00:00: Meet Bina Edwards and Holies

09:08: Finding the Right Opportunity and Team Dynamics

14:14: Lessons from Liquid Death and Brand Perception

25:59: Marketing Strategies: Startups vs. Established Brands

36:48: Legal Challenges and Brand Integrity

37:55: Final Thoughts and Future Directions

42:04: The Future of Holies and Market Expansion

This week's guest is an absolute powerhouse in the drinks world - Ben Dando, Managing Director at Goodrays,

In their words, Goodrays provide premium, natural, great-tasting wellbeing products, all born from the power of the sun - in a range of CBD drinks, oils, and edibles.

Following on from a delicious rebrand, it was great to dive into this with Ben to hear all about his background working in the drinks world. From the days of Coca Cola and Relentless - to Karma Drinks, Califia Farms and most recently Liquid Death.

Ben has so much knowledge and so many learnings about what works - and what doesn't work.

There is SO much value in this - grab a can of Goodrays and tuck in!

As always thanks to our fantastic sponsor ⁠Mission Kitchen!⁠

If you're a chef, baker of food brand looking to grow, then head on over to book a tour at their site in Nine Elms, London today.

Also if you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible new sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous new rebrand.

They also have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today!

Check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head

Chapters

00:00: Introduction to Ben Dando and Good Rays

02:41: The Backstory of Good Rays

04:42: The Importance of Taste in Functional Beverages

07:31: Distribution and Availability of Good Rays

08:51: Rebranding Good Rays

12:52: Ben Dando's Career Journey

17:59: Challenges and Growth at Karma Drinks

23:46: International Expansion Challenges

26:15: Navigating Public Perception and Communication

28:22: Transitioning to GoodRays

29:39: Lessons from Corporate to Startup Culture

32:37: Localisation and Market Adaptation

37:12: Strategic Focus on Domestic Growth

40:39: Future Innovations and Brand Vision

5 Years ago, Katie Edmunds joined her brother as employee number 1 at Trip.

In that time the business has gone from strength to strength, becoming a household name in the functional drinks space and Katie has just been promoted to USA Director of Sales.

In this episode we dig into the importance of team dynamics, company culture, and employee wellness initiatives in how to build a high functioning team that is over 60 people now!

We delve into Tripp's expansion into the US market, tailoring and expanding their diverse product range, and the significance of resilience in sales. 

I loved this chat, and I'm sure you will too!

As always thanks to our fantastic sponsor ⁠Mission Kitchen!⁠

If you're a chef, baker of food brand looking to grow, then head on over to book a tour at their site in Nine Elms, London today.

Also if you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible new sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous new rebrand.

They also have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today!

Check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head

Chapters

00:00: Introduction to Tripp and Its Founders

03:49: The Journey of Tripp: From Concept to Brand

06:23: Team Growth and Company Culture at Tripp

09:31: Expanding into the US Market

12:03: Education and Career Path of Katie Edmunds

14:30: Challenges and Resilience in Sales

17:23: Celebrating Wins and Learning from No's

25:16: Navigating the Early Days of Tripp

27:40: The Evolution of CBD and Consumer Education

29:57: Expanding Product Range and Meeting Consumer Needs

32:35: Employee Wellness and Company Culture

34:10: Advice for Newcomers in the Industry

37:42: Finding Balance and Enjoying the Journey

This episode is a fantastic conversation digging into the real, honest and unfiltered ways of raising, saving and spending money in business - Where the hell does all the money go?

Recorded live at ⁠Bread & Jam⁠ (Thanks to ⁠Aztec⁠) this panel was with:

🌾 Thiviyan Umapathysarma - Oat Avenue

🍫 Charlotte Miller - Caroboo

🍺 Jacob Liddle - Jiddler's Tipple

Sharing the lessons and learnings along the way about ways to save, and to waste money!

I’d love to hear what you think of this one - personally I LOVED it!

As always thanks to our fantastic sponsor ⁠Mission Kitchen!⁠

If you're a chef, baker of food brand looking to grow, then head on over to book a tour at their site in Nine Elms, London today.

Also if you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible new sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous new rebrand.

