Uncommon Brands

In this episode, Parker sits down with Erica Bethe Levin, the founder of Globowl, which makes internationally-inspired baby and toddler food introducing babies to big flavors and common allergens to help prevent picky eating and mitigate food allergies.  Erica shares her entrepreneurial journey, from the initial idea behind Globowl to scaling it into a successful business and being featured on Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars. She opens up about the challenges she faced early on, how perseverance played a key role in her success, and the strategies she used to grow and market her business. Listen in for inspiring stories of resilience and advice for founders.

What was covered:

• From idea to product, how Globowl started
• Identifying an opportunity and the importance of being different 
• Taking a chance and getting on Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars
• Knowing when and how to sell to big box retailers like Target
• Erica’s vision for the future of Globowl

Globowl Links:
Website: https://globowl.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theglobowl/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@globowlfoodie

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theglobowl 

Parker Nash Links:

Website: https://www.parkertnash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash/

In this episode, Parker sits down with Molly Pittman, the CEO of Smart Marketer, a leading expert in digital marketing. Molly shares her latest insights on effective marketing strategies and how businesses can leverage these to achieve significant growth. She provides actionable advice on understanding your audience, utilizing social media platforms, and navigating the evolving landscape of paid ads and digital marketing.

Molly walks us through real-life examples and success stories, offering a clear path for entrepreneurs and marketers looking to enhance their digital presence.

What was covered:

• What many brands overlook in their marketing
• Why you think your ads aren’t working vs. the real reason they aren’t working
• What worked and didn’t work in 2024 marketing
• What to focus on in 2025 for your marketing
• The business model successful brands are developing to ride economic waves
• The new financial model Molly and team have implemented that has grown their client's business
• The importance of creatives in Meta paid ads for targeting in 2025

Molly Pittman Links:

Website: https://smartmarketer.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollypittmandigital/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-pittman-3558471b0/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@mollypittmandigital/

Parker Nash Links:

Website: https://www.parkertnash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash/

In this episode, Parker sits down with Caitlin Minges, the founder of Fun Club, a quirky and edgy gift and stationery business, and Wild As Heck, a brand makes bold hats for confident women collaborating with independent women artists to create wearable art. Caitlin shares her unique entrepreneurial journey, from creating custom party supplies for her boyfriend's party to building two successful businesses. She discusses sourcing and manufacturing challenges, the power of perseverance, and her strategies for scaling and marketing. Listen in for actionable business advice and inspiring stories of tenacity and creativity.

What was covered:

• From vet tech to founder of 2 brands
• Challenges in sourcing and manufacturing
• The power of perseverance in business
• Building a brand with independent women artists
• Navigating pricing and wholesale strategies
• Marketing and scaling: Lessons from Caitlin's experience

Caitlin Minges Links:

Website:  https://shopfunclub.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopfunclub 

Website: https://wildasheck.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildasheckshop 

Parker Nash Links:

Website:  https://www.parkertnash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash/

In this episode, Parker sits down with Berlyn Haughton, the founder of Table Tyke which creates the only placemat with a silicone bumper, ideal for protecting little ones from the table edge, providing a clean teething space that also catches spills.  Berlyn takes us through her entrepreneurial journey, transitioning from corporate life to building a thriving business. She shares insights on product development, leveraging TikTok for business growth, and her challenges in the influencer market. Berlyn also opens up about the invaluable lessons learned from appearing on Shark Tank and the strategies that helped her succeed.

Tune in to hear how Berlyn turned an inventive idea from being a mom feeding her kids into a growing kids business.

