Episodes

In this episode, Kate Weiler and Jeff Rose, the co-founders of maple water pioneer Drink Simple, spoke about how they prepared for and successfully executed upon a major rebrand. As part of our conversation, they explained why they only conducted one focus group, the hidden costs of a brand revamp, and how investors were involved in the process.

In this episode Samuel Adams CEO Dave Burwick discussed how previous executive roles at PepsiCo, Weight Watchers and Peet’s Coffee have shaped his perspective on personal ambition, business strategy, enduring trends and leadership.

Bobo’s founder Beryl Stafford and company CEO T.J. McIntyre spoke about their work dynamic, how they assigned responsibilities and guidelines for their respective roles and why “the one thing that really serves as the foundational element of who we are is the actual bar.”

Teddie Natural Peanut Butter president/CEO Mark Hintlian explained why the company’s obsessive commitment to quality and dedication to its employees have been bedrocks of its success. He also spoke about how Teddie communicates the nutritional benefits of its products and why he believes that some competing brands marketing “natural” products are misleading consumers.

Misfit Foods co-founder Ann Yang opened up about how the stress of entrepreneurship led to unhappiness and depression, and, ultimately, her decision to leave the company. She also explained how therapy has become a critical part of her life, her belief that we live in a culture that “mythologizes who the entrepreneur is,” and the resulting pressure to build “a personal brand.”

Grillo’s Pickles founder/CEO Travis Grillo spoke about why he pursued his passion despite the naysayers and explained why he fondly recalls the days when he was struggling and broke. He also discussed the unconventional way that Grillo’s got into Whole Foods, how he considers new hires and investment and why he’s just as likely to take advice from a homeless person as he would from a billionaire.

No Cow founder/CEO Daniel Katz spoke about his passion for entrepreneurship and the genesis of his plant-based protein bar brand, which he launched with no business plan or extensive market research. He also discussed why his initial “play the numbers” retail strategy worked, why he rarely asks for advice, and why he decided to return as CEO less than a year after stepping down from the role.