The Story of a Brand CommerceFocused Media, Inc.

This episode is brought to you by Compass Rose Ventures and SARAL  - The Influencer OS for Brands. 

Welcome to another enlightening episode in which Ramon Vela dives deep into the journey of Mike Mahar, a visionary entrepreneur and partner at Digital Stronghold. 

The Digital Stronghold is a multi-brand platform supporting leading digitally native men’s apparel, accessories, and grooming brands in accelerating their growth.

Mike shares his fascinating career trajectory, valuable insights from his tenure with Taylor Stitch, and current endeavors shaping the future of men’s interest brands. 

Below are the key highlights of our conversation:

* Gratitude and Reflecting on a Mentor’s Impact
Mike reflects on the impact of a high school teacher who influenced his passion for business and entrepreneurship.

* Taylor Stitch Update Post-Pandemic
Update on Taylor Stitch post-pandemic, focusing on product development, customer needs, and business strategies.

* Introduction to Digital Stronghold
Introduction to Digital Stronghold, a holding company for men’s interest brands, and its vision to acquire profitable brands.

* Consumer-Centric Approach of Digital Stronghold
Discuss how Digital Stronghold aims to enhance the consumer experience by supporting founders and improving operational efficiency.

* Evaluating Apparel Brands for Investment
Learn about the key criteria Digital Stronghold uses to evaluate apparel brands for investment, including financial benchmarks and customer retention rates.

* Embracing Niche Brands
Discover the value Digital Stronghold places on niche brands that focus on building a dedicated customer base, like the success story of Boston Scally in their portfolio.

* Supporting Acquired Brands
Explore the comprehensive support Digital Stronghold provides to acquired brands post-deal, covering areas such as finance, digital optimization, marketing, and logistics.

* Inclusivity in Brand Acquisition
Understand Digital Stronghold’s openness to brands with diverse product lines, including gender-neutral options, and how they assess brands for investment opportunities.

* Navigating Challenges in Brand Acquisition
Delve into the challenges Digital Stronghold faces in finding and acquiring brands, including the impact of market dynamics and the importance of knowing your customer for successful paid media strategies.

Call-to-Action: Mike encourages interested brand founders in the men’s interest space to connect for potential investment opportunities.

For more on Digital Stronghold, visit: https://thedigitalstronghold.com/

Remember to subscribe and follow The Story of a Brand Show on Apple Podcast and LinkedIn for more conversations with industry leaders and to stay updated on the latest consumer products, brands, trends, retail, and beyond! 

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review. Your support helps us bring you more content like this!

*

Today’s Sponsors:

Compass Rose - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/ramon/

Compass Rose is offering “no-cost” CPG advice exclusively for the Founders and CEOs featured on The Story of a Brand Show and listeners. The calendar is limited, so book your one-on-one call (a $500 Value) with the Compass Rose team today. Visit using our unique link.

SARAL  - The Influencer OS for Brands: http://storybrandoffer.com/

Claim an "exclusive onboarding" offer for the listeners of The Story of a Brand Show. The Saral Team will work directly with you and offer weekly check-ins and 1:1 consulting until you succeed. Visit using our unique link. 

This episode is brought to you by Compass Rose Ventures and SARAL  - The Influencer OS for Brands. 

In this inspiring episode, Ramon Vela dives into the fascinating world of entrepreneurship with a unique twist – mushrooms. 

His guests, Co-Founders Stephanie Moyal and Jake Mellman, are the innovative minds behind Troop, a company reshaping how we view and consume mushrooms. 

Their story is not just about mushrooms; it’s a tale of resilience, innovation, and the power of a robust support system.

Main Themes:

* The Birth of Troop During Challenging Times: Discover how Stephanie and Jake embarked on their entrepreneurial journey amidst the COVID-19 lockdown, transforming their mushroom passion into a thriving business.

* Gratitude and Support: The founders emphasize the crucial roles of gratitude, family support, and self-belief in navigating the ups and downs of starting a new venture. They share anecdotes highlighting how these elements were instrumental in their success.

* Demystifying Mushrooms: Stephanie and Jake discuss their mission to make mushrooms more appealing and accessible through innovative products like gummies. They delve into the challenges and rewards of educating the public about mushrooms' health benefits and potential, aiming to destigmatize this versatile ingredient.

* Sustainability and Quality: Learn about Troop’s commitment to sustainability, from choosing eco-friendly packaging to sourcing premium mushrooms. The founders detail the meticulous research and development process that goes into creating their unique mushroom gummies, including custom molds that embody the essence of their brand.

