Think Millions Podcast

In this episode of Think Millions, Dr. Alexa D’Agostino sits down with entrepreneur, strategist, and world traveler Jermane Cheathem to break down how he built a business that generated over $50M in deals while living in 40+ countries and working less than 4 hours a day.

Instead of chasing cold leads, grinding endless hours, or building a business that consumes his life, Jermaine built a completely different model:

One based on leverage, strategic partnerships, psychology, and freedom.

This conversation challenges traditional thinking around entrepreneurship, sales, wealth, and success itself.

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s possible to build a high-income business without sacrificing your life, this episode will completely shift your perspective.

Key Parts of the Conversation:

• 04:28 – Alexa and Jermane discuss how affiliate-style partnerships can replace exhausting sales cycles.
• 08:27 – A practical breakdown using a weight loss coaching example anyone can apply.
• 10:46 – Alexa shares her perspective on trust, cold audiences, and why warm partnerships convert better.
• 11:45 – Jermane explains how to reduce dependency and continually expand strategic relationships.
• 13:57 – One of the most powerful moments of the episode:
• Success is not about money, it’s about waking up excited for your life.
• 15:47 – A conversation about impact, fulfillment, peace, and why the wealthiest people rarely obsess over money.
• 17:47 – A surprising answer after living in over 40 countries.
• 18:25 – How entrepreneurs can stop trading time for money and build businesses designed for life.

Great Quotes From The Podcast:

“Life is short. Build businesses that run without you.” — Jermane Cheathem

“If I’m building a business, it should buy back my freedom before I die.” — Jermaine Cheathem

“Never sell to who you’re actually trying to sell to. Sell to the partners.” — Jermane Cheathem

“The internet complicated sales because there’s no trust.” — Dr. Alexa D’Agostino

“Psychology doesn’t change from continent to continent.” — Jermane Cheathem

“The richest people in the room didn’t want to talk about wealth. They wanted to talk about impact.” — Dr. Alexa D’Agostino

“You realize the boat, the house, the yacht… none of those things were actually what you were chasing.” — Jermane Cheathem

“Success is waking up excited about your life.” — Jermane Cheathem

“Work smarter, don’t work harder.” — Dr. Alexa D’Agostino

“If he could do it, you could do it.” — Dr. Alexa D’Agostino

Resources

• All Episodes: Think Millions Podcast
• Questions or Comments: [email protected]
• Alexa’s Instagram: @dralexadagostino
• Alexa’s Website: AlexaD'Agostino.com
• Book a Discovery Call with Alexa: Discovery Call
• ThynkFuel Agency: ThynkFuelMedia.com

In this episode of Think Millions, Dr. Alexa D’Agostino sits down with Jason Sisneros, CEO of Built to Exit, widely known as “The Architect,” to unpack what most founders never learn until it is too late: every business owner exits, but how you exit determines everything.

Jason breaks down the difference between an involuntary exit, a dictated exit, and a custom-tailored exit, while explaining why so many founders leave millions on the table when they are not prepared. From private equity expectations to clean financials, management teams, predictable revenue, due diligence, AI, and the future of business acquisitions, this conversation is a masterclass in building a company buyers actually want.

If you own a business, plan to sell one day, or simply want your company to run better without depending on you, this episode is essential listening.

Key Parts of the Conversation:

• 18:05 - Jason introduces the core concept that every founder will exit their business; what matters is whether it’s on their terms or not.
• 18:18-  Breakdown of involuntary exits, dictated exits, and custom-tailored exits, and why most founders lose control in the process.
• 20:04 - Jason compares selling a business to selling a used car; buyers actively look for flaws to lower the price, timing, and terms.
• 26:44 - Deep dive into the four key areas: predictable revenue, customer metrics, financial clarity, management team, and exit readiness.
• 24:04 - Discussion on why businesses don’t fail due to lack of ideas, but due to lack of structure and systems.
• 38:57 - Jason explains why founders must define the number and outcome that buys back their time, freedom, and choice.
• 36:07 - The “arrogance and ignorance matrix” and how it prevents founders from seeking the help they actually need.
• 37:08 - Why not every buyer is real,  and how failing to do proper due diligence can cost millions.
• 42:25 -  Jason explains why AI will amplify businesses, and why those combining AI with human value will win.
• 46:33 - Jason shares his experience and why the real value comes from relationships, conversations, and being in the right room.

