The FAM Podcast with Mark Kinsley

The FAM Podcast
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The FAM Podcast with Mark Kinsley

Sleep industry secrets revealed! On The FAM podcast, host Mark Kinsley interviews innovators, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders shaping the future of the sleep industry.

  1. 2H AGO

    Bedgear's CEO Speaking at Sleep Summit: [Replay] Adding To (Not Disrupting) the Mattress Industry

    The FAM is excited to announce that Bedgear's CEO Eugene Aletto is speaking at Sleep Summit 2025. In honor of the announcement, we are replaying last year's most listened to episode, featuring the bad boy of bedding himself! Buckle up for an eye-opening chat with Eugene Alletto, the maverick CEO of Bedgear, who's revolutionizing the bedding industry with his bold and innovative approach. Dubbed the "bad boy of bedding," Eugene shares how his immigrant upbringing instilled the principle of being additive rather than disruptive. In this lively episode, Eugene and host Mark Kinsley delve into the importance of innovation, the power of words in branding, and the value of inclusive, customer-centric business practices. Join us for a rollercoaster ride through Eugene's fascinating career, filled with anecdotes that underscore his relentless drive and unique approach to transforming the bedding market. Whether it's connecting the dots in a disjointed industry or emphasizing the need for education over mere sales tactics, Eugene's insights are a treasure trove for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business leaders alike. Key Takeaways: Eugene Alletto's Journey: From a top-performing salesperson to the trailblazing CEO of Bedgear, Eugene's path highlights the power of innovative thinking and resilience. Additive, Not Disruptive: Emphasizing the importance of adding value rather than disrupting, Eugene showcases how focusing on consumer needs can lead to success. Innovation and Education: The critical roles of continuous innovation and robust education in building a brand promise and maintaining industry relevance. Tune in to discover why Eugene is not just a disruptor, but a game-changer in the bedding world. For more insights, follow Eugene on LinkedIn and learn about Bedgear's revolutionary products that are redefining sleep essentials.

    45 min

  2. JUN 9

    How to Use Manus.ai and AI Agents to Outmaneuver Local Mattress Competitors—No Coding Needed

    Can you build a competitive intelligence dashboard with no coding skills? Yes—and Mark Kinsley shows you how. In this episode, Kinsley demos how he used Manus.ai to create a mattress industry market tracker that monitors local competitors, scrapes promotional data, and identifies strategic threats. He also built a real-time stock dashboard to follow public companies like Sleep Number and Purple. If you’re a mattress retailer, supplier, or manufacturer, this episode offers a masterclass in using AI tools to make better business decisions. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI Tools and Manus.ai 02:59 Building a Competitor Intelligence Dashboard 05:54 Understanding AI's Capabilities and Limitations 09:10 Creating a Stock Tracker for the Mattress Industry 12:05 Improving Communication with AI Systems 14:46 Real-Time Data Integration and Market Insights 17:57 The Role of Vision in AI Implementation 21:14 Empowering Teams with AI Tools

    31 min

  3. JUN 2

    $117 Million Pay Out: How Sleep Train Founder Dale Carlsen Built an Employee-Owned Empire

    Dive into the inspiring journey of Dale Carlsen, the visionary behind Sleep Train, and discover how he reshaped an industry and gave back to his community.Join host Mark Kinsley as he sits down with Dale Carlsen, the legendary founder of Sleep Train, who built a 317-store empire with a unique culture of employee ownership and community support.In this episode, Dale Carlsen shares the story of building a mattress empire and the transformative power of employee ownership. Discover how his innovative approach not only skyrocketed business growth but also changed the lives of countless employees and foster children. Dale's commitment to doing the right thing extends beyond business, highlighting the importance of community engagement and the impact of giving back.Timestamped Breakdown: [00:01] - Meet Dale Carlsen: The Visionary Behind Sleep Train[01:20] - Challenging Industry Norms: The Warranty Revolution[03:19] - Empowering Employees: The Birth of the ESOP[05:18] - Cultivating Ownership: Building a Culture of Accountability[07:10] - A Mirror of Ownership: The Moment Employees Became Owners[09:10] - Legacy of Change: Impacting Lives Beyond Business[13:36] - Focus on Foster Kids: The Genesis of Ticket to Dream[20:37] - Addressing Systemic Challenges: The Foster Care Crisis[28:29] - Sustained Success: The Power of Purpose-Driven Business[46:17] - Navigating Challenges: Lessons from the Great Recession

    1h 14m

  4. MAY 19

    A Qué Te Dedicas? One Question to Spark the Soul on Two Wheels in Spain

    Uncover the hidden question that transforms how you connect with your passion and purpose.Kinsley embarked on a transformative journey through Catalonia, Spain, where he met Harvey, an exceptional guide who poses a life-changing question: "A que te dedicas?" This episode dives into cultural insights and personal reflections that redefine the meaning of work and dedication.Join Mark as he reflects on cycling through the breathtaking landscapes of Catalonia, where he and Tara experienced the rich culture and history of Spain. From awe-inspiring medieval villages to a heartfelt tea ceremony, Mark shares stories that highlight the profound question, "To what do you dedicate yourself?" This exploration not only enriched his understanding of purpose but also tied back to his work in the mattress industry, emphasizing the value of dedication in both personal and professional life.Timestamps:00:09 - The Power of "A Que Te Dedicas?" 05:20 - Cycling Through Catalonia: A Journey of Discovery10:45 - Meeting Catarina Roma: Crafting with Soul15:32 - A Dinner to Remember: Farm Fresh in Spain20:50 - Harvey's Story: A Guide with a Mission25:15 - The Big Reveal: More Than Just Our Jobs30:40 - Global Perspectives on Purpose: Ikigai, Maraki, and More35:55 - The Mattress Connection: Rededicating to Better Sleep40:20 - Gather and Grow: The Importance of Community45:10 - Conclusion: Beyond Titles, Finding True Purpose

