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. 

In this illuminating episode of “The Story of a Brand,” Ramon Vela sits down with entrepreneur Afif Ghannoum to delve into his journey of founding and scaling businesses, with a keen focus on his ventures, BIOHM Health and Small Co Capital. 

Through Afif’s experiences, we explore the multifaceted challenges of entrepreneurship, particularly around the crucial aspect of raising capital. 

Here’s what you can expect from this deep dive:

* Entrepreneurial Insight: 
Afif shares his journey, shedding light on the hurdles and triumphs of building a business from the ground up. His story is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit, showcasing resilience and strategic thinking.

* Investor Relationships: 
The conversation underscores the significance of building trust with investors. Afif emphasizes that beyond a compelling business idea, investors must believe in the entrepreneur themselves. This segment offers valuable advice on cultivating these critical relationships.

* Leadership Transitions: 
A pivotal moment in any company’s growth is recognizing when to initiate leadership changes. Afif discusses his decision to bring in new leadership at BIOHM to catalyze growth, offering insights into the process of finding the right people for specific roles and the importance of timing in leadership transitions.

* Alternative Funding Options: 
Delving into the realm of financing, Afif presents a compelling case for considering alternative funding methods, such as revenue-based funding. He outlines the advantages of these options over traditional venture capital, including no personal guarantees and minimized dilution.

* Strategic Financing Decisions: 
Entrepreneurs face a complex landscape of funding mechanisms. Afif advises carefully weighing the cost of capital, the implications of personal guarantees, and the agility in accessing funds. He also highlights the importance of aligning interests with funding partners and navigating the intricacies of different funding avenues.

* Pitfalls and Opportunities: 
The discussion critically examines the challenges of working with funding brokers, the risks associated with speculative ventures, and the strategic management of capital. Afif’s insights into prudent capital management are invaluable for entrepreneurs leveraging opportunities effectively.

* The Value of Relationships and Advice: 
Beyond funding, Afif talks about the significance of building robust business relationships and the role of strategic advice during the funding process. He also touches upon the importance of due diligence and the unique challenges entrepreneurs face in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) sector.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or intrigued by the intricacies of building and funding a business, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge, experiences, and strategies from Afif Ghannoum’s entrepreneurial adventure. 

Join us as we uncover the lessons, challenges, and successes that define the entrepreneurial spirit.

For more on Small Co Capital, visit: https://smallcocapital.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review and give us a follow on Apple Podcast. 

Your support helps us bring you more content like this!

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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 di

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

In this inspiring episode, Ramon Vela explores the entrepreneurial journey of Jeremy Kopeck, Co-Founder and CEO of NOA Home. Kopeck shares his story of growing a $50,000 investment into a remarkable $23 million revenue over four years. 

It’s a tale that underscores the essence of entrepreneurship, including the critical importance of trust, risk-taking, and the undeniable power of human connections. 

Join us as we explore the highs and lows of building a brand that’s as much about family values as it is about offering quality, artisanal products to the market.

Main Themes:

* The Foundation of Trust and Integrity: Learn how a partnership based on shared vision and integrity was pivotal during a typhoon-induced crisis, setting a precedent for the company’s ethos.

* Personal Commitment and Brand Ethos: Discover the significance behind the name NOA Home and how it reflects the company’s dedication to comfort, quality, and family.

* Overcoming Challenges through Resilience: Jeremy discusses facing and overcoming challenges, including supply chain disruptions and the pandemic, focusing on resilience and maintaining core values.

* The Art of Bootstrapping: A Deep Dive into How NOA Home Achieved Significant Growth without External Investors, highlighting the effectiveness of financial management and market understanding.

* A Customer-Centric Approach: This paper provides insights into the importance of direct feedback and exceptional customer service and their role in refining NOA Home’s offerings.

* Future Plans and Expansion: Exciting details on expanding the product line with American-made items and growing the ambassador program to reinforce the brand’s commitment to quality and community.

* A Message to Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Jeremy shares words of encouragement for future entrepreneurs, emphasizing perseverance, a customer-centric approach, and the importance of holding onto one’s values.

About NOA Home: 

NOA Home has emerged as a leading name in the B2C industry, known for its artisanal products, storytelling approach to customer engagement, and unwavering commitment to quality and community. 

From overcoming natural disasters to navigating the complexities of market dynamics, NOA Home’s journey is a testament to what can be achieved with hard work, dedication, and an unrelenting focus on what truly matters.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or simply someone who appreciates a success story, this episode offers valuable insights into the realities of starting and scaling a business today.

Tune in to learn, be inspired, and find the spark you need to start your journey of resilience and success.

For more on NOA Home, visit: https://www.noahome.com/us/

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review and give us a follow on Apple Podcast. 

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. 

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.