Great Quotes From The Podcast:

“Everybody exits. How matters.”

“You want to control three things: price, timing, and terms.”

“In a dictated exit, you control none of those.”

“Buyers of businesses are experts at finding what reduces your value.”

“Business is not a bathrobe. One size does not fit all.”

“Your exit is dependent on where you are right now.”

“Businesses don’t fail from a lack of ideas. They fail from a lack of structure.”

“If you are necessary for predictable revenue, you are not going to sell the way you want to.”

“People don’t buy your story. They buy predictable return.”

Resources

• All Episodes: Think Millions Podcast
• Questions or Comments: [email protected]
• Alexa’s Instagram: @dralexadagostino
• Alexa’s Website: AlexaD'Agostino.com
• Book a Discovery Call with Alexa: Discovery Call
• ThynkFuel Agency: ThynkFuelMedia.com

In this episode of Think Millions, I break down what really happens when you bring 36 millionaires, 3 billionaires, and a celebrity together in one room, and what it taught me about wealth, leadership, and legacy.

Most people believe billionaires are different because of money.

They’re not.

They think differently. They operate differently. And more importantly, they build differently.

What started as a high-level mastermind in a third-world country quickly turned into a real-time test of leadership when everything almost fell apart just days before the event.

And what happened next reinforced one of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned:

👉 Control is an illusion. Network is leveraged.

From how billionaires build multi-generational wealth, to how they think about risk, relationships, and access, this episode breaks down the exact mindset shifts that separate income from true wealth.

If you’re serious about building something that lasts, not just making money, this conversation will change how you see everything.

Key Parts of the Conversation:

00:02 – Why billionaires are different (and it’s not money)
The biggest misconception about wealth is what actually separates high-level thinkers.

00:44 – “Control is an illusion. Network is leverage.”
The foundational belief that changes how you build wealth.

01:04 – When everything falls apart (real leadership moment)
Losing a keynote speaker days before the event, and the decision to spiral or activate.

01:48 – The power of your network in real time
Why asking for help led to 3 billionaires showing up instead of 1.

02:25 – The first lesson: Wealth is built through relationships
Why leverage isn’t systems, it’s people.

02:41 – Billionaires vs millionaires (the real difference)
Humility, presence, and why “money screams, real money whispers.”

03:49 – How generational wealth actually starts
Why it begins at age 8, and has nothing to do with money strategies.

05:39 – Lesson 2: You will get burned, invest anyway
Why does avoiding risk limit your growth more than failure?

07:03 – Lesson 3: Follow family offices
How the smartest money moves, and how to spot the signals.

07:56 – Lesson 4: Access is earned, not given
Why value, not proximity, is what gets you in the right rooms.

09:22 – Final lesson: It’s actually possible
Breaking the myth of generational wealth, and what it really takes.

10:17 – The biggest mistake: Building income, not infrastructure
Why most people never create lasting wealth.

11:00 – Why your environment determines your growth
The importance of being in the right rooms with the right people.

Great Quotes from the Episode

•  “Control is an illusion. Network is leverage.” 
•  “Money screams. Real money whispers.” 
•  “Success doesn’t make you important. It makes you responsible.” 
•  “If your kids only see the lifestyle, they’re already losing.” 
•  “You will get burned anyway, so you might as well invest anyway.” 
•  “You will get better at picking people, not perfect, better.” 
•  “Access isn’t about proximity. It’s about value.” 
•  “You don’t knock to get in the room, you contribute.” 
•  “The smartest money doesn’t guess. It leaves clues.” 
•  “The problem isn’t that wealth is impossible. The problem is that most people are building income, not infrastructure.” 
•  “If you want wealth to last generations, you have to think beyond yourself.” 
•  “Growth doesn’t happen alone. It happens in the right rooms.”

