TrepTalks with Sushant

Jared Madsen, founder of Madsen Cycles, shares the story of getting inspired by the Danish culture of using cargo bikes as a family transportation vehicle and deciding to bring the idea to the US. Jared shares the initial skepticism he faced from the cycling industry but forged forward anyways to build his business. Jared shares lessons learned in business, building a community, and challenges with marketing a new concept as well as shipping a large object.

Jessica Stellwagen of Bodify, a Med-Spa specializing in CoolSculpting shares how she partnered with her sister, fundraised half-a million dollars, and utilized her business acumen to quickly become one of the top CoolScultping clinics in the United States. Jessica shares her lessons in business building, building a high-performing team culture, and marketing strategies that helped her to grow quickly. 

Steven Sashen, founder of Xero Shoes shares the story of building an innovative footwear company where the products (shoes) allow natural barefoot fit and comfort and let feet do what is natural - bending, flexing, moving, and feeling. Steven talks about building the company initially through organic growth, shark-tank experience, and being profitable from the start. 

Dylan Lam of Omirank shares his journey of becoming an Amazon entrepreneur and launching multiple successful products and brands on Amazon. Dylan has now launched an Agency that is helping aspiring Amazon entrepreneurs succeed through Product Validation, PPC advertising, and helping to set up successful Product Launches. 

Olivier Momma, Founder of Ekster, shares how he came to the US as a Fulbright scholar and decided to create a trackable wallet brand after meeting his co-founder in business school. Olivier shares his experiences launching a successful Kickstarter campaign, challenges with marketing and customer acquisition, and goal of building a global smart travel gear brand.

Bill Spohn, Co-Owner of TruTechTools shares the story of building the largest niche tools business for HVAC technicians by focusing on providing a great customer service experience and educational resources for the customers.

David Dennis of Ventana Surfboards and Supplies shares the story of creating a high-end, beautifully designed, and eco-friendly wooden surfboards that sell for thousands of dollars and can be used as art-pieces. 

David Smith, founder of Mattress Depot USA, shares how he got started in the mattress business selling discount liquidation mattresses and eventually built a successful chain store mattress retail brand in the US. David shares the details of mattress industry, business models, and what it takes to become successful in this highly competitive industry.

Michael Benarde, Co-founder of NightCap, a simple Scrunchie that covers a drink glass and prevents spiking, shares the story of how his sister dreamt of the product and then the brother/sister team worked together to bring it to market. Michael shares great insights on how they have made NightCap popular among college students, outsourcing operations, and building B2B partnerships. 

Johnathan Price of Down4SoundShop.com shares how he built an organic social media following around car audio products and built an e-commerce brand first selling other brand products and then creating his own product line. Johnathan has been wildly successful with this business and attributes success to his work ethic but also to building an authentic connection with his audience.