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    Startup to Storefront

    STARTUP TO STOREFRONT brings the stories of stand-out companies and individuals building the future with innovative and forward-thinking ideas. Focusing on leaders and innovators who work harder AND smarter, hosts Diego Torres-Palma and Nick Conrad give the inside track into what it takes to be an entrepreneur. Diego brings his expertise to each show as an angel investor and founder of a fashion/tech company, a data analytics company, and a real estate development company. Interviewing entrepreneurs and other success stories who have built a business or a brand give our audience insight and a roadmap that will generate and motivate more entrepreneurs by simply listening to the podcast.
    en-us252 Episodes

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    Episodes (252)

    Carrie Barber - Make Beauty 💄

    Carrie Barber - Make Beauty 💄

    This week we’re sitting down with Carrie Barber of MAKE Beauty. Carrie navigated her career with some of the most influential brands in beauty, with roles at top companies such as Sephora, Augustinus Bader, Bloomingdales and VIOLET GREY, establishing herself as part of the industry’s new guard of tastemakers. Carrie harnesses the advancements of biotechnology and formulates each product with sustainable botanical materials, lab engineered natural ingredients, and skin-compatible synthetics that go beyond the concept of clean. MAKE products are formulated using botanical and botanically derived ingredients and tested synthetic ingredients.

    This episode’s key highlights:

    Learn about Carrie's journey to create MAKE Beauty and understand the brand's unique strategies that contribute to its lasting impact in the beauty industry.

    Explore Carrie's shift from working with major beauty brands to becoming an entrepreneur. Learn about the challenges and victories that led her to forge her path.

    Discover how Carrie conquered dyslexia, turning it into a strength in her entrepreneurial journey. Explore the mindset and support systems that empowered her success.

    Dive into what lies ahead for MAKE Beauty, exploring upcoming developments and strategies. Learn about the envisioned steps for growth and success in the brand's future.

    Startup to Storefront
    en-usMarch 12, 2024

    Cyndi Bray - Wad-Free (as seen on Shark Tank 🦈)

    Cyndi Bray - Wad-Free (as seen on Shark Tank 🦈)

    This week, we're featuring Cyndi Bray, the creator of Wad-Free, as seen on Shark Tank!

    Wad-Free is a wad preventer that eliminates tangled, twisted, and balled-up laundry. Cyndi invented Wad-Free to help laundry-doers fight the battle against the dreaded sheet wad. One year after launching Wad-Free, Cyndi was featured on ABC’s Shark Tank and landed a deal with Mr. Wonderful himself, Kevin O’Leary.

    On this episode, we'll cover:

    How Cyndi went from being a Shark Tank fan to appearing on the show.

    The secret behind Wad-Free’s explosive success.Whether Cyndi had a particular Shark in mind before her appearance on the show.

    How she developed and launched her product all by herself, in the middle of a pandemic!

    This episode was sponsored by Riverside:
    Sign up today using StartupToStorefront for 15% OFF -- https://creators.riverside.fm/StartupToStorefront

    Standard Self Care I Hannah Minardi & Austin Wiberg

    Standard Self Care I Hannah Minardi & Austin Wiberg

    This week, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Hannah Minardi and Austin Wiberg, the duo behind Standard Self Care. Former college friends turned business partners, they have set out on a mission to revolutionize the personal care industry by creating high-performance products with meticulously tested formulas that instill the highest confidence. In this episode, you won't want to miss out on:

    :iphone: The importance of testing everything, especially in the realm of digital marketing, and how no one’s idea is insignificant.
    :books: How Standard Self Care goes beyond just selling products, focusing on educating consumers and fostering a community of informed individuals.
    :chart_with_upwards_trend: The insightful discussion on the pivotal role of choosing the right business partners and how it has contributed to the sustained success and longevity of Standard Self Care.Tune in to gain valuable insights from Hannah and Austin as they share their journey, vision, and the core principles that drive their business forward.

    SOMOS | Miguel Leal - The Future of Mexican Cooking at Home

    SOMOS | Miguel Leal - The Future of Mexican Cooking at Home
    Welcome to this weeks episode, recorded using Riverside, your all-in-one online podcast and video studio. 