Resources

• A

TikTok Live isn’t a gimmick.

It’s the next trillion-dollar shift in commerce.

In this episode, I break down why TikTok’s identity crisis is actually the biggest opportunity for brands heading into 2026, and why live selling is no longer optional.

China has already proven the model.
 The U.S. is next.

If you’re still “testing” TikTok… you’re late.

This episode explains:

• Why chaos creates cheap attention
 • Why velocity matters more than followers
 • Why TikTok Shop will eat into Amazon’s market share
 • Why live selling is the next distribution channel
 • Why marketing rewards momentum, not meetings

Key parts of the conversation:

0:31 — Chaos Equals Cheap Attention 

“When platforms are in identity crisis mode, that's where early movers win.”

This is the strategic window most brands miss.

0:56 — The Core Truth

“Chaos equals cheap attention. Cheap attention equals high margin opportunity.”

This is the growth equation for 2026.

1:25 — Social Media Is Evolving Again

You outline the evolution:
 Photo → Stories → Entertainment → Commerce-first content

This is where brands need to adjust.

1:51 — Selling on Social Isn’t Cringey Anymore

“Selling on social is no longer cringy. It's expected.”

Massive buyer behavior shift.

2:11 — Trends Don’t Wait

“Marketing doesn't wait. It rewards momentum, not meetings.”

One of the strongest lines in the episode.

2:54 — You Don’t Need Perfect

“You don't need perfect lighting or scripts. You need speed, authenticity, and a buy button.”

Execution > aesthetics.

3:08 — The Predictions

You lay out what’s coming in the next 12 months:

• TikTok Shop eats into Amazon
• Live-selling brands outperform paid-only brands
• 7-figure creators emerge from TikTok Shop
• Early movers dominate

4:05 — The Real Problem

“Most brands are stuck waiting for the proof instead of building presence now.”

This is the hesitation trap.

4:31 — Velocity Over Followers

“TikTok isn’t about followers. It’s about velocity.”

Critical mindset shift.

Great quotes from the podcast:

• “Be a case study, not a cautionary tale.”

• “Velocity beats followers.”

•  “Chaos equals cheap attention.”

•  “Marketing rewards momentum, not meetings.”

•  “If you're still building your TikTok strategy, you're already losing.”

•  “Attention is currency. Conversion is the ROI.”

Resources

• All Episodes: Think Millions Podcast
• Questions or Comments: [email protected]
• Alexa’s Instagram: @dralexadagostino
• Alexa’s Website: AlexaD'Agostino.com
• Book a Discovery Call with Alexa: Discovery Call
• ThynkFuel Agency: ThynkFuelMedia.com

Most e-commerce brands think they have a traffic problem.

They don’t.

They have a leakage problem, and it’s draining their bank accounts every single day.

In this episode of Think Millions, Dr. Alexa D’Agostino sits down with Matthew Stafford, an E-commerce Growth Expert who has helped hundreds of brands cross the million-dollar mark without dumping more money into ads.

Matthew has seen the backend of more Shopify stores than most founders ever will — and what he sees over and over again is the same pattern: brands blame ads, social, and platforms while ignoring what’s actually broken after the click.

In this conversation, we break down:

• Why most stores are failing before the first click
• The #1 revenue leak hiding in plain sight
• Why ads get blamed for website failures
• How clarity beats persuasion every time
• Why redesigns don’t fix conversion problems
• The mindset block keeping founders stuck at 6–7 figures
• How data (not design trends) actually drives scale

This episode isn’t about hacks or tactics.
It’s about fixing the real mechanics of growth, and getting out of your own way.