What was covered:

• From corporate life to entrepreneurship: The Table Tyke journey
• Product development: Identifying market needs and evolving the product
• Brand positioning: Building trust and navigating startup challenges
• The role of social media: How TikTok went viral for Table Tyke
• Behind the scenes of Shark Tank: Preparing for and appearing on the show
• Customer-focused success: Overcoming challenges and maintaining a customer-first approach

Berlyn Haughton Links:

Website: https://thetabletyke.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetabletyke/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheTableTyke/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thetabletyke
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thetabletyke

Parker Nash Links:

Website: https://www.parkertnash.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash/

In this episode, Parker sits down with Josh Rathbun, the founder of Cheecam, a company that helps brides and grooms capture unforgettable candid moments on their biggest day with disposable cameras and a full-service development process.  Josh takes us through his entrepreneurial journey, starting from a college project to building a thriving business. He shares insights on the challenges and strategies that helped him scale and the importance of customer communication, operational excellence, and brand positioning.

Tune in to hear how Josh turned a simple idea into a business that captures special moments at weddings, and stay till the end for valuable tips on building a customer-focused business.

What was covered:

• From college project to business: The Cheecam journey
• Identifying market needs and evolving the product
• The importance of brand positioning and building trust
• The role of customer communication in enhancing user experience
• How Josh obsesses the customer journey to deliver unforgettable experiences

Parker Nash Links:
Website: https://www.parkertnash.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash/

Joshua Rathbun Links:

Website: https://cheecam.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getcheecam

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cheecam

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rathbunjoshua/

In this episode, Parker interviews Morgan Lerner, co-founder of GoNanas.  GoNanas is modernizing the baked goods arena building a better-for-you bakery brand, using bananas to make a lower sugar, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-friendly, treats otherwise known as #notyournanas baked goods.

From a side hustle that started in the dorms at the University of Michigan, Go Blue!, GoNanas has grown into a nationwide brand, now available in over 4,000 retail locations.

Morgan also discusses the challenges of managing brand collaborations and shares valuable insights into product innovation, team building, and lessons learned from both successes and setbacks. Additionally, she highlights GoNanas' community-building efforts through their ambassador program, fostering strong connections with customers. 

Listen now.

What was covered:

• From dorm room startup to national brand – the GoNanas journey
• Growing to $1M+ in sales through monthly flavor drops
• How GoNanas built a highly engaged ambassador program to help with product and retail launches
• Developing successful collaborations with other brands like Salt & Straw
• Marketing with micro vs. macro influencers and brand collaborations

GoNanas’ Links:

Website:https://eatgonanas.com/

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/go_nanas

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/eatgonanas

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gonanas

Parker Nash Links:
Website: https://www.parkertnash.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash/ 

In this episode, Parker sits down with Travis Seera, the founder of Flikr Fireplace—a sleek, isopropyl-powered personal fireplace that redefines cozy living. Travis opens up about his eight-year journey of innovation, overcoming challenges, and his passion for designing products that meet real, personal needs. He also gives us a sneak peek into his latest venture, Spark Firestarter.

Discover the strategies that helped Flikr grow into 1,200 stores in just three years, including the value of partnering with smaller, independent retailers who deliver a personalized shopping experience. Travis shares valuable tips on how to support retail partners with marketing tools and creative sales tactics, as well as his decision to sell the business—not just for profit, but for peace of mind and the brand’s continued growth.

Tune in to hear the story of Travi’s vision, turning into a retail success, and stay till the end for insights on building your own product-based business.

What was covered:

• How Travis designed and refined his isopropyl personal fireplace over eight years.
• Travis's new project, Spark Firestarter, which reflects his passion for fire-related products.
• How to deliver unforgettable consumer experiences by focusing on user needs
• How Flikr expanded their brand by partnering with 1,200 stores
• Marketing materials and creative selling strategies to retail partners
• Why he chose to sell Flikr

Parker Nash Links:
Website: https://www.parkertnash.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash/ 

Travis Seera  Links:

Website:https://sparkfirestarter.com/

Website: https://flikrfire.com/

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sparkfirestarter/

Ever tried to change your oil at home and ended up with a mess on the driveway that looked like an oil tanker spill?  

That’s exactly why the guest on the show today started his brand.