* Education and Networking: The importance of continuous learning, networking, and strategic planning for budding entrepreneurs. Stephanie and Jake share valuable insights into how they navigated the complexities of product development and market introduction with no prior experience in the mushroom industry.

* Health Benefits and Applications: The conversation also covers mushrooms' potential health benefits, from digestive support to mental health and immune system enhancement. The founders discuss their approach to product development, focusing on vegan-friendly, potent extracts made through a triple extraction method.

* Looking Forward: As Troop grows, Stephanie and Jake reflect on their journey and plans. They highlight the importance of quality, consumer education, and expanding their product line to include offerings with immune-boosting and stress-reducing properties.

Closing Thoughts:

Stephanie and Jake’s journey with Troop is a testament to the power of innovation, dedication, and the impact of reimagining traditional ingredients for modern consumers. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, health, and wellness or looking for inspiration.

Remember to check out Troop’s mushroom gummies and other products by visiting Trytroop.com and learning more about how they’re changing the health and wellness industry game.

For more on Troop, visit: https://trytroop.com/

For our listeners, a 20% discount for Troop, use promo code: Ramon20

Remember to subscribe and follow The Story of a Brand Show on Apple Podcast and LinkedIn for more conversations with industry leaders and to stay updated on the latest consumer products, brands, trends, retail, and beyond! 

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review. Your support helps us bring you more content like this!

*

Today’s Sponsors:

Compass Rose - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/ramon/

Compass Rose is offering “no-cost” CPG advice exclusively for the Founders and CEOs featured on The Story of a Brand Show and listeners. The calendar is limited, so book your one-on-one call (a $500 Value) with the Compass Rose team today. Visit using our unique link.
 

SARAL  - The Influencer OS for Brands: http://storybr

This episode is brought to you by Compass Rose Ventures and SARAL  - The Influencer OS for Brands.

Welcome to today’s episode, in which Rose Hamilton, Founder of Compass Rose Ventures, discusses the fascinating journey of Franne Golde, Founder and CEO of Franne Golde and a former songwriter who danced her way into the fashion industry and established a thriving specialty retail brand. 

Franne Golde is a women's apparel brand that created the "Magic" Pants and other figure-flattering basics for the office or wherever life takes you.

She is a former songwriter who turned her love for fashion into a thriving business. 

In this interview, we explored:

- How her roots in music influenced her entrepreneurial path

- The accidental start of her fashion journey with a school boutique fundraiser and how it blossomed into a full-fledged clothing line.

- Discovering a unique fabric led to creating a game-changing pair of pants.

- Overcoming manufacturing hurdles with the help of personal connections.

- Franne’s belief in commitment and how the universe conspires to assist dedicated people.

- Her strategy in using online marketing, personal outreach, and referrals over traditional advertising.

- A serendipitous endorsement from Oprah Winfrey’s stylist, propelling her “magic pants” into the limelight.

- Addressing the challenges of balancing marketing expenses and adapting to market changes.

- The importance of in-person interactions and maintaining a personal touch within a converted recording studio space.

- And so much more...

For entrepreneurs and dreamers alike, Franne’s journey offers inspiration and practical insights into navigating the business world and successfully shifting from one career to another.

Additional Information:

For listeners who want to experience the comfort and style of Franne’s “magic pants” for themselves or to connect with her brand, visit:

https://www.frannegolde.com/

Listens get 20% off their next full-priced order. Use promo code STORY.

Remember to subscribe and follow The Story of a Brand Show on Apple Podcast and LinkedIn for more conversations with industry leaders and to stay updated on the latest consumer products, brands, trends, retail, and beyond! 

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review. Your support helps us bring you more content like this!

*

Today’s Sponsors:

Compass Rose - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/ramon/

The Story of a Brand and Compass Rose offer “no-cost” CPG advice exclusively for the Founders and CEOs featured on The Story of a Brand Show and listeners. The calendar is limited, so book your one-on-one call (a $500 Value) with the Compass Rose team today. Visit using our unique link.
 

SARAL  - The Influencer OS for Brands: http://storybrandoffer.com/

Claim an "exclusive onboarding" offer for the listeners of The Story of a Brand Show. The Saral Team will work directly with you and offer weekly check-ins and 1:1 consulting until you succeed. Visit using our unique link. 

This episode is brought to you by Compass Rose Ventures and SARAL  - The Influencer OS for Brands. 

In this enlightening episode, Ramon Vela takes a deep dive into the world of food and beverage with Aishwarya Iyer, Founder, CEO, and visionary behind Brightland. 