Keys Parts of the Conversation:

1. (0:10–0:52) | You Don’t Have a Traffic Problem
   Why most Shopify stores are leaking money after the click.
2. (4:12–4:31) | Ads Aren’t Broken, Websites Are
   The real reason paid traffic doesn’t convert.
3.  (3:18–3:28) | Why Confused Buyers Don’t Buy
   Clarity vs persuasion in modern e-commerce.
4. (5:19–5:35) | High-Converting Sites Are Built With Data
   Why redesigns fail and analytics matter.
5. (6:44–7:05) | The Biggest Revenue Leak: Navigation
   How buyers actually find (or don’t find) products.
6. (9:42–10:23) | How to Identify Where Your Store Is Bleeding Money
   Using add-to-cart, checkout, and conversion data correctly.
7. (10:45–11:15) | What “Good” Conversion Rates Actually Look Like
   Benchmarks based on AOV.
8.  (12:03–14:05) | Why Brands Stall at 6–7 Figures
   The mindset issue that founders don’t want to admit.
9. (16:45–17:32) | Scaling Isn’t Magic, It’s Mechanics
   The real formula behind sustainable growth.

Great Quotes from the Podcast:

• “Most e-commerce brands don’t have a traffic problem. They have a leakage problem.”
• “If people are clicking but not buying, the ads aren’t broken, the site is.”
• “Confused buyers don’t convert. They bounce.”
• “A high-converting site isn’t built with design tools. It’s built with data.”
• “Pretty doesn’t scale. Clarity does.”
• “You can’t fix what you don’t measure.”
• “Most founders would rather redesign their site than read their own metrics.”
• “Businesses don’t have business problems — they have people problems.”
• “Scaling isn’t magic. It’s mechanics.”
• “Stop throwing money at traffic before you fix the leaks.”

Resources:

• All Episodes: Think Millions Podcast
• Questions or Comments: [email protected]
• Alexa’s Instagram: @dralexadagostino
• Alexa’s Website: AlexaD'Agostino.com
• Book a Discovery Call with Alexa: Discovery Call
• ThynkFuel Agency: ThynkFuelMedia.com

In this powerhouse episode of the Think Millions Podcast, host Dr. Alexa D’Agostino sits down with Timothy Rexius, CEO of Rexius Nutrition, Iron Heaven Gyms, and Omaha Protein Popcorn- for a raw, tactical, deep dive on building multi-million-dollar brands without outside funding, scaling through people, and turning “failure data” into breakout growth. From raising six kids while running three companies to a 20,000% relaunch after a day-one tradeshow flop, this convo is a masterclass in grit, systems, and brand clarity.

Keys Parts of the Conversation:

• 1:06 – 3:35 | Family as Fuel & Early Involvement
  How six kids became an asset in brand-building, softening the approach at events, and sparking product ideas—plus the “seven shared calendars” system that keeps life and business in sync.
• 3:35 – 6:09 | Why Protein Popcorn Exists
  Solving a real problem at home: getting kids and older adults to consume protein. 600 batches later, candy-coated protein popcorn is born.
• 13:18 – 14:06 | Be Somebody’s Something
  Tim’s mentor line: “Don’t try to be everybody’s everything—be somebody’s something.” Staying in your lane beats carrying every product under the sun.
• 17:25 – 18:12 | Tradeshow Faceplant → Breakout Pivot
  Day one: zero foot traffic. A Hershey’s exec delivers brutal feedback; they add the words “Protein Popcorn,” and lines form for two straight days.
• 18:54 – 19:10 | The 20,000% Relaunch
  Wife and daughters redesign the brand for the real buyer. New look, mascot, color system—demand explodes across 14 countries.
• 21:53 – 23:31 | Scaling Through People, Not Heroics
  Selling stores to staff, franchising to insiders, and moving to a chairman role while partners run SOPs and day-to-day.
• 23:45 – 24:18 | Permission to Innovate
  Empowering a 21-year-old operator to “step on my toes.” Merging Gen-Z ideas with seasoned strategy.
• 24:30 – 25:23 | Owner Mindset at Every Level
  Profit sharing, equity for key team members (including his former nanny turned assistant), and why 200 “owner eyes” beat one founder.