    This week’s guest is Miguel Leal, Cofounder and CEO of SOMOS. Miguel created SOMOS alongside his friends Rodrigo Zuloaga and Daniel Lubetsky after coming to the United States and being disappointed with the options for creating truly delicious Mexican meals at home. Discover why the market for cooking Mexican food at home is projected to grow to 30 billion dollars in the next five to ten years. Join us as we discuss the importance of cooking Mexican cuisine and why it is becoming as popular as Italian food. As consumers begin to spot the brand’s brightly colored packaging (inspired by Mexican alebrijes) of all non-GMO plant-based entrees (all microwavable in 90 seconds), rices, beans, chips, and salsas in stores, Miguel hopes they will also discover a Mexico far more diverse than rice and beans.

    In this episode you’ll learn:

    The story behind starting a CPG brand.

    How Mexican food surpassed Italian during COVID.

    The 30 Billion Dollar Mexican cooking market.

    The idea behind Juntos Market: A Fusion of Asian and Latin American Cuisine.


    This episode was sponsored by Riverside:
    Sign up today using StartupToStorefront for 15% OFF -- sign up now 

     

    Hyperice | Jim Huether from $10 million to $142 million in 24 months

    Hyperice | Jim Huether from $10 million to $142 million in 24 months

    Welcome to our conversation with Jim Huether, CEO of Hyperice. Join us as we delve into the company's incredible growth, from $10 million to $142 million in just 24 months. In this episode, we'll cover: 

    The impact of maximizing TV exposure.

    Jim Huether's strategies for navigating the challenges of being a CEO.

    The pivotal role of the Hypervolt in Hyperice's remarkable success.

    Over a short duration in 2020, Hyperice struck league-wide partnerships with the NFL, MLB, NBA, PGA Tour, UFC and US Soccer. Chief rival Therabody inked deals with the NWSL and ATP Tour. Both companies also scooped up numerous team partnerships and star athlete ambassador relationships.

    The three-year agreement Hyperice had with the NFL has now lapsed, meaning it is no longer the exclusive sideline supplier, although it has built up significant brand loyalty among the players. And part of the original arrangement was an investment in Hyperice from 32 Equity, the NFL investment vehicle.

    Dutch | Joe Spector - Revolutionizing Pet Telehealth

    Dutch | Joe Spector - Revolutionizing Pet Telehealth
    Welcome to our interview with Joe Spector of Dutch, the premier direct-to-consumer pet telehealth company dedicated to revolutionizing pet telemedicine. Joe's journey from fleeing Uzbekistan as a young Jewish refugee to the mission of Dutch is a true testament to the American dream. In this episode, we will delve into:
    • Joe's inspiring escape from Uzbekistan as a Jewish refugee at the tender age of 7.
    • The profound influence of Joe's grandfather's business on his commitment to making healthcare more accessible.
    • Dutch's impactful initiatives in bringing life-changing care to pets nationwide.

    Dutch is on a mission to revolutionize telemedicine for pets (just how Hims, One Medical, and Better Health have changed telemedicine for humans) through affordable and accessible healthcare plans. It is founded by the former CoFounder of Hims & Hers, Joe Spector, who has an incredible story that is a testament to the American dream.

    With the state of California just recently making veterinary telehealth legal as of January 1 by passing AB 1399, Dutch is the preeminent expert in the business of pet telehealth which is quickly becoming a national topic. 

    This episode is brought to you by Riverside:  Sign up now with 15% OFF using our Discount Code: StartupToStorefront

    Curie | Sarah Moret's Path to $20 Million - as seen on Shark Tank

    Curie | Sarah Moret's Path to $20 Million - as seen on Shark Tank
    In this episode, you'll discover the inspiring story of Sarah Moret, founder of Curie, who turned frustration into success. From creating a performance-based deodorant formula to expanding into a body care line, Sarah's journey is filled with challenges and triumphs, including her appearance on Shark Tank. Join us as we delve into the entrepreneurial spirit and the transformative power of Shark Tank. In this episode you'll discover:

    • The inspiring origin of the name Curie.
    • The transformative impact of Shark Tank on her business.
    • The evolution of Curie's hero product into a body care line.