Join us as we uncover the passion, challenges, and innovative strategies behind building a brand that’s as much about quality and sustainability as it is about its products.

Brightland makes artfully crafted ingredients to help pour on a little bit of the good life. Best known for our iconic olive oils, we source all our products directly from small, family farms in California and Hawaii.

Key Highlights:

Entrepreneurial Well-being: Aishwarya discusses the role of gratitude and meditation in managing the stress of entrepreneurship, offering listeners a glimpse into the daily practices that keep her grounded.

The Genesis of Brightland: Learn about Aishwarya’s journey to starting Brightland, inspired by the health benefits of olive oil and a commitment to transparency, quality, and sustainability.

Navigating Entrepreneurial Challenges: From handling disappointment and uncertainty to the significance of self-compassion, Aishwarya shares her hurdles and how she’s overcome them.

Behind the Scenes of Product Creation: Get an insider look at Brightland’s meticulous approach to creating its products, which involves prioritizing quality over cost, working closely with family-owned farms, and adopting a unique vinegar production method.

The Art of Olive Oil: Explore the parallels between olive oil and wine. Aishwarya provides expert advice on storing, tasting, and even incorporating olive oil into your coffee for an extra health boost.

Brightland’s Products: Delve into the world of Brightland’s oils, vinegar, and honey, learning about the importance of quality sourcing, innovative blends, and the brand’s plans for retail expansion and education on olive oil’s health benefits.

Conclusion:

Aishwarya Iyer’s journey with Brightland is a testament to what passion, resilience, and a focus on quality can achieve in the entrepreneurial world. 

Whether you’re a food enthusiast, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone curious about incorporating healthier options into your lifestyle, this conversation offers valuable insights and inspiration. 

Tune in to discover the heart and soul behind Brightland and find a new appreciation for the humble olive oil in your kitchen.

For more on Brightland, visit: ​​https://brightland.co/

Remember to subscribe and follow The Story of a Brand Show on Apple Podcast and LinkedIn for more conversations with industry leaders and to stay updated on the latest consumer products, brands, trends, retail, and beyond! 

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review. Your support helps us bring you more content like this!

*

Today’s Sponsors:

Compass Rose - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/ramon/

Compass Rose is offering “no-cost” CPG advice exclusively for the Founders and CEOs featured on The Story of a Brand Show and listeners. The calendar is limited, so book your one-on-one call (a $500 Value) with the Compass Rose team today. Visit using our unique link.
 

SARAL  - The Influencer OS for Brands: http://storybrandoffer.com/

Claim an "exclusive onboarding" offer for the listeners of The Story of a Brand Show. The Saral Team will work directly with you and offer weekly check-ins and 1:1 consulting until you succeed. Visit using our unique link. 

This episode is brought to you by Compass Rose Ventures and SARAL  - The Influencer OS for Brands. 
 
In this episode of “The Story of a Brand,” Ramon Vela delves into the compelling story of Jing Gao, Founder, CEO, and visionary behind the modern Chinese food brand Fly by Jing. 

From the brand’s humble beginnings to its place on the shelves of major retailers, Gao’s journey is a narrative of personal and professional evolution, marked by leadership, innovation, and a deep commitment to authenticity.

Join us as we explore:

Personal Growth and Leadership
Jing shares insights on personal growth, self-acceptance, and the evolving role of a CEO in empowering and supporting the team, emphasizing the importance of inner fulfillment and team alignment.

Managing Team Dynamics
The discussion focuses on the challenges of managing a growing team. It explores the shift in dynamics and structures as a company expands and highlights the importance of adaptability and cultural alignment.

Employee Growth and Company Culture
The conversation delves into the significance of supporting employee self-actualization and holistic growth, emphasizing the role of a company in fostering individual development and creating a positive, inclusive culture.

Unveiling the Purpose Statement
Discover the purpose behind the brand’s creation and how it evolved over the years, focusing on evolving culture through taste and expanding consciousness.

Inspiration and Inception of the Company
Explore the founder’s journey from China to the US, identifying gaps in the natural food market and misconceptions surrounding Chinese cuisine, which led to the company's launch.

Validation and Growth
Learn how a successful Kickstarter campaign validated the demand for the brand’s products, leading to scaling up operations and a significant shift in the ethnic food landscape.

Measuring Success and Impact
Understand the metrics and markers of success for the brand, including reshaping the grocery store's ethnic aisle, inspiring other founders, and gaining recognition from retailers and investors.