Great Quotes from the Podcast:

• “If I’m going to be broke, I might as well be happy and broke—not miserable and broke.”
• “Don’t try to be everybody’s everything—be somebody’s something.”
• “The ability to shake a hand and cultivate a relationship creates repeat business you can’t buy with ads.”
• “Our first expo day nobody stopped at the booth. Day two, one banner change to ‘Protein Popcorn’ and there were thousands in line.”
• “Women make 80% of buying decisions—I was marketing to me. That had to change.”
• “I look at every employee as a long-term interview for a future partnership.”
• “When you give people ownership and profit sharing, you get 200 sets of owner-eyes on the business.”
• “The popcorn started as a way to trick my kids into getting protein—then the market told us we’d built a brand.”
• “Ego holds you in the operator seat. Let others lead so you can build the brand, the systems, and the future.”

Resources:

• All Episodes: Think Millions Podcast
• Questions or Comments: [email protected]
• Alexa’s Instagram: @dralexadagostino
• Alexa’s Website: AlexaD'Agostino.com
• Book a Discovery Call with Alexa: Discovery Call
• ThynkFuel Agency: ThynkFuelMedia.com

Most companies don’t have a marketing problem.
They have a trust problem.

Specifically, a trust breakdown between the CEO and the CMO.

In this episode of Think Millions, I unpack why CEOs don’t trust marketing leaders, why CMOs feel set up to fail, and why both sides are actually right. Modern buying behavior has changed, but the mental models and measurement systems evaluating marketing have not.

Buying is nonlinear.
Decisions happen privately.
Influence happens long before attribution ever shows up.

Yet marketing is still judged at the end of the funnel.

This episode breaks down the real reason trust erodes, why marketing feels invisible even when it is working, and how leadership teams can fix the disconnect without forcing marketing into outdated boxes.

No hype. No theory. Just what actually happens inside real companies trying to scale.

Key parts of the conversation:

0:16 – Why CEOs don’t trust CMOs and why CMOs feel set up to fail
0:54 – The stat that should make every CMO uncomfortable
1:14 – Why trust controls budgets, hiring, and risk
1:29 – One third of Fortune 500 companies eliminating the CMO role
2:01 – Why CEOs and CMOs are both right
2:12 – The outdated system quietly killing trust
2:36 – Rising expectations, shrinking budgets, impossible timelines
2:58 – Brand and trust compound quietly but are evaluated loudly
3:06 – Why modern buying no longer happens in a straight line
3:20 – Marketing influencing outcomes before it can be measured
3:34 – The burnout and trust fracture inside marketing teams
3:41 – Most marketing arguments are actually about fear
3:51 – Why uncertainty makes leaders pull back
4:13 – Marketing used to feel simpler, even with less data
4:25 – Marketing shapes preference before pipeline
4:30 – CEOs are asking the wrong question, not an unreasonable one
4:36 – Marketing is no longer transactional; it is directional

Great quotes from the podcast:

• “Most companies don’t have a marketing problem. They have a trust problem.”

• “80% of CEOs do not trust their CMOs. That should scare you.”

• “Trust is the foundation of every decision a company makes.”

• “When trust exists, leaders invest forward. When it breaks, leaders pull back.”

• “The CEO isn’t wrong. The CMO isn’t wrong. The system is outdated.”

• “Marketing is being evaluated on outcomes that no longer happen in a straight line.”

• “Marketing is influencing outcomes before it can be measured.”

• “Marketing is doing two jobs at once shaping perception early and justifying results late.”

• “Most marketing arguments aren’t about marketing. They’re about fear.”

• “Marketing is no longer transactional. It’s directional.”

• “Strong marketing starts to look invisible when measurement lives too late.”

Resources

• All Episodes: Think Millions Podcast
• Questions or Comments: [email protected]
• Alexa’s Instagram: @dralexadagostino
• Alexa’s Website: AlexaD'Agostino.com
• Book a Discovery Call with Alexa: Discovery Call
• ThynkFuel Agency: ThynkFuelMedia.com

In this powerhouse episode of the Think Millions Podcast, host Dr. Alexa D’Agostino sits down with Stephen Scoggins to dive into the hidden challenges even successful entrepreneurs face. Despite outward success, many still struggle internally with fear, burnout, and limiting beliefs that block their next level of growth.