They also have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today!

Check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head

Chapters

00:00: Outsourcing Production and Cost Efficiency

01:27: Founders' Journeys: Capital and Growth

01:55: Milestones and Key Achievements

05:12: Financial Lessons: Spending Wisely

09:09: Navigating Challenges and Mistakes

12:30: Effective Marketing Strategies

16:00: Understanding Margins and Pricing

19:33: Hiring Smart: Building the Right Team

22:56: Investor Relationships and Transparency

26:14: Cash Flow Management and Resourcefulness

Today's guest is a marketing legend - Rory McEntee

Rory is now the Chief Marketing (/Mischief) Officer at GymNation - a mega gym taking over the UAE with their huge well equipped offering.

He's already causing a stir with 'The Coolest Class in Dubai' and other fantastic initiatives, but I wanted to dig into his background, and what it's like moving to Dubai whilst raising a young family.

So that's exactly what we did!

Rory reflects on his experiences at GymBox, Paddy Power, Pizza Express and more - discussing how finding the right people and teams to let you have freedom of creativity can lead to some amazing PR campaigns and brand awareness.

As always thanks to our fantastic sponsor ⁠Mission Kitchen!⁠

If you're a chef, baker of food brand looking to grow, then head on over to book a tour at their site in Nine Elms, London today.

Also if you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible new sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous new rebrand.

They also have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today!

Check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head

Chapters

00:00: Introduction to Rory McKenty and Gym Nation

02:55: Moving to Dubai: A New Chapter

05:50: Innovative Marketing at Gym Nation

09:48: The Roots of Creativity

12:57: Career Progression in Marketing

17:36: Transitioning from Paddy Power to Pizza Brands

19:39: The Impact of AI on Marketing

24:53: The GymBox Experience and Highlights

25:39: Creative Freedom at GymBox

28:00: Innovative Marketing Strategies

32:34: Brand Collaborations and Creative Campaigns

35:13: Navigating Challenges in Marketing

38:36: Personal Reflections and Future Plans

41:35: Marketing in Dubai: A New Perspective

This episode is a raw & honest look at what it takes to build, and then exit your business.

Recorded live at Bread & Jam (Thanks to Aztec) this panel was with:

🐣 Anna Richey - Two Chicks 

🍲 John B Stapleton - Ex New Covent Garden Soup Co / Little Dish 

👨‍⚖️ Phil Hails-Smith - Joelson | B Corp

Sharing the highs, lows, ins and outs of building and finally existing a brand.

I’d love to hear what you think of this one - personally I LOVED it!

As always thanks to our fantastic sponsor ⁠Mission Kitchen!⁠

If you're a chef, baker of food brand looking to grow, then head on over to book a tour at their site in Nine Elms, London today.

Also if you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible new sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous new rebrand.

They also have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today!

Check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head

Chapters

00:00: Panel Introductions and Backgrounds

01:14: Understanding Exit Strategies

01:53: The Journey to Exit: Anna's Experience

02:18: New Chapter

02:47: Timing Your Exit

05:33: Key Metrics for Successful Exits

08:59: Lessons Learned from the Exit Process

11:29: The Importance of Brand Differentiation

14:30: Advice for Future Exits

18:55: Post-Exit Involvement and Future Plans

23:04: Challenges and Watch Outs in Exiting

26:57: Audience Q&A: Insights and Advice

In this episode, I talk all thing operations with Phil Peters - Director of Supply Chain Services at YF.

YF are a consultancy designed to help innovative, high-growth consumer businesses achieve mainstream scale. They provide advice and a wide range of services to retailers, investors and the brands themselves - one of which includes operations, and that's where Phil comes in!

He shares insights from his early career, key lessons learned, and the significance of cash management in business. Phil emphasises the complexities of operations and supply chain - and is on a mission to celebrate these unsung heroes with OpsFest - running for the second time this year!

I loved this chat - without Operations there is no business! Enjoy

As always thanks to our fantastic sponsor ⁠Mission Kitchen!⁠

If you're a chef, baker of food brand looking to grow, then head on over to book a tour at their site in Nine Elms, London today.

Also if you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible new sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous new rebrand.