Future Vision and Expansion
Explore the brand’s aspirations to become a household name and a ubiquitous condiment, aiming to evolve culture through taste further and broaden its reach beyond Asian cuisine.

Exploring Culinary Diversity and Flavor Sensations
Delve into the importance of diverse flavors and culinary experiences, highlighting the role of sauces in enhancing plant-based meals and exploring the uniqueness of different ethnic cuisines.

Product Introduction and Recommendations
Introducing the brand’s flagship products and offering recommendations for first-time customers, emphasizing flavor balance, versatility, and the sensory experience the products provide.

Join us as Jing Gao shares her inspirational journey with Fly by Jing, offering valuable lessons on leadership, innovation, and the power of staying true to one’s mission. 

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a food enthusiast, or someone interested in personal and professional development dynamics, this episode promises to be an enlightening exploration of what it takes to build a brand that transcends boundaries and challenges conventions.

For more on Fly By Jing, visit: https://flybyjing.com/

Remember to subscribe and follow The Story of a Brand Show on Apple Podcast and LinkedIn for more conversations with industry leaders and to stay updated on the latest consumer products, brands, trends, retail, and beyond! 

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review. Your support helps us bring you more content like this!

*

Today’s Sponsors:

Compass Rose - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/ramon/

Compass Rose is offering “no-cost” CPG advice exclusively for the Founders and CEOs featured on The Story of a Brand Show and listeners. The calendar is limited, so book your one-o

This episode is brought to you by Compass Rose Ventures and SARAL  - The Influencer OS for Brands. 

In this captivating episode of “The Story of a Brand,” Ramon Vela interviews Nate Taylor, CEO and Founder of Keyspan, about the transformative potential of personalized healthcare. 

It’s an episode packed with insights, ideas, and inspiration for anyone looking to navigate the changing landscapes of health and wellness in the 21st century.

Join us as we explore:

* Discover Nate’s personal health journey, which led him to question traditional healthcare practices. He now focuses on prevention and addressing underlying health issues rather than relying on quick fixes or medications.

* Learn about Keyspan’s mission to provide personalized health coaching, lifestyle changes, and AI-powered solutions to help individuals optimize their health span, focusing on prevention and behavior change.

* Delve into the concept of health span versus life span, emphasizing the importance of maximizing the quality of life by focusing on health and well-being rather than just increasing the number of years lived.

* Nate Taylor discusses the historical exclusion of women in medical studies and the importance of considering female biology in healthcare. He also highlights Keyspan’s approach to testing additional biomarkers for women.

* Nate Taylor shares his perspective on medications like Ozempic and emphasizes the importance of addressing underlying behavioral reasons for health issues instead of relying on temporary fixes. He also explores the significance of behavior change, diet, and exercise in long-lasting health outcomes.

* The discussion shifts towards the concept of Medicine 3.0 and the role of Keyspan in preventive healthcare. They delve into the partnership between Keyspan and healthcare providers in managing wellness and preventing health issues.

* Nate Taylor shares his personal journey with Keyspan, from signing up for the program to undergoing blood tests and the subsequent steps in the process. Nate provides insights into the user experience and expectations of engaging with Keyspan’s platform.

* The importance of community support in health and wellness is highlighted, emphasizing the role of Keyspan’s community in fostering connections among members. He explores the benefits of sharing experiences, struggles, and victories within a supportive community.

* Nate Taylor encourages listeners to explore Keyspan's offerings and take proactive steps toward their health and well-being. He emphasizes the significance of utilizing data, personalized advice, and community support for holistic health management.

Join us on this enlightening journey with Nate Taylor as we explore the intersection of career innovation, AI’s role in our professional lives, and the transformative power of proactive healthcare.

For more on Keyspan, visit: https://getkeyspan.com/

Remember to subscribe and follow The Story of a Brand Show on Apple Podcast and LinkedIn for more conversations with industry leaders and to stay updated on the latest consumer products, brands, trends, retail, and beyond! 

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review. Your support helps us bring you more content like this!

*

Today’s Sponsors:

Compass Rose - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/ramon/

Compass Rose is offering “no-cost” CPG advice exclusively for the Founders and CEOs featured on The Story of a Brand Show and listeners. The calendar is limited, so book your one-on-one call (a $500 Value) with the Compass Rose team today. Visit using our unique link.
 

SARAL  - The Influencer OS for Brands: http://storybrandoffer.com/

Claim an "exclusive onboarding" offer for the listeners of The Story of a Brand Show. The Saral Team will work directly with you and offer weekly check-ins and 1:1 consulting until you succeed. Visit using our unique link.