Stephen shares the mindset shifts and hard truths needed to break through these invisible barriers. From overcoming self-sabotage to redefining what success truly means, his personal story and strategies will leave you inspired and equipped to grow, mentally, emotionally, and financially.

If you've ever hit a milestone and still felt stuck, this episode will show you how to release the blocks that are holding you back from becoming your most powerful self.

Key Parts of the Conversation:

• [02:15] Fear doesn’t go away with wealth – Stephen explains how fear simply changes shape as you climb the success ladder.
• [07:40] The hidden cost of burnout – Why many entrepreneurs push through exhaustion and how to recognize early warning signs.
• [14:10] Breaking free from limiting beliefs – Stephen shares actionable steps to rewire your mindset and remove invisible success barriers.
• [21:30] Building sustainable success – A framework for achieving growth while maintaining mental and emotional well-being.
• [29:50] Redefining what it means to be wealthy – Moving beyond money to experience true fulfillment and freedom.

Great Quotes from the Podcast:

• “Fear doesn’t disappear with wealth, it just puts on a nicer suit.” 
• “Burnout isn’t a badge of honor; it’s a warning sign that your success isn’t sustainable.”
• “Your next level of growth isn’t about doing more, it’s about believing differently.”
• “True wealth is when your mind is as free as your bank account is full.”
• “Limiting beliefs are invisible fences, you won’t see them until you try to break through.”

Resources

• All Episodes: Think Millions Podcast
• Questions or Comments: [email protected]
• Alexa’s Instagram: @dralexadagostino
• Alexa’s Website: AlexaD'Agostino.com
• Book a Discovery Call with Alexa: Discovery Call
• ThynkFuel Agency: ThynkFuelMedia.com

In this powerful episode of Think Millions, Dr. Alexa D’Agostino sits down with Mark Murphy, CEO of Northeast Private Client Group, bestselling author of The Ultimate Investment, and one of the top-ranked financial security professionals in the U.S.

Mark shares his 40-year journey in the financial planning industry and reveals why wealth without intention is meaningless. This episode isn’t just about money, it’s about building a life by design, cultivating multi-generational wealth, and becoming the kind of leader who lifts others along the way.

From differentiating yourself in a crowded market to investing in yourself and your community, Mark delivers a masterclass in strategic thinking, wealth philosophy, and personal growth. If you’re ready to level up your income, impact, and inner circle, this one’s for you.

• [2:43] Networking vs. Net-Weaving
  Mark’s philosophy on building transformational relationships through value-first giving.
• [4:10] What Strategy Really Means
  Strategy isn’t about more money, it’s about multi-generational wealth and a life by design.
• [4:39] The Only 3 True Wealth Builders
  Business, real estate, and financing deals, not traditional financial vehicles.
• [5:28] The Golden Rules
  Your money must work while you sleep. Your business must make revenue without you.
• [6:25] Two Businesses Every Entrepreneur Has
  Cash-flow business vs. the visionary business they wish they had.
• [7:06] Making Bets, Not Just Guesses
  Growth comes from informed risks backed by strong networks.
• [8:27] Entrepreneurial Ego & Lifestyle Creep
  The dangers of keeping up with the Joneses and overspending.
• [9:04] ARR Over Flashy Assets
  Importance of predictable recurring revenue over risky one-time wins.
• [10:12] Failure = Market Research
  Optimists see failure as feedback. Pessimists expect it. Mindset is everything.
• [11:04] Opportunity Thinking
  Entrepreneurs see problems as windows to innovate and pivot.
• [12:22] Book Success
  The Ultimate Investment hits #1 on Amazon—25,000+ copies sold in week one.