They also have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today!

Check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head

License code: QWUZIDMAML7QE7ZI

Chapters:

00:00: Introduction to Phil and YF Consultancy

03:38: The Launch of Opsfest: A New Era for Operations

08:16: Phil's Journey: From Philosophy to Operations

17:44: Challenges in the Food Delivery Industry

22:03: Mental Health and Burnout in Operations

27:09: The Importance of Relationships and Flexibility

35:14: Operational Support for Brands

40:22: Connecting with YF and Future Opportunities

Today I have the honour and privilege of sitting down to talk with Laura Mimoun - Chief Marketing Officer at The Fulham Shore, looking after both The Real Greek and Franco Manca.

Laura's background is fantastic, having worked at Mondalez and PepsiCo, looking after brands such as Mini Eggs, Creme Egg, Green and Blacks and so many more.

Laura also had experience of being an entrepreneur herself, with the amazing Kaleido Salad Roll business.

And then taking the step back into employment for where she is today.

It's a brilliant story and SO much to gain from this - I really hope you enjoy it.

As always thanks to our fantastic sponsor ⁠Mission Kitchen!⁠

If you're a chef, baker of food brand looking to grow, then head on over to book a tour at their site in Nine Elms, London today.

Also if you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible new sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous new rebrand.

They also have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today!

Check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head

License code: QWUZIDMAML7QE7ZI

Chapters

00:00: Introduction to The Unfounders Podcast

04:04: Revamping The Real Greek: A Culinary Journey

09:09: Balancing Two Brands: Franco Manca and The Real Greek

14:34: Laura's Career Journey: From Corporate to Entrepreneur

19:40: The Challenges of Running Kaleido and Moving On

26:18: Returning to Corporate Life

32:12: Exciting New Launches and Promotions

Today's guest is the brilliant Shane Stewart - Brand Director at XOXO Soda.

XOXO are a stunning prebiotic soda brand taking over Europe and The UK - and Shane is taking the helm leading all things brand.

I loved digging into his background and past journey, working at brands like Northern Bloc ice cream and Moju.

Shane also shares the work he's doing to remove stigma around grief, with his inclusive running club Step by Steppers that he created after sadly losing his father.

Shane is an absolute legend, and I really hope you enjoy this episode!

As always thanks to our fantastic sponsor ⁠Mission Kitchen!⁠

If you're a chef, baker of food brand looking to grow, then head on over to book a tour at their site in Nine Elms, London today.

Also if you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible new sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous new rebrand.

They also have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today!

Check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head

License code: QWUZIDMAML7QE7ZI

Chapters

00:00: Introduction to XOXO Soda and Shane's Role

06:49: Consumer Trends and the Rise of Functional Beverages

11:38: Creating Moments of Joy with XOXO Soda

18:30: Balancing Work and Personal Life

25:15: Shane's Career Journey and Lessons Learned

30:31: Learning from Experience and Consumer Engagement

37:28: Overcoming Obstacles in Events and Operations

48:06: Turning Personal Loss into Positive Action

In this conversation, Will Orchard, the sales lead at Shandy Shack, shares insights into the unique offerings of the brand, which specialises in low-alcohol craft beer shandies. 

He discusses the journey of Shandy Shack, its collaborations, customer demographics, and the challenges faced during rapid growth and acquisition. 

Will also reflects on his unconventional career path, lessons learned from his time in the army, and the importance of maintaining brand identity post-acquisition. 

The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of the drinks industry and the significance of moderation in drinking culture.

Check out Will's side project The Observational Buffet here

As always thanks to our fantastic sponsor ⁠Mission Kitchen!⁠

If you're a chef, baker of food brand looking to grow, then head on over to book a tour at their site in Nine Elms, London today.

Also if you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible new sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous new rebrand.

They also have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today!

Check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Shandy Shack and Will's Role

06:04 Distribution and Collaborations

11:39 Will's Journey to Shandy Shack

16:58 Growth and Evolution of Shandy Shack

23:36 Building a Collaborative Team Culture

30:12 Transitioning to a Larger Organisation

36:32 Learning from Mistakes in Scaling