    Use STARTUP20 for 20% your next order from Curie

    Cowboy Drifter - Chuck Carrington & Michael Lange

    Cowboy Drifter - Chuck Carrington & Michael Lange

    Ever wonder how to make a movie or a television show? Join us for an exclusive conversation with Chuck Carrington and Michael Lange as they unveil the behind-the-scenes of 'Cowboy Drifter'.

    Uncover:

    🎞️ Innovative guerrilla filmmaking tactics that breathed life into the story.

    🎬 The art of resourcefulness in unleashing creativity within budget constraints.

    🎥 Harnessing musical talent to craft a captivating soundtrack that embellished the narrative.

    About the movie: Can a man find redemption when he's never placed any value on his own life? When Caskie Jones goes searching for a father he hasn't seen in thirty years he gets more than he bargained. Will it be enough to win back those he loves?

    George Gascon - Los Angeles County District Attorney

    George Gascon - Los Angeles County District Attorney

    Join us as we welcome back Los Angeles County District Attorney, George Gascon.


    Currently, Gascon is campaigning for reelection in 2024. To quote a recent speech given by the DA: “This campaign is not about me, this is a community movement. This is about looking at the criminal justice system of the 21st Century not with a rearview mirror but looking forward. Reform is the collective work of people, both in our community and in the legal system -attorneys as well those who are being impacted, victims and accused. We’re fully committed to fighting for our shared values: investing in community health and safety while ending the death penalty, no longer prosecuting children as adults, and holding law enforcement and big corporations accountable.”

    In this enlightening episode, you’ll gain insight into:

    The truth about crime rates as we dispel misconceptions.

    The potential of mental health beds as a solution to housing insecurity.

    Gascon’s passionate journey to make a difference in his community as both a police officer and a prosecutor.

     

     

    Bezel - Quaid Walker ⌚

    Bezel - Quaid Walker ⌚

    Step into the watch enthusiast's paradise at Bezel - where luxury meets legacy. Unveil a world of timekeeping opulence with a $400+ million collection, accompanied by a bespoke concierge experience that redefines support and quality assurance.

    In this episode you’ll learn about:

    🕰️ Bezel's Revolutionizing Partnerships:
       - Pioneering collaborations reshaping the watch industry
       - Redefining standards and unlocking new realms of possibility

    ⏳ Unwavering Client Trust:
       - Prioritizing trust through transparency and excellence
       - Fostering enduring relationships built on integrity and dependability

    ⏱️ Meticulous In-House Authentication:
       - Ensuring authenticity through a meticulous, precision-driven process
       - Elevating each timepiece to the pinnacle of craftsmanship and assurance

    Orange County Soccer Club ⚽ - Daniel Rutstein

    Orange County Soccer Club ⚽ - Daniel Rutstein

    Get ready for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Orange County Soccer Club with Daniel Rutstein! Discover how this trailblazing professional soccer team in Orange County is setting a new standard for sports and community engagement. 

    In this episode, we unpack the strategies and initiatives that drive OCSC's success:

    ⚽  Building a passionate and fan-focused community: Learn how OCSC fosters a vibrant and inclusive community around the love of soccer, and the impact it has on the organization's growth and success.

    ⚽ The fascinating story behind the gnome and how it became their fastest selling non-apparel item.

    ⚽  Exploring groundbreaking fan engagement strategies and the bold decision to put a percentage of the club up for sale: Gain insights into OCSC's innovative approach to fan involvement, and the forward-thinking move to offer fans a stake in the club.

     

    Little Spoon - Ben Lewis 👶🏽 🥄

    Little Spoon - Ben Lewis 👶🏽 🥄

    Step into the world of innovation as we sit down with Ben Lewis, the founder of Little Spoon. When they launched, their tagline was 'your baby’s food shouldn’t be older than your baby’ - a mantra that has shaped their product. Discover the remarkable advances Little Spoon has made, breaking a century-old mold, and revolutionizing clean, healthy options from infancy to the big kid years.