In this episode, Mike Burns, founder and CEO of ValvoMax, shares his journey from Air Force veteran and corporate finance professional to innovative product creator and brand founder. Mike takes us through the origin of ValvoMax, a revolutionary tool that simplifies oil changes by replacing the drain bolt with a cleaner, faster, and tool-free system.

Mike discusses how his frustration with the traditional oil change process led him to develop the ValvoMax Quick Twist Valve, a product that has since gained traction amongst DIY car maintenance consumers and has landed in major retailers like Lowe’s and Canadian Tire. You’ll hear how a chance feature by YouTube personality Scotty Kilmer turned ValvoMax into a household name, as well as Mike’s insights into prototyping, manufacturing, and scaling into retail.

Don’t miss this episode packed with lessons on turning frustration into innovation, and how one influencer review can change everything.

Show highlights:

• Mike’s journey from Air Force veteran to product innovator
• The origin of ValvoMax and solving the pain points of messy oil changes
• How Scotty Kilmer’s YouTube video boosted ValvoMax sales overnight
• Breaking into major retailers like Lowe’s and Canadian Tire
• Managing the complexities of retail and financing
• The importance of focus and scaling wisely

Mike Burns and ValvoMax Links:

Website: https://www.valvomax.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valvomax

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/valvomax

Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4KUJox7oZ1FZaArful7KpQ

Parker Nash Links:
Website: https://www.parkertnash.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash/ 

Move over Eggo.  In this episode, Emily Groden, founder of  Evergreen Waffles, shares her journey from corporate lawyer to waffle entrepreneur. She delves into the evolution of Evergreen, a brand that began as a hobby in March 2020 and has rapidly grown to 3,500+ stores nationwide. Emily discusses the unique selling points of Evergreen’s frozen waffles, which pack a full serving of fruits and veggies without refined sugars or preservatives.

Hear about the development of their distinctive flavors like zucchini carrot cake and peanut butter banana bread, and the challenges she faced from early sales strategies to navigating the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic. Emily also touches on their marketing strategies, including a successful rebranding that boosted same-store sales by 62%.

Don't miss out on this insightful conversation - Tune in now!

What was covered:

• Emily's transition from corporate lawyer to entrepreneur
• Creating unique flavors and navigating early sales challenges
• How a rebrand led to +62% in same-store sales
• Manufacturing challenges and lessons
• Taking risks and shooting your shot with cold outreach

Parker Nash Links:
Website: https://www.parkertnash.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash/ 

Emily Groden’s Links:

Website: https://eatevergreen.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatevergreen/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/eatevergreen

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@eatevergreen

In this episode, Matt Butler, founder of  Tally Tumbler and a 20-year Air Force veteran, shares his inspiring journey from military service to entrepreneurship. Matt takes us through the creation of his two successful products: Rollors, an outdoor lawn game with over 150,000 units sold, and the Tally Tumbler, a unique scorekeeping drink tumbler that has seen impressive growth, especially in the golf market.

Matt also dives into his innovative marketing strategies, including a hybrid sales model and targeted digital advertising, and discusses the challenges he's faced, such as inventory management and navigating changing consumer behavior. He offers insight into his future plans, including exploring US-based production to address supply chain issues and preparing for peak sales seasons.

What was covered:

• Matt Butler’s Transition from Air Force Veteran to Entrepreneur
• Product Success: 150,000 Units of Rollors Sold
• Launching a 2nd Successful Product Brand: The Tally Tumbler
• Hybrid Sales Model and Digital Advertising
• The Ups and Downs of Inventory Management
• Leveraging Trade Shows for Product Development and Networking
• US-Based Production for Supply Chain Optimization
• Analyzing Trends and Data

Parker Nash Links:
Website: https://www.parkertnash.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash/ 

Matt Butler’s Links:

Website: https://www.tallytumbler.com/

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/tallytumbler/
Rollors: https://rollors.com/