• “I don’t believe in competition. I believe in differentiation.”
• “True wealth is built in your business, in real estate, and by financing deals—not by hoarding 401ks.”
• “The best investment you’ll ever make is the one you make in yourself.”
• “Entrepreneurship isn’t a title. It’s a way of thinking.”
• “Money is never about math—it’s always about psychology.”
• “You can’t believe your own bullshit. The world has a way of keeping you humble.”
• “Failure isn’t final—it’s market research in disguise.”
• “I want to be the best husband and father I can be. Business is easy. Family is the real work.”
• “If your income isn’t recurring, your lifestyle is always at risk.”
• “Who do I need to collaborate with to grow my freedom—not just my income?”

Resources

• All Episodes: Think Millions Podcast
• Questions or Comments: [email protected]
• Alexa’s Instagram: @dralexadagostino
• Alexa’s Website: AlexaD'Agostino.com
• Book a Discovery Call with Alexa: Discovery Call
• ThynkFuel Agency: ThynkFuelMedia.com

In this episode of the Think Millions Podcast, Dr. Alexa D’Agostino sits down with Ashley Rogers, a powerhouse in the CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) space. Ashley has built and sold four companies, generated over $40 million in sales, and now dedicates her time to helping founders avoid costly mistakes through her mentorship platform, Shelf-Made.

From baking protein cookies in her kitchen to leading Sprinkle CPG and working with Sprinkles Cupcakes, Ashley shares her hard-won lessons on retail strategy, product development, and the emotional highs and lows of entrepreneurship. She also dives into why small brands fail in big-box retail, how to break into stores like Target, and why building community is the secret weapon most founders overlook.

Whether you're launching your first product or scaling your second, this episode is a masterclass in grit, strategy, and brand-building brilliance.

Key Parts of the Conversation:

1:27 – 2:36 – Why She Keeps Returning to CPG
Despite the grind, Ashley thrives in the space because of her passion and resilience.

2:36 – 4:13 – The Buff Bake Origin Story
From health-conscious cravings to protein cookies made in her kitchen and scaled with hustle.

4:23 – 5:19 – Spudzy and Building with Mission
Creating a brand around upcycled sweet potatoes and learning the power of brand purpose.

5:33 – 7:12 – Learning from Mistakes
Ashley’s biggest lesson: pricing for profit. Margins matter more than hype.

7:51 – 10:49 – Getting into Retail (and Staying There)
Why small brands fail in retail and the importance of starting small, building a data story, and focusing geographically.

10:49 – 12:50 – What Went Wrong with Mighty Yum
Dr. Alexa shares her own CPG challenges—scaling too fast, shelf-life issues, and cash flow struggles.

12:54 – 14:08 – Retail vs. D2C
Why TikTok Shops are the new frontier and why it all depends on your product.

15:16 – 16:15 – Where to Invest First
Put your first dollars into product development and branding—not just marketing.

16:23 – 17:10 – Red Flags in Early Brands
If it doesn’t look good or taste good, it won’t last.

17:55 – 18:58 – Product or Story: What Comes First?
Founders are the new influencers. People buy into people before the product.

19:31 – 20:25 – From Spudzy to Sprinkle CPG
How Ashley leveraged relationships and investment to transition into her next big chapter.

21:32 – 24:39 – Shelf-Made: Building a Founders Community
A behind-the-scenes look at Ashley’s platform to help CPG founders navigate the industry and connect with each other.

24:44 – 26:06 – Final Fun Question
Ashley’s guilty pleasure snack, chocolate—and a shoutout to Sprinkles chocolate line.

Great Quotes from the Podcast:

• "I’m an idea person and an executor. You just have to start."
• "Getting on the shelf is one thing. Staying on the shelf is a whole different game."
• "It took me three companies to understand the importance of pricing for profit."
• "If it doesn’t taste good, no one’s buying it again. If it doesn’t look good, they won’t buy it the first time."
• "Start small. Make one retailer work before you chase all of them."
• "Founders are the new influencers. People want to buy into people, not just products."
• "Creating a product is fucking hard. That’s why I built Shelf-Made—to make it a little less lonely."

Resources

• All Episodes: Think Millions Podcast
• Questions or Comments: [email protected]
• Alexa’s Instagram: @dralexadagostino
• Alexa’s Website: A