    On this episode you’ll learn:
    👶🏽 How baby food had not changed in 100 years when they started.
    🥄 The power of selling Little Spoon direct to consumer.
    🍼 The innovation behind Little Spoon’s products

    Momentous - Jeff Byers

    Momentous - Jeff Byers

    Momentous. Listen as we talk about how they are constantly raising the bar to deliver the best products and how they have built the most dynamic and advanced network of experts in the field of human performance. Momentous products are the result of work with some of the brightest minds in human performance, including Dr. Andrew Huberman, using the latest research. They use the highest-quality ingredients, and every single product is rigorously tested by independent third parties to ensure they deliver their promise to bring you the best.

    In this episode you’ll learn:

    🏈 How Jeff’s NFL experience gave him access to the best knowledge and innovation available.
     💤 The importance of increasing your quality of sleep.
    💤 How Momentous is advocating for long term brain health.

    Modern Animal 🐾 - Steven Eidelman & Dr. Christie Long (Round 2)

    Modern Animal 🐾 - Steven Eidelman & Dr. Christie Long (Round 2)

    This year’s Spotify wrapped revealed that the Modern Animal was our top episode of the year. This week, they return, to catch up on everything that has changed and developed since we last spoke. Following on from our viral episode, join the conversation as we get an overview of this past year’s transformative chapter in the veterinary space. With an anticipated shortage of 15,000 veterinarians by 2030 as many as 75 million pets could be left without access to veterinary care. So a new assembly bill, AB 1399, represents more than just an opportunity to modernize veterinary care; it is a crucial step towards safeguarding continued care for all our beloved pets, an essential need that became starkly apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    In this episode you’ll learn:

    🐾 How chief medical officer Christie is driving legislative changes in the state to expand access to care. (AB 1399)

    🐾 Modern Animal’s learnings in scaling from 6 to 16 clinics.

    🐾 How the veterinary industry has changed in the last year since we first spoke. 

    🐾 The role technology plays in supporting doctors in providing the best possible care.

    Painterland Sisters Organic Skyr Yogurt 🐄 - Hayley & Stephanie

    Painterland Sisters Organic Skyr Yogurt 🐄 -  Hayley & Stephanie

    Sisters and farmers Stephanie and Hayley Painter launched Painterland Sisters Organic Skyr Yogurt as part of their mission to preserve, showcase and utilize their family’s Pennsylvania organic dairy farm, Painterland Farms. Join us as we discuss the four years of preparation that went into launching Painterland Sisters Organic Skyr Yogurt, a women and farmer-owned organic, lactose-free skyr yogurt brand. We spoke to Hayley Painter on the steps she and her sister Stephanie took to launch their product. Four months prior to launching, they were able to trial their first batch and were left with 14,000 yogurts that they were unable to sell. They used this as a window to network with various opportunities of interest. In its first 12 months of business, 🐄Painterland Sisters achieved $1.3 million in sales and is on track to hit $3.5 million in top-line sales this year. Their yogurt is now in over 1,500 locations nationwide, almost all 50 states. Learn about how they fundraised by focusing on in-person meetings and events, and how they sustain their farming heritage as proud 4th generation farmers.

    Support the Painterland Sisters as they are raising $1.2M on WeFunder!

    SwingVision 🎾 - Swupnil Sahai - the move to Pickleball!

    SwingVision 🎾 -  Swupnil Sahai - the move to Pickleball!

    SwingVision returns! Last year, we delved into their game-changing tech for tennis with co-founder Swupnil Sahai. Now, they're back with more. So much has happened since the last time we spoke to them in 2022, we had to invite them back on the show. From automated scoring to revolutionizing swing analysis, SwingVision has been a game-changer. Tennis remains their heartbeat, yet they're embracing Pickleball with their cutting-edge A.I. After an Apple award win, their app's downloads skyrocketed.