    17 min

  5. MAY 12

    From Funnel Cakes to Fortune: The Art of Event Selling and Biz Dev with Jason Goodman

    How do you transform a crowd focused on funnel cakes and fun houses into a line of eager mattress buyers? This week on The FAM Podcast, host Mark Kinsley sits down with Jason Goodman, the head of business development for City Mattress, to discuss the art of selling at high-traffic events like state fairs and rodeos. Goodman shares how to sell outside traditional retail environments. Learn how to convert high foot traffic events into lucrative sales opportunities and discover the essential elements of successful business development. [00:01] - Introduction: Turning funnel cake crowds into customers [01:02] - Meet Jason Goodman: From Michigan to City Mattress [06:00] - The Event Selling Blueprint: Finding the right place, product, and people [09:47] - The Best Events for Selling: Why rodeos and state fairs work [13:19] - Sales Tactics: Quick qualifying and the art of the close [20:08] - Product Matters: The importance of differentiation [26:43] - Business Development Strategy: Identifying and solving the right problems [33:16] - Avoiding Problem Hunting: Focus on high-value solutions [37:24] - Creating a Wow Factor: How to stand out at events [41:23] - Closing Thoughts: Jason's passion for the mattress industry

    43 min

  6. MAY 5

    40x Productivity with AI & ChatGPT: The Secrets I've Been Teaching Mattress Executives

    Discover how to 40X your productivity and revolutionize your business workflow with the power of AI!In this episode, Mark Kinsley reveals how to dramatically enhance your productivity using ChatGPT and generative AI, sharing insights from his teachings to mattress industry executives. Learn how AI is reshaping business operations, from idea generation to task automation, and why becoming a "prompt boss" is crucial for staying competitive. Dive into real-world examples and discover how you can leverage these tools to transform your workflow.Timestamps:00:01 - Introduction: 40X Your Productivity02:15 - Behind the Scenes with ChatGPT05:40 - AI in the Mattress Industry: A Case Study10:22 - From Toy to Tool: Mastering AI15:55 - Real-life Productivity Boost: ChatGPT in Action20:34 - The Role of Prompt Engineering25:47 - Future of AI: What to Expect30:12 - How to Start Your AI Journey35:00 - Closing Thoughts: Embracing AI in Business

    32 min

  7. APR 28

    City Mattress’s Secret Sauce — and How PranaSleep Became the Star of Their Retail Recipes

    Discover the secret sauce behind City Mattress, one of America's most esteemed family-owned retailers. Join host Mark Kinsley as he delves into the recipe for success with Jason Goodman, Head of Business Development at City Mattress. This episode uncovers the blend of tradition, innovation, and quality that defines their retail strategy.In this episode, we explore the unique business strategies that have propelled City Mattress to the forefront of the retail industry. From their proprietary PranaSleep mattresses to the cultural ethos driving their success, Jason Goodman shares insights on maintaining quality and passion over decades. Learn how City Mattress combines a family-centered approach with cutting-edge product development to achieve remarkable market presence.00:00 - Introduction to the City Mattress Secret Sauce01:16 - Jason Goodman: From Outsider to Insider02:14 - Jason's Journey in Retail and Return to Mattress Business04:37 - The Prana Sleep Factory: A Tour of Excellence06:13 - Prana Sleep's Unique Selling Proposition09:27 - The Art of Quilting Latex: Innovation at Prana Sleep14:41 - The Retail Cookbook: A Strategy for Success20:06 - Balancing Quality and Quantity in Retail Metrics23:14 - The Changing Consumer Landscape30:04 - The Power of Writing Down Your Secret Sauce

    40 min

  8. APR 21

    How Falling in Love with Accountability Transforms Your Business: Insights from Dream Camp 2025

    Get ready to dive into the unforgettable experience of Dream Camp 2025 at the iconic Hotel Emma! Join host Mark Kinsley and co-host Tara Kinsley as they take you through the transformative journey of Dream Camp 2025, hosted at the stunning Hotel Emma. This episode features highlights from the event, including insights from Hernani Alves, former president of Sleep Train, and the unforgettable guacamole competition. Discover how Dream Camp blends professional development with unique experiences to foster growth and connection. From the culture of accountability to the importance of hospitality, learn how these lessons can elevate both personal and professional life. 00:00 - Welcome to Dream Camp 2025: A sneak peek into San Antonio's Hotel Emma. 02:30 - The Evolution of Dream Camp: From mountain biking to professional development. 06:45 - Hotel Emma's Impact: Why the setting was a game-changer for attendees. 12:15 - Spotlight on Hernani Alves: Transforming accountability in business. 19:50 - Culinary Competition Drama: The surprise twist that had everyone talking. 26:35 - Charlie and Harry Roberts Q&A: Hospitality lessons from the mattress industry. 34:20 - Emotional Breakthroughs at Dream Camp: The power of giving and receiving compliments. 42:00 - The Art of Onboarding: Lessons from the guacamole challenge. 48:10 - Closing Thoughts: Reflections on an unforgettable Dream Camp.

    40 min
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Sleep industry secrets revealed! On The FAM podcast, host Mark Kinsley interviews innovators, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders shaping the future of the sleep industry.

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