    Today's agenda:

    🎾 Tracking stats: Tennis vs. Pickleball
    🎾 Tech expansion at SwingVision
    🎾 Challenges & triumphs in tech innovation

    UomoSport 🎾 - Steven Siebert

    UomoSport 🎾 -  Steven Siebert

    Steven Siebert of UomoSport discusses on staying authentic to his brand and genuinely conveying his passion. We explore the vital connection between sharing that passion with the audience and staying true to the brand. 

    Don't miss out on Uomo Sport's latest collections featured at these two exciting events:

    🎾 Pádel Players League All-Star Players, San Diego Barnes Center. Saturday, November 18th, 5:30-9:00pm. 


     🎾 First Break Academy at Manhattan Country Club, Manhattan Beach. Saturday, December 9th, 11:00-3:00pm.

    🎾 You can donate to support underprivileged kids @firstbreaktennis and play with top pros and coaches including Francis Tiafoe.

    P-NUFF Crunch - Dr. Juan Salinas (as seen on Shark 🦈 Tank)

    P-NUFF Crunch - Dr. Juan Salinas (as seen on Shark 🦈 Tank)

    Combined with his passion for health and fitness, extensive knowledge of food science, and expertise in sports & exercise nutrition, Dr. Juan Salinas has created the perfect, all natural, guilt-free snack: P-nuff Crunch - healthy and nutritious, without sacrificing the “delicious”.
    That path did not stop there. During his college years abroad, Dr. Juan developed a love for exercise and healthy eating, so much so that he changed his major from Engineering to Food Science. With over 20 boastful years of successful product development in several of the nation’s top food companies, he slowly grew disheartened by the food industry’s deception of the word, “healthy”. Although his well-known products graced the shelves of every grocery chain in the U.S., they lacked in what Dr. Juan truly believed in.

     

    Today's show you'll learn:

    🦈 How Dr. Juan landed a deal with Mark Cuban 

    🦈 Why he decided to go shirtless on Shark Tank!

    🦈 What’s on deck for the better for you-snacking-brand

    The Anthology of Balaji - Eric Jorgenson 📖

    The Anthology of Balaji - Eric Jorgenson 📖

    In The Anthology of Balaji: A Guide to Technology, Truth, and Building the Future, Eric Jorgenson curates a collection of Balaji’s wisdom from his entire career. In “Technology” you will see how technology shapes our world today and the ways it could shape our future. In “Truth” you learn how to think for yourself through the constant clamor of information and media. Finally, in “Building the Future,” you will learn how to wield Technology and Truth to change your life, change your community, and—maybe—change the future of our species.

     

    Today's show you'll learn:

    📖 How technology is so much more than software
    📖 How to identify new opportunities in all markets 📖 What the future of construction might look like!

    Toast it - Mafe & Coco (as seen on Shark 🦈 Tank)

    Toast it - Mafe & Coco (as seen on Shark 🦈 Tank)

    When 2 sisters moved to Florida from Venezuela there was something they were missing from their homeland and they wanted to quickly solve that problem. Fittingly named "Toast-It," these sisters built a brand out of the one thing they missed the most after moving to the U.S. from Caracas, Venezuela — their mother's cooking.

    Mafe and Coco's products are made using ingredients that are true to their Venezuelan culture and after initial success with a handful of retailers, they decided to apply for a spot on Shark Tank! Mafe and Coco's products are made using ingredients that are true to their Venezuelan culture. The Toast-It arepas, for instance, are made using white cornmeal flour, much like the masarepa that's used in traditional arepas. But, they also come in other versions — one that's seeded, combining the cornmeal with flax and chia seeds, and another made with cassava, also known as yuca flour, that is also traditional to Latin cuisines.

    On Shark Tank O'Leary made the sisters an offer: $100 grand for 20% equity — Mafe and Coco, were asking for the same amount of money for 5%. Guest shark Daniel Lubetzky matched it, and the girls countered by offering them both 15% equity for $150,000, ultimately striking a deal with Lubetsky.On

    Today's show you'll learn:

    🦈 How this business grew from a yearning for a hometown food
    🦈 How Mafe's background in Pepsi and Coco's marketing insights gave them a leg up
    🦈 How they landed guest shark Daniel Lubetzky who founded